In a springform pan, the sides of the ring are loosened by means of a clasp: the ring opens and you can remove the base of the pan or fit it in again. Use the flat base of the springform pan to prepare cakes and flan cases. The base with a funnel hole at the centre can be used instead of a wreath cake pan for sponge cakes and Gugelhupf. In contrast to other baking pans the cake is not turned upside down when it is done. Simply loosen the clasp and lift the ring up off the base - thanks to the nonstick coating the cake comes out on its own. Since the carrier base is somewhat larger than the ring springform pans are entirely leakproof. They are available in different shapes and sizes, for instance circular, rectangular or heart-shaped.