This easy homemade baking spray may convince you never to buy a can from the store again.
We Tested a Homemade Baking ‘Spray.’ Here’s How It Went
Published on May 02, 2025
Baking spray … Is it a kitchen hero or villain? People have varying opinions of this popular pantry staple. On one hand, baking spray is a quick and effective tool for greasing cake pans and baking sheets to ensure food doesn’t stick during the baking process. On the other hand, aerosol cooking and baking sprays can contain problematic ingredients from both health and environmental perspectives. Plus, they’re costly and their packaging, while sometimes recyclable, often ends up in the landfill.
That’s why, when we discovered America’s Test Kitchen developed a homemade baking spray recipe, we had to put it to the test.
What is homemade baking spray?
Full disclosure, this homemade baking “spray” is not a spray at all. Rather, it’s a simple paste (similar in consistency to pancake batter) that you can brush onto your glass, ceramic or metal bakeware using a pastry brush.
Like commercial baking sprays, this recipe includes a combination of oil, emulsifiers and starch to help prevent food from sticking to baking pans. Unlike store-bought products, though, this homemade baking spray is made using just three ingredients you likely already have. The result is an effective pan release free from harmful propellants and problematic additives (such as soy lecithin, dimethyl silicone and diacetyl).
Ingredients for Homemade Baking Spray
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
How to Make Homemade Baking Spray
Step 1: Beat the flour and shortening
Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the flour and shortening at medium-low speed until they form a smooth paste, about two minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
Editor’s Tip: If you don’t own a stand mixer, use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to beat the shortening and flour together by hand. Then, incorporate the oil in the next step using a wire whisk.
Step 2: Add the oil
With the mixer set to low speed, slowly pour in the oil and mix until the baking spray is smooth, about one minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure no lumps remain.
Step 3: Transfer and store
Once smooth, transfer the mixture to a lidded container, such as a Mason jar, and store it in the refrigerator or at room temperature until you’re ready to use it.
How to Use Homemade Baking Spray
When using a homemade baking spray, go ahead and be generous. We used roughly 1-1/2 tablespoons of “goop” to coat the inside of a 10-cup bundt pan. For a small 8- or 9-inch square baking pan, you’ll likely need a little less than 1 tablespoon to sufficiently coat the pan.
To apply, use a pastry brush with natural or silicone bristles to coat the bottom and sides of your pan. Brush it evenly into any corners and crevices on your pan to ensure a clean release.
Is homemade baking spray worth it?
Yes, homemade baking spray works like a charm! This truly might be one of the best kitchen hacks we’ve tried in a while. Homemade baking spray comes together in less than 10 minutes and is super effective as a pan release. We tested this DIY product on aluminum, nonstick, ceramic and glass bakeware, and all of them passed with flying colors.
Another benefit of this goop is its affordability. These days, a single, standard-size can of our Test Kitchen’s favorite cooking spray costs around $4 per can. We did the math, and a batch of this homemade baking spray costs a mere $1.73 and yields a little more than 1 cup of product. Now, that’s what we call a deal! Needless to say, this homemade baking spray will be a new fixture in our pantry for all of our favorite baking recipes.
How to Store Homemade Baking Spray
This homemade baking spray may be stored at room temperature in an airtight food storage container (e.g., a Mason jar) for up to three months. For longer storage, keep it refrigerated for up to six months.
Homemade Baking Spray Tips
Can you make homemade baking spray with gluten-free flour?
Yes! Another benefit of this homemade pan release is that you can make a gluten-free version using an equal amount of your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
Why did this homemade baking spray turn my chocolate cake hazy?
You can use this homemade baking spray for just about any baked good. That said, it can leave a white cast or haze on darker-colored cakes or muffins. To prevent this, you can tint the pan release with cocoa powder. Add 1/2 teaspoon of cocoa powder per tablespoon of homemade baking spray, and then use it as directed.
Why did my pan release separate?
Separation is a natural occurrence with this homemade baking spray, especially if you don’t use it promptly. If you notice separation, simply whisk the ingredients back together.
Can I use homemade baking spray on nonstick pans?
Yes. Commercial baking sprays typically contain soy lecithin, an emulsifier that, while effective, can leave a sticky residue over time that requires more effort when cleaning nonstick pans. Since this homemade version doesn’t contain soy lecithin, you can use it without fear.
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