We generally think of baking a round cake in a metal pan, but round glass baking dishes in Pyrex were also made in the 1950s and 1960s. Look for the Pyrex, Anchor Hocking or similar marks in the center underneath.
These dishes work quite well for upside down cakes, coffee cake and similar, single layer cakes that are practical and economical snacks and quick lunch accompaniments.
And they are deep enough to use for a deep-dish pie if you like. These baking dishes would also be handy for roasting vegetables in pinch, if you are only doing a small quantity and want to make best use of your oven space.
We have seen them in clear glass, in plain white glass, and in white with applied color on the outside, such as flamingo pink. The handles make them easy to move when they are hot. They wash well (hand wash only, please, to preserve the condition and shine).
Baking spray works well to prepare these dishes for baking, but we recommend wiping the excess off before you place in the oven. That way the cleaning will be easy.
Pineapple Cherry Upside Down Cake
Try this with dried Michigan cherries and serve warm, with a side of ice cream or a dollop of whipping cream.
1 20-oz. can crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 c. dried cherries
1/4 c. brown sugar
1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1/3 c. vegetable shortening
3/4 c. granulated white sugar
1 egg
1/2 c. milk
1/2 t. vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Use cooking spray or butter to coat a 9x9x2 inch square pan, or 9-inch round baking dish.
Mix pineapple, cherries and brown sugar. Spread in the bottom of the baking pan.
In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
Cream shortening and 3/4 c. sugar. Add egg and beat well.
Combine milk and vanilla in another bowl.
Alternately add dry mixture and milk mixture to creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour batter carefully into pan over blueberry mixture.
Bake 50 to 60 minutes, until toothpick or cake tester shows done. Cool in pan for 30 minutes, then invert onto serving dish. Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream or topping. Makes 8 to 10 servings.
Serve this cake on your vintage dinnerware set, using salad or dessert plates. This will allow plenty of space for a generous slice of cake and the topping. Make two cakes, so you will have some for snacks, too.
Vintage Pyrex ovenware is still practical today. Using your cake dishes to bake a tasty treat will have your family and friends coming back for seconds.
