Bundt Pan

Bundt Pan

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Description (Brief)
Nordic Ware, a family-owned manufacturing firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in 1946 by brothers Dave and Mark Dalquist, as “Plastics for Industry.” In 1950, the brothers bought Northland Aluminum Products, a small firm with a line of “Nordic Ware” products including griddles and steak platters. The same year, Dave Dalquist created a cast aluminum, fluted cake pan and trademarked it as the “Bundt” pan. The company continued to grow its product line to include specialty baking and cookware items, including the microwave turntable. Nordic Ware is notable due to its history of product innovation through engineering, and its continued production of cookware in the United States.
The most recognizable product that Nordic Ware has produced is its top-selling Bundt Pan. Nordic Ware manufactured this pan in the 1950s. The traditionally German Bundt cake become popular after one was used to bake a “Tunnel of Fudge” cake that placed second in the 1966 Pillsbury bake-off. Subsequently, Pillsbury and Nordic Ware paired up to sell cake mixes and pans very successfully.
Description
This cast aluminum, fluted tube pan was created in 1950 by David Dalquist (1918-2005), co-founder of Nordic Ware, a Minneapolis-based cookware manufacturing company. Launched as Plastics for Industry in 1946, David Dalquist and his brother Mark began making foundry patterns and industrial plastic products for area businesses. They also made aluminum cookware, including specialty products based on Scandinavian baking tools. Nordic Ware's ebleskiver pans, krumkake irons, and rosette irons were popular with the area's large Scandinavian population.
In addition to manufacturing Bundt pans, Nordic Ware also produced cook books and recipes, most of which were tested by David's wife, Dotty, in their home kitchen. "300 Ways to Use Your Bundt Pan" and the "Busy Ladies Bundt Cook Book" contain recipes for making casseroles, salads, and even bread in a Bundt.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
Pan, Bundt
Production mold
Date made
1950
maker
Nordic Ware
Place Made
United States: Minnesota, Minneapolis
Physical Description
steel (overall material)
grey (overall color)
Measurements
overall: 4 1/4 in x 10 in; 10.795 cm x 25.4 cm
ID Number
2007.0034.30
catalog number
2007.0034.30
accession number
2007.0034
Credit Line
Nordic Ware thru H. David Dalquist, President & CEO
subject
Household Tools and Equipment
See more items in
Work and Industry: Food Technology
Food
Family & Social Life
Food Technology
Nordic Ware cookware
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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Comments

I purchased a Teflon lined Bundt pan new in 1960/1961 when I was a teenager. I remember it cost $5.00. I still use it and it bakes beautifully. Some of the Teflon has been scratched from years of service; I just make sure it is well greased with butter and bakery just drops out. I don’t flour it but I suppose it wouldn’t hurt. I’ve just had great success using butter. Happy Baking!

Trudy Holt

Tue, 2021-03-02 14:23

This Aluminum pan is based on the original iron model my mother Rose Joshua brought to the USA from Germany. As reported in the New York Times obituary for Mr. Dalquist, my father, Herbert Joshua, who was in the food business, suggested to my mother, a member of the Hadassah Women's organization, to turn to Nordic as the women were interested in making cakes similar to the traditional ones she brought to meetings.

myron joshua

Wed, 2020-01-22 08:01

Have had a Northland Aluminum 10" bundt pan for years. Received it as a gift from a dear friend. Such a nice piece of bakeware. The inside coating has small worn off places here and there. Used it this week to find even with a nice coating of Pam, it just wouldn't release the cake after cooling for 20+ minutes. Any suggestions other than replacement?

M. Mavis Baker

Fri, 2019-06-21 08:41

I have my mother's Northland Aluminum 10" bundt pan that she used for years. It has very minor scratches, but I was afraid that it might stick, so haven't used it for a while. I saw some Baker's Joy, a baking spray with flour, and attempted to use it again. My blueberry pound cake came out perfectly. The pan is as wonderful as it was when she baked her wonderful cakes for our family. Good Luck!

Bet

Tue, 2021-07-20 15:07

I picked up a Teflon coated Bundt pan that stamped Northland Aluminum Minneaplois MN couple days ago at a local Goodwill $2. Can't wait to get started.

Michele

Tue, 2018-06-05 11:03

I have a Nordic teflon coated cast aluminum bundt pan with all original box, recipe book and insert. No idea of manufacture date. Must be after 1966 since box includes the tunnel of fudge recipe on the box.

Paula Cochran

Thu, 2018-02-08 16:20

I have one of the original Bundt pans by Nordic Ware. I haven't used it in some time and everything is sticking to it. It is not coated with a non stick service. I have tempered it again by greasing it and placing it in a 250 degree oven for 1 hour. It seemed like it was going to be okay. I just used it, greasing the surface before placing my cake in the pan. It sticks terrible. Granted it is 53 years old, but it used to be great. Does anyone have a suggestion for me?

Diane

Mon, 2017-07-10 08:55

There is a product called Baker’s Joy, which is like Pam with flour (Walmart generally carries it). I have tried other brands, but they do not work as well. Spray your Bundt pan with a generous coating of Baker’s Joy, and it should greatly improve your success.

Cynthia Ragan

Wed, 2019-05-29 08:55

Try dusting it lightly with flour after greasing it.

Janet Johnson

Mon, 2017-08-14 11:17

The history of Nordic Ware may have begun with the Bundt Pan. But over the years they have made products at their St. Louis Park factory that did not stand the test of time. Once such item is a mid century modern aluminum ashtray. The one I have can be described as a shallow dish with three evenly spaced spheres with notches cut out to secure the cigarette. The design of this ashtray is beautiful in symmetry with clean lines and balance.

Tim Colby

Thu, 2017-04-20 09:13

I have a Bundt in gold that has Northland Aluminum Produts, Inc Minneapolis MN. I was using it yesterday and my son and daughter who are grown adults. seen it and was questing me as how old it was and where I got it. I told them it had to be at least 55 years old as I got married in 1959 and probably bought it when I first got married. I wouldn't part with it at all.

Mary

Tue, 2017-04-18 11:09

I am going through items from my mother in law's house. She has one in a box that has a 10 cent little cookbook packet in it. The box and bundt pan say Northland and the booklet says Nordic ware. Can't wait to try it :)

Allison

Tue, 2019-02-12 08:42

"My wife and I own one of those vintage aluminum Bundt Pans, they are fantastic, one of the best products I've ever owned. I don't even how we came by ours. But I wouldn't give it up for anything. Almost non-stick and very durable."

George

Mon, 2017-01-02 09:34

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