Loose-Based Mini Bites Dessert Tin

I've got the bigger version of this which makes 12 cakes, so thought I'd give this one a go. I think I prefer this one as the cakes that you make then go further as there are more of them, even though they are of course smaller. It has been really handy for a birthday buffet and cakes for work so far.

I bought this to batch-bake for a Sports Relief Coffee Morning but also purchased a small angled, pointed artist's palette knife from an Art Shop to help level the mix and run round the outside of the baked cakes before turning out - it worked a treat. I also used Cake Release to grease. I used the recipes for the cakes baked in the 12-hole pan and they worked well - Easter Fruit Cakes, Ginger, Victoria, Chocolate and Coffee sponges. For anyone who has had problems turning out cakes from this tin, please don't give up, buy the palette knife and Cake Release and have another go.

I wanted this tin for baking mini vol au vents so they would all stand up straight. It's perfect for this. I'm keen to try the chocolate and raspberry bites recipe too. I may pre cut some parchment and take the time to line the tin before i attempt sponge.

I bought the mini bites dessert tin along with the larger 12 cake version. I wanted to make mini victoria sponges for my grandsons christening, I have used the mini bites tin, there has not been an issue with removing the cakes but I am disappointed to find they are extremely domed. Perhaps the tins are too small to use for sponges ?

I purchased this in store with ideas of creating fantastic mini sponges, however, despite lining the bases with discs of parchment and greasing both the bases and sides I failed to produce the desired mini sponges as they all stuck to the tin, I did have a fantastic pile of trifle sponge. Lakeland do you have any tips to improve?