There are three different ways to prepare the madeleine pan 1. nonstick spray 2. butter 3. butter and flour. In my opinion, the nonstick spray is the easiest no-fuss way to prepare the pan. Simply hold and spray the oil spray bottle 10 inches away from the madeleine pan. Alternatively, you can use a pastry brush to brush on the room temperature butter onto the pan. Some swear by butter and flour but I am not a fan because the flour leaves a little residue onto the madeleines. But that is just my personal experience.