16 Best Cake Pans for Any Baking Project posted by Taylor Munsell Pin Share Tweet Email SomethingSwanky is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Your baking pan can be the difference between a cake that’s scrumptious and fluffy or a lumpy, crumbly mess. The best cake pans will result in bakes with smooth textures, gorgeous colors, well-done crisp edges, and intact layers. With the right cake pan, you’ll always be ready when the need or craving for cake strikes. And you can tackle every baking project with finesse. Read on to get the best info on this essential kitchen item. You’ll find details on the best pans for muffins, cheesecake, angel food cakes, and much more. Whether you’re a budding baker or an expert, these reliable cake pans will help you create evenly baked treats that pop right out of the pan and make cleanup quick and easy. Ready to check them out? Let’s jump right in. Table of ContentsAbout Cake PansTraditional Cake PansSpringform Cake PansMolded Cake PansCupcake & Mini Cake PansCake Pan FAQ About Cake Pans What are the different kinds of cake pans and what are they used for? Beginner bakers will be surprised to find different types of cake pans in the market. Here are several kinds of cake pans: Round, Square, and Rectangular Cake Pans These pans are the most common. They come in a variety of sizes and are excellent for a range of bakes from multilayered cakes to brownies to cookie bars. These pans are essential in every chef’s baking arsenal. Springform Pans A springform pan features smooth sides that can be detached from its bottom. A latch and handle hold the sides in place as the cake bakes. After baking, the sides are separated from the bottom to release the cake. Springform pans are great for baking cheesecake, cloud cake desserts, and vegan cakes. Bundt Cake Pans Bundt cake pans have decorative fluted sides and hollow tubes at the center. They are used to bake sculpted cakes. Bundt pans promote even cooking and are great for dense cakes like pound cake, coffee cake, and sweet cakes. Muffin Cake Pans Muffin pans are great for cupcakes, muffins, crème Brulees, and individual-serving desserts. Most muffin pans can make up to 12 baked treats. They come in handy if you’re entertaining or preparing treats for a bake sale. Cakelet Pans Cakelet pans allow you to bake mini cakes in numerous shapes. These pans are designed with ridges that add great detail to mini bakes. Impressive cakes from these pans offer great decorating opportunities. Baking Time Baking time does change with pan size and pan material. For example, compared to metallic bakeware, glass pans take longer to conduct heat. If you choose a glass pan you should increase baking time to ensure that your cake is well done especially at the center. When it comes to pan material, consider heat conductivity when working out the baking time. If you’re using a wider pan, baking time reduces because of the decreased depth of the cake batter. Consult a baking pan size chart if you need to bake in a different-sized pan. Traditional Cake Pans 1. USA Pan Nonstick Round Cake Pan by [amazon link=”B00282STT2″ link_icon=”none” title=”USA Pan” /] [amazon fields=”B00282STT2″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”USA Pan Nonstick Round Cake Pan”] We love this top-rated round cake pan because it pops out delicious well-browned cakes with no crumbs left behind. Its patented non-stick Americoat coating and fluted design promote the effortless release of baked goods from the pan. This 8-inch heavy gauge aluminized steel pan is perfect for a wide range of recipes and is easy to clean. With its sturdy construction and silicone coating, this versatile USA Pan is a must-have for every baker. 2. All-Clad Pro-Releases Square Cake Pan by [amazon link=”B07WVMPM3Q” link_icon=”none” title=”All-Clad” /] [amazon fields=”B07WVMPM3Q” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”All-Clad Pro-Release Square Cake Pan”] Though small enough to fit in a toaster oven, this pan is deep enough to hold a good amount of batter. It may be heavier than other pans in your kitchen, but it bakes evenly and is very durable. It’s great for thoroughly-done cakes, brownies, and cookie bars. Better still, its oversized handles make it safe to grip and carry from the oven. Plus, its nonstick ceramic-reinforced scratch-resistant finish makes it easy to clean. 3. Wilton Recipe Right Non-Stick 9×13-Inch Oblong Cake Pans by [amazon link=”B0732PFZNW” link_icon=”none” title=”Wilton” /] [amazon fields=”B0732PFZNW” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Wilton Recipe Right Non-Stick 9×13-Inch Oblong Cake Pans”] Grab this heavy-duty bakeware set for those moments when you need to bake a tiered cake or a double batch of brownies. These oblong Wilton pans are dishwasher-safe, but the manufacturer recommends hand washing the pans if you are a frequent baker. The cake pans have a nonstick surface that allows bakes to slide out easily. You can also use these versatile pans for meatloaf or baked chicken. To maintain the smooth finish on the pans, do not use metal utensils with this bakeware set. 4. Nordic Ware Angel Food Cake Pan by [amazon link=”B00008UA41″ link_icon=”none” title=”Nordic Ware” /] [amazon fields=”B00008UA41″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial 2-Piece Angel Food Pan”] Looking for the best pan for light, fluffy, and delicate angel food cake? Then try this 16-cup capacity Nordic Ware cake pan. Made of uncoated aluminum, it conducts heat evenly for beautiful airy angel food, coffee cakes, pound cake, and fruitcake. It’s a 2-piece tube pan with a removable bottom for easy release of cakes. Springform Cake Pans 5. Nordic Ware Leakproof Springform Pan, 9″ by [amazon link=”B000237FSA” link_icon=”none” title=”Nordic Ware” /] [amazon fields=”B000237FSA” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Nordic Ware Pan Springform, 9 Inch, Charcoal”] Say goodbye to disappointing cheesecake with this non-stick carbon-plated steel pan. This springform Nordic Ware pan shines when it comes to its top-notch leak-proof capability. Plus, it has a sturdy easy-to-handle clamp that keeps cakes secure. It easily releases flawless cheesecakes and is dishwasher safe. 6. Nordic Ware Square Springform Pan by [amazon link=”B0875QKJXF” link_icon=”none” title=”Nordic Ware” /] [amazon fields=”B0875QKJXF” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Nordic Ware Square Springform Pan”] Try this square springform cake pan to give your delicate bakes a fresh new look. This pan has a sturdy removable band and buckle so that you can easily unmold your baked products. It’s made of nonstick aluminized steel and has a leak-resistant design. The inside measures 9-square inches and accommodates standard-sized recipes. 7. Fluted Springform Pan with Funnel by Le Creuset This heavy-duty fluted pan evenly bakes delectable cakes and sweet desserts. It’s nonstick, sturdy, and does not leak. In this carbon-steel elegant pan, cakes cook quickly but gently without burnt spots. Plus, its smooth sides and easy-release side-clip ensure that cakes have a smooth finish when you lift the tin. Because of its removable funnel, you can use this pan in place of a round cake pan. 8. Wilton Advance Select Premium Nonstick 9-inch Springform Pan by Bed Bath & Beyond This sturdy springform pan makes great cheesecake, brownies, vegan cake, and cloud cake desserts. Most reviewers loved its solid thick construction that resists warping and can withstand temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, its silicone-infused coating promotes even baking and smooth food release. Cakes from this dishwasher-safe pan form perfectly with even sides. Molded Cake Pans 9. Nordic Ware Formed-Aluminum Bundt Cake Pan by [amazon link=”B09HSQWB4D” link_icon=”none” title=”Nordic Ware” /] [amazon fields=”B09HSQWB4D” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Nordic Ware Original Bundt Cake Pan”] For a beautiful sculpted traditional bundt cake, you need this classic American pan from Nordic ware. This 12-cup capacity pan is made of heat-responsive aluminum for even rising, cooking, and browning. It’s lightweight with a nonstick interior that quickly and smoothly releases perfectly-cooked bundt cakes. Because the center of this pan absorbs extra heat, you should use butter to prevent your cake from drying out quickly. 10. Letters and Numbers Adjustable Nonstick Cake Pan Set by [amazon link=”B01DDHR702″ link_icon=”none” title=”Nordic Ware” /] [amazon fields=”B01DDHR702″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Wilton Letters and Numbers Adjustable Nonstick Cake Pan Set”] Bake unforgettable cakes using this adjustable pan set that allows you to shape your bakes into different numbers or letters of the alphabet. This nonstick pan lets you customize cakes for birthdays, graduations, and themed parties. The grid bottom of the rectangular pan firmly holds the inserts to prevent the batter from leaking and keep the edges of your cake intact. 11. Nordic Ware Yule Log Pan by [amazon link=”B005NHU1V8″ link_icon=”none” title=”Nordic Ware” /] [amazon fields=”B005NHU1V8″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Nordic Ware Yule Log Pan”] For cakes that make a statement, get this Yule log pan. This sturdy cast aluminum pan bakes a finely-detailed cake that’s sure to impress especially in the winter seasons and celebrations. Plus, you’ll have fun experimenting with different decoration ideas. You can try a simple glaze, powdered sugar, or melted candies. If you ever wanted to successfully bake ice cream bûche de Noël, this is the pan for you. Remember to grease every crook and cranny before baking your cake. Afterward, let the cake cool before flipping it over. 12. Nordic Ware Cast Aluminum Nonstick Honeycomb Cake Pan by [amazon link=”B06VSSFP6N” link_icon=”none” title=”Nordic Ware” /] [amazon fields=”B06VSSFP6N” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Nordic Ware Honeycomb Pull – Apart Pan”] This premium pan bakes up a sculpted honeycomb cake that separates into gorgeous mini cakes. Its nonstick cast aluminum uniformly distributes heat for visually-pleasing cakes with well-done crusts and great edges. You need to reduce baking time because the pan is shallower than other Bundt cake pans. Other than that, this pan is easy-to-use, durable, and easy to clean. Cupcake & Mini Cake Pans 13. Nordic Ware Nonstick Cast Aluminum Mini Bundt Pan by [amazon link=”B0000DE2QM” link_icon=”none” title=”Nordic Ware” /] [amazon fields=”B0000DE2QM” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=Nordic Ware Nonstick Cast Aluminum Mini Bundt Pan”] Bake beautiful sculpted brownies, muffins, and mini cakes using this sturdy mini bundt fan. Each baked treat is in the shape of a mini bundt cake and provides endless decoration possibilities. With this nonstick pan, your delicious mini bakes will pop out easily. 14. All-Clad Nonstick Pro Release Muffin Pan by [amazon link=”B07WNK9NPG” link_icon=”none” title=”All-Clad” /] [amazon fields=”B07WNK9NPG” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”All-Clad Pro-Release Nonstick Bakeware Muffin Pan”] Every muffin fan needs a reliable muffin pan. With this heavy-duty muffin pan, you can bake appetizing golden cupcakes and muffins. Each deep cavity conducts and holds heat well to evenly cook each muffin. Its versatile ceramic-reinforced nonstick material easily releases baked treats. Plus, it has easy-to-grip handles and cleans up with ease. 15. Platinum Pro Mini Cheesecake Pan by Sur La Table Mini cheesecake? Yes, please. Lovers of cheesecake will appreciate this thick pan that makes a dozen delightful small cakes. This mini cake pan will come in handy when you need baked treats for a party. Plus, it’s durable, rust-resistant, and easy to clean. 16. Nordic Ware Cat Aluminum Nonstick 70th Anniversary Cakelet Plaque by Williams Sonoma With this cake plaque, you can bake six mini cakes in three detailed shapes at the same time. Its nonstick coating ensures that each detail is captured so that each cake remains well-defined. Moreover, all mini cakes will have crisp crusts and will easily slide out of the pan. With these fancy mini bakes, you’ll impress your guests every time. Cake Pan FAQ Can I use a 9-inch pan instead of an 8-inch or vice versa? According to cookbook author Rose Levy Beranbaum, you can switch an 8-inch pan for a 9-inch pan when making brownies, pound cake, and dense fruit cakes. But when it comes to delicate cakes such as angel food cakes, it’s best to stick with the specified pan. Heavy batters may come up to 2/3 of a pans capacity while light batters should not exceed the midpoint of the pan. We recommend following recipe instructions. If you must switch pans, be sure to check out baking pan size conversion charts. Should I line a cake pan? Lining a cake pan with parchment paper ensures that your cake comes out in one piece without sticking to the bottom or sides of the baking pan. But with modern nonstick pans, you don’t have to line a cake pan. Nonstick coating will release baked goods without difficulty. Still, some people prefer to grease or line the pan whether or not they’re using nonstick bakeware. Experiment with your cake pan to find out what works best for your bakes. Level Up Cakes are the crowning culinary jewel at most parties. Plus, a piece of scrumptious yummy cake can brighten up any day. Level up your baking arsenal by grabbing one of these pans and you’re sure to bake show-stopping cakes every time. You’ll impress the masses with your amazing confections. The best cake pan will take you from most basic cakes to intricate yummy bakes worthy of the best French bakeries. For baking success and delectable cakes, select your favorite pan from this list and pair it with quality recipes.
