The Top 8 Cake Pans to Purchase

Baking a cake is similar to constructing a house in that it all begins with a firm foundation. When it comes to baking cakes, this means having the appropriate cake pan is crucial. Burned edges or, worse, a disintegrating, stuck-on mess can all result from using the wrong pan. The good news is that you won’t have to seek far to discover one that meets your needs. These highly rated cake pans will get the job done whether you’re a newbie baker experimenting with a bundt cake appropriate for a birthday or a blossoming professional creating a spectacular wedding cake.

Continue reading for our recommendations for the best cake pans for your next baked masterpiece.

Best Overall:

This bestseller collection of three round cake pans (a 3 x 2-inch, a 5 x 2-inch, and a 7 x 2-inch) is a great place to start. The quality is there, despite the fact that it is relatively inexpensive. The aluminum pans heat and cool quickly, allowing the dough to rise faster and more evenly. It’s also exceptionally long-lasting and naturally resistant to rust and corrosion (great for anyone who regularly bakes with highly acidic ingredients, like citrus).

Anyone concerned about nonstick coatings will appreciate the fact that these pans are anodized rather than coated. This method produces similar results without the use of chemical additions, colors, or possibly dangerous ingredients that could transfer peel or flake into baked foods.

Anodized metal | 550°F maximum oven temperature | Dishwasher safe: no

Best Round Pan:

If you only have room in your kitchen for one cake pan, make it a round one. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in almost any recipe and may be used for special occasions such as birthdays, showers, and even lavish wedding cakes. This 9-inch pan boasts a fluted design and a nonstick PTFE,1 PFOA,2 and BPA-free3 coating that makes removing baked items simple—even for novices. Additionally, cleanup is a breeze with just hot water, mild soap, and a sponge.

The cake pan’s sturdy structure resists warping, extending its useful life. You’ll be churning out even, gorgeous cakes for years to come. (And if it doesn’t, there’s a lifetime warranty on the pan.)

Aluminized steel | 450°F maximum oven temperature | Dishwasher safe: no

Best Rectangular:

The baking pans from Nordic Ware are well-known, and this one is no exception. It’s composed of extremely tough commercial-grade aluminum that won’t rust no matter how much you use it. It also includes a strengthened encased steel rim to avoid warping over time, which is necessary to keep the cakes’ quality from deteriorating.

The high-quality material also contributes to high-quality output. You won’t have to worry about charred edges or a sticky interior with this 9 x 13-inch rectangular baking pan since it has excellent heat conductivity. The matching cover makes overnight storage a breeze, and it’s also great for potlucks and other gatherings like picnics and classroom birthday parties.

Aluminum | Oven temperature maximum: 400°F | Dishwasher safe: No

Best for Wedding Cakes:

When it comes to constructing something as spectacular as a wedding cake, there’s no room for error, but this three-layered kit from HiWare will let you tackle this type of demanding endeavor with ease. It comes with three nonstick springform pans of varying sizes (4-inch, 7-inch, and 9-inch) that make removing each tier without damaging it a breeze. You’ll also get an icing spatula to assist properly apply the frosting and an icing smoother to create lovely designs as a bonus.

The set is built to last since each pan is made of strong carbon steel that resists warping and can tolerate temperatures up to 450 degrees. The nonstick surface makes cleaning a breeze, though you may need to delve into the recesses around the spring mechanism and latch with a scrubbing brush.

Nonstick coated carbon steel | 450°F maximum oven temperature | Dishwasher safe: no

Best Square:

Square baking pans are a great option to have in your kitchen because they are so flexible. You may make cakes in a square baking pan, but you can also make a variety of other treats like gooey brownies and dessert bars. These baking pans, on the other hand, are a little different in that they don’t necessarily transmit heat in the same way that circular pans do. Square pans, if not built properly, might cause your baked items to droop in the middle (a phenomenon called doming). With this pan, you won’t have to worry about it because it’s designed with a heavy-gauge steel core that uniformly distributes heat—even up to 500 degrees.

The pan’s reinforced curled edges keep it from warping, and the nonstick surface makes it easy to release your cakes. You can’t go wrong with this option when it comes to easy cleanup. This baking pan, unlike many others, can be washed in the dishwasher.

Nonstick coated steel | Maximum oven temperature: 500°F | Dishwasher safe: Yes

Best Bundt:

This is an excellent choice if you want to wow a party but are hesitant to utilize Bundt pans due to their complexity. The design is strong and eye-catching, but it lacks the fancy, deep grooves that may make releasing the cake a nerve-wracking experience.

Nordic Ware is a prominent manufacturer of Bundt cake bakeware that uses only the highest-quality materials. The premium PFOA-free nonstick coating is applied to the sturdy cast-aluminum construction. These qualities work together to ensure even baking and quick removal, so you can confidently offer a stunning naked cake. This company also produces a variety of Bundt pans, ranging from simple sculptural shapes to more elaborate architecturally influenced silhouettes, on a regular basis.

Nonstick coated metal | Oven temperature maximum: 400°F | Dishwasher safe: No

Best for Birthdays:

Swap your standard round cake for a more highly personalized one if you really want to surprise the particular birthday celebrant. This budget-friendly 10-piece set includes a unique rectangular pan with a grid and inserts that can be used to make any letter of the alphabet as well as numbers from zero to nine.

Despite the seeming complexity, the baker has little to deal with. The pan, which is made of steel and has a nonstick coating, provides for simple release and cleanup—two things you’ll appreciate when you’ve got a long list of things to accomplish before the party.

Nonstick coated steel | 450°F maximum oven temperature | Dishwasher safe: yes

Best for Beginners:

You don’t have to limit yourself to simple one-layer cakes just because you’re a beginner baker—especially when you have this four-piece kit at your disposal. You’ll have enough batter to fill all four pans with a single box of cake mix, resulting in four 8-inch layers that don’t require any trimming. It’s also available as a five-pan set with a 6-inch diameter.

Because each pan is made of heavy-duty nonstick aluminum, there’s little chance of sticking. Use food coloring to color each layer differently for added effect—go for a rainbow or different shades of the same color for a nice ombre effect. In either case, you’ll have a wonderfully spectacular dessert with minimal effort.

Nonstick coated steel | 450°F maximum oven temperature | Dishwasher safe: yes

When purchasing a cake pan, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Construction

Cake pans aren’t all made equal. Look for pans that are long-lasting, nonstick, and have sealed corners to prevent cake batter from seeping through while baking. Furthermore, several pans now claim to be warp-resistant, which not only keeps your cakes appearing professional but also extends their life.

Conductivity of Heat

Be informed of what kind of cakes require which pans, as well as the temperatures required to bake your favorite cakes. Because of their heat conductivity ratings and temperature thresholds, certain pans give a more consistent bake than others. To avoid overbaking, burnt sides, or a gooey middle, it may be worth it to spend a few additional dollars on a pan that will deliver a moist, even bake.

Versatility

Are you a new baker or do you wish to make a variety of cakes in your pan? A cake pan set might be your best bet for the former, as it allows you to cover a lot of territory in one sitting. Otherwise, choose a pan that can be used for a variety of things, from brownies to birthday cakes to layer sponge cakes.

FAQs

What’s the best way to get the cake out of the pan?

Most cakes need to cool slightly before attempting to remove them from their baking pans; a hot cake is prone to falling apart. If the recipe doesn’t state how long you should wait, wait at least 15 to 20 minutes. Then, using your hand or a plate to catch the cake, gently flip it over and place it on a wire rack to cool entirely.

How much batter should you put in a cake pan?

Filling your cake no more than half full (two-thirds full for especially deep baking pans) is a reasonable rule of thumb for allowing the cake to expand without overflowing.

What’s the best way to keep the cake from sticking to the pan?

It all depends on the cake you’re making. Many recipes will tell you how to prepare a baking pan—some will say to merely grease it, while others will say to grease and flour it, and some will say to do neither. If you’re worried about your cake sticking, you can always line your baking sheet with parchment paper; it ensures that your baked goods won’t cling and makes cleanup a breeze once you’re done.

If the cake is stuck to the pan, what should you do?

If your cake doesn’t come out of the pan easily the first time, run a knife or thin offset spatula around the edges to loosen any batter that has stuck to the sides. If that doesn’t work, try chilling the cake for a few hours before attempting to release it from the pan by sliding a spatula underneath it and gently prying it away from the pan’s bottom.

Is it safe to use silicone cake pans?

Yes. Food-grade silicone has been authorized by the FDA as a food-safe product that can be utilized at temperatures ranging from freezing to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Always check the manufacturer’s specs for your silicone bakeware’s exact temperature thresholds.