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Baking a cake is a lot like building a house—it all starts with a solid foundation. In cake making, that means having the right cake pan is essential. The wrong pan can cause all sorts of problems, like burned edges or, worse, a crumbling, stuck-on mess. The good news: You don’t have to look far to find a great one. Whether you’re a novice baker experimenting with a bundt cake fit for a birthday or a budding professional making a special wedding cake, these highly-rated cake pans will get the job done.
Read on for our picks for the best cake pans to create your next baked masterpiece.
Best Overall: Fat Daddio's Anodized Aluminum Round Cake Pan Celebration Set
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Affordable
Great quality
Advanced bakers may want more pieces
Consider this bestselling set of three round cake pans (a 3 x 2-inch, a 5 x 2-inch, and a 7 x 2-inch) the ideal starter set. Though extremely budget-friendly, the quality is there. The pans, which are made of aluminum, heat and cool quickly, allowing for a faster, more even rise. The material is also extremely durable and naturally resists rust and corrosion (great for anyone who regularly bakes with highly acidic ingredients, like citrus).
Anyone with concerns about nonstick coatings will love that these pans are anodized, not coated. This environmentally-friendly process yields similar results but contains no chemical additives, dyes, or potentially harmful compounds that can transfer peel, or flake into baked goods.
Material: Anodized aluminum | Oven Maximum: 550 degrees | Dishwasher Safe: No
Best Round Pan: USA Pan Nonstick 9-Inch Round Cake Pan
Silicone nonstick coating is PTFE, PFOA, and BPA-free
Fluted design minimizes surface contact for easy release
Lifetime warranty
Not dishwasher-safe
Heavier than most
If you can only choose one cake pan to stock your kitchen with, let it be a round pan. It’s a solid choice for nearly any recipe and will see you through special events like birthdays, showers, and even elaborate wedding cakes. This 9-inch pan has a nonstick, BPA-free coating and a fluted design that makes removing baked goods a breeze—even for beginners. Bonus—this also makes cleanup simple; all you need is hot water, mild soap, and a sponge.
The pan is also resistant to warping, which adds to the longevity of the cake pan. Even years later, you’ll be churning out even, attractive cakes. (And, if it doesn’t, the pan is backed by a lifetime warranty.)
Material: Aluminized steel | Oven Maximum: 450 degrees | Dishwasher Safe: No
Best Rectangular: Nordic Ware Classic Metal 9x13 Covered Cake Pan
Quality construction with reinforced rim
Convenient cover for storage and transport
Good heat conductivity
Can be bulky to store
Not dishwasher-safe
Nordic Ware is known for its baking pans, and this one does not disappoint. It’s made from a highly durable commercial-grade natural aluminum that never rusts no matter how frequently you use the pan. It also has a reinforced encapsulated steel rim to prevent warping over time—a must to prevent the quality of the cakes from declining over time.
The premium material helps yield premium results, too. This 9 x 13-inch rectangular baking pan has superior heat conductivity for even baking throughout, so you don’t have to worry about burned edges, but a gooey interior. Customers love the bonus of the companion cover. It makes quick work of overnight storage, plus is extremely convenient for potlucks and other events like picnics or classroom birthday parties.
Material: Natural aluminum | Oven Maximum: 400 degrees | Dishwasher Safe: No
Best for Wedding Cakes: Hiware Springform Pan Set
Excellent variety of sizes
Easy to use
Warp-resistant
Not entirely leakproof with thinner batters
Difficult to clean in crevices
There’s little room for error when you’re making something as special as a wedding cake, but this three-layered set from HiWare will help you tackle this sort of ambitious project with minimal fuss. It comes with three differently sized nonstick springform pans (4-inch, 7-inch, and 9-inch) that make it easy to remove each layer without damage. As a bonus, you’ll also get an icing spatula to help spread the frosting evenly and an icing smoother for creating beautiful designs.
Because each pan is made with durable carbon steel that resists warping and can withstand temperatures up to 450 degrees, the set is built to last—no matter how many cakes you have in your future.
Material: Nonstick coated carbon steel | Oven Maximum: 450 degrees | Dishwasher Safe: No
Best Square: Simply Calphalon Nonstick 8-Inch Square Cake Pan
Sturdy construction
Oven-safe to 500 degrees
Dishwasher-safe
Can be hard to grip with oven mitts
Square baking pans are a wonderfully versatile option to have in your kitchen. With a square baking pan, you can make cakes, but you can also make an array of other goodies like brownies and bars. These types of baking pans are a bit different, though, since they don’t always distribute heat the same way that round pans do. If not constructed properly, square pans can cause your baked goods to droop in the middle (a phenomenon called doming). It’s not something you have to worry about with this pan since it's made with a heavy-gauge steel core that works to evenly distribute—even up to 500 degrees.
Reinforced rolled edges prevent the pan from warping, and the durable nonstick surface helps your cakes to release easily. When it comes to convenient clean-up, you can’t really beat this option. Unlike many baking pans, this one can be put right into the dishwasher.
Material: Nonstick coated steel | Oven Maximum: 500 degrees | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Bundt: Nordic Ware Blossom Bundt Cake Pan
Whimsical design that looks great when baked
Top of the line construction
Design makes it harder to clean
May receive a slightly different color than shown on website
If you want to impress a crowd, but are wary of Bundt pans because of their intricacy, this is a great pick. The design is solid and interesting enough to please the eye, but it doesn’t have fanciful, deep grooves that can make releasing the cake a nerve-wracking feat.
Nordic Ware is a leading producer of Bundt cake bakeware and uses top-of-the-line materials. The durable cast-aluminum construction has a premium PFOA-free nonstick coating. Together these features ensure even baking and easy removal, so you can confidently serve up a beautifully designed naked cake.
Material: Nonstick coated aluminum | Oven Maximum: 400 degrees | Dishwasher Safe: No
Best for Birthdays: Wilton Countless Celebrations 10-Piece Set
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Fun and versatile concept
Easy to use
May still need to cut cake to shape
Minor leakage can happen under dividers
If you really want to surprise the special birthday honoree, trade your typical round cake for a more highly personalized one. This affordable 10-piece set comes with a unique rectangular pan that features a grid and inserts that allow you to create any letter of the alphabet and numbers from zero to nine.
Despite the perceived intricacy, there’s little fuss for the baker to endure. The pan, which is made of steel and has a nonstick coating, allows for both easy release and quick cleanup—two things you’ll be grateful for when you have a lengthy to-do list to tackle in preparation for the party.
Material: Nonstick coated steel | Oven Maximum: 450 degrees | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best for Beginners: Wilton Easy Layers Cake Pans Set
Easy releasing nonstick pans
Allows novice bakers to achieve professional layer style
Layers are on the thin side
May take trial and error to get desired results depending on cake batter
Just because you’re a novice baker doesn’t mean you have to stick to simple one-layer cakes—particularly if you have this four-piece set at your disposal. With a single box of cake mix, you’ll have enough batter to fill all four pans, creating four 8-inch layers that don’t require any cutting to assemble. It is also available in a five-pan, 6-inch diameter set as well.
There’s minimal risk of sticking, too, since each pan is constructed of heavy-duty nonstick aluminum. For added effect, you can use food dye to color each layer differently—opt for a rainbow or varying shades of the same color for a cool ombre effect. Either way, you’ll be left with a truly impressive dessert—minimal skills required.
Material: Nonstick coated steel | Oven Maximum: 450 degrees | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Our top pick is Fat Daddio's Anodized Aluminum Round Cake Pan Celebration Set (view on Amazon) thanks to the unbeatable combination of great quality, performance, and affordability. If you'd like to invest in a commercial-grade cake pan that comes backed with a lifetime warranty, we also highly recommend the USA Pan Bakeware Round Cake Pan (view on Amazon).
What to Look for When Buying a Cake Pan
Construction
Not all cake pans are created equal. Look for pans that are durable, nonstick with easy-release, and have sealed corners so no cake batter can seep through during baking. Additionally, lots of pans now claim to be resistant to warping, which not only keeps your cakes looking professional but also adds to their longevity.
Heat Conductivity
Be aware of what kinds of cakes need what kinds of pans, and what temperatures are needed for baking your favorite cakes. Some pans provide a more consistent bake than others, thanks to their heat conductivity ratings as well as temperature threshold. It may be worth it to spend a few extra bucks on a pan that will provide a moist, even bake to avoid overbaking, burnt edges, or a gooey middle.
Versatility
Are you wanting to make a bunch of different cakes in your pan, or are you a beginner baker? For the former, a cake pan set might be your best bet so you cover a lot of ground in one go. Otherwise, pick a pan that can be used for everything under the sun, from brownies to birthday cakes to making layered sponge cakes.
FAQs
How do you get the cake out of the pan?
Most cakes require a little cooling off before attempting to remove them from their baking pan—a just-baked cake tends to fall apart when it's hot. Your recipe should specify how long to wait, but if it doesn't say, wait at least 15 to 20 minutes. Then gently flip your cake over (either using your hand or a plate to catch it) and set it on a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
How full do you fill a cake pan with batter?
A good rule of thumb is to fill your cake no more than half full (two-thirds full for extra deep baking pans), leaving enough room for the cake to expand without overflowing.
How do you prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
It depends on the type of cake you're baking. Many recipes will specify how you should prepare a baking pan—some call for just greasing the tin, others may instruct you to grease and flour, and some cakes require no pan preparation at all. If you're worried about your cake getting stuck, you can always opt to line your baking pan with parchment paper; it guarantees that your baked goods won't stick and makes it very easy to clean up when you're finished.
What should you do if the cake is stuck to the pan?
If your cake doesn't easily release from its pan on the first attempt, try running a knife or thin offset spatula along the edges to release any batter that is holding onto the sides. If that still doesn't work, you can try freezing the cake for a few hours, then trying to loosen the cake from the pan by sliding a spatula underneath to gently pry it away from the pan's bottom.
Are silicone cake pans safe?
Yes. Food-grade silicone is approved by the FDA as a food-safe substance and can generally be used at temperatures between freezing and 500 degrees. As always, check the manufacturer's specifications to know the exact temperature thresholds for your silicone bakeware.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
This roundup was written by Brigitt Earley, who has written and edited hundreds of articles in the food space for various publications over the course of the last 10 years. Brigitt also attended the French Culinary Institute in NYC. Her kitchen is stocked with a mixture of Nordic Ware and Calphalon baking pans.
This piece was edited by Bernadette Machard de Gramont, an LA-based writer who specializes in global food and wine content. She researches and tests a variety of cookware, bakeware, and wine tools, and interviews field experts for their insight.
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