Best Cake Pan
Whether you only bake once in a while or you are an avid baker who is always making yummy sweets and treats for friends and family, having the right cake pan on hand is a must. That’s because the wrong pan will not only cause your cake to stick to it, but also cause your cake to bake unevenly. In other words, without the right pan, your cakes probably won’t turn out right, no matter how closely you follow a recipe.
These days, there are plenty of cake pans on the market, and you have a lot of options, from traditional nonstick pans to those that are made of silicone. It’s up to you to figure out which pans you want to go with in terms of the materials that they’re made of for durability and ease of use.
To help you get started, we have compiled a short list of some of the top cake pans that we could find. The list includes cake pans of varying shapes and sizes, including round, square, rectangular, springform, and bundt, so you can find the pan that you need quickly and easily.
1. Top Pick: KitchenAid Nonstick Aluminized Steel Rectangular Cake Pan
Having a rectangular cake pan on hand can come in handy. Not only can you use it to bake up delicious sheet cakes, but you can also use it to make other desserts, such as yummy brownies. This particular rectangular bake pan from KitchenAid measures 9” x 13”, and it has extended handles to help ensure you always have a secure grip on it as you put it into your oven and take it out of the oven when it’s hot.
This cake pan is made of aluminized steel that is heavy-duty. It is a nonstick cake pan, with a premium coating that resists scratches, so when you need to get your cake out of the pan, you might be surprised by how easy it is to do it. Plus, it is designed to promote an even distribution of heat so your ingredients will bake perfectly.
Other nice features include the fact that it is built to resist warping over time, and it is easy to clean because it is dishwasher safe.
Pros:
- This durable cake pan is dishwasher safe, so it is simple to clean.
- Because of the light-colored aluminized steel construction, this product promotes even heat conduction.
- The extended handles help you avoid accidents by making the pan easier to hold and carry.
Cons:
- For those in search of cake pans that don’t have a nonstick coating, this isn’t a good choice.
2. Best Round Cake Pan: Cuisinart 9-Inch Chef’s Classic Nonstick Bakeware Round Cake Pan
For baking up traditional round cakes and multi-layer cakes, you’ll need to have some round cake pans on hand, and this Cuisinart product is a great place to start. It is a 9” nonstick pan that makes it easy to get the cake out of the pan—something that can be tough to do! And because the nonstick is on both the interior and the exterior of this pan, you can also find it nice and easy to clean it when you are done using it.
Yet another attractive feature is the thick rolled edge that helps to prevent the pan from warping over time. And we like that this product is made of heavy gauge aluminized steel so it can distribute heat evenly—this is another important thing to think about as you shop for a cake pan because you definitely don’t want to end up with a cake that’s burnt in one area and still raw in another area!
Pros:
- This round cake pan features a durable nonstick coating on the inside and outside, making it easy to release cakes when they’re done baking, and making it easy to clean the pan too.
- This 9” cake pan is dishwasher safe and designed to resist warping.
Cons:
- Some customer reviews complain of rusting, so it’s important to wash and dry this cake pan properly.
- Some reviewers state the pan isn’t as nonstick as it should be, so you might need to use parchment paper to make it easier to release the cake.
3. Best Square Cake Pan: Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick 8-Inch Square Cake Pans
For making cute double layer square cakes and other desserts with ease, you can consider buying this set of two square cake pans from Wilton. They are designed to be durable and to resist warping. Plus, the nonstick coating is there to help ensure your cakes will be easy to release from the pans when you’re ready to assemble and decorate your sweet treat.
These pans are 8”, so they are a good size for cakes and other desserts, such as brownies and cinnamon rolls. They are also easy to clean, thanks to the nonstick coating. And the steel construction helps ensure the heat will spread evenly across your ingredients so they can be baked to perfection.
Pros:
- You get a set of two square pans for an affordable price.
- These cake pans have a nonstick coating to make it easy to clean them, and to also make releasing your cake easier when it’s ready.
- These cake pans are dishwasher safe for simple cleanup.
Cons:
- Some customer reviews state that they were not satisfied with the nonstick coating on these pans.
4. Best Bundt Cake Pan: Calphalon Classic Bakeware 10-Inch Nonstick Bundt Cake Pan
Do you like the look of bundt cakes? Then this 10” Calphalon bundt cake pan might be just what you need to start baking these delicious cakes right at home. Features include heavy-gauge aluminized steel to help you achieve the best results, heavy-duty construction that helps keep the pan in great shape for a long time to come, and a nonstick coating that makes releasing the cake a snap.
Another one of the standout features of this cake pan is the fact that it has a two-tone surface. Basically, it is medium grey on the inside and silver grey on the outside. These colors help promote efficient baking while preventing overbrowning so you can get amazing results. Plus, this product is also designed to resist warping and twisting over time.
There are some things to keep in mind to ensure you use this cake pan correctly and can get the most out of it. First off, this bundt pan is oven safe to 450°F. Secondly, it should not be used in a broiler. And, unfortunately, it is not dishwasher safe.
Pros:
- This cake pan is made of durable materials that can help ensure it will not twist or warp.
- This cake pan is nonstick so you can find it easier to get the cake out once it’s done baking and cooling.
- The product is designed to help your cake rise evenly, and it can help prevent overbrowning.
Cons:
- This cake pan is not dishwasher safe, so you will need to wash it carefully by hand.
5. Best Springform Cake Pan: Farberware Nonstick Bakeware Springform Baking Pan
Some baking recipes, like rich cheesecakes, require the use of a springform pan, so it’s always good to have at least one that you can use whenever you need it. This product from Farberware measures 9”, and it has a nonstick coating on the inside and on the outside to make it easy to get your dessert out of the pan and clean the pan quickly as well.
This cake pan is oven safe up to 450°F, and it is designed to distribute heat evenly so you always get the best results and just the right amount of browning. Plus, the heavy-duty construction also helps prevent this springform cake pan from warping, which you certainly want to avoid.
Pros:
- This springform cake pan measures 9” and is nonstick.
- This pan is designed to distribute heat evenly and reduce hot spots so your cakes will come out just right.
- This cake pan is resistant to warping.
- Customer reviews state that this springform pan is easy to use and easy to clean.
Cons:
- Some customer reviews complain that this springform pan leaks when in the oven, so you might need to wrap it with aluminum foil to prevent messes.
6. Best Eco-Friendly Cake Pan: GreenLife Healthy Ceramic Nonstick Turquoise Round Cake Pan
If, for any reason, you want to avoid bakeware that has a traditional nonstick coating, going with a ceramic product might be the right alternative. This 9” ceramic round cake pan from GreenLife is eco-friendly, nonstick, and oven-safe up to 450°F, so you can use it for a variety of recipes. How is it nonstick? Well, it does have a coating, but it is made from sand, so you don’t need to worry about things like cadmium, lead, PFAS, or PFOA.
Another nice thing about this round cake pan is the fact that it’s easy to clean. After taking your cake out of the oven, it should release easily. Then, wiping it clean and washing it by hand is a snap as well.
The rims on this cake pan are reinforced to promote stability and strength, and because it is made from heavy-duty steel, it can distribute heat evenly and quickly. However, this pan is not compatible with induction and should only be used in gas or electric ovens.
Pros:
- The nonstick coating on this ceramic cake pan is derived from sand. It also doesn’t contain any PFAS, PFOA, cadmium, or lead.
- This cake pan is made of heavy-duty steel for durability and even heat distribution.
- It features a pretty turquoise color on the outside and white on the inside.
Cons:
- You should wash this cake pan by hand, as it is not dishwasher safe.
- It is best to use wooden or nylon cooking utensils to help prevent scratches to the surface of this cake pan.
- Some reviewers state the coating on this cake pan isn’t durable and scratches easily.
7. Best Cake Pan with a Fun Shape: Nordic Ware Bundt Quartet Pan
When you want to bake up fun, decorative cakes that are anything but ordinary, the right cake pan can make the process super simple. This pan actually has a set of four bundt pans in one, so you can fill them all at the same time and bake them all at once as well. Plus, each of the four pans features a different design—the designs are cathedral, elegant party, chiffon, and fleur-de-lis.
These cake pans are made of cast aluminum and they have a premium nonstick surface to ensure every cake will be easy to take out of the pan when it’s done baking and cooling. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that you will get smaller than normal bundt cakes, but since you are getting four at once, and each one looks unique, you might not mind.
Pros:
- These are cake pans that feature fun designs, so your bundt cakes will look amazing.
- These cake pans are made in the USA and come with a lifetime warranty.
- You get a total of four cake pans for a low price, and each features a different design.
Cons:
- These pans are smaller than regular bundt pans.
8. Best Silicone Cake Pan: Bekith 4 Pack 9″ Round Silicone Cake Pans
Do you prefer silicone baking products? Well, you’re in luck because there are several silicone cake pans, like this set of red pans from Bekith, that you can consider adding to your arsenal of kitchen tools.
What’s great about this option is that you get four 9” round cake pans for an affordable price. They are made of food grade, flexible silicone, and they are safe to use in the oven because they are heat resistant up to 500°F.
This bakeware is designed to ensure every cake will be easy to get out of the pan when it is time to assemble and decorate it. Plus, when you need to clean these pans, you can just pop them in the dishwasher if you don’t want to wash them by hand.
Pros:
- You get a set of four round cake pans.
- These silicone cake pans are heat resistant up to 500°F.
- You can wash these cake pans in the dishwasher.
Cons:
- Some customer reviews state that their cakes stuck to these pans.
- Some reviewers state that these cake pans are too flimsy.
Things to look out for:
As you shop for cake pans, you will quickly realize that there are a lot of options out there from a variety of brands. And there are products that can suit all budgets. But how can you be sure that you are buying the cake pan that is right for you, and that will deliver on its promises? Here are some things we recommend looking into while you shop:
First, consider what shape you want the cake pan to be. If you are the type of person who enjoys baking a variety of recipes, you might want to stock your kitchen with cake pans of varying shapes and sizes, from round and rectangular to square and bundt.
Another thing to think about is the material that you want your cake pan to be made of. If you are a fan of silicone bakeware, there are cake pans to suit that preference. Many people prefer to go with nonstick bakeware because it can help you avoid the problem of your cake sticking to the inside of the pan. Or, if you want to be sure that you are not exposing yourself to any harsh chemicals and materials like PFOA or lead, you can search for cake pans that are made with safer materials.
Some cake pans are designed to be scratch-resistant, which is definitely a helpful feature, but keep in mind that it’s likely still better to use utensils that aren’t sharp when you are working on getting your cake out of the pan. And, when it comes to cleaning, certain pans are dishwasher safe while others should only be washed by hand, so keep an eye out for those instructions as well.
Finally, you want your cake pan to be made of high-quality materials that will help ensure durability. The right cake pan will also be able to distribute heat evenly so you get the best results every time you bake. And a long-lasting pan won’t warp easily either, so these are all factors to consider while you shop.
Photo credit: Karen Culp/Shutterstock