Here Are the 5 Best Baking Pans for Cakes that Pro Bakers Recommend
Looking for the best baking pans for cakes? Read on for the top recommendations.
Shopping for the best baking pans for cakes is not an easy task. Luckily, there are numerous amazing choices out there and they are available at an affordable price range.
Deciding whether you want a nonstick or non-nonstick is just one of the things you have to deal with because you’ll also need to consider the weight, depth and handles.
We tested out a variety of baking pans and most of them did great and we only challenge was with the construction preference. Before you settle on a specific brand, confirm whether the pan comes in a set or not. It’s better to go for those that come in a set of two especially if you do a lot of baking and make layered cakes from time to time.
Best Baking Pans for Cakes
If you are short on time, watch this video on best baking pans for cakes.
#1.Cuisinart 9-inch Chef’s Classic
This is one of the best baking pans for cakes on our list because there was nothing wrong with it. It was neither light or heavy, it has a sturdy construction and still manages to be light enough for your baking purposes.
The pan doesn’t have any handles but has rolled edges, for easy carrying and movement around the kitchen, plus the lack of handles is good when it comes to storage coz it doesn’t take up too much space.
The cakes that were baked on the pan came out evenly with a slight dome and the best part is that it came out of the pan without any difficulty and the texture was perfect as well. Another great thing about this baking pan is that it is dishwasher safe although the manufacturers recommend handwashing for longevity. Since it cleans without any difficulty, you can just hand wash it.
So, if you’re looking for the best baking pans for cakes is will be the perfect pick because it will be great for making some beautiful and tasty cakes.
#2.Fat Daddio Anodized Aluminum Round Cake Pan (Set of 2)
Some of the best baking pans for cakes don’t have a nonstick coating. If you don’t mind owning such baking pans, then you’ll definitely love this set. The baking pans can withstand high temperatures of at least 550 degrees F, which is almost 100 degrees higher compared to the other baking pans that were tested.
However, the manufacturer advises that you bake at least 25 degrees F lesser than what the recipe you’re using suggests, although we baked at the exact temperatures and the final outcome was perfect but with a slightly darker top. In case the temperature in the oven becomes hotter than expected and the cake you’re baking is a bit delicate, its best if the temperature is lowered accordingly.
The cake we baked came out of the pan without difficulty and the texture was perfect. The only drawback is that it took a bit more effort to clean the pans unlike the nonstick variety which wouldn’t have been noticed if other types of pans were not being tested out at the same time. You can buy this set of baking pans at $21.
#3.All Clad Pro-Release Bakeware Nonstick
If you like baking pans that have handles then this is the right choice for you. Although the baking pan’s performance is the same as the Cuisinart baking pan, we didn’t like it as much because of the handles found on each side.
Apart from being able to carry and move your baking pan with ease, it doesn’t really justify the extra 3” of space that it takes up. Moreover, the pans that don’t have handles are equally easy to deal with.
#4.Wilton Aluminum Round Cake Pan
This is one of the best baking pans for cake thanks to the sturdy and solid construction. The other thing that makes this baking pan lovable is its attractive, unique gold design. If the aesthetics of the pan are equally important to you as performance, then this will do the job.
#5.USA Pan Round Cake Pan
This baking pan is sturdy enough making it an internet favorite. It was able to produce the best quality cakes, thanks to the bottom part which is lightly fluted which is great for yielding even results. A lot of customers liked this pan because of the impressive results.
How We Tested
We consulted with customer purchasing guides and later bought 9 of the highly reviewed 9-inch circular best baking pans for cakes. Before we began baking, the pans were greased using butter and a bit of flour. Afterwards, a box of yellow cake mix was made following the instructions provided on the packaging, then poured equal amounts in all the pans before placing them in the oven.
We baked the cakes according to the guidelines provided, noting if they baked within the specified time. Once the cakes had cooled down, we transferred them onto wire racks and checked for even cooking. The cakes were then sliced for further evaluation with regards to the moisture level and texture.
After completing everything, the baking pans were washed according to the instructions provided by the manufacturers. If they recommended that the pan was safe to wash in the dishwasher, we first washed it partially by hand then placed it in the dishwasher, noting its ability to become clean. If they advised against putting it in the dishwasher, we simply handwashed it.