Cake making is a delicate art. Even with the best recipe, small details like mixing technique and ingredient temperature can sway the outcome. I spent years crafting cakes professionally, mastering the ins and outs of this sweet world. Through my journey, I’ve learned that the right cake pan is crucial for success. Let me share my insights.
Choosing the Right Cake Pan
The type of cake pan you use greatly impacts your cake’s outcome. Here’s a breakdown of common types:
- Nesting, Nonstick Pans
These are the classic pans found in most stores. While convenient, they often lead to uneven baking and tough crusts. The thin, dark material conducts heat too quickly, causing the cake to bake unevenly. To counter this, you can place an empty sheet pan in the oven to distribute heat more evenly.
- Straight-Sided, Aluminized-Steel Pans
For those who prefer nonstick options, aluminized steel pans are a better choice. They’re thicker and provide more even heat distribution, resulting in cakes with minimal wrinkling and a lighter crust. Plus, their straight sides make frosting layer cakes a breeze.
- Straight-Sided, Anodized-Aluminum Pans
Anodized aluminum pans are my personal favorite. They’re nonreactive, ensuring no funky flavors develop in your cakes. With tall sides, they shield the cake during baking, resulting in a smooth texture and delicate crust. These pans are versatile and perfect for various desserts, from layer cakes to cheesecakes.
- Straight-Sided, Extra-Deep, 9-Inch Pans
While many recipes call for eight-inch pans, using nine-inch pans requires adjustments. The extra inch significantly changes the cake’s volume, leading to thin layers and under-filling issues. To avoid this, adjust your recipe accordingly or divide the batter between fewer pans.
Final Thoughts
Investing in quality cake pans is essential for baking success. While a good recipe and technique can help, using the right pan minimizes the risk of baking mishaps. If upgrading isn’t feasible, focus on proper technique and ingredient selection to achieve better results.
FAQs
What’s the best cake pan?
Our top picks include the extra-deep, ultra-versatile pan from Fat Daddio’s or the model from Nordic Ware.
How do you cut parchment paper for a cake pan?
Trace the base of the cake pan onto parchment paper and cut along the outline. Alternatively, use pre-cut parchment paper circles for convenience.
What’s the best bundt cake pan?
We’ve tested various bundt cake pans and recommend the Nordic Ware model for excellent results.
