Choosing the best cake pans for your recipe is far more important than one would think, whether you're only a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned baker. A pan's depth and breadth can easily mess with baking times and temperatures as directed, and skipping a non-stick coating might leave your cake glued to the pan. With so many factors to consider, it can be challenging (especially for brand new bakers), so we've put together a comprehensive list of the best cake pans for every kitchen. We've got you covered, all the way from dense cheesecakes to fluffy Swiss rolls.
Wilton Easy Layers 4-piece round layer cake pans set
Shorten cooling time
Whip up a competition-worthy layer cake in no time with Wilton's Easy Layers round cake pans. These shallow pans are a logical solution for a common dilemma: have you cooled your cake enough to frost it without the frosting melting? These 0.75-inch deep pans absolve bakers from such worries, and the tedious task of cutting even layers on your own is no longer an issue. Their shallow depth is just enough to speed up baking without burning the layers. These pans would work beautifully if you're assembling a multicolored layer cake.
Chicago Metallic professional non-stick 3-piece round cake pan bakeware set
Classic, long-lasting
Chicago Metallic's three-piece round cake pan set is durable and surprisingly inexpensive—it should have a place in every kitchen. Bake after bake, they provide consistent heat distribution for an evenly risen crumb. They're made of heavyweight carbon steel, so you know they'll last even with frequent use. The non-stick coating also holds up well, and like most cake pans, they should be washed by hand. This set can't be beaten when it comes to versatility and quality.
Nordic Ware Platinum Collection Anniversary Bundt pan
The only Bundt you'll need
In my humble opinion, this pan is the absolute best of the Bundts, the only one you'll need in your pantry. I was gifted one a couple of years ago, and I can always rely on it for a consistent bake. Nordic Ware is renowned for its Bundt pans, and the Platinum Collection Anniversary Bundt pan is no exception. A rustproof non-stick finish, generous capacity, and durable materials set their Bundt pans apart from the rest. It's a heavy pan, weighing in at nearly two pounds, but that's what makes it warp-resistant. Even if you prefer to sugar-crust your cakes (and I do), this pan releases them every time, struggle-free.
Wilton 3-piece springform cake pan set
Pop and unlock
Available in three diameters (8-inch, 9-inch, and 10-inch), Wilton's springform cake set is easier to use than it looks. The "spring" in springform comes from tension buckles that gently free your cake from the detachable base—leaving it flawlessly prepared for plating. Releasing your cake post-bake is effortless, thanks to the pans' non-stick surface. I own this set myself, and these pans still look and feel brand new after four years (and countless cheesecakes).
Chicago Metallic professional 2-piece 9.5-inch angel food cake pan
For angel food aficionados
Angel food cake has quite a bit of sugar in it, so bakers will be familiar with trying to pry it out of the pan without ripping the delicate crumb. Unmolding woes are a thing of the past when baking with Chicago Metallic's two-piece, easy release angel food cake pan. The presence of little feet elevates the aluminized steel pan when it's inverted, allowing for even cooling, contributing to speedy release.
Nutrichef 2-piece nonstick cookie sheet cake pans
Pristine spirals
Assembling a jelly roll or Swiss roll can be incredibly difficult to pull off at home without cracking the crumb and losing the filling. Sponge cakes are notoriously tough to work with, but they're the backbone of this dessert. Nutrichef's two-piece non-stick sheet pan set lets you slide delicate Genoese sponges out of the pan trouble-free—directly out of the oven, while still pliable and warm. When serving food from these pans, skip metal utensils; and avoid acidic soaps while handwashing to preserve the coating's integrity. Available in five standout shades, they're an attractive addition to any kitchen.
USA Pan bakeware aluminized steel 20-well brownie bite pan
For bite-size endeavors
If you prefer chewy edges or don't always want an entire brownie, then this 20-well brownie bite pan from USA Pan solves both of those problems. Its corrugated surface is unique; it encourages better airflow around each well while your brownies are baking. USA Pans' proprietary silicone coating, Americoat, is PTFE, PFOA, and BPA-free, aiding in a quick release. This pan would also work well for petit-fours or even cupcakes—just remember to reduce the baking time for airier batters.
Pans for every cake
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As you can see, there's a pan for nearly every cake; the sheer volume of options can be downright daunting. However, in the wise words of Alton Brown, you don't want your equipment to be "uni-taskers" in your kitchen. Each pan above has its ideal purpose, sure—but we made certain that these cake pans won't be forgotten in your broiler drawer.
Wilton's bakeware stands the test of time and is a brand you'll find in many kitchens. If you're concerned about versatility and ease of use, I'd recommend picking a set of pans as a rule, rather than just one pan. Their Easy Layer 4-pan set helps your cake become quicker to assemble, and tidily unmolding those layers is a breeze thanks to their nonstick coating.
No baker's kitchen is complete without a trusty Bundt pan, though, and Nordic Ware's Anniversary Bundt pan is a reliable choice every time. This is the pan I reach for most when baking a cake on short notice; the fluted design adds visual interest. Its additional surface area contributes to a faster bake. Rustproof, heavy-weight pans can't be beaten when it comes to longevity, as well.