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The right cake pan depends on what you bake: choose a round pan for layer cakes, and a square pan for brownies and bars. Size, side shape, metal and coating all affect the cake’s height, browning and release. The four options below are recommendations from Epicurious’s 2024 review—not a verified list from the Serious Eats article named in the original title.
Four cake pans to consider
Epicurious tested round and square pans and selected different favorites for each shape and price tier. These are that publication’s recommendations and findings, not an independent test or a confirmed ranking from Serious Eats.
| Pan | Shape and use | What Epicurious reported |
|---|---|---|
| Great Jones Patty Cake | Round; layer cakes | Epicurious’s top round pick. Its test found cakes released easily without parchment or greasing, and the pan has straight sides. |
| Fat Daddio’s Anodized Aluminum Cake Pan | Round; a budget choice for layer cakes | Epicurious reported even browning and easy release despite the lack of a nonstick coating, along with easy cleanup and multiple size and depth options. |
| Williams-Sonoma Goldtouch Pro | Square; brownies and bars | Epicurious’s top square pick; its test produced evenly baked brownies. The pan is sturdy aluminized steel with a ceramic-based nonstick coating. |
| Wilton Perfect Results | Square; a budget choice for brownies and bars | Epicurious’s budget square pick. It is thinner and more stackable, with sloped sides and a coating the review describes as less durable. |
Choose the pan shape for the bake
Round pans for layer cakes
For a layer cake, choose a round pan in the diameter your recipe specifies. Straight, perpendicular sides help create layers with a regular profile; sloped sides change that profile. Epicurious’s round-pan test used boxed yellow cake mix to approximate common home baking while limiting variation from baker skill. Its recommendations reflect that test, not a universal guarantee for every batter or oven.
Square pans for brownies and bars
A square pan suits recipes designed for brownies and bars. In Epicurious’s testing, the Goldtouch Pro produced evenly baked brownies; the Wilton’s thinner construction and sloped sides are trade-offs to consider if stackability matters. Do not assume a square pan is interchangeable with a round pan: the shape and capacity can change how batter spreads and bakes.
#1 Best Overall
- 3-PIECE LAYERED CAKE PAN SET: Includes 6 inch, 8 inch, and 10 inch round nonstick cake pans - everything you need to bake stunning tiered cakes, layered birthday cakes, and celebration tortes in one complete bakeware set
- PROFESSIONAL-GRADE ALUMINIZED STEEL: Constructed from heavy-weight aluminized steel that delivers superior heat conduction and consistent, even baking across the entire surface - no hot spots, no uneven rises, no guesswork
- SMOOTH NONSTICK RELEASE: The nonstick coating allows baked layers to release cleanly and effortlessly from the pan, reducing the risk of cracking or tearing so your cake layers come out intact and ready to frost
- CHICAGO METALLIC PROFESSIONAL LINE: Preferred by serious home bakers and professionals who demand quality construction and reliable performance; heavy-gauge design resists warping and holds its shape bake after bake
- DURABLE AND EASY TO MAINTAIN: Heavy-weight construction resists warping for long-lasting performance; dishwasher safe for convenience, though hand washing is recommended to preserve the nonstick coating and extend pan life
Match the diameter to the recipe
An 8-inch and a 9-inch round pan do not produce the same result with the same quantity of batter. Epicurious notes that the 8-inch pan yields a taller cake, while the 9-inch pan takes less time to bake. Follow the recipe’s stated pan size when possible. If substituting, expect a change in cake height and check doneness rather than relying blindly on the original baking time.
Consider metal, coating and release
Uncoated anodized aluminum
Fat Daddio’s round pan is uncoated, yet Epicurious reported easy cake release in its test. Bon Appétit describes the pan as light-colored anodized aluminum and explains that it heats more slowly at the surface than some alternatives and is nonreactive with acidic ingredients. Those are material characteristics, not a promise that every cake will release without preparation. Sarah Jampel, a Basically editor, called Fat Daddio’s “the gold standard” in Bon Appétit’s March 30, 2020 article; that is an editorial opinion, not a measured result.
Rank #2
- NON TOXIC - TeamFar cake pan set is make of high quality stainless steel, without any other chemical material or toxic non-stick coating, No more aluminum or chip into your food, rust free and healthy
- DISHWASHER SAFE - Superior mirror finished for effortless cleaning, Less stick with grease oil or lining a parchment, Dishwasher safe to save your time and less of hassle, Convenient to your life
- EXQUISITE CRAFT - Mirror polished design keeps shiny, Smooth edges without rough spots or sharp angles cutting hands, 2-inch deep rimmed sides conducive to shape the cakes
- HEAVY DUTY - Sturdy one piece construction for durability and long-serving time, Feel solid when holding in hands, not easy to deform, No leaking, Not as the springform
- MULTI USE - The round baking pans in 5 pieces, Inner size:4’’ - 6’’ - 8’’ - 9½’’ - 11’’, Perfectly making 1 -5 layers beautiful cakes, Such as birthday cake / carrot cake / chocolate cake / desserts, As a container for flour / coffee bean, Steaming vegetables in the pots and cookers…
Nonstick coatings
Coating can make release easier, but it also affects care and longevity. Epicurious describes Great Jones Patty Cake as ceramic nonstick and reports easy release in its test. Its review describes Wilton Perfect Results as having a silicone-polyester coating that is less durable than the coating on its other square pick. Follow the manufacturer’s care directions for the pan you buy; the cited reviews do not establish a universal cleaning method or coating lifespan.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What this comparison does—and does not—establish
The title “The 4 Best Cake Pans, Tested & Reviewed” appears to refer to a 2025 Serious Eats article, but its original page, complete four-pan list and test details could not be verified from the available sources. An excerpt on the secondary aggregator Accio names Nordic Ware Naturals Round Layer Cake Pan as a winner, but that claim is not confirmed by the original review and should not be treated as its established result: Accio’s excerpt.
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- PERFECT FOR MAKING ALL YOUR FAVORITES like cheesecake, mousse, quiche, coffee cake and any similar recipe where you can't turn the pan upside down to remove the cake. These pans can be used to create beautiful three layer cakes suited for any occasion.
- TRUE DOUBLE LAYER NON-STICK COATING makes it a breeze to remove cakes. No flowering needed. Never again damage a cake because part of it stuck to the pan. Much easier to clean this pan. Hand washing recommended. The coating is safe and healthy with no harsh chemicals or hazardous substances.
- OVEN SAFE TO 450 DEGREES Fahrenheit. The stainless Springform Buckle provides smooth, easy release. You can work faster with better results. No wonder this is the proven choice in restaurant and bakery kitchens.
- MAKING IT YOUR FAVOURITE BAKING TOOL: Now this is the proven choice in restaurant and bakery kitchens and is also the best gadget for DIY desserts and food if you love baking stuff like cheese cake, yogurt cake, mousse, coffee cake, lasagna, quiche, paella, cookies, fruit pie, pecan pie and any similar recipe. And it also makes a great and practical gift for your friends. Hand wash recommended.
The recommendations in this guide are instead attributed to Epicurious’s 2024 review. Bon Appétit’s material discussion and editor’s opinion appear in its Fat Daddio’s article and baking-pan guide. The cited pages do not establish current retail prices, availability or a verified Serious Eats ranking.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 🎂【6" 8" 10" ROUND CAKE PAN SET】You will get 3 pieces Deep round cake pan - 3 Inches in Depth. Perfect to bake 1 - 3 large cakes for several persons at a time and allows you to bake a wider variety of desserts, saving your baking time. Friendly reminder: This solid bottom cake pan isn't straight-sided; the sides are slightly angled outward to make it easier for the cake to come out clean.
- 🎂【PREMIUM QUALITY & HEAT EVENLY】This round cake pan is made of high quality aluminum alloy which is sturdy and durable. Compared to stainless steel, aluminum alloy heats evenly and has no hot spots. Also, stainless steel may rust after long-term use, but aluminum cake pans will not have such problems. Ideal for baking various beautiful cakes / cream brulee for any occasion.
- 🎂【EXQUISITE CRAFT】Our cake pan features Straight-sided design for making stacked cakes easily, and smooth roll edges without rough spots cutting hands. The durable and safe finish which prevents corrosion and discoloration, plus protects the flavor of your baked goods.
- 🎂【CLEAN EASILY】The round cake pan is made of quality material, which is non-stick and make clean up quick and easy - Just a little soap and water, the ring will be cleaned right up. Also the round layer cake baking mold is dishwasher safe to save your time and less of hassle.
- 🎂【WIDE APPLICAITON】Threse round cake pans are very suitable for baking and layering, ideal choice for ice cream cakes, brownies, chocolate cakes, coffee cakes, carrot cakes and fruitcakes, Even can use as ramekin for pizzas, quiches, meatloaf, casseroles, meat pies.
Rank #4
- ✅ Everything You Need to Bake Cheesecakes & Layer/Tier Cakes: RFAQK brings everything you need for baking and decorating your favorite types of cakes. Here’s what this package includes: ✔ 9-inch cake pan ✔ 7-inch cake pan ✔ 4-inch mini cake Pan ✔ 30 Pcs Parchment Paper Liners ✔ 1 Cake Leveler ✔ 7 Icing Tips ✔ 2 Piping Bag Couplers ✔ 1 Icing Spatula ✔ 3 Scrappers ✔ 15 Disposable Piping Bags ✔ 40 Disposable Cupcake Liners.
- ✅ Ultimate Springform Pan Set for Multipurpose Baking: This is instant pot cake pan set for baking includes 3 Springform Pans of different sizes, a mini cake pan (4 inches), a small cake pan (7 inches), and a large cake pan (9 inches). All this gives you the freedom to bake cheesecakes, pizzas, quiches, ice-cream cakes, lasagnas, and much more.
- ✅ Easy to Use; Non-Stick & Leak-proof: Even if you’re a beginner or pro your struggle with cake pans leaking or sticking is very common. RFAQK solves it effortlessly with premium quality springform pans, which stay non-stick and leak-proof over time.
- ✅ Range of Premium Cake Decorating Supplies: Once baked, cake decorating is the next important step in your cake-mastering journey. This 100pcs set apart from cake pans includes a large variety of essential cake decorating tools such as Icing Tips, Scrappers, Cake Levelers, Spatulas and Couplers.
- ✅ Love from One Baker to Another: All the cake pans and tools included are BPA-free and tried-and-tested under different environments – as a baker ourselves we have done it all to assure your 100% satisfaction. The eBook along is designed to help you get the maximum out of this set. Still, if there is something, feel free to contact us; we are available 24/7.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
