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The Best Cake Pans

Updated Dec 11, 2022
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Whether you’re baking a cake for your two-year-old’s birthday, or simply because it’s Tuesday, a good pan can make all the difference. We’ve tested cake pans in three essential shapes (round, rectangular/square, and loaf), and found picks that produce a golden crust, don’t stick, and are easy to clean. Throughout our tests, pans from USA Pan came out on top. They're highly recommended by experts, and feature a combination of a slightly corrugated texture with nonstick coating that releases better than any of the competition.

USA Pan Aluminized Steel 9x2 Inch Round Layer Cake Pan, best for layer cakes

USA Pan Aluminized Steel 9x2 Inch Round Layer Cake Pan

Best for layer cakes
This sturdy round cake pan has a slightly corrugated bottom, which gives it a slight edge in the nonstick department. It also comes in an 8-inch or a 10-inch size.
We recommend
Chicago Metallic Commercial II Nonstick 9-Inch Round Cake Pan, durable at a more affordable price

Chicago Metallic Commercial II Nonstick 9-Inch Round Cake Pan

Durable at a more affordable price
A good alternative, this pan is durable but it’s slightly less nonstick than our main pick.
Another good choice
Parrish Magic Line Cake Pans, a huge variety of sizes

Parrish Magic Line Cake Pans

A huge variety of sizes
Parrish Magic Line makes pans in every size (the diameter increases by 1-inch increments) between 3 inches and 16 inches, all at low prices.
Another good choice
USA Pan Bakeware Aluminized Steel 13 x 9 x 2.25 Inch Rectangular Cake Pan, best for brownies, bar cookies, and single-layer sheet cakes

USA Pan Bakeware Aluminized Steel 13 x 9 x 2.25 Inch Rectangular Cake Pan

Best for brownies, bar cookies, and single-layer sheet cakes
This pan (which also comes in a square version) is sturdy, and the nonstick coating feels durable. The edges and corners of the cake came out clean and sharp.
We recommend
Calphalon Nonstick Bakeware, Rectangular Cake Pan, 9-inch by 13-inch, the best alternative

Calphalon Nonstick Bakeware, Rectangular Cake Pan, 9-inch by 13-inch

The best alternative
This pan will bake cakes with straight sides and perfect corners, and it will release cakes cleanly.
Another good choice
Parrish Magic Square and Rectangular Pans, a large variety of sizes

Parrish Magic Square and Rectangular Pans

A large variety of sizes
While uncoated, these pans come in a variety of sizes. They do have perfectly straight sides for layer cakes, however.
Another good choice
USA Pan Aluminized Steel 9 x 5-Inch Loaf Pan, for tall breads and cakes

USA Pan Aluminized Steel 9 x 5-Inch Loaf Pan

For tall breads and cakes
This is a heavy-duty item, designed to last. Breads baked evenly, came out easily, and baked up tall and handsome.
We recommend
Williams-Sonoma Goldtouch Nonstick Loaf Pan, the best alternative

Williams-Sonoma Goldtouch Nonstick Loaf Pan

The best alternative
This is a good option, made by the manufacturer of our main pick, USA Pan.
Another good choice

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