Fellow baking enthusiasts, you know the importance of having the right tools on hand. Enter the unsung heroes of the baking world — your trusty baking pans. Let’s go over the essentials — the pans that will have you baking like a seasoned pro in no time. These pans are incredibly versatile and the only ones you will ever need.
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What kind of baking pans are we talking about? The essentials, the no-frills, must-have baking pans, sheet pans, pie plates and molds that we rely on daily. Why? Because they're as basic as it gets, and you can't beat that. We're talking about the pans that cover all your bases for any baking adventure. These essentials, for cookies and bread to layer cakes, tarts and beyond, make every baking adventure a breeze.
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9 x 13-inch baking pan
The 9 x 13-inch baking pan, a true kitchen classic, is a quarter sheet pan that holds 14 cups of batter. This heavy-duty pan is my go-to for baking single-layer cakes, brownies, rolls, casseroles and various delicious treats. I prefer the reliability of metal pans for baking desserts and glass for casserole dishes like this hamburger hashbrowns casserole.
“I love my 9-inch x 13-inch pan for holiday baking, bake sales and birthdays. You can make a larger number of cookie bars, brownies, cakes and even slab pies with it. This rectangular cake pan is also great for school parties, as a single-layer cake is easier to eat and less messy to cut.”
— Erin Dooner, Texanerin
Square baking pan
This pan is perfect for smaller batches of baked goods. The 8-inch USA pan can hold 8 cups of batter. You can use a square pan for making cakes, cookie bars, brownies and small casseroles. I used this pan to make this Valentine's Fudge. Keep two on hand, especially when making layer cakes, like this classic red velvet cake.
Fat Daddio Round cake pan
Round cake pans offer countless uses. I favor 8-inch pans as they yield taller cake layers, but 9-inch pans work too. These versatile pans are not limited to cakes; they can also be used for rolls, cornbread, cobblers, and casseroles. It's advisable to have at least two on hand.
Half-sheet pan
Consider purchasing three half-sheet pans because you will use them for various recipes, such as baking large batches of cookies or even cooking bacon. These 18-inch x 13-inch baking sheets are indispensable in any kitchen due to their versatility and will last a long time. Choose sturdy, rimmed sheets that are resistant to warping under high heat, as this will ensure consistently baked treats. I use this pan for my favorite pumpkin sheet cake.
Make sure you have a rimmed sheet. These pans will come in handy when baking cookies, cakes or even sheet pan dinners.
12-count standard muffin pan
A muffin pan is a must-have for all types of recipes, and I suggest you have two 12-cup muffin pans since muffin and cupcake recipes usually yield more than twelve. You can use these pans for more than sweets; try baking your stuffing, egg cups or scalloped potatoes in this type of pans for single servings.
“As a baking lover, one of my absolute must-haves is a 12-cup muffin pan. I use it all the time to make delicious muffins, mini cakes, cupcakes and savory treats such as quiches or mini breakfast casseroles. It is such a versatile tool that I can't imagine baking without it.”
— Angela Pagliarello, The Bella Vita
9-inch glass pie plate
The preferred choice for baking pies is glass because it heats up slowly and ensures even cooking of the crust, filling, and edges. The transparency lets you watch the crust for browning, which is particularly convenient for longer baking times. Deciding between a deep-dish pie plate and a shallower one ultimately boils down to personal preference. I recommend both types for different reasons. The shallower dishes are best for cream pies and graham cracker crusts, while deep-dish plates are ideal for fruit pies.
9 x 5-inch loaf pan
If you love baking bread, you need a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan, the standard size for most bread recipes. Opt for a non-stick, sturdy, and durable one for better baking. I highly recommend having a metal loaf pan in your kitchen cupboard. A metal pan heats up faster than glass, promoting a better rise and delivering crisper browner edges to your baked goods. Keep two baking pans on hand for multiple loaves.
Classic Nordic Ware Bundt cake pan
Cake bakers make sure to have a 10 to 12-cup Bundt pan for those special occasion cakes. My top choice is the classic Bundt pan with a fluted shape. This pan can transform any ordinary cake into an elegant masterpiece. In addition to making Bundt cakes, these pans are versatile, allowing you to create ice rings, jello molds and delightful monkey bread. Always choose a sturdy, non-stick pan for easy release, ensuring your cakes maintain their intricate shapes without sticking to the pan.
Tart pan
Having a 9-inch tart pan is essential in the kitchen for several reasons. First, it provides versatility for making different types of tarts and quiches. Second, its removable bottom makes cutting and serving easy. Lastly, its fluted sides give the baked goods a distinctive shape. I find that the classic round pan is my go-to choice, as it not only offers versatility but also has a timeless appeal. But make sure to look at other shapes of tart pans a variety.
Springform pan
If you make cheesecakes, you need a springform pan that is heavy-duty and leakproof, perfect for recipes that involve a water bath. These pans have a detachable ring that creates the sides of the cake. Once the cake is baked, you can easily remove the ring to expose the cake, making it simpler to cut and serve. Springform pans are an excellent choice for baking dishes, such as cheesecakes and quiches, that cannot be easily flipped over.
Get ready to up your baking game with the only baking pans you need. You'll always bake like a pro with these in your kitchen cupboard. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting, these pans are your recipe for success for baking savory dishes and sweet treats. Happy baking!
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Jere Cassidy is the writer and recipe developer behind the blog One Hot Oven. A passion for all things food-related led her to culinary school to expand on her baking skills and now to sharing easy recipes for all home cooks and bakers of all skill levels. When not in the kitchen, Jere’ likes to travel far and wide to find delicious food.
This article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.
About Jere'
From learning to cook on a farm in Indiana to culinary school in California, my passion for food is never-ending. Turning on my oven to bake something for friends and family is my happy place, and I am glad to be here at One Hot Oven sharing sweet and savory family-friendly recipes for your cooking and baking inspiration.
Mariam
I'm new to baking. I looked through your suggested pans and what they are used for. I had a pretty good idea, but I like your suggestion to have more than one or several of these, like the baking sheets. Also, thank you for showing basic pans that don't cost an arm and a leg. I just want to bake, not show off an overly expensive pie plate!