How to Cook in Different Cake Pans

Cake pans come in many different styles, sizes and materials. To become an experienced baker you will need to learn the difference between the types of cake pans so that you can learn to bake perfectly in any type of pan. Different materials require different baking times so it is important to know what material you cake pans are made of as well.

Coated Aluminum

If your cake pan is light and shiny it is made of coated aluminum. This style of cake pan does not require any special instructions. If using this material of cake pan you can follow the recommended baking times on the back of the box of the cake that you are making.

Dark Finish

If you are using a cake pan with a dark finish, you should reduce the baking temperature by twenty-five degrees to prevent the bottom from burning during the baking process. This type of material absorbs the heat easier and can often burn the bottom of your cake if you do not reduce the temperature.

Glass

If you are using a glass baking pan, you should reduce the heat in your oven by twenty-five degrees. Glass easily absorbs and retains the heat from your oven and will often cause your cake to scorch if you do not reduce the temperature.

Different Sizes

Be aware of the size of your baking pans. If a recipe calls for two round cake pans you should assume that they are calling for nine inch cake pans; if your pans are larger than this, you should reduce the cooking time; if your pan is smaller than this size will need to increase the cooking time.

Tip: No matter what material or size your cake pan is, it is very important to grease your cake pans with a non-stick cooking spray, butter, oil or flour depending on your personal preference. It is very important that you grease your pan so that your cake does not stick when it is removed from the pan after baking.