We don't know about you, but we're all about the baking these days. And whether you're on a health kick or want all the sugar, all the time, there's little more satisfying than baking a cake from scratch and enjoying the fruits of that labor. On the other hand, there's little more frustrating than executing the most delicious-sounding recipe only to find that your batter has stuck to the sides of your cake pan and completely destroyed the outcome. While some of that might just mean you need a little more grease on the pan, it can also have to do with not having a quality cake pan. So whether you're a seasoned pro or just learning how to bake, one of these cake pans are about to be your new best friend. Nordic Ware Springform Pan A Delightful, Leak-Proof BakeThis springform cake pan is leak-proof and made with a high quality nonstick surface. Never have a stuck-on cake again. Best OverallFind on Amazon This springform cake pan is top on the list because of how beginner-friendly it is. However, it’s also on here because for those of us who have mastered the art of the delicate cake, a high quality springform cake pan is a must. Designed to open gently without bringing any cake with it, these types of pans can be used as a cake server (just remove the ring), or as an easy way to free your cake and begin the decorating process on a separate serving plate. Although springform are typically used for very delicate batters, the truth is that they can be used for virtually any kind of cake. This springform pan by Nordic is a favorite because of it’s leak-proof, nonstick sides. A quality cake pan will greatly lessen the risk of destroying a cake when you’re trying to remove it from the pan. Because of the quality of the nonstick surface, you don’t have all that much to worry about here. Plus, Nordic continually wins awards for their craftsmanship…and they’ve even won a Minnesota Manufacturing Award for Sustainability, so you can feel good about your purchase knowing you’re supporting a company that cares. Pros: Comes in two sizes: 7 inch and 9 inch. Leaf-proof design means no burnt, stuck edges. Cons: This is a darker color pan, which means that your cake will bake darker. Chicago Metallic Professional Bakeware Set The Complete SetIf you're in a baking craze like us, you're going to want more than just a cake pan. This high quality set should have you covered. Best Baking SetFind on Amazon If you’ve recently found yourself baking a whole lot more, don’t worry. You’re not alone. And if you’ve also found yourself in a bit of a baking rut due to limited baking pans, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. This 8 piece bakeware set has it all: a 1lb loaf pan, 2 baking sheets, a 12 cup muffin tin, two 8 inch round pans, one cooling rack, and a 9 x 13 cake pan as well. You can make everything from cupcakes to cookies to layer cakes and brownies. These pans are made with a nonstick coating that’s BPA-free and silicone based. All of the pans are safe up to 450 degrees…well within the realm of heat needed for typical baking recipes. Because of the nonstick surface, you’ll find that each pan is incredibly easy to clean, as well. Pros: Can be used for more than just baking. We’re talking roasts, meatballs, bruschetta, bread, lasagna–the possibilities are endless! Darker color of the pan means you’ll have products that bake a bit darker. Easy-to-release due to the high quality of the nonstick surface. Heavy-weight carbon steel construction evenly disperses weight and heat for even baking. Cons: Hand washing is recommended. Nordic Ware Platinum Collection Heritage Bundt Pan Best Bundt PanFind on Amazon Sometimes you just need a really beautiful cake pan to make an incredibly gorgeous cake. Made from the company that first introduced Bundt pans, this Nordic Ware Bundt Pan makes such a pretty cake you almost won’t want to eat it. Made from cast aluminum, this nonstick pan has an easy-release design that’s also really easy to clean up (despite what it may look like). The deep ridges of the pan make a stunning display for your favorite Bundt pan recipe. Whether you use a frosting, glaze, or a light powered sugar dusting, you’ll create a cake that looks complicated and bakery-worthy (don’t worry, we don’t let anyone in on the secret). Made in the USA by a family owned and operated company, Nordic Ware is a time-honored, traditional bakeware company that has loyal followers within the professional food industry, to the at-home beginner baker. Pros: Two different color options available (gold and silver). 10 cup capacity for large cakes. Cons: Hand wash only. Mrs. Anderson’s Baking Round Cake Pan Best Silicone Cake PanFind on Amazon We’ve been seeing silicone products pop up everywhere…from reusable drinking straws to cupcake liners to, you guessed it, cake pans. There’s a reason why this product has gained some loyal devotees: insanely easy clean-up. The nonstick properties of silicone is practically unbeatable. Plus, silicone can be stored in the freezer and cooked with in extremely high temperatures (Mrs. Anderson’s silicone cake pans have a range from -40 degrees to 500 degrees Fahrenheight, so really…you can use these for practically anything). What’s more, the easy-release of silicone bakeware means you won’t lose all of your cake to the sides of your pan. All of you have to do to release your cake? A simple twist, turn it over, and out it pops. It is important to remember, however: do not cut directly in a silicone baking pan. You’ll damage the pan. Otherwise, enjoy these cake pans as you would any other metal or similar bakeware pan. Pros: BPA free. Dishwasher safe for super easy clean-up. European-grade silicone (read: higher safety standards). Cons: Only comes as one. You’ll want more of these for fancy layer cakes; trust us. Fat Daddio’s PRD-84 Round Cake Pan Best Deep Dish Cake PanFind on Amazon If you want to impress your guests (or just your family…or heck, yourself!) with a deliciously thick cake, you’re going to want to cook it in Fat Daddio’s Round Cake Pan. Why? First, the light color of the pan means your cake will cook later. Plus, it’s made with a ‘Safe-Seal’ Process, which means that this pan is also ideal to use with more reactive batters such as citrus or savory recipes. Because of the way in which this pan was made, it also allows for an even cooking temperature that both heats and cools quicker. This means you don’t have to worry about a gooey, undone center on your thick cake…nor dry, disappointingly crusty outer edges. And if you’re worried about what chemicals leaching into your batter through the baking process, don’t be. Made from Anodized Aluminum (which is not a coating), you’ll have zero extra metals or chemical coatings in your cake pan. That means no chemical additives, no dyes, no PTFE’s or PFOA’s. Absolutely nothing that will leach or break off into your batter during the baking process. Pros: Lifetime warranty. Can be used with 8-quart pressure cookers and 10-quart air fryers. Freezer safe. Cons: There are multiple stickers stuck to the surface of these pans. They do leave behind an annoying sticky surface. With olive oil and a gentle massage, you can easily and quickly remove this residue, however. Frequently Asked Questions How many cake pans should you have? If you find that you’re not much of a baker, you likely won’t need more than one cake pan. In this case, an 8 or 9 inch cake pan should suffice. If, however, you find that you’re a frequent baker, having multiple types of cake pans is a must. You’ll want square pans for sheet cakes, as well as multiple pans for making layer cakes. Additionally, a springform pan is an excellent pan to have in your baking arsenal for more delicate cakes and recipes. What’s the deal with darker pans vs. lighter pans? Darker pans bake darker. If you prefer a lighter cake, you can just make sure to purchase a lighter colored cake pan. Otherwise, some of this can be combatted by baking at a reduced temperature (aim for 25 degrees less than what the recipe calls for). And if you have a darker pan, you can, and should, also check your cake about 10 minutes prior to when the recipes calls for it to be done. This is because dark metal absorbs and distributes heat more quickly than lighter-colored pans. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you don’t want darker colored pans or even darker colored cake—it just means that you’ll have to keep an eye on whatever you’re baking and really learn the best timing and method for cooking with your pan. This could be said for any oven or cake pan, so either way, if you find a high quality bakeware item that is darker in color, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get it. As with anything that has to do with cooking or baking, experimenting with your tools goes a long way.