5 Best Cake Pans for Professional Bakers

Ah, cake. There’s nothing like it. And whether you’re making a refreshing pineapple upside-down cake or indulging in a double chocolate birthday cake, you will need a handy, top-notch cake pan(s) to see you through. I like the Wilton Round Cake Pans set.

Hey! My name is Michelle, and I’ve enjoyed baking cakes for years. I always find myself in the kitchen whipping up a fresh cake whenever possible – whether it’s for an upcoming event or me and my kids just have a hankering for cake!

I like the Wilton round cake pans because they come in four sizes, making it a cinch to make towering tiered cakes (which I love!). They’re made of aluminum to allow for even heating and won’t rust over time. With two inches of depth, you have plenty of room for all your batter.

I love this set, but I know you might be hunting for something different. Perhaps you need a specialty bundt cake pan or springform pan to make cheesecake. That’s why I’ve created a comprehensive list of the top five cake pans that are good enough for the pros.

Let’s dive in!

Best Cake Pans for Professional Bakers: Top Picks

Ready, set, time to bake some cakes – using the best cake pans built for professional bakers, that is. Oh, and don’t worry – although these are stellar pans I find in my own kitchen, they don’t cost an arm and a leg. Who said cake pans had to break the bank? Here are my top five picks.

1. Wilton Round Cake Pans (Best Overall)

• Key Features: Durable, rust-resistant, four-piece set for versatility, even baking
• Size: 6, 8, 10, 12 inches 
• Depth: Two inches
• Material: Aluminum

If you didn’t know already, Wilton is a highly acclaimed business in the baking world. They’ve been around for a whopping 90 years and have continuously developed, designed, and produced top-notch equipment – including these pans!

This set comes with four pans, including 6-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch options with two inches of depth. This makes it a cinch to whip together a four-tiered celebration cake. Or, you can use the pans one at a time and create whatever cake size you need. For instance, just use the 6-inch cake pan to create a little cake for a first birthday.

Aside from the size options, I love that these pans are made with aluminum. Aluminum is an excellent material for even heating, which you need when baking a cake. (Uneven cakes are a nightmare!). They’re rust-proof and durable for plenty of cake baking in the future!

Everyone – myself included – loves these cake pans! They’re a top-tier product. The only thing I don’t like? Well, they’re not dishwasher-safe. I understand why – but it’s still a nuisance to handwash. 

2. Hiware 9-Inch Springform Pan (Best Springform Option)

• Key Features: Non-stick, durable and long-lasting, easy to use and clean, stainless steel buckle is reliable and a cinch to maneuver
• Size: 9 inches
• Depth: 2 inches
• Material: Alloy steel

While you don’t “need” a springform pan to make a successful cheesecake, it will make life a lot easier. Hence, I’ve added the Hiware 9-inch Springform Pan to my top five. Anyone who enjoys baking cheesecake needs to add this to their kitchen arsenal ASAP!

First and foremost, this springform pan is entirely non-stick, so there are no mishaps or leftover residue when it comes to removing your precious cheesecake. Not only that but the buckle is built with stainless steel for easy and long-lasting maneuvering.

Secondly, this top-notch springform pan comes with 50 pieces of parchment paper. Sure, it’s not an endless supply. But it’s one less thing you will have to worry about purchasing when you’re ready to bake some tasty cheesecakes. Ah, I love convenience, don’t you?

While this is the must-have cake pan for “professional” cheesecake bakers, note that it is not entirely leakproof. While batters are a-okay, if you’re doing something like a water bath for your cheesecake, you will need to use a foil wrap. 

3. Nordic Ware Platinum Collection Heritage (Best Bundt Pan)

• Key Features: Beautiful swirl detailing, non-stick coating, made in the USA, easy to clean
• Size: 10 inches
• Depth: 3.75 inches
• Material: Aluminum

You can bake a cake without a pan – yes, even bundt cakes. But if you want a beautiful design on your cake, you will need one. So, for all bundt cake baking purposes, I highly recommend the Nordic Ware Platinum Collection Heritage Bundt Pan.

I will start by saying this is the original bundt cake pan since 1942, so you already know you’re getting a stellar product that’s stood the test of time. But you can’t talk about this pan without mentioning the breathtaking swirling design. The pattern is simply stunning, taking your bundt cake to new decorative heights.

The pan itself is made with aluminum – which you already know I love due to the even heating. However, it’s also a cinch to clean and comes with a non-stick courting essential for bundt cake removal. Oh, and before I forget – this pan is made in the USA.

The only downside of this bundt cake pan is that it doesn’t have any handles. So, it’s a tad challenging to put in and out of the oven. But with a little trial and error, you will figure out how to do it successfully – I promise!

4. P&P CHEF Stainless Steel Baking Round Cake Pans (Best for Mini Cakes)

• Key Features: Durable, corrosion and rust-resistant, shiny mirror finish, set of four miniature-sized pans, dishwasher-safe, non-stick
• Size: 4 inches
• Depth: 2 inches
• Material: Stainless Steel

Miniature cakes? Where do I sign up? If you’re a fan of adorable little treats like I am, you need to have this set of four 4-inch mini cake pans in your kitchen cabinet. They’re tiny but mighty, and you’re going to love them. Here’s why.

Let’s start with the fact that these 4-inch beauties are crafted with pure stainless steel. The material ensures there is zero corrosion or rust, even if many years down the line. They’re also entirely non-stick and dishwasher-safe, making your life infinitely easier.

Leakproof and ready for any batter that falls into its 2-inch basin, these cake pans will be the pans you use repeatedly. When not in use, you will get to enjoy striking mirror-polished craftsmanship that’s shiny, modern, and slick – pans you actually want to show off in your kitchen.

These high-quality mini cake pans work like a charm. However, it’s worth mentioning that they’re not easily stackable. So, if you don’t have a whole lot of room in your kitchen, these might not be the best choice for you. (But remember, the shiny finish is worth displaying!)

5. Wilton Performance Pans Aluminum 9-Inch Round Cake Pans (Best 9-Inch Option)

• Key Features: Long-lasting and durable, corrosion-resistant, easy to use and clean, standard size for versatile baking
• Size: 9 inches
• Depth: 2 inches
• Material: Aluminum

There’s nothing wrong with sticking to the basics. If you need a 9-inch cake pan (which is the most common pan size for cakes), then you will like this two-pack from Wilton. And yes, it’s the same brand that created my number one pick – so you know it’s gotta be good!

This pack comes with two 9-inch cake pans with a perfect 2-inch depth. So, when one is soaking in your kitchen sink, you can create another cake easy-peasy and without stalling. 

The pans are crafted using aluminum – and, as I mentioned before, this ensures even heating, so your cakes come out picture-perfect, light, and fluffy every time. The aluminum also resists rust and is wonderfully sturdy, making it a cake pan you’ll use for the next 1,000 cakes.

Much like my number one pick, the main issue with these cake pans is that they are not dishwasher-safe. This equates to a reasonable amount of time spent scrubbing the old-fashioned way, but that’s a small price to pay for these exceptional cake pans.

Best Pan for Baking Cakes: Things to Consider

Now you know the best cake pans for professional bakers! That helps narrow it down. But if you’re still unsure about which one to add to your shopping cart, here are a few things to consider.

Size of the Pan

The first thing to consider is the size. Do you want to stick to regular, 9-inch round cakes, or do you want to venture to different sizes? Personally, I enjoy making tiered cakes, which is why I picked the Wilton Round Cake Pan set as my number one choice, but it’s entirely up to you.

Type of Cake Pan

There are a few different types of cake pans listed above. I put a couple of “normal” round cake pans that will see you through most of your cake-baking adventures. However, some people might consider adding the springform pan and bundt cake pan for even more versatility.

Material

There are a couple of materials listed above, too. While I enjoy aluminum, there is nothing wrong with alloy steel or stainless steel. All will work wonderfully. It’s just a matter of personal preference.

Features

Check out the features below each product name and decide which features are most important to you. For instance, some may think a dishwasher-safe product is essential, while others want swirl detailing.

Price

Last but not least, check out the price tag. None of these pans are expensive, but some are cheaper than others. So, decide which pans fit your budget.

Verdict

If you’re stuck on which one to buy, opt for the Wilton Round Cake Pans set. It comes in four sizes to easily accomplish all of your baking projects, plus it provides ultimate creativity in the kitchen. Everyone will enjoy the set – just make sure to hand wash instead of using the dishwasher!

Which one of these cake pans are you going to purchase? Share with us!

I have been a lover of sweets since day one. This led me on a self-taught baking journey starting at the age of 13. It's been over 10 years since the start of my baking adventures, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Now, people rave about my delectable treats, whether it’s a chocolate cake or a strawberry crepe.