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It goes without saying that the perfect pound cake should be baked in the perfect pan. So what should you look out for when choosing the best pan for pound cake?
In this article, we will take a look at the elements of a pound cake pan that you should be looking out for if perfection is your only option. We will also explore the best pound cake products on the market today.
Let’s not waste another minute and dive in.
What to Look for in A Pound Cake Pan
There is a lot of science when it comes to baking. The end product, in this case, a pound cake, depends on elements such as thickness, material, and shape of the pan itself.
To get you started, we have listed below the key factors to look for when shopping for a new pound cake pan.
Thickness
Thickness is important. If your pan is too thick, it will take longer to cook. Similarly, if the pan is too thin, it will cook too quickly.
Luckily, the majority of pound cake pans are manufactured without too much of a difference in thickness. Before cooking, just be sure to pour your batter into a proper cake pan.
Material
Aluminum pans are the most durable and inexpensive pound cake pans to purchase.
Most have a non-stick coating which makes for easy cleaning (although applying a baking sheet underneath your pound cake is always recommended).
Alternatively, you may prefer silicone pans which provide excellent heat distribution and are also non-stick. The downside to using silicone products is that they need to be replaced frequently as they are not as durable.
Shape
It may not seem like it matters, but the shape of a pound cake pan can affect the way it bakes. Most products are either loaf or tube-shaped.
Tube-shaped pans are ideal for baking a pound cake that will be glazed or layered with toppings. They also make for a ‘prettier’ or more presentable cake.
Loaf pans are sometimes better if you are baking more than one cake, as you can fit multiple pans in one oven.
8 Best Pound Cake Pans
To make it easier for you, here are our best picks for pound cake pans on the market today. Hopefully, you will have more of an idea about what works best after reading this.
#1: Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick 9-Inch Fluted Tube Pan
At number one is the Wilton 9-inch non-stick tube pan. Constructed using chromium steel, this pan is ideal for baking pound cakes, bread, and even macaroni and cheese!
Not only has this product been designed for easy handling, but the pan also has measurements embossed into the material for easy reference. Lightweight and easy to clean, what’s not to love about this product?
What We Like About This Product
- Wilton offers a limited 10-year warranty.
- Dishwasher-safe
- Quality non-stick surface
#2: Nordic Ware Proform Cake Pan Angel Food
One of the best bundt pans on the market, the shape of this product allows the heat from the oven to circulate through the cake evenly.
The Nordic Ware cake pan can hold up to 12 cups of batter, ideal for a party of around 12 people.
This professional weight-formed aluminum product is ideal for amateur or long-time bakers who may want to splash out on this hobby. The non-stick coating makes the pan useful for other tasty treats such as frozen and gelatin desserts.
What We Like About This Product
- Rust and warp resistant
- Easy to clean
- Leak-proof design
#3: Rachael Ray Bakeware Meatloaf/Nonstick Bread Loaf Pan
Ideal for cooking a weeknight meatloaf, the Rachael Ray loaf pan is designed with a removable insert that can be taken out to bake the perfect loaf of bread or a pound cake.
Many loaf pans do not have handles which can often be dangerous, but this piece of equipment has got it covered!
This versatile roasting pan can cook food in temperatures up to 450°F, so it’s safe to say your meatloaf will be cooked through when ready!
What We Like About This Product
- Insert doubles up as a grease remover
- The nonstick surface makes for easy food release.
- Sturdy steel construction
#4: Nordic Ware Platinum Collection Heritage Bundt Pan
Although technically a bundt pan, this can also double up as a fancy pound cake pan with its unique design. Although this heritage pan is not dishwasher-safe, the nonstick coating makes for easy cleaning.
We recommend a thorough greasing of the grooves in this product as failing to do so can lead to these parts of the cake overcooking. Apart from that, we think this item is pretty groovy!
What We Like About This Product
- Designed using durable aluminum
- Can be purchased with added accessories
- Fun and unique design
#5: LESYAO Disposable Aluminum Bundt Cake Pans
While we don’t always recommend using disposable products, those made out of aluminum are easily recyclable, which is why we have included these.
These are the perfect choice if you are baking a bunch of pound cakes all in one go for a party or a bake sale.
Each tray allows for around 10 cups of batter, which will make a portion of cake for around 8-10 people. They can also be used to refrigerate and even freeze products after cooking.
What We Like About This Product
- ECO-friendly and inexpensive
- No cleaning is necessary – just throw it away after use.
- LESYAO are easy to get in touch with if you encounter a problem with their products.
#6: CHEFMADE Mini Angel Food Pan Set
These adorable mini pound cake pans are the perfect product if you are baking with children or require smaller portions for a dinner party.
Available in various sizes, these mini food pans are designed using carbon steel, making them extremely durable. The shape of the pans allows heat to be evenly distributed when baking, which means your mini pound cakes will cook all the way through.
What We Like About This Product
- CHEFMADE will offer a refund or a return if you are unhappy with the product.
- Sturdy and durable
- PTFE and PTOA free (safe non-stick options)
#7: Silicone Pound Cake Pan by Boxiki Kitchen
This Boxiki Kitchen product is designed with the best of both worlds. A steel frame and silicone base give you all the safety when handling baked goods with the easy-release silicone base.
Bend and warp-resistant, the food-grade, non-toxic silicone is pretty durable and can be used hundreds of times before needing to be replaced. What’s more, this pound cake pan comes with a book of 65 recipes to try out.
What We Like About This Product
- Affordable
- Keeps its shape over time
- Can be used for pound cakes or jello
#8: FineGood Doughnut Maker Silicone Baking
These dishwasher-safe, silicone doughnut or mini bundt cake molds are perfect for baking with children or for a dinner party.
Available in 3 pretty colors, each tray has 3 fun designs to create a bunch of unique pound cakes. The food-grade silicone can be placed in temperatures of up to 446°F without warping or bending.
The FineGood baking tray can be used to make doughnuts, muffins, mousse, or even jello.
For easy release, we recommend greasing each mold thoroughly before adding the batter. Not only will this prevent the tops from browning too much, but it will also speed up the cleaning process afterward!
What We Like About This Product
- Flexible molds make for easy cleaning.
- Affordable
- Ideal for making a variety of different pound cakes
FAQ Section
Take a look at our FAQ section for more information about pound cakes.
Why is it called a pound cake?
Contrary to belief, it is not because it weighs a pound. A true pound cake uses a pound of each ingredient; flour, eggs, sugar, and butter. See, you learn something new every day!
What is the difference between a pound cake and a bundt cake?
Most people associate a bundt cake with the traditional bundt pan shape, commonly referred to as tube pans. However, the ingredients used in both are virtually the same. Therefore, you can make a pound cake in a bundt pan.
What are the different types of pound cake?
You can use just about anything in a pound cake, and it will taste good. Lemon, strawberry, chocolate, blueberry, and banana are just a few popular pound cake varieties.
Where does the term ‘bundt cake’ come from?
A bundt cake uses the same ingredients as any other cake; it is the distinctive shape of the pan that gives it this name. The word ‘bundt’ derives from the German word ‘bundkuchen.’
Final Thoughts
The best pound cake pan should be durable, large enough for a decent portion of cake, and ideally non-stick for easy cleaning.
There are many products available in retail stores and online, so you are bound to find one that suits you.
Depending on your budget, you may want to invest in a pricier pan if you bake frequently. Alternatively, you could choose a basic product that has all the elements of a good pound cake pan but at a lower price.
