Wondering how to get perfect cake layers? It’s actually easier than you think! By choosing the right pan and preparing it properly, you can bake delicious cake layers that will be ready to decorate in no time!
Picking the right cake pan
Great cake layers all come down to picking the right pan. Whether you’re baking a layer cake or a sheet cake, these helpful tips will help you get great results every time!
And be sure to check out our Wilton Bakeware Comparison Chart and Guide for more helpful information on picking the right pan for your recipe!
How to bake a cake in a glass pan
Glass pans are great for baking sheet cakes. If your glass pan is oven safe, you can use it just as you would a metal pan!
However, keep in mind that your cake will bake faster in glass than it will in metal, so keep an eye on your cake during the last few minutes of baking. You can also lower the oven temperature by about 25 degrees to prevent your cake from burning or browning too quickly.
How to bake a cake in a springform pan
Since the sides and bottom of a springform pan don’t form a strong seal, we don’t recommend using cake batter in a springform pan, as the batter can leak out the bottom.
Thankfully, there are tons of other recipes you can make with your springform pan, including cheesecake, frozen desserts, even deep-dish pizza! Check out our post on How to Use a Springform Pan for more tips and suggestions.
How to bake with silicone molds
Silicone is naturally non-stick, making it a great option for baking cakes of all sizes! However, there are a few things to keep in mind when baking with silicone:
Not all silicone is oven safe. Be sure to check the use and care of your silicone mold to make sure it can go in the oven. Some silicone molds are only heat safe up to a certain temperature, and some – like those used for making candy – shouldn’t go in the oven at all.
Bake times may vary. Since silicone doesn’t retain heat like stainless steel or aluminum, it might take a few extra minutes for your cakes to bake.
Silicone needs stability. Place your cake mold on a cookie tray before putting it in the oven. This gives your silicone a flat surface for even baking.
How to measure a cake pan
To measure your cake pan, use a ruler to measure from one inside edge of the pan to the opposite inside edge. Do not include the lip of the pan or the handles in your measurement. An accurate measurement only includes the part of the pan that holds the ingredient.
This is also true for measuring cookie sheets and pie pans. Most Wilton pans have the sizes engraved on the handle for easy reference, but this is an easy way to make sure your pan is the right size for your recipe.
Preparing your cake pan
There’s nothing worse than taking your cake out of the oven and realizing it’s stuck to the pan! We suggest either greasing your pan with non-stick spray or lining it with parchment paper before baking to ensure your cakes come out clean. This also makes cleaning your cake pan a breeze!
How to grease a cake pan
You can grease your cake pan using non-stick baking spray or Bake Easy! Non-stick Spray. Bake Easy is colorless and tasteless, so it won’t affect the outcome of your cake. You can also use it on muffin pans and cookie sheets!
Some recipes might instruct you to butter and flour your pan. To do this, use your fingers to rub softened butter all over the inside of your cake pan – be sure to get any corners and crevices, too!
Once coated in a thin layer of butter, sprinkle the pan with some flour. Carefully tap and rotate the pan to evenly distribute the flour on all inner surfaces of your cake pan.
How to line a cake pan with parchment paper
For easy release, use a circle of parchment paper to prevent cake batter from sticking to the pan (this is also a great technique for sticker batters, like brownies).
Begin by spraying your pan with a light coating of non-stick spray, then place parchment paper on the bottom of your pan. Pour in your batter and bake away! There’s no need to spray the parchment paper, it will peel off your cake after it’s removed from the pan.
How full do you fill a cake pan?
To leave room for your cakes to rise, we suggest filling your pans no more than 2/3 full with batter (a little more than half way). Some recipes might state differently, but this is a good rule of thumb for cakes, cupcakes, muffins and sheet cakes.
Removing your cake from the pan
Removing a cake from the pan is always stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! If you’ve prepared your pan correctly, removing it from the pan should be a cinch!
How long to cool a cake before removing from pan
Unless your recipe states otherwise, it’s a good idea to let your cake cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes before removing it. This allows the cake to gradually release from the pan as it cools, preventing tears and breaks in your crumb.
How to get cake out of pan
Once your cake has cooled down for a few minutes, removing it from the pan should be, well, a piece of cake! Place a cooling rack or a plate over your cake pan, then flip both over so the rack or plate is on the bottom and the cake pan is on the top.
Carefully remove the pan to release your cake. If your cake is still stuck, you can let it cool for a few more minutes or run a paring knife around the edge to release the cake.
How to remove cake from tube pan
For a tubed or shaped cake pan, removing your cake can be a little more stressful! To ensure your cake comes out clean and pristine, your best bet is to make sure your pan is prepared with non-stick spray. Be sure to get all the little nooks and crannies of the pan!
Also keep an eye on your cake to make sure it doesn’t burn. Since most tube pans and shaped aluminum pans are flipped over when served (the bottom becomes the top), you want to make sure the bottom of your cake stays burnt-free!
And, just like other cake pans, it’s important to let shaped cakes cool. After you remove your tube or shaped pan from the oven, let your cake sit for about 15 minutes before removing.
Now that your pan is prepared, you’re ready to start baking! Be sure to check out our blog posts on How to Avoid Common Cake Baking Mistakes and How to Bake a Cake for tips on how to avoid cracked tops and high domes, as well as how to make your own cake flour and store any leftover buttercream.