Even master bakers cant bake a cake without a mold. A mold give shape to cakes, desert and other baked goods. The Best Baking Molds are the standard round and rectangular models. However, there are other shapes that can help you make elaborate cakes without much effort. These comes in a variety of different materials, all of which can affect the end results. I personally prefer the metal one with nonstick coating but others can work just as well.

What is a Baking Mold

A baking mold is a pan with a shape designed for baking. The most common type of the baking mold is the circular and rectangular. Most professional bakers will have some form of Aluminum baking mold. But the home kitchen will usually use a model with a nonstick coating. Today, silicone baking mold has been growing in popularity. They are easy to unmold and creating different shape is easier than then metal models.

Different Materials

Out of all the different baking material, Aluminum is the most durable and performs the best. Since its excellent at transferring, they heat up fast and give you the most even bake.

Carbon steel is another popular choice, like cast iron, it will develop a nonstick coating. Another added benefit of carbon steel is its dark coating. Since it absorbs more heat, it gives more browning than other models.

Nonstick baking molds are usually carbon steel with a nonstick coating. For most home cooks, its the easiest to use. The nonstick coating ensures that everything will unmold without much issue. However, browning performance is inferior to either aluminum or pure carbon steel. The reason is that the nonstick coating is actually plastic and has lower thermal conductivity.

Are Silicone Mold Good for Baking?

Silicone mold is the least desirable method of baking. Since its thermal conductivity is so low, you have to change the baking time and temperature. It also browns worse than the other type of pan. The good thing is that since its so flexible, unmolding is rarely an issue.

Paper Baking Mold

Paper Baking Molds are popular with restaurant. It requires less cleaning and you can sell it right away. While it does not have the performance of the metal variety, once you dial it in, you can bake in bulk. Its also great if you just want to give baked goods as gifts or presents.

How to use a Baking Mold?

Every baking mold should be properly prepared prior to filling. A smattering of butter and a dusting of flower is recommended for best results. You can usually skip this step with the nonstick pan, but I still do it for perfect results each time. The same is true for silicone baking mold.

Since you cant preheat the pan before baking, you should preheat the oven. The internal thermometer of most oven is often off. Having a thermometer to measure the oven temperature is crucial for baking.

Which mold is best for Baking?

Below, you will find a list of some of the Best Mold for Baking. There are quite a few options available, choose one that best suits you.

USA Pan Bakeware Round Cake Pan, 9 inch (Best Round Baking Mold)

USA pan is one of the few manufacturer that still makes their bakeware in the USA. Its heavy steel construction with its durable nonstick coating makes it one of the best on the market. This classic round shape is the most basic of all the baking mold. You should be able to cook most cakes and desert that you need. The only downside is that its pricier than its competition.

Cuisinart 9-Inch Chef’s Classic Nonstick Bakeware Round Cake Pan (Best Buy)

While USA Pan is nice, its also expensive. For a more affordable alternative, checkout Cuisinart. Like USA pan it has a steel construction and it boast a nonstick coating. However, it just doesnt feel as durable or well built as the USA pan. But nonetheless, it will do its job.

Baker’s Edge Nonstick Edge Brownie Pan (Best Baking Mold for Chewy Edge)

The one thing that a lot of brownies is missing is its crispy edge. With the large rectangular pan, you only get it on the outer edge. Now with the baker edge, you get a nice crust all around. Its made with a Cast Aluminum construction and its also made in the USA. Remember to butter it and dust it with flower for easy unmolding.

Nordic Ware Platinum Collection Anniversary Bundt Pan (Best Cake Mold)

One of the most iconic cake mold is the Bundt Pan. It was first designed by Nordic Ware and made popular by them. Sot it should come as no surprise that they are still the best at making them. Using a cast aluminum construction, its beefy and perform better than the other imitation.

Silicone Bread and Loaf Pans (Best Silicone Baking Mold)

If you want to give silicone a try, then one of the best option is with a loaf pan. You can easily remove unmold bread or other cake, all you need to do is peel it off. This generic model is effective and affordable as well.

Nordic Ware Haunted Skull Cakelet Pan (Best Skull Baking Mold)

Is Halloween coming or you just like skulls? Then go for Nordic Ware skull mold. It has six scary skull and the mold is shiny metallic design. Baking some red velvet cake on this mold for a extra creepy look. This model has a nonstick design so that its easy to bake as well.

Thoughts

Baking Molds are crucial for baking. The most versatile and traditional is the round baking mold. They come in a variety of materials, but the aluminum and carbon steel models are best. For a more decorative type of mold, then go with a bundt pan. Its ones of the most popular cake design and it bakes quickly. Silicone molds can be used as well, but performance is generally subpar. There are also paper disposable mold. Great for restaurant and giving out baked goods as presents.

Want more information about the Bundt Pan? Check out our article on the History of the Bundt Pan.