Cake Tins
Cake Tins & Cake Pans for Every Bake
Discover our extensive collection of cake tins and cake pans for every type of baking. Whether you're making celebration cakes, Victoria sponges, cheesecakes or traybakes, you'll find the perfect bakeware to suit your recipe. Choose from round cake tins, square cake tins, springform cake tins, loose base cake tins, loaf tins and deep cake pans from trusted baking brands.
Here at Cooksmill, we have a range of cake tins available. Cake tins or cake pans are used to bake cakes in the oven and we have different shapes, sizes and materials.
- Round cake tins are the most common type of cake tins, and are used to make layer cakes, spongecakes and other round cakes.
- Square cake tins are also a popular choice, and are often used for birthday cakes as they are perfect for writing on.
- Rectangular cake tins are great for loaf cakes such as the ever popular lemon drizzle.
- Bundt cake tins make impressive cakes, breads or even a savoury meatloaf.
- Cake trays come in many different varieties such as mandolin trays or mni doughnut trays.
- Muffin pans are, as the name describes, used to make muffins.
All our top quality cake baking trays and baking tins come with fast courier delivery to all UK addresses. Alternatively, you can collect at your nearest store.
How to line large cake tins
If you are making a large cake you don’t want to take the chance of the cake sticking to the pan. This is especially true if you are using festive cake tins or wedding cake tins. The cake needs to be perfect. In these cases, you may choose to line your pan with greaseproof paper or baking parchment.
Investing in good quality baking paper gives you better tear resistance and makes handling a large cake easier. Tear off a large strip of paper and place your cake tin on top of the paper. Taking a pencil mark round your cake tin leaving at least a 2 inch overhang.
There are two methods to get the paper to fit the tin perfectly. You can make shallow cuts, or scores, which will help the paper to conform to the tin’s sides. Alternatively, you can crumple the paper into a ball, then flatten out. This makes the paper more pliable and easier to handle so you can fit the paper perfectly to the tin.
How to line a cake tin with a removable base
Lining a cake tin with a removable base, also known as a springform cake tin, is slightly different than lining a regular cake tin. (You don’t need to line the sides of the cake tins, just the base.)
- First tear off a large piece of baking paper and crumple it into a ball. This helps make the paper more pliable and easier to fit into the grooves of the pan.
- Then uncrumple the paper and lay it inside the base of the pan, gently pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Tuck in any excess paper to create a smooth lining.
- Trace the base of the pan on the baking paper to make a template. Then cut out your circle.
- Finally, lightly grease the inside of the pan, including the sides, with butter or cooking spray. Gently press the paper circle into the base of the pan.
How to measure a cake tin
Many recipes will call for a specific size of tin such as a 6 inch cake tin or an 8 inch cake tin. For round tins, this refers to the diameter of the tin. You can find this by putting a ruler or measuring tape across the widest part. For square tins simply measure any side to find the measurement.
If a recipe calls for a certain volume of cake pan you can fill the pan with water. Then carefully pour the water into a measuring cup to measure the volume in milliliters.
How long to leave a cake in a tin after baking
Allow the cake to cool completely before removing it from the pan. The benefit of leaving the cake to cool is that it will be easier to get it out of the tin. The amount of time to leave the cake in the tin depends on several things.
- The type of cake. Dense fruit cakes will take longer to cool than a light sponge.
- The size of the cake. It may seem obvious but remember that a larger cake will take longer to cool than a smaller one.
- The material of the pan. Cakes in metal pans will cool faster than glass or ceramic.
How to get a cake out of a baking tin
If you have lined and greased your cake tin and your cake is still stuck don’t panic.
Make sure your cake has completely cooled. Then gently run a knife or thin spatula around the edges of the cake to loosen it from the tin
If the cake is still sticking to the pan try wrapping a hot, wet dishcloth around the bottom of the pan and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. The heat should help loosen the cake from the pan.
Alternatively, you can try chilling the cake instead. Turn the cake pan upside down on a plate or cooling rack. Then place a bowl of ice cubes on top of the tin. The cold should help solidify the cake to make it easier to remove.
How to keep your cake pans in the best condition
All our cake tin sets are made from different materials, but they do have some things in common. Try not to use sharp knives on the tins to prevent scratches and gouges that may affect future bakes. Hand wash your pans with soft sponges or brushes to keep them like new for longer. Also, make sure you thoroughly air dry your pans before putting them away to prevent rust.
How to Choose the Right Cake Tin
Choosing the right cake tin can make a big difference to your baking results. Whether you're baking a classic Victoria sponge, a rich fruit cake or a creamy cheesecake, selecting the correct cake pan helps ensure even baking, easy release and a perfect finish every time.
Round Cake Tins
Round cake tins are the most versatile choice for home bakers. Ideal for celebration cakes, sponge cakes and layered bakes, they're available in a range of sizes and depths to suit every recipe.
Square Cake Tins
Square cake tins are perfect for traybakes, brownies, blondies and celebration cakes with clean, modern edges. They also make portioning your bakes much easier.
Springform Cake Tins
Springform cake tins feature removable sides, making them the best choice for cheesecakes, delicate sponge cakes and desserts that shouldn't be turned out upside down.
Loose Base Cake Tins
A loose base cake tin allows cakes to be lifted out easily without damaging the edges. They're particularly popular for tarts, quiches, cheesecakes and deep sponge cakes.
Loaf Tins
Loaf tins are designed for baking bread, banana loaf, lemon drizzle cake and rich fruit cakes. Their deeper shape helps create an even rise and consistent bake.
Choose the Right Material
Quality non-stick cake tins help cakes release effortlessly while reducing the need for extra grease or baking paper. Carbon steel and heavy-gauge steel provide excellent heat distribution, helping cakes bake evenly from edge to centre.
Select the Right Size
Before choosing your cake bakeware, check your recipe for the recommended tin size. Popular options include 18cm, 20cm and 23cm round cake tins, while deeper tins are ideal for layered celebration cakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a cake tin and a cake pan?
The terms cake tin and cake pan are often used interchangeably. In the UK, "cake tin" is the more common term, while "cake pan" is widely used in the United States. Both refer to bakeware designed for baking cakes.
What is the best cake tin for sponge cakes?
For classic sponge cakes, round cake tins with a non-stick coating provide even baking and easy cake release. Loose base cake tins are also an excellent option for delicate sponge cakes.
When should I use a springform cake tin?
Springform cake tins are ideal for cheesecakes, mousse cakes and delicate desserts where removing the sides is easier than turning the cake out.
Are loose base cake tins better?
Loose base cake tins make it easier to remove cakes without damaging them. They're particularly useful for cheesecakes, fruit cakes, tarts and deeper sponge cakes.
What size cake tin should I buy?
The best size depends on what you bake most often. A 20cm round cake tin is one of the most versatile options for everyday baking, while larger 23cm tins are ideal for celebration cakes.
Do non-stick cake tins need lining?
Although non-stick cake tins make cake removal easier, lining the base with baking paper can still improve results, especially for delicate sponge cakes and cheesecakes.
Which cake tin is best for brownies?
Brownies and traybakes are best baked in square cake tins or rectangular baking tins, which produce even thickness and make portioning easier.
How do I stop cakes sticking to the tin?
Grease your cake tin lightly, line the base with baking paper where required and allow the cake to cool for several minutes before removing it. Using high-quality non-stick cake bakeware also helps achieve clean release.