When it comes to baking blondies and cakes, the pan you use can make all the difference. Over several weeks, I baked dozens of blondies and cakes using a variety of baking pans to determine which ones yielded the best results. Here is what I discovered:
1. Metal vs. Glass:
Metal pans tend to conduct heat better than glass, leading to more evenly baked blondies and cakes. Particularly, aluminum pans excelled in this regard, providing consistent browning and avoiding overbaked edges. On the other hand, glass pans offered a clear view of the baking process but often resulted in unevenly baked goods with overcooked edges and undercooked centers.
2. Non-Stick vs. Traditional:
Non-stick pans undoubtedly made removing cakes and blondies easier without much greasing) required, but they sometimes affected the texture negatively, leading to less crispy edges on blondies. Traditional pans, while requiring thorough greasing or parchment lining, delivered superior texture with crispier edges and even cooking.
3. Pan Shape and Size:
The shape and size of the pan significantly impacted the outcome as well. For example, square and rectangular pans were perfect for evenly cooked blondies while round pans were more suitable for cakes providing uniform slices for serving. A 9×13 inch pan emerged as a versatile option that worked consistently well across various recipes.
4. Material Thickness:
Thicker pans such as heavy-duty aluminized steel provided even heat distribution preventing hot spots that can cause uneven baking. Thinner pans risked warping at high temperatures and resulting in unevenly cooked products.
5. Ceramic Pans:
While ceramic looks aesthetically pleasing for serving, its poor heat conduction often led to longer bake times and less predictable outcomes compared to metal alternatives.
In conclusion, after extensive testing, using a heavy-duty aluminum or stainless-steel pan provided optimal results for both blondies and cakes. For those who prefer non-stick varieties for ease of clean-up without sacrificing too much on texture, a good quality non-stick metal pan also performed admirably well.
