Making a cake without a cake pan can be easy and fun, depending on what type of cake you want to make. Some popular recipes that can be made in an oven or microwave include chocolate cake, devil’s food cake, pound cake, and pumpkin spice cake.
The cake recipes below are for a two-layer round cake, but you can also make a single-layer cake by halving the recipe.
Don’t worry about making a mess – just remember to use an ovenproof dish with at least 3 inches of space between the sides.
You can also make a single-layer cake in a round baking pan by increasing the baking time to 40-45 minutes. Once you have your cake pan, try one of these popular cake recipes.
Use a Sheet Pan
You may not have a cake pan, but you can still make delicious cakes! The first choice you have when baking a cake is to use a flat sheet pan instead.
The ideal sheet pan for making a cake will be flat and have sides that come up at least one inch all the way around the pan.
Other dimensions are pretty unimportant. A standard 18 inch by 13 inch pan is all you need, but if you have a smaller pan or a larger one, you will just get a smaller or larger cake.
It’s easiest to line the sheet pan with parchment paper and grease and flour it, as you would when baking a cake.
Pour the batter in! You don’t want to over fill your pan or the batter will overflow the pan, so if your pan has a one-inch lip around the edges, fill it half way up. This will leave room for the cake to rise.
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Baking in a sheet pan will result in thin layers of cake. So, you’ll need to bake one layer and then remove it from the pan and bake another. You can also bake multiple layers at once.
There are so many different ways to fill and decorate a cake! After baking, your cake is finished and you can simply fill it and stack it, keeping the rectangular shape of the pan or you can cut the cake into any shape you desire.
You can decorate with colorful frosting, colored sprinkles, or frosting that looks like whipped cream and have a dessert to share with friends and family.
Round cakes aren’t only beautiful, they’re also delicious. Now you’ve got yourself a round cake that uses a rectangular sheet pan.
You can use this as an alternative to a round cake pan if you don’t have one. And the best part? You can have cake scraps to snack on when you cut it into slices.
Create Your Own Pan
A cake pan can be easily created from aluminum foil and a flat sheet pan. Just be sure to measure out the right amount of space for your desired size cake pan. You can even make pan sizes and shapes that you want.
Aluminium foil works best because it is significantly thicker than some of those bargain foils. Here’s a video that’ll show you how to go about making a cake pan. Calculate the circumference of the pan you’re making first before you start cutting.
If you want an eight inch round cake pan, the circumference of the pan will be about 25 inches.
Once you have this number, you are ready to cut the aluminum foil. Measure a long piece of foil that is the length you need (in the case of our eight inch round pan, 25 inches). Then, once you have your long foil laid out, fold it in half vertically.
The foil should still be 2 inches long but the thickness of the foil will be thinner. Then, fold it in half one more time making it thinner still.
Take this long strip and put the two ends together to make a circle, or a heart, if that is what you want to do.
Part two, done! Take the other long piece of foil and lay it flat across the first. Be careful not to stretch or distort the circle!
Remember that in this exercise, the base is going to be the flat piece of foil on the counter and the sides are the shape that you made.
Visualize it this way when you move forward. Fold up the bottom piece of foil to form the sides of the pan.
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Basically, you are attaching the pan to the baking sheet with aluminum foil and securing the two together – you don’t want any cake batter to leak out!
If you would like to make the base a little more sturdy, do this step again. If you want even more batter leak protection, use masking tape to adhere the base to the sides.
Make sure to use a proper size pan to avoid any potential splatters or messes. Place the pan on a sheet tray to make it easy for you to transport the pan and to help prevent any possible messes and splatters.
Place the pan into a preheated oven and bake the cake for 25 minutes. The best part about making your own cake pan is the fact that the cleanup is very easy. Just throw the pan away.
Make a Pull Apart Cake
In this book I’ll show you how to make a pull apart cake! If you’re out of cake pans, then use a standard cupcake pan. Just make cupcakes, and using the back of a butter knife or spoon, start to pull the cake apart.
Once the batter is baked, scoop it into a paper liner cupcake pan. Bake as you would regular cupcakes. Once the cakes are cool, flip them upside down onto a serving tray in the shape of the cake you would like them to be. You can then arrange them on the tray in any way that you like.
Once you’ve plated all of the cupcakes, you’ll use an offset spatula to smooth frosting across the tops of all the cupcakes, so they’re connected with frosting.
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If you want to make a real cake, add frosting to the top of each cupcake until the top is completely covered. Gently pull the top of one of the cupcakes away from the rest of the cake and eat it.
This is a great recipe for making a “pull apart” cake, so delicious that you don’t need a cake pan!
Making Separate Layers
You can bake a cake without the top layer if you’re baking all of the layers separately. When you remove the layers, stack them in a baking dish, then bake each individual layer, and then remove each layer before stacking it on top of another.
Oven space will affect the recipe. Make sure the sheet pans you choose have raised sides, so the batter doesn’t spill over. For rectangular or square-shaped sheet pans, a question might arise on what to do if you want to make a circular cake.
There are many ways to go about making a round cake. The best way to go about is to convert a rectangular or square-shaped cake into a circular one.
If you’re making two or more cake layers, then follow the above directions. Grease the pan(s) or pans. Proceed to prepare the batter and pour it evenly into the greased pan(s). Allow the cake to cool. Remove from the oven and proceed to decorate your cake.
Pour the batter into the prepared pans after mixing well and baking for 18 minutes at 180 degrees. The difficult part of this method is the thin cake layers which need to be carefully cut. Ensure the batter doesn’t exceed the height of the raised edges of your baking pans.
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Place the pan into the oven and let it bake for 40-45 minutes. When the cake is almost done, remove it from the oven and allow to cool. Then remove the cake from the pan if you are using a single sheet pan, or you can cut it in half.
You should prepare a sufficient number of cake layers. Once they are all at the same temperature, you can begin to stack them together. Now you can sprinkle or pipe some buttercream between the layers to create a frosted effect.
If you want to make a circular cake, you can use a bowl and some leftover cream to draw a circle on top of your cake and then cut out the cake from it. Wipe away any leftover cream. You can proceed to decorate your cake as you see fit.
Aluminum Foil Cake Pans
When making wedding cakes, it is important that you buy the right kind of cake pans. With so many different sizes available, you may not know which size to buy or which size will work best for you.
It is possible to use disposable aluminum cake pans, but if you want to save time, it is recommended that you invest in a set of aluminum cake pans.
You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out how to make homemade foil cake pans. Start by measuring out the size of pan you want to make.
Then cut out your shape from aluminum foil. Use an aluminum foil cutter or an old-fashioned pair of scissors.
You should decide the shape of the cake you want and the size of the cake. You should also get a pan of the correct shape and size for the cake. Connect the ends of the foil in the shape that you want to make the custom pan.
This will form the sides of your cake pan. Take another piece of foil for the base. Make it into the shape you need and place it on a sheet pan. Crumple up the sides to make them rise a bit. Place the first piece of foil onto the base.
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Place the first foil piece into the cupcake tin. Then, place the second piece of foil over the top. Finally, attach the first foil piece with masking tape to the inside of the tin.
To bake a cake, follow the steps below: Put the foil cake pan on a sheet pan. Spray it with baking spray. Pour the batter into the cake pan. Then place both pans inside the oven to bake.
You can either cut the foil after baking, or wrap the foil in a clean towel and remove the cake from the towel after it’s been baked. If you don’t have a clean towel, you can use a kitchen towel that you can then dispose of.
Opting for a Pull-Apart Cake
Opting for a Pull-Apart Cake. This is a different kind of cake, and it’s sure to be a huge favorite. Pull-apart cakes are designed to be very easy to pull apart.
That’s not a cake. It’s a cake, made out of cupcakes, stacked together and iced over to look like one coherent cake. Remember those peacock cakes from Pinterest or Instagram? It’s the same thing, but in cake form.
Here’s a fun dessert that’s also easy to make. Pull-apart cakes are also very extravagant and can be as lavish or simple as you desire. Best of all, they’re extremely easy to make, too.
It’s that simple. You just need to have a cupcake pan instead of a cake pan. The number of cupcakes you need will vary based on the number of guests you are serving. Generally, one cupcake is equivalent to one helping of cake.
However, it’s no harm to have a few extra pieces added there, especially if someone is feeling particularly snacky. To make this cake, you must prepare your cupcake pan exactly as you would but remember to add cupcake holders.
Now, fill the cupcake cups half full of batter and tap the pans. Put them into the oven and let them bake until done. Once cooked, allow them to cool before you think about icing them. Icing will melt right off the hotcakes or cupcakes.
The easiest way to design your pull-apart cake is to think about the pattern you want. For example, if you want to make heart shapes, then simply draw out your shape on the top of the cupcake and cut around it to separate the cake into two parts.
If you are a novice at decorating cakes, then you need to read this book. You’ll learn everything you need to know about how to arrange cupcakes and how to apply icing. Then you’ll be able to make cupcakes that are as beautiful as those you see at the store.
These cupcakes have been made with delicious vanilla cake and a simple frosting. Just take the cupcake out of the pan, and if you wish, place a small scoop of icing in the middle. Now you have a no mess serving with a nice dollop of icing on top!
Make A Mug Cake
Make A Mug Cake: What are you making in a mug? It’s called a mug cake, its like a brownie but inside of a cup!
A good microwave meal is great in a pinch. You don’t need to use any cake pans to bake individual microwave cakes. You can serve a few individual cakes for your guests.
This is the perfect solution for those special occasions when you only entertain a few people. It’s thoughtful because each person gets a separate cake, it takes less than 5 minutes to make, and you can even have a molten filling!
Get this video here to learn exactly how to make a mug cake. Cake pans are very useful, but they aren’t the only way to bake. There are so many different options available to you to successfully bake a cake, without using a cake pan!
Make Some Cake Pops
If you don’t have an oven, you can also use this trick if you’re in a hurry. Or if you don’t have access to any pans for baking. They are so beautiful and unique; why don’t we serve more of these at parties?
My trick is to go out and buy a moist pound cake. You can select the flavor route you want to take. I crumble up the cake and add some frosting into the crumbs which help hold the cake balls after they’re formed.
You can buy frosting from the store or you can make some home-made frosting. I alternate between chocolate and vanilla, but you can use other flavors. After adding the frosting, I like to take about a tablespoon of cake, mold it into balls and decorate it with sprinkles or other decorations.
My cake pops are always easier to make and bake if I use Cake Pop Sticks. They’re just right in length and quality. One company makes the best Cake Pop Sticks around.
These super-affordable cake pop sticks are perfect for any birthday party or celebration. Stick the cake pop stick gently into the cake ball until it’s about halfway in, then dip it in white chocolate, dark chocolate or any other coating of your choice.
There you go, another no-bake cake solution that requires no pans or ovens. There’s a mini cake for everyone.
Make Some Cupcakes
It doesn’t matter if you don’t own a single baking pan. This idea is perfect for you because if you literally do not own a single baking pan/sheet. When I was younger and just starting out in the kitchen, my household did not have a muffin tin.
There are many types of bread you can bake in a regular baking dish. It’s a great option when you need a quick breakfast or snack that doesn’t require a lot of prep time.
If you go to any major supermarket, you can find foil baking cups. These cups are made of heavy duty aluminum foil and come with liners inside already. They’re perfect for making homemade cupcakes.
Only fill the baking cups half way. It’s important to avoid over filling them. A piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil can be placed under the baking cup to avoid the mess.
How to Make a Cake Without a Specialty Pan
If you are making a cake that calls for a specialty pan that you don’t have, don’t panic! Just assess why that pan is needed and, once you have determined the reason, think of a creative solution.
For example, if you are interested in a bundt cake, the reasoning is that the metal hole in the center will help heat and cook the center of the cake.
If you do not have a bundt pan, you could use a regular pan with a metal can in the center and wrap the can with aluminum foil.
Pour the batter around the can, and poof – a bundt pan! The can will heat just as the center tube of a spring form pan, and the results are almost identical. If your recipe asks for a pan where the bottom is removable, and you have one of these pans, you probably will not bake a cake that can be turned out easily.
Cheesecakes should be baked in a springform pan. You don’t want to have to flip the cheesecake when the time comes because the surface of the cheesecake is sticky and will make a mess.
The springform pan will help keep the cheesecake from sticking and you can easily remove it from the pan when the time comes.
It’s really not that hard to bake your own cupcakes. You can just use a muffin tin for baking purposes. Just remember that you need to make sure to go around the sides of the tin to get it to pop out nicely.
Related FAQ
How can I make cake without baking pan?
Making cake without a baking pan can be a little tricky, but it’s definitely possible. Here are a few tips to help you out:
- Preheat the oven before you start baking the cake. This will help ensure that your cakes come out evenly cooked.
- Grease and flour the sides of an 8×8 inch baking dish before filling it with batter. This will make sure that your cake doesn’t stick to the dish and comes out easily.
- Bake the cake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting or serving.
Can I bake a cake in a saucepan?
Can I bake a cake in a saucepan? This question has perplexed many home cooks for years, but with a little ingenuity and some substitutions, you can make cakes in just about any pot or pan.
Here are four recipes that show you how to bake cakes in saucepans without the use of a cake pan:
First, make Chocolate Cake in a Saucepan. Simply combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl and stir well to combine.
In another bowl or measuring cup, whisk together 2/3 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
Add this wet mixture to the flour mixture and mix until well combined. Stir in 3/4 cup milk and 1 egg until smooth.
How do you make a cake pan?
Making a cake in a non-cake pan can be tricky, but it can be done. Follow these steps to make a cake in any non-cake pan:
1. Preheat your oven to the correct temperature.
2. Pour some oil or butter into the bottom of the pan you are using and heat it up until it is melted.
3. Pour the batter into the pan and spread it out evenly with a spoon or spatula.
4. Bake the cake for the correct amount of time according to its recipe or according to what your oven says it will take (in my oven, cakes take about 20 minutes).
5. When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before frosting or serving.
Can I bake a cake in a glass pan?
Introduction
There are many benefits to baking cakes in glass pans. Some people feel that the cake is not as heavy or dense as when it’s baked in a traditional cake pan.
Additionally, some people believe that the cake is easier to remove from the pan if it’s done in a glass dish. There are also a few disadvantages to baking cakes in glass pans.
The first disadvantage is that they can be difficult to clean. The second disadvantage is that they can be breakable if mishandled.
Overall, whether you choose to bake your cakes in glass pans or not is up to you, but be aware of the risks involved.
What can I use instead of a baking pan?
Looking for a way to bake without the traditional cake pan? Check out some of these alternatives!
1. Use a pie dish instead: Pie dishes are versatile and can be used for many different baking recipes, from simple fruit pies to more elaborate creations like apple tart or quiche.
Just make sure to size your pie dish appropriately; a smaller one will not hold as much dough or batter, while a larger one will result in an over-baked crust.
2. Make individual pizzas: Preheat your oven to its lowest temperature and place a lightly oiled baking sheet on the bottom rack.
Divide the dough into 12 equal parts (for a standard pizza shape), then roll each piece out onto the prepared baking sheet. Moisten your fingertips with water and press down on each dough ball to form an irregular shaped pizza.