Ella Walter
Baking pans are available in a variety of materials, including metal, glass, ceramic, cast iron, stainless steel, and aluminum. Each material has unique properties that influence the baking process, such as heat conduction and insulation. For example, glass and ceramic pans are excellent insulators, retaining heat effectively for serving casseroles or other warm dishes. Dark-colored metal pie pans transfer heat efficiently, promoting even browning of the crust, while insulated pans prevent excessive browning of cookies. Cast-iron pans are versatile and durable, suitable for both outdoor cooking and baking family favorites. Skillets, frying pans, and sheet pans can also be used for baking, provided they are oven-safe. One-pan meals simplify meal preparation and cleanup, making them a convenient option for busy cooks. Additionally, baking without an oven is possible using stovetop methods, such as the Omnia stove-top oven or a simple setup with a cast-iron pan and a lid.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pan type | Frying pan, skillet, sheet pan, cast-iron pan, cake pan, pie pan, etc. |
| Pan material | Cast iron, stainless steel, oven-safe aluminum, glass, ceramic, etc. |
| Pan features | Non-stick, insulated, steam vents, heavy-fitted lid, etc. |
| Baking methods | Oven, stovetop, camp stove, hot coals, etc. |
| Baked goods | Bread, cake, cookies, pizza, frittata, steak, eggplant, cinnamon rolls, etc. |
| Considerations | Pan size, colour, gauge, baking time, temperature, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Types of baking pans
Baking pans come in a variety of materials, including cast iron, stainless steel, aluminium, glass, and ceramic. Each material has unique properties that affect the baking process and the final product. Here are some common types of baking pans and their characteristics:
- Cast-iron pans: These pans are known for their durability and ability to withstand high temperatures. They are ideal for baking a variety of dishes, from cornbread to cinnamon rolls. Cast iron skillets are versatile and can be used on both stovetops and in ovens. They are recommended for achieving a well-browned pie crust.
- Stainless steel pans: Stainless steel skillets are another option for baking in the oven. They are safe to use at high temperatures and are known for their durability.
- Aluminium pans: Aluminium pans, often in light colours, are commonly used for baking cakes. They provide quick and steady heat conduction, which is essential for cakes to rise correctly. Thicker aluminium pans will cause your baked goods to bake faster.
- Glass pans: Glass is an insulator, meaning it retains heat well. Glass baking dishes are popular for casseroles as they can go from the oven to the dinner table, keeping the food warm for a longer time. However, they may not be ideal for pies as they take longer to brown the bottom crust.
- Ceramic pans: Like glass, ceramic is a poor heat conductor but an excellent insulator. Ceramic pans are useful when you want to serve food warm, such as casseroles, as they retain heat well.
- Sheet pans: Sheet pans are versatile and can be used for baking a variety of dishes, from cookies to roasted vegetables. They are also known as half-sheet pans and measure about 18 by 13 inches. Insulated sheet pans are popular for preventing the overbrowning of baked goods, especially cookies.
- Round cake pans: Nearly all cake pans are made from light-coloured aluminium. A set of two round layer-cake pans is considered essential for home bakers. For layer cakes, 8" or 9" inch pans are standard, and the pans should be at least 2 inches deep to prevent batter overflow.
- Loaf pans: A classic loaf pan is indispensable for bread baking. The size of the pan should correspond to the amount of flour used in the recipe to ensure a nicely domed loaf. For example, a recipe with 3 to 3 1/2 cups of flour calls for an 8 1/2" x 4 1/2" x 2 5/8" pan.
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Baking without an oven
Another option is to use a skillet or frying pan. Skillets are typically made of cast iron, stainless steel, or oven-safe aluminium, and can be used to bake yeast cinnamon rolls, cornbread, fruit cobbler, pies, frittatas, and steak. Cast-iron skillets are durable and ideal for baking old family favourites or trying new recipes. When using a skillet, it's not necessary to preheat it, but you may need to grease the pan.
Additionally, consider the type of baking pan you're using. Different materials behave differently in the oven, affecting baking times. For example, dark-coloured metal pie pans tend to transfer heat better and brown crusts more quickly, while glass and ceramic are great insulators, retaining heat well but conducting heat poorly. Thicker aluminium pans will also heat up more, resulting in faster baking times.
Finally, if you're looking for a quick and easy meal, sheet pan recipes are a great option. You can bake a variety of foods on a sheet pan, from breakfast to dinner, and even dessert. For example, instead of frying eggplant, you can bake thick slices on a sheet pan, achieving a crisp exterior and soft interior with less oil.
Standard Loaf Pan Dimensions
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Baking with skillets
To bake with a skillet on a stovetop, you will need a few essential items. Firstly, a heavy, well-fitting lid for your pan is crucial to trap the heat. A cast-iron lid will do the job perfectly. Secondly, a wire cooling rack and a stove thermometer are also recommended. To start baking, simply heat the cast-iron pan with the lid on and the wire rack inside until it reaches the desired temperature. Then, place your food on a baking sheet and into the pan, just like you would with a traditional oven. Remember to avoid opening the lid too often, as you will lose heat each time.
When it comes to choosing a skillet, a cast-iron skillet is a durable and popular option for baking. They can withstand oven temperatures and are ideal for baking old family favourites or experimenting with new recipes. Cast-iron skillets also don't require preheating, making them convenient for quick bakes. Additionally, consider seasoning your pan before use to create a non-stick surface. This involves coating the pan with a thin layer of oil and baking it at a high temperature.
There are various dishes you can bake in a skillet. Frittatas, for example, are a quick and easy option. You can also try baking yeast cinnamon rolls, cornbread, or even a steak dinner. If you're feeling adventurous, you can attempt baking cakes, cookies, or pizzas on a stovetop with a skillet. Just remember to adjust your baking temperatures and times accordingly, as skillets may require different heat settings than traditional ovens.
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Baking with sheet pans
First, it's important to choose the right type of sheet pan for your needs. Sheet pans come in different materials, such as metal, glass, ceramic, and insulated varieties. Each material has unique properties that affect the baking process and the final product. Metal pans, for instance, are excellent conductors of heat and promote even browning, making them ideal for pies and breads. Glass and ceramic pans, on the other hand, are good insulators, retaining heat for a longer time, which is beneficial for casseroles and serving dishes warm. Insulated pans are known for reducing browning, resulting in softer, lighter-coloured cookies, but they may require longer baking times. Additionally, consider the colour of your sheet pan, as darker pans tend to absorb more heat and can cause faster browning.
When it comes to baking with sheet pans, the size and thickness matter. Thicker pans, often indicated by a lower gauge, heat up more and can cause faster baking. Using a larger sheet pan than what a recipe recommends can lead to a flat loaf of bread, while a smaller pan might result in batter overflow. It's always a good idea to follow the recipe's instructions for the best results.
Sheet pans are perfect for baking a variety of dishes. For breakfast, you can bake eggs on a sheet pan to make a frittata or try out a skillet steak recipe. If you're craving something sweet, sheet pans are excellent for baking cinnamon rolls, cornbread, or even a cake. You can also use sheet pans for healthier alternatives to fried foods, such as baking eggplant slices instead of frying them, resulting in a crisp exterior and soft interior without the excess oil.
Lastly, don't forget to consider the safety precautions when baking with sheet pans. Always use oven-safe sheet pans, especially if you're placing them directly on a stovetop or in an oven. Be cautious of the handles—plastic handles may not be oven-safe, so opt for cast iron, stainless steel, or oven-safe aluminum pans. For non-stick pans, follow the recommended heat settings, as some are only suitable for low to medium heat.
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Baking times and temperatures
Baking in a pan is a great option if you're short on space or don't have access to an oven. It's also a good way to achieve a crispy exterior and soft interior, as with baked aubergine, without using too much oil.
When baking in a pan, it's important to ensure that it is oven-safe. Cast iron, stainless steel, and some aluminium pans are suitable for high temperatures. Non-stick Teflon pans, for example, should only be used at low or medium heat. Dark-coloured metal pans tend to become hotter and transfer heat better than ceramic or glass pans, so they are a good option if you want to brown your crust. Glass and ceramic pans are great insulators, so they will keep your food warm for longer.
If you're baking on a stovetop, you'll need a pan with a lid that fits well and traps heat. You'll also need a wire rack and a stove thermometer. Heat the pan with the lid on and the wire rack inside until it reaches the desired temperature, then add your food on a baking sheet. Try not to check on it too often, as you'll lose heat each time you do so.
Baking times will vary depending on the type of pan you use. Thicker pans, such as those made of thicker aluminium, will cause your food to bake faster. Insulated pans are a good option if you want to avoid browning, but they can make it difficult to bake certain foods, like cookies, as they take a long time to brown. The colour of your pan can also affect how much your food browns, so you may need to adjust your baking temperature accordingly.
When baking bread or cake on a stovetop, it's important not to lift the lid prematurely, as this will increase the cook time. You can tell when your food is done by smell, by listening for muffled hissing from steam, or by inserting a toothpick or knife into the centre to see if it comes out clean.
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Frequently asked questions
Cast iron, stainless steel, and some aluminum pans can be used for baking.
You can bake yeast cinnamon rolls, cornbread, frittatas, steak, and pizza on a cast-iron pan.
Cast-iron pans can last a lifetime and are ideal for baking old family favorites as well as for trying out new recipes.
You can cook dinner on a pan by baking a steak or a piece of sirloin.
Ensure that the pan is oven-safe, and grease the pan if necessary. Also, make sure to use a well-fitting lid that traps heat.
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