Upside-down cake is a delicious dessert that involves baking a cake in a pan and then flipping it over once cooked so the topping becomes the base. When making an upside-down cake, using the right cake pan is key to getting perfect results. The cake pan impacts how evenly the cake bakes, how easily it unmolds, and the final presentation.
What Is Upside-Down Cake?
Upside-down cake is a type of cake where the topping ingredients are put in the bottom of the pan first before the cake batter is added on top. Common toppings used include butter, brown sugar, fruit, and nuts. During baking, the topping creates a delicious layer of caramelized sweetness. Once baked, the cake is flipped over onto a serving plate so the topping becomes the base of the finished cake.
Some popular versions of upside-down cake include:
- Pineapple upside-down cake – topped with butter, brown sugar, and pineapple rings
- Apple upside-down cake – topped with sliced apples and a brown sugar cinnamon crumble
- Plum upside-down cake – topped with fresh plum halves
- Pear upside-down cake – topped with pear slices
- Cherry upside-down cake – topped with cherries and an almond crumble topping
The rich, sweet topping means the cake does not need any additional frosting or glaze on top once flipped over. The caramelized fruit or nuts become the star of the show!
Factors to Consider in Choosing a Cake Pan
When baking upside-down cake, using the proper cake pan is important for getting the best results. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a cake pan for upside-down cake:
Nonstick Surface
A nonstick interior surface is ideal for upside-down cakes. The topping ingredients like fruit and nuts will release easily from the pan without sticking. Nonstick surfaces prevent tearing of delicate fruit or sticking of sugary caramel. They make unmolding clean and easy.
Shallow Sides
Pans with shallow, sloped sides or straight sides work best. The shallow sides promote even baking and make it easy to get underneath the cake to unmold it. Steep, high sides may make flipping difficult.
Strong Structure
The pan should have a sturdy construction that won’t bend or warp in the oven. Warping could cause uneven cooking. Thicker aluminum and steel pans hold their shape well under high heat.
Flat Bottom
A flat bottom allows the topping ingredients to be evenly distributed before adding the batter. The cake will caramelize and cook evenly. A warped bottom will lead to uneven cooking.
9-10 inch Diameter
A 9 or 10 inch round pan is a good standard size that will provide enough slices for 4-6 servings. Smaller pans like 8 inches may yield a cake that’s hard to unmold. Larger pans like 12 inches often cook unevenly.
Non-Reactive Material
The pan should be a non-reactive material like stainless steel, aluminum, ceramic, tempered glass, or silicone. Reactive materials like uncoated aluminum or cast iron can discolor or alter the taste of acidic fruit toppings.
Recommended Cake Pan Options
Based on the above factors, here are some great cake pan options to use for baking delicious upside-down cakes:
1. Nonstick Aluminum Round Pan
An affordable, lightweight aluminum cake pan with a nonstick coating is a perfect choice. The 9 or 10 inch size provides the ideal capacity. Nordic Ware is a top brand for high-quality aluminum bakeware with durable nonstick coatings that allow even heating and easy release. They are sturdy, warp-resistant, and dishwasher safe.
2. Stainless Steel Round Pan
Stainless steel cake pans are another excellent option, providing superb heat conduction for even baking. Brands like USA Pan produce pans with corrugated surfaces to maximize airflow and create a nonstick effect. The heavy-gauge steel prevents warping. Stainless steel can safely withstand higher oven temperatures than nonstick coatings if needed.
3. Ceramic Nonstick Pan
For a PFOA-free nonstick surface, a ceramic-coated aluminum pan is ideal. Brands like OXO Good Grips offer durable ceramic nonstick layers that are safe at high temps while still preventing sticking. The round cake pans have gently sloped sides for easy unmolding.
4. Silicone Cake Pan
Silicone pans are naturally nonstick and flexible for easy release. They are durable and withstand heat well. The flexibility helps in unmolding cakes cleanly. Silpat and Kitzini make high-quality silicone bakeware that excels at baking upside-down cakes.
5. Cast Iron Skillet
While not a traditional cake pan, a well-seasoned cast iron skillet can also work well for upside-down cakes. The nonstick seasoning prevents sticking. Cast iron browns and caramelizes toppings nicely. A 10 inch size skillet provides the right capacity for 4-6 servings.
Tips for Baking Upside-Down Cake
Once you have the right cake pan, here are some tips to ensure your upside-down cake comes out perfectly:
- Generously grease the pan with butter or nonstick spray to aid in unmolding.
- Spread the topping ingredients in an even layer across the bottom.
- Don’t use too much batter or the cake may overflow. About 2/3 to 3/4 of the pan depth is perfect.
- Tap the pan on the counter before baking to settle the batter and prevent air pockets.
- Bake at 350°F until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 35-45 minutes typically.
- Run an offset spatula or knife around the edges to loosen.
- Place a plate or serving tray over the pan. Wearing oven mitts, carefully invert the pan to unmold the cake.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the topping to set.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size cake pan should I use?
A 9 or 10 inch round cake pan is best. The 9 inch size will provide a slightly thicker cake, while a 10 inch pan will be a bit thinner. Avoid pans smaller than 8 inches or larger than 12 inches which can lead to uneven baking.
Can I use a glass cake pan?
Glass cake pans are not ideal for upside-down cakes. Glass is prone to hot spots which leads to uneven browning. The slick surface makes releasing the cake difficult. Stick to metal, ceramic, or silicone pans for best results.
What if my cake sticks to the pan?
Be sure to grease the pan well before adding the topping ingredients. Use a thin offset spatula or knife to loosen the cake around the edges of the pan after baking. Place a plate or tray over the pan and quickly invert. If needed, let the pan rest inverted for a minute before lifting off to allow the cake to release itself. Resist the urge to dig at stuck pieces as this can pull apart the tender cake.
Can I use springform pans for upside-down cakes?
Springform pans aren’t the best choice as their steep sides make unmolding difficult. The groove where the sides latch can also allow leaks. Stick to straight-sided, shallow pans for the most reliable results.
Should I flour the pan first?
Flouring the pan is not necessary if your pan has a good nonstick surface. Flour can diminish the nonstick properties and create an uneven texture on the exterior of the cake. Simply grease the pan well instead.
Conclusion
Baking a perfect upside-down cake starts with using the right cake pan. Look for options with nonstick interiors, shallow straight or sloped sides, sturdy construction, and a 9 or 10 inch diameter. Top-rated picks include Nordic Ware nonstick aluminum pans, USA Pan stainless steel pans, OXO Good Grips ceramic nonstick pans, and Kitzini silicone pans. With the ideal cake pan greased and ready to go, you’ll be able to unmold bakery-worthy upside-down cakes every time.