A Mary Ann cake pan, also known as a Bundt pan or ring pan, is a specialized round baking pan used for making a particular type of pound cake known as a Mary Ann cake. This cake pan got its name from a popular 19th-century American folk song that celebrated homemade Bundt cakes.
Origins of the Mary Ann Cake Pan
The Mary Ann cake pan originated in Germany, where Bundt cakes were traditionally made in ceramic pans with fluted, elegant designs. These decorative Bundt pans were popularized in America in the 1950s and 60s by Nordic Ware, which trademarked the name “Bundt.” However, ring cake pans had existed long before then.
The Mary Ann cake pan’s design is distinct from other tube pans due to its fluted or scalloped edges and nonstick surface. The unique shape allows batter to cook evenly and produces a cake with a hole in the middle when inverted onto a serving plate.
What Makes the Mary Ann Cake Pan Special?
There are several features that distinguish a Mary Ann cake pan from regular round cake pans:
- Fluted or scalloped sides – This creates grooves on the sides of the cake.
- Tube in the middle – This leaves a hole through the center of the cake.
- Nonstick surface – The nonstick coating allows the cake to be removed easily.
- Thick, heavy construction – The sturdy material conducts heat evenly for baking.
- 10-12 cup capacity – The large size yields a substantial cake.
The fluted tube shape is ideal for making pound cakes. The grooves provide crevices for glazes, frosting and fillings to adhere to. The hole in the center allows heat to circulate completely for more even baking. The nonstick surface ensures the cake releases cleanly when inverted. Finally, the sturdy construction prevents warping and results in neatly shaped cakes with excellent height.
What Dishes Can You Make With a Mary Ann Cake Pan?
While the Mary Ann cake pan earned its fame for baking old-fashioned American Bundt cakes, many other sweet treats and savory dishes can be made using this versatile pan:
- Bundt cakes – Pound cakes, spice cakes, marble cakes, chocolate cakes
- Quick breads – Banana bread, pumpkin bread, zucchini bread, orange cranberry bread
- Coffee cakes – Cinnamon swirl, almond, blueberry
- Fruitcakes – Traditional holiday cakes packed with dried/candied fruits
- Upside down cakes – Pineapple, caramel apple, cranberry
- Meatloaves – Ground beef, turkey, or vegetarian loaves
- Savory breads – Herb focaccia, pull-apart dinner rolls
- Vegetable cakes – Carrot cake, sweet potato cake, zucchini fritters
- Quiches – Veggie, lorraine, Mediterranean, broccoli
From sweet to savory, the unique shape lets you bake cakes, quick breads, coffee cakes, and even meatloaves, fritters, and breads. The hole in the center allows you to fill creatively with fruits, nuts, chocolate, or savory fillings like meats and vegetables.
How to Use a Mary Ann Cake Pan
Using a Mary Ann cake pan takes a few special considerations for best results:
- Grease the pan well with butter/oil and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
- Fill batter 2/3 to 3/4 full to allow rising. Do not overfill.
- Bake at a slightly lower temperature (25 degrees F less) for even cooking.
- Check doneness early to avoid overbaking. The shape makes it prone to drying out.
- Cool upright in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a rack.
- For fruit or nuts, place them in the hole rather than mixing into batter.
- Glaze or drizzle ganache over top when cake is inverted for decorating in the grooves.
Preparing the pan properly allows batter to cook evenly and release easily. Adjusting temperature prevents over-browning. Cooling in the pan sets the shape before transferring. Finally, the fluted design suits creative decorating with glazes, icing, and fruits.
Where to Buy Mary Ann Cake Pans
Today, Mary Ann cake pans are widely available both in-store and online from various retailers:
| Retailer | Details |
|---|---|
| Nordic Ware | The original producer; various sizes |
| Wilton | Affordable pricing; nonstick |
| Cuisinart | Heavyweight steel construction |
| Amazon | Broad selection of brands/sizes |
| Sur La Table | High-end ceramic, stainless steel |
Nordic Ware offers traditional aluminum and nonstick options, while other brands like Wilton and Cuisinart provide very affordable, lightweight pans. Specialty stores like Sur La Table sell high-end ceramic, silicon, and stainless steel pans. Prices range from $10 for basic aluminum pans up to $100 for ceramic or engraved copper.
Mary Ann Cake Pan Recipes to Try
Here are some top-rated Mary Ann cake recipes to try baking in your Bundt pan:
- Classic Vanilla Bundt Cake – The old-fashioned pound cake this pan was designed for!
- Red Velvet Cake – Rich chocolate cake with eye-catching red color.
- Lemon Blueberry Cake – Tangy lemon cake with sweet blueberry filling.
- Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake – Ultra-moist cake perfect for fall.
- Strawberries & Cream Cake – Frosted strawberry cake with whipped filling.
- Marble Chocolate Cheesecake – Swirled chocolate and vanilla cheesecake.
Play with different flavors, frostings, fillings and decorating ideas. The distinctive shape makes every baked good impressive.
Conclusion
With its unique fluted design, the Mary Ann cake pan produces beautifully even cakes and bakes. Beyond Bundt cakes, it can be used creatively for quick breads, coffee cakes, molded dishes like meatloaf, and even quiches or fritters. For best results, prepare the pan properly and adjust baking temperature/time. Retailers like Nordic Ware, Wilton, and Cuisinart offer quality pans at reasonable prices. Take advantage of the charming, vintage-style Mary Ann pan to create Instagram-worthy baked goods.