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The Best Cake Ring

Last updated on August 17, 2023

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Getting the perfect cake texture can be tricky. You probably want a slightly crisp outer consistency with a moist, soft center, depending on the cake type. For years, springform pans have been a go-to tool for cheesecake baking, making it easy to remove the cake from the pan once it’s done. But there are also benefits to having the sides of your cake closely surrounded while it’s baking.

A cake ring boosts the heat transfer in a cake while also retaining its moisture. Like a springform pan, a cake ring surrounds the cake while keeping the cake easy to remove once baking is complete. But unlike a springform pan, a cake ring doesn’t have a seam through which moisture can leak. For this reason, cake rings are often used with moisture-heavy cakes like mousse and tiramisu. Some even use cake rings for making quiches, although there are specialized quiche pans.

But cake rings aren’t just for even heat distribution. They give your creations a flatter, more even look than other types of bakeware. Cake rings are bottomless, so before you start pouring your ingredients, you’ll need to have the cake ring situated on the baking sheet.

Cake rings can have another use. The bottomless design helps them act as a sort of cookie cutter, creating perfectly round cakes by slicing through a much larger chunk of cake. If you plan to use your cake ring for that, check to ensure the ring is thinner in build to give you the cutting power you’ll need.

It’s important to know the exact size of cake you want to make before you choose a cake ring. If you’ll be using it often, you might want to go with one that’s adjustable. Often you’ll find some that can make 6.25-inch cakes, 12-inch cakes, and all sizes in between. This flexibility will allow you to experiment with various recipes.

Our Picks For The Top Cake Rings

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

CALIFORNIA CADE ELECTRONIC Adjustable Size Cake Ring

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CALIFORNIA CADE ELECTRONIC

Adjustable Size Cake Ring

Measuring 3.2 inches in height, this cake ring is adjustable, allowing you to make cakes ranging from 6.25 to 12 inches in diameter. The material is sturdy stainless steel, which can withstand high temperatures. It’s also dishwasher safe for easy cleanup after each use.

Overall Take

Customizable OptionMake cakes ranging from 6.25 to 12 inches in diameter with this adjustable cake ring.

 Runner Up

Doyzee Supplies Acetate Roll & Steel Cake Ring

Doyzee Supplies

Acetate Roll & Steel Cake Ring

Made from temperature-resistant stainless steel, this cake ring can be cleaned in the dishwasher without warping or corroding. It’s adjustable from 6 inches to 12 inches in diameter, and the acetate roll measures 5.5 inches wide, 394 inches long, and 125 microns in thickness. You’ll also get 10 stickers that can be used to tape the seal of your...

Overall Take

For Serious BakersThis set includes both an adjustable cake ring and acetate film for creating professional-quality cakes.

 We Also Like

Fat Daddio’s Polished Stainless Steel Cake Ring

Fat Daddio's

Polished Stainless Steel Cake Ring

Measuring 8” x 3”, this cake ring is great for making midsized cakes. The material is 18-gauge polished stainless steel, allowing it to hold up in the oven and freezer, as well as making it dishwasher safe. It’s designed to heat and cool quickly to get your cake to the desired temperature for more precise results.

Overall Take

Extra DurableMade from 18-gauge polished stainless steel, this cake ring is built to hold up over many uses.

 Strong Contender

Ateco Seamless Construction Steel Cake Ring

Ateco

Seamless Construction Steel Cake Ring

Designed for narrower creations, this 4” x 3” cake ring keeps your desserts seamless and well-structured. It’s made from durable stainless steel, allowing for storage in the freezer, use in the oven and cleanup in the dishwasher. It’s easy to use and sturdy enough to hold even heavier cakes.

Overall Take

Great for Leveling UpWhen you’re ready to make multilayer cakes and more complex confections, this 4” x 3” cake ring is a great choice.

What to Look For

  • Parchment paper or a cake board can help keep your baked goods from sticking to the ring. You should also use parchment paper or a cake board beneath the cake ring to make the cake easier to remove once it’s done.
  • Make sure you pour your batter slowly once you have the cake ring in place. As you pour, keep an eye on the area beneath the ring to ensure there are no leaks.
  • Most cake rings are round, but you can find square and rectangular cake rings. There are even heart-shaped cake rings that are perfect for anniversaries and Valentine’s Day.
  • Always wait for your baked goods to cool completely before removing the cake ring. Pieces may continue to shift until the baking process is done.
  • You’ll decorate your cake after removing the cake ring. You may want to move it to a cake plate or pedestal before starting the decorating process.
  • Always leave a little extra room at the top of the ring to allow your cake to rise during the baking process. It’s best to pour cake batter to the 2/3 mark. Otherwise, the cake may spill over as it cooks.
  • Before baking, make sure your cake ring is level. A crooked cake ring will result in a crooked cake.
  • Sticking can be a tough problem to overcome with cake rings. To help with that, lightly coat the interior of the cake ring with oil. This will make it easier to remove the cake once it cools.
  • Sturdiness is important in a cake ring. Not only will this ensure it holds up over many uses, but a flimsy cake ring won’t have the stability necessary for heavier cakes.
  • Many cake rings can be tossed in the dishwasher for easy cleanup. This isn’t always the case, though. Check the care instructions for your cake ring before cleaning it.

More to Explore

Today, the word “cake” calls to mind sugary confections topped with icing and decorations. But the earliest cakes were drastically different. Ancient Egyptians made something known at the time as cake, but it was two pieces of round, flat, unleavened bread, cooked on a hot stone. Over time, the discovery of yeast allowed those flat pieces of bread to rise. Even at that time, though, cake was slightly sweeter than bread, but the round shape also set it apart.

Ancient Greece is where cakes really began to shine. Greeks baked cakes designed to symbolize the moon. Those cakes were round, sweetened with honey and topped with candles in order to please the moon goddess, Artemis. It’s thought that the addition of candles later inspired the tradition of putting candles on birthday cakes, even though it wasn’t until the 15th century that Germans started celebrating birthdays with cake.

More to explore