Naturals® Rectangular and Square Baking Pans
Nordic Ware square baking pans and rectangular cake pans are made from pure aluminum with reinforced rims that resist warping batch after batch. Available in 8-inch and 9-inch square cake pans, a 9x13 rectangular pan, and a jumbo sheetcake pan, these are the pans you reach for when you need consistent browning and reliable results. Made in the USA of domestic and imported materials.
What sizes do square baking pans come in?
The most common square baking pan sizes are 8-inch and 9-inch. Nordic Ware offers both:
- 8-inch square cake pan: Good for smaller batches, brownies, and bar cookies
- 9-inch square cake pan: The standard size for most square cake recipes and bar desserts
- Both are available with or without a lid
Note: An 8-inch and 9-inch pan are not interchangeable. An 8-inch pan is shallower and produces a thicker bake; a 9-inch pan spreads batter wider and bakes faster.
What is the difference between a square cake pan and a rectangular cake pan?
The difference is shape and batch size. A square cake pan (typically 8×8 or 9×9 inches) is used for smaller cakes, brownies, and bar desserts. A rectangular pan (typically 9×13 inches) handles standard sized cake recipes and double batch baking for smaller recipes.
- Square pans work well for brownies, coffee cake, cornbread, and smaller cakes
- Rectangular pans (also called oblong cake pans) are the standard for sheet cakes, casseroles, and large-batch baking
- Nordic Ware carries both in pure aluminum with reinforced rims
What makes Nordic Ware square and rectangular baking pans worth buying?
Nordic Ware square and rectangular baking pans are made from pure, uncoated aluminum with a reinforced steel rim. Here’s what that means in practice:
- Pure aluminum heats evenly, so edges and centers brown at the same rate
- The reinforced rim keeps the pan flat over time, even with regular oven use
- No nonstick coating means no peeling, no PFAS concerns, and a longer usable life
- Made in the USA
They’re not the flashiest pans on the shelf. They just work, consistently, for a long time.
What materials are these pans made from?
Nordic Ware Naturals square and rectangular pans are made from pure, uncoated aluminum with a reinforced steel rim.
- The aluminum body conducts heat evenly and resists rust
- The steel rim adds structural strength and prevents warping at the edges
- No nonstick coating — these are natural aluminum pans meant to be greased before each use
Do I need to grease a square aluminum baking pan before using it?
Yes. Natural aluminum pans are uncoated, but greasing before each use can help with easy release.
- Butter, shortening, or a neutral oil (canola or vegetable) all work well
- Baking spray with flour is a convenient one-step option
- For brownies and bar cookies, lining with parchment after greasing makes removal even cleaner
Do baking times change depending on pan size?
Yes, and it matters more than most recipes acknowledge.
- An 8-inch square pan is smaller and deeper than a 9-inch, so batter takes longer to bake through
- A 9-inch square pan spreads batter wider and shallower, so bake time is shorter
- When substituting a 9-inch pan for an 8-inch, start checking for doneness 5 to 10 minutes earlier
- Aluminum pans heat faster than glass or ceramic, so oven-to-oven timing can vary
When in doubt, use a toothpick test rather than the clock.
Can I use metal utensils on aluminum square cake pans?
How do I clean and care for square aluminum baking pans?
Hand washing is best. Here’s the short version:
- Wash with warm soapy water and a soft sponge after each use
- Skip the dishwasher — it dulls the aluminum finish over time
- Dry thoroughly before storing to prevent any moisture buildup
- A light greasing before each bake keeps the surface in good shape
Aluminum pans can darken with use. That’s normal and doesn’t affect baking performance.