Best Specialty & Novelty Cake Pans of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

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Specialty and novelty cake pans are a fun and creative way to add a unique touch to any celebration. From character-shaped pans to intricate designs, these pans offer endless possibilities for bakers looking to experiment with new shapes and styles. Whether you're looking to make a cake in the shape of your favorite animal or a tiered cake for a wedding, specialty and novelty cake pans are the perfect tool for the job. With a wide range of options available, including silicone and non-stick pans, bakers of all skill levels can easily create show-stopping cakes that are sure to impress.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Paris Hilton Heart Shaped Fluted Cake Pan Cover #TOP 1
Paris Hilton Heart Shaped Fluted Cake Pan
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Wilton Non-Stick Mini Fluted Tube Pan Cover #TOP 2
Wilton Non-Stick Mini Fluted Tube Pan
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Wilton Dinosaur Cake Pan Cover #TOP 3
Wilton Dinosaur Cake Pan
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Specialty & Novelty Cake Pans

#TOP 1

Paris Hilton Heart Shaped Fluted Cake Pan

Paris Hilton
Pink
Heart Shaped
Paris Hilton Heart Shaped Fluted Cake Pan Cover
Paris Hilton Heart Shaped Fluted Cake Pan, Cast Aluminum with Clean Ceramic Nonstick Bakeware, Dishwasher Safe, Made without PFAS, PFOA, PFOS & PFTE, 9-Inch, Pink

Whip up heart cakes easily with the Paris Hilton Heart Pan. Crafted from durable cast aluminum, it ensures even heat distribution for perfect baking. The premium ceramic nonstick coating allows for effortless food release, making cleanup a breeze. This dishwasher-safe pan is also free from harmful chemicals like PFAS, PFOA, PFOS & PFTE. Accessorize your kitchen with this pan from the Paris Hilton Home Collection for a touch of elegance.

What We Like
Lightweight design
Non-stick surface
Easy to clean
Attractive color
Durable quality
What We Don't Like
Smaller than expected
Slow delivery

Wilton Non-Stick Mini Fluted Tube Pan

191002424
Gray
Wilton Non-Stick Mini Fluted Tube Pan Cover
Wilton Non-Stick Mini Fluted Tube Cake Pan

The Wilton Non-Stick Mini Fluted Tube Pan is a versatile and durable baking pan that is perfect for making mini fluted tube cakes, ice cubes, gelatin or ice cream molds, and mini pound cakes. It is made of alloy steel and features a non-stick and scratch-resistant coating for easy release and quick cleanup. The pan measures 17 x 11.25 inches and has 12 cavities with 1.5 in. dia. x 2.5 in. dimensions.

What We Like
Excellent nonstick surface
Even baking results
High-quality construction
Beautiful cake shapes
Quick delivery
What We Don't Like
Some sticking with thinner batters
Requires adjustments for cupcake liners
#TOP 3

Wilton Dinosaur Cake Pan

2105-1022
Silver
One Size
Wilton Dinosaur Cake Pan Cover
Wilton Dinosaur Cake Pan, Kids 3D Birthday Cake Pan, Silver, Aluminum

Your dinosaur birthday cake will be the hit of the party with the Wilton Dinosaur Cake Pan. This 3D cake pan allows you to easily bake a T-Rex shaped cake that is sure to impress. The aluminum construction of this cake pan ensures even heat distribution for a light golden finish. It is also warp and rust resistant, making it perfect for commercial-level performance. The sturdy construction and wide rim of the pan make it easy to transport and flip the cake without any mishaps. To clean, simply hand wash with warm, soapy water. Get ready to create a prehistoric masterpiece with the Wilton Dinosaur Cake Pan!

What We Like
Easy to use
Detailing instructions provided
Durable construction
Creates great designs
Non-stick performance
What We Don't Like
Thin material may dent
Frosting can be challenging
#TOP 4

Chicago Metallic Multi Tier Cake Pan

26633
Gray
6-Cup
Chicago Metallic Multi Tier Cake Pan Cover
Chicago Metallic 26633 Multi Tier Cake Pan 4 Cavity, 10.6 x 9.60 x 4.5 Inch, Gray, 6-Cup

The Chicago Metallic Multi Tier Cake Pan is perfect for all occasions, allowing you to decorate each mini cake for weddings, showers, anniversary parties, or a family dessert treat. The pan makes 4 mini 3-tiered cakes, each about 4 inches wide at the bottom, 2 inches at the top, and 5 inches high. Made from heavy-weight aluminized steel, it ensures even baking, while the non-stick coating makes serving and cleaning easy. The pan is dishwasher safe but hand wash is recommended, and comes with a complete recipe and instructions on the packaging.

What We Like
Fun and unique cake sizes
Great for decorating practice
Easy to clean
High-quality and sturdy
Perfect for small events
What We Don't Like
Baking time may be longer
Potential for overfilling mess
#TOP 5

Nordic Ware English Shortbread Pan

03237
Non-stick
9x9 Inches
Nordic Ware English Shortbread Pan Cover
Nordic Ware English Shortbread Pan, 9x9 Inches, Non-stick

The Nordic Ware Shortbread Pan is designed for baking perfect shortbread with its 9-by-9-inch patterned base. The nonstick coating allows you to easily release your baked goods, making cleanup a breeze. With rounded handles, you can transfer the pan securely to a cooling rack or counter without any hassle. This oven-safe pan is made from durable cast aluminum, ensuring even baking every time. Just remember to hand wash it and avoid using metal utensils to maintain its quality.

What We Like
Beautiful cookie designs
Easy to clean
Durable construction
Large cookie size
Consistent results
What We Don't Like
Temperature and timing adjustments needed
#TOP 6

Nordic Ware Swirl Bundt Pan

53322
Twilight Blue
10 Cups
Nordic Ware Swirl Bundt Pan Cover
Nordic Ware Formed Swirl Bundt, 10 Cups, Twilight Blue

The Nordic Ware Bundt Pan features an elegant swirl design that is perfect for any celebration. With a generous 10-cup capacity, you can bake a range of delicious treats, from cakes to savory breads. The formed aluminum construction ensures even baking and browning, so your desserts come out just right every time. Plus, the nonstick coating makes it easy to release your baked goods and simplifies cleanup, allowing you to enjoy your creations without the hassle. This pan is lightweight and durable, ensuring it won’t rust or warp in the oven.

What We Like
Beautiful presentation
Great nonstick performance
High-quality design
Even cooking results
Lightweight and easy to handle
What We Don't Like
Thin and light material
Potential for burning
#TOP 7

Nordic Ware Skull Cakelet Halloween Bakeware

89448
Bronze
Nordic Ware Skull Cakelet Halloween Bakeware Cover
Nordic Ware Halloween Bakeware, Haunted Skull Cakelet Pan, Bronze

The Nordic Ware Skull Cakelet Halloween Bakeware is perfect for adding some ghoulish delight to your Halloween table. This spooky design can be used to make little skull shaped cakes, pizzas, ice molds, lava cakes, jello and more. The cast bakeware has six cavities with a 5 cup capacity, and is oven safe to 400F. The nonstick coating makes for easy food release and cleanup. Made in USA.

What We Like
Sturdy construction
Easy to clean
Non-stick performance
Detailed skull design
Versatile for various treats
What We Don't Like
Requires specific preparation
Hand wash only
#TOP 8

Nordic Ware Pineapple Upside Down Cake Pan

30346AMZ
Golden Hour
8 Cup
Nordic Ware Pineapple Upside Down Cake Pan Cover
Nordic Ware Formed Pineapple Upside Down Cake Pan, 8 Cup, Golden Hour

The Nordic Ware Cake Pan is perfect for baking the classic pineapple upside down cake. Made from aluminum, it ensures even heat distribution, so your cake comes out perfectly baked every time. Its lightweight design and premium nonstick surface make it easy for you to release your cake without any mess, simplifying your cleanup process. With a diameter of 9.9 inches and a height of 2.2 inches, this pan holds up to 8 cups of batter, making it ideal for gatherings. Plus, it's proudly made in the USA, ensuring quality craftsmanship.

What We Like
Beautiful cake presentation
Easy to use
Light and moist cakes
Easy to clean
Versatile for different fruits
What We Don't Like
Difficulty removing cake
Lack of temperature guidance
#TOP 9

Nordic Ware Nutcracker Cakelet Pan

92977
Silver
6 Cup Capacity
Nordic Ware Nutcracker Cakelet Pan Cover
Nordic Ware Nutcracker Sweets Cast Cakelet Pan, 6 Cup Capacity, Silver

The Nordic Ware Cakelet Pan is designed to enhance your baking experience. Made from durable cast aluminum, it ensures even heat distribution for perfectly baked treats. With a capacity of six cups, you can create delightful mini cakes for any occasion. The pan features a PFOA-free nonstick coating, making it easy to release your baked goods without hassle. It’s also oven safe up to 400 degrees, so you can bake a variety of recipes with confidence. To keep it in great shape, simply hand wash it with warm, soapy water.

What We Like
Beautiful design
High-quality material
Easy to clean
Perfect baking results
Detailed shapes
What We Don't Like
Recipe not matching pan size
Requires careful greasing
#TOP 10

Kundalini Charlotte Cake Pan 10 inch

Kundalini
Kundalini
BEAUTIFUL PAN
9.6*9.6*3.9inches
Kundalini Charlotte Cake Pan 10 inch Cover
Kundalini Charlotte Cake Pan Beautiful Shape Cake Pan 10 inch Non-Stick Heavy Duty Cake Pan for Christmas Wedding Valentine’s Day Party

The Kundalini Charlotte Cake Pan is designed for bakers of all skill levels, featuring a durable carbon steel construction that ensures long-lasting use. The non-stick coating provides an easy release for your cakes, letting you enjoy a hassle-free baking experience without worrying about sticking. With its generous capacity of 8 cups, you can create delightful desserts like cheesecakes, brownies, and more. Plus, the classic flower shape adds an elegant touch, making it perfect for special occasions like weddings and parties.

What We Like
Easy to release cakes
Good quality material
Beautiful design
Simple cleanup
Great size for cakes
What We Don't Like
Somewhat heavy
Smaller than expected
Buying Guide Image

Deciding which Specialty & Novelty Cake Pans is Best for Your House

If you like designable cakes, one of the key accessories that cannot be missing in your kitchen is a good speciality and novelty cake pan, with good quality materials, with a nonstick finish and easy to remove from the pan.

If you are thinking of starting in the world of home baking or simply want to renew your baking utensils, one of the essentials that you cannot miss is a good cake pan, which allows you to make baked goods such as apple cakes, cakes, brownies, etc., to cold or no-bake cakes like cheesecake. A speciality and novelty cake pan is best for birthday parties, Christmas, weddings, and other occasions.

Size and shape

When choosing the cake pans, the first thing to be clear about is the size we need. In the market, we find from pans for small cakes or individual tartlets to large molds for families and suitable events that require large and heavy cakes. We can also find a wide range of pans with endless designs and special shapes, such as animals, animated characters, everyday objects, Christmas.

The size of the pan is measured in centimeters. If the pan is round, the size will be measured according to the diameter of the lower disk or the pan. If the pan, on the other hand, is square, rectangular, or with another shape, this size is normally expressed by its length and width.

The most popular pans are those that measure between 18 and 24 cm, but if you need a smaller one or, on the contrary, with a greater capacity, you can find the most suitable one with just a little searching.

To know the measure you need to find for your pan, think about how many people you will have at the table or how many servings or portions of cake you want to cook. Depending on this, you will have to choose one type and size of the pan. Another option is to choose individual pans, which allow you to cook "small versions" of your favorite cake to offer to your family or guests.

Materials

One of the main and most important aspects when buying a good cake pan is to take into account its manufacturing materials, as well as its finishes. And it is that, although we can indeed find a cheap and good product, depending mainly on how much it costs, we can see pans of higher or lower quality. Some of them are not very recommended if you want to obtain good results.

Among the most prominent materials currently, we find food-grade silicone, with all the safety guarantees for your health and which has the advantage that you can use it for both cold and baked cakes. You will be able to get more out of the product. Besides, this material is flexible, so that the molds made of this material are very easy to unmold.

Another of the most used materials in confectionery is aluminum. On the one hand, we find disposable aluminum foil pans, fragile, but that will offer us a good use. On the other hand, we have those made of anodized aluminum, which is resistant and durable and distributes the heat well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a novelty cake pan used for?

Novelty cake pans are specifically designed for baking creative and unique cakes. They eliminate the need for complex cake sculpting, saving time and reducing waste. With novelty cake pans, you can easily create fun and imaginative cake designs without the added difficulty.

2. Is it better to bake cake in glass or metal?

When it comes to baking cakes, muffins, cupcakes, and other baked goods, it is generally recommended to use metal pans. Metal pans conduct heat more efficiently than glass pans, resulting in more even baking. Most baking recipes for cakes and other treats call for metal bakeware.

3. What is best to grease a cake pan?

There are various options for greasing a cake pan. You can use a canola oil or olive oil spray, coconut oil, or butter. While olive oil can be used, it may be a little harder to get it to stick to the sides of the pan if applied too heavily.

4. What are the types of baking pans?

There are several types of baking pans: sheet pan, muffin pan, loaf pan, Bundt pan, tube pan, 9" round cake pans, 9-by-13-inch baking pan, and 8" square baking pan. Each type of pan is suited for specific baking purposes and can be used to create a variety of delicious treats.

Editor's Notes

During our specialty & novelty cake pans research, we found 24 specialty & novelty cake pans products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 130,537 customer reviews through our big data system to write the specialty & novelty cake pans list. We found that most customers choose specialty & novelty cake pans with an average price of $19.14.

The specialty & novelty cake pans are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of specialty & novelty cake pans, including Paris Hilton, Wilton, Chicago Metallic, Nordic Ware, Kundalini. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.

Specialty & Novelty Cake Pans Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Paris Hilton Wilton Wilton Chicago Metallic Nordic Ware Nordic Ware Nordic Ware Nordic Ware Nordic Ware Kundalini
Material Aluminum Alloy Steel Aluminum Alloy Steel Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum
Color Pink Gray Silver Gray Non-stick Twilight Blue Bronze Golden Hour Silver BEAUTIFUL PAN
Shape Heart Round Dinosaur Round Square Round Skull Round Round Round
Special Feature Ceramic Coated Oven Safe, Heat Resistant, Nonstick, Scratch Resistant Oven Safe Oven Safe Oven Safe Oven Safe, Nonstick Oven Safe Oven Safe, Nonstick Oven-safe Heavy Duty
Capacity 45.5 Cubic Inches 2 Cups 13 Inches 4 Cups 1 Liters 10 Cups 5 Cups 8 Cups 6 Cups -
Item Weight 680 Grams 1.35 Pounds 0.01 Ounces 1.6 Pounds 1.3 Pounds 7.4 ounces 0.01 Ounces 8.1 ounces 27 Grams -
Is Oven Safe -
Is Dishwasher Safe -
Size Heart Shaped Standard 12-cavity (16.5 x 11.2 x 1.3 in.) One Size 6-Cup 9x9 Inches 10 Cups Nordic Ware,,Nordic Ware Haunted Skull Cakelet Pan 8 Cup 6 Cup Capacity -
Occasion All Occasions Thanksgiving - Anniversary WeddingsChristmasNew Year Thanksgiving Halloween Everyday Christmas, Wedding, Birthday, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
Where to Buy