Baking is both an art and a science. Understanding volume, surface area, and baking dynamics is crucial when adapting recipes, particularly in terms of pan sizes. One common challenge is adjusting a round cake recipe to fit a square cake pan. Fortunately, there’s a simple rule to follow: use a square pan that is 2.5 cm (1 inch) smaller than the diameter of the round pan.
For example:
- A 23 cm (9-inch) round cake recipe can be baked in a 20 cm (8-inch) square pan.
- Halving the ingredients in a 23 cm (9-inch) round cake recipe will yield a 12.5 cm (5-inch) square cake.
- Doubling the ingredients will suffice for a 28 cm (11-inch) square cake.
This guide explores why this conversion works, provides a helpful table, and includes tips to ensure successful baking when making the switch.
Understanding Pan Volume and Surface Area
Cake pans come in a variety of shapes, but their capacities differ. The main factors to consider when converting from round to square pans are:
- Volume Capacity — The total amount of batter a pan can hold.
- Surface Area — The area exposed to heat, affecting baking time.
- Depth of the Pan — Determines how much the batter can rise.
A square pan with a side length of 80% of the round pan’s diameter will have nearly the same volume and surface area, allowing for a straightforward substitution.
Conversion Table for Round to Square Cake Pans
Below is a quick reference guide to help you determine the right square pan size based on a round pan recipe:
| Round Cake Pan Diameter | Equivalent Square Cake Pan Side | Halved Recipe Square Pan Size | Doubled Recipe Square Pan Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 cm (6 in) | 12.5 cm (5 in) | 9 cm (3.5 in) | 20 cm (8 in) |
| 18 cm (7 in) | 15 cm (6 in) | 10 cm (4 in) | 23 cm (9 in) |
| 20 cm (8 in) | 17.5 cm (7 in) | 12.5 cm (5 in) | 25 cm (10 in) |
| 23 cm (9 in) | 20 cm (8 in) | 12.5 cm (5 in) | 28 cm (11 in) |
| 25 cm (10 in) | 22.5 cm (9 in) | 15 cm (6 in) | 30 cm (12 in) |
This table ensures that your cake volume remains consistent, preventing overflow or underfilled cakes.
Key Considerations When Using a Square Pan
1. Baking Time Adjustments
Since a square pan has corners, heat distribution varies slightly compared to a round pan. Cakes baked in square pans tend to bake a little faster, especially around the edges. A good rule of thumb:
- Check for doneness 5-10 minutes earlier than the recipe suggests.
- Use the toothpick test — a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
2. Greasing and Lining the Pan
Square pans have more edges than round pans, so proper greasing is essential:
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Grease the corners well to avoid uneven baking.
3. Even Batter Distribution
To ensure an even bake:
- Spread the batter evenly into the corners.
- Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
4. Temperature Adjustments
Square pans heat more at the edges due to their shape. Lowering the temperature slightly (by about 5°C or 10°F) can help achieve even baking.
Example: Converting a Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe
Suppose you have a 23 cm (9-inch) round cake recipe and want to bake it in a 20 cm (8-inch) square pan. Here’s how:
Original Recipe (For 23 cm/9-inch Round Cake)
- 250g (2 cups) flour
- 200g (1 cup) sugar
- 125g (½ cup) butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 250ml (1 cup) milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Converted Recipe (For 20 cm/8-inch Square Cake)
Since a 20 cm (8-inch) square pan is equivalent in volume to a 23 cm (9-inch) round pan, the ingredients remain the same.
However, if you wanted a smaller cake, say a 12.5 cm (5-inch) square cake, halve the ingredients:
- 125g (1 cup) flour
- 100g (½ cup) sugar
- 62g (¼ cup) butter
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 125ml (½ cup) milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For a larger 28 cm (11-inch) square cake, double the original ingredients.
Conclusion
Switching from a round cake pan to a square pan is easy with the right conversions. Simply use a square pan that is 2.5 cm (1 inch) smaller than the round pan’s diameter, adjust baking times slightly, and ensure even distribution of batter.
By following these tips and using the reference table, you can confidently bake your favorite cakes in either shape without compromising texture or flavor. Happy baking! 🍰
Share this:
Discover more from Life Happens!
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
[…] Using a square cake pan for round cake pan recipe […]