5 Best Cake Rings
Best cake rings
It doesn’t matter if you’re an avid baker or an absolute beginner who wants to try out the latest online cake sensation, at some point you’re going to need a decent cake ring to bring your baked creations to life. Easier to use than a springform pan, cake rings may seem oddly incomplete without the bottom, but these baking staples can be used to create everything from layered chilled desserts with clean sides to domed cakes like the Princess cake, and clean flat tart shells.
Despite their simple appearance, there are several factors to consider when you set out to purchase a cake ring. Do you need just one ring or a set? What size do you need? Is an adjustable cake ring right for you?
Key considerations
Cake pans vs. cake rings
A cake pan is a container with a bottom and raised sides that you bake a cake in. They can be nearly any shape, though round and rectangular are most common.
A cake ring essentially looks like a cake pan without a bottom. They allow you to bake or assemble desserts in a clean, uniform shape. Professional bakers would never bake batter in a cake ring. Instead, they bake sheets of cake and use the rings to cut out the desired size. You can also use them to make frozen desserts, bake pastry cases, and assemble layered creations.
Construction
While cake rings can be constructed from various materials, food-safe stainless steel is the material of choice here. A cake ring should be durable and built with a thick enough wall that it won’t bend or warp. It should be rust and corrosion resistant and able to stand up to high temperatures. The walls should also be smooth enough that seams aren’t an issue when trying to remove a cake from the ring.
Single ring vs. set
You can buy cake rings individually or in sets. While you can buy one at a time as the need arises and build up a collection that way, there are a couple of benefits to buying a set.
Versatility: A set opens you up to a wide range of different product sizes and types. If you’re an avid baker, you may want to bake more than one thing at a time. You may also frequently find new recipes to try and prefer to have the tools you need on hand, rather than needing to go buy another size ring.
Price: You can save a considerable amount by buying a set of four cake rings versus buying four individual cake rings. When shopping for cake rings, take into account not only your current needs but also how you might use the cake rings in the future. This should dictate whether buying a set is the best option for you.
Cake ring features
Size
If you buy a set of cake rings, you’ll have a range of different sizes to choose from. If you buy a single cake ring, you have two options: a single-size ring or an adjustable ring.
One size: Cake rings are measured by diameter and are available in a wide range of sizes. With a single cake ring, you choose the diameter you want, such as 8 inches. If you only buy one cake ring, you’ll only be able to make items of that size.
Adjustable: With an adjustable cake ring, one cake ring can be used to bake items of different diameters, such as 6 to 12 inches. These rings have some form of built-in clamp for easily changing the diameter. The best adjustable cake rings are clearly marked, so you know the exact diameter of the item you’re baking. They’re also secure. Once you set the diameter, it will not slip. One downside of an adjustable cake ring is that the clamping mechanism can prevent you from using the ring to cut rounds from sheet cakes.
Depth
The deeper the cake ring, the taller the item you can make with it. The standard here is three inches, although some can be deeper or shallower.
Shape
Not surprisingly, the overwhelming majority of cake rings are circular. Much like sizes, though, you can find cake rings in a wide variety of shapes, from square and rectangular to more whimsical shapes such as stars or hearts.
Maintenance
Unless noted by the manufacturer, all cake rings are dishwasher safe.
Cake ring prices
Due to their simple construction, there is little to differentiate one cake ring from another when it comes to price. Cake rings range from under $10 to $35.
At the lower end of that range, you can expect to find single rings that may be thinner and less durable. As the price rises, so does the quality and quantity. At higher price points, you will find larger and deeper cake rings, as well as sets.
Tips
- Make sure the baking sheet is completely flat. If the baking sheet is warped, it will cause the bottom of your item to set unevenly.
- Lightly grease or line the cake ring. To make sure that you can easily remove your finished product after baking, either lightly grease the cake ring or line it with parchment paper. For frozen desserts, line it with an acetate collar.
- Take care. Be careful when washing or using a cake ring. The edges on some of them can be sharp.
- Cut with the cake ring. For a more consistently baked cake, try baking the cake in a sheet cake pan and then using the cake ring to cut out rounds.
FAQ
Q. Can cake rings be used to create molded ice cream cakes?
A. Yes, they can! If you do use them to make an ice cream cake, set the cake ring up on a lined baking sheet, as you would for making a regular cake. Consider using a half sheet because it needs to fit in the freezer. Before filling the ring, place an acetate cake collar around the inside of the ring. This will help to keep the cake smooth. Fill the ring and freeze it. To serve, take the cake out of the ring and remove the acetate strip.
Q. Can I use a cake ring to cut cakes out of a larger sheet cake?
A. That depends on the cake ring. Some rings have a sharper edge that’s perfect for slicing cake rounds out of a larger cake. A cake ring with blunt edges or an adjustable cake ring with a clamp on the side won’t work.