How to choose a cake tin?

Material, shape, size: how do you select your cake mould from the multitude of choices on the market? Today, all your desires are within reach, but you still need to know what criteria to use to make your choice!

We’ve put together a list of different types of moulds so that you can prepare delicious desserts for your guests!

Photo by Kim Daniels on Unsplash

The different types of molds

Tin molds

Its characteristics Tinplate molds are made of sheet steel coated with tin.

Ideal for : muffins, cupcakes, tarts, cakes, cheesecakes (in springform pans), cannelés, financiers, madeleines, tartlets

Benefits Durability over many years, crispy pastries, used by professionals, hand-washable without detergent

Its – must be lined or buttered before each use, may not be aesthetically pleasing, subject to oxidation

> See tinplate molds

Aluminium moulds with non-stick coating

Characteristics: steel is a material renowned for its non-stick properties.

Ideal for : cakes, chocolate cakes

Its advantages : impeccable cooking, easy mould washing

Its – : sensitive to scratches

> See aluminium moulds with non-stick coating

Silicone molds

Its features They’re all the rage! They come in a multitude of shapes, and their flexibility is a major advantage. Their unique shapes open up a multitude of possibilities, especially when it comes to creating foams.

Ideal for : cupcakes, muffins, madeleines, mousses

Benefits non-stick and flexible, resistant to extreme temperatures for both freezing (-60C°) and cooking (+230C°), easy to wash

Its – no direct cutting in the mould, not suitable for caramelized pastries

> See silicone molds

Composite molds

Its features A new generation of baking molds made from a revolutionary material: composite.

Ideal for tarts, tarte Tatin, cakes, flans, crumbles

Features Unbreakable, scratch-resistant, dimensionally stable, temperature resistant from -20C° to +250C°, can be microwaved, can be washed with water or in the dishwasher, even cooking, easy to release from moulds, can be stored in the fridge and freezer.

Its – not yet known

We do sell tart rings, but these are only delivered to order. You can contact us at tille@vtxnet.ch and we’ll be happy to help.

Ceramic molds

Features Ceramic is a material that doesn’t absorb grease, enabling healthy baking for crispy pies.

Ideal for crèmes brûlées, brownies, tarts, pastries

Benefits : easy-care, scratch-resistant, suitable for all types of oven

Its – shock-sensitive and few existing shapes

> See ceramic molds

Cardboard molds

Its features These molds are reinforced for good resistance to sprouting and development. They are ideal for baking and serving your pastries as they are.

Ideal for : brioches, cakes, tarts

Features Resistant to temperatures ranging from -40C° to +240C°, can be used in the microwave, adds an original, colorful image to your recipes, perfect for individual portions, greaseproof inner film (depending on item).

Its – can be used only once

> See cardboard molds

Mould size

How to choose the dimensions of your cake tin?

Here are the criteria to consider:

• The number of people who will enjoy your dessert
• Your guests’ hunger: are they big or small eaters?
• The consistency of the product: light or more substantial. A fruit mousse will be lighter to eat than a slice of moist chocolate cake.
• The size of your oven

Here’s a tip for estimating the size of your mold: take a sheet of paper and draw a circle. Next, divide your circle into parts, which will enable you to estimate the size of the desired portions.

The size of your mold will depend on your wishes. Here are some approximate dimensions:

• A round mold with a diameter of 22cm is perfect for a dessert for 4 people. Molds with a 24cm diameter are suitable for 6 people, and a 28cm mold for 8.
• Square molds with equal depths of 20, 22 and 25cm correspond respectively to round molds at 22, 24 and 28cm.

A multitude of shapes for incredible cakes

In addition to size, there are a number of original shapes to delight and amaze your guests.

There are :

• Specific moldsThese include swirl, square, eclipse, stone and more.

• Missing moulds Round, oval, smooth-edged, fluted, brioche, madeleine, half-round shapes

• Silicone moulds Silicone molds: half-spheres, florentines, muffins, pyramids, kouglofs, round or square logs, hearts, savarins, charlottes, briochettes, cubes, mini-cubes, spirals, cylinders, helices, waves, eclipses, rosebuds, leaves, lions, etc.

We hope you’re now ready to decide which mold you need. If you have any questions

specific questions, our team will be happy to answer your questions.