Baking Tips and Recipes for 20cm Round Cake Pans

Baking the Perfect Cake in a 20cm Pan

Baking cakes in a 20cm (8 inch) round pan is one of the most common sizes for making delicious homemade cakes. Whether you are baking a classic vanilla, chocolate, or fruit cake, using the right techniques and recipes will ensure your 20cm cake turns out moist, fluffy, and full of flavor every time.

Baking the perfect cake is all about having the right ratio of ingredients, using the proper pan size, and following tips for mixing, baking, and cooling. With some simple tricks and effortless recipes, you'll be able to bake crowd-pleasing cakes in your 20cm pan.

Benefits of Baking in a 20cm Pan

There are several advantages to using a 20cm round cake pan compared to other sizes:

• Standard size – 20cm (8 inches) is one of the most common cake pan sizes, meaning recipes are widely available.
• Versatile height – Cakes bake up to about 2-3 inches tall, great for layer cakes or a modest single layer.
• Perfect portions – Cakes baked in a 20cm pan easily serve 8-12 people.
• Convenient size – Fits easily in the oven and on cooling racks.
• Findable pans – 20cm round cake pans are easy to find in stores and online.

With the versatility of a 20cm cake pan, you can easily bake cakes for everything from birthdays to holidays, parties, backyard barbecues, and more. The standard 8 inch size means you can find recipes perfectly suited for this pan size.

Tips for Baking in a 20cm Cake Pan

To ensure your cakes turn out just right when using a 20cm pan, follow these simple tips:

Use the Right Pan

For best results, use a cake pan that is precisely 20cm (8 inches) in diameter. The most common options include:

• Round cake pans made of aluminum, carbon steel, or a non-stick coating.
• Fluted tube pans, like angel food cake pans.
• Springform pans with removable sides.

Avoid pans with dark or opaque finishes, as they can lead to overbrowning on the outside of cakes before the interior is finished baking.

Prep the Pan Properly

To prevent sticking and help cakes release cleanly from the pan, always prep 20cm round pans correctly before adding batter:

• Grease the inside of the pan generously with butter or non-stick baking spray.
• Dust the interior with flour, tapping out any excess. This creates a non-stick barrier.
• Line the bottom with parchment paper for added insurance against sticking.

Use the Right Amount of Batter

For a properly baked cake, it’s essential to use the right amount of batter. Check your recipe, but in general:

• Fill 20cm pans about halfway to two-thirds full for thicker cakes.
• Aim for 1.5 – 2 cups of batter total for a single layer cake.
• Fill pans no more than 3⁄4 full for thinner, multi-layer cakes.

If you overfill the pan, it can cause uneven rising, doming, and spillover during baking.

Follow Recommended Bake Times

Bake times will vary based on the cake recipe, ingredients, and desired texture. Some general guidelines include:

• Most cakes take 30-45 minutes to fully bake at 350°F.
• Test for doneness at the minimum time with a toothpick.
• Dense, rich cakes may need up to 60 minutes.
• Err on the side of slightly underbaked when in doubt.

Be sure to properly preheat your oven before baking and rotate pans midway for even baking.

Cool Cakes Completely Before Removing

Once your cake is done baking, allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. This helps set the structure. Then:

• Run an offset spatula or knife around the edges to loosen.
• Invert onto a wire rack, removing the pan once completely cooled.
• Allow at least 1 hour before frosting for moisture to evenly distribute.

Cooling is key for preventing crumbling, tearing, or losing shape when removing your cake from the pan.

Tips for Adapting Recipes to a 20cm Pan

You can bake almost any cake recipe imaginable in a 20cm round pan. Here are some tips if adapting a recipe to this size:

• Reduce all ingredients by 25% if originally sized for a 23-25cm pan.
• Likewise, increase ingredients by 25% if the recipe is for a 15cm pan.
• Add 1-2 minutes to the bake time for heightened thickness.
• Watch closely near the minimum bake time.
• Test frequently until you know how a recipe bakes in a 20cm pan.

With a few simple adjustments, you can tweak nearly any recipe for perfect results in your 20cm cake pan.

Easy 20cm Cake Recipes

Here are some easy, foolproof recipes perfect for baking in a 20cm round cake pan:

Classic Vanilla Cake

This light, fluffy vanilla cake is a blank canvas for frosting and decorating. Bake layered or as a single cake:

• 2 1⁄2 cups (345g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1⁄2 tsp salt
• 1 1⁄4 cups (250g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3⁄4 cups (350g) sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) milk

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 20cm cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl.
3. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
4. Add flour mixture alternately with milk, beating just until combined after each addition.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting and decorating.

Chocolate Cake

Rich, fudgy chocolate cake is perfect for birthdays and chocolate lovers. Make it in one or two 20cm layers:

• 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400g) sugar
• 3⁄4 cup (75g) cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1⁄2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 1⁄2 cup (120ml) canola oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) hot coffee

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 20cm pans.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients in a medium bowl.
3. Whisk together buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl. Stir in coffee.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
5. Divide batter between prepared pans. Bake 30-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool completely before assembling cake layers.

Carrot Cake

Packed with carrot flavor and topped with creamy frosting, this is a potluck and party favorite:

• 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1⁄2 tsp salt
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 3⁄4 cup (180ml) canola oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups (360g) grated carrots
• 1 cup (115g) chopped walnuts (optional)
• 8 oz. (225g) cream cheese frosting

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 20cm cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until combined. Whisk in oil and vanilla.
4. Stir in carrots and walnuts (if using). Add dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 45-55 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
6. Let cake cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.

Lemon Cake

For a refreshing, bright cake ideal for spring and summer:

• 2 1⁄4 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• 1⁄2 tsp salt
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 2 tsp lemon zest
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1⁄2 cup (120ml) canola oil
• 2 eggs
• 1⁄4 cup (60ml) lemon juice

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 20cm pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, lemon zest, sugar, oil and eggs until combined.
4. Stir in lemon juice. Add dry ingredients and mix just until incorporated; don't overmix.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow cake to cool completely before glazing or frosting.

Decorating and Serving 20cm Cakes

A perfectly baked 20cm cake deserves an equally perfect decoration. Here are some ideas for frosting and serving cakes made in this size pan:

Frosting

Try a luxurious buttercream, fluffy cream cheese frosting, or velvety chocolate ganache to top your cake layers.

Fillings

Fill layered cakes with fruit preserves, lemon curd, chocolate fudge, or pastry cream for added flavor.

Decorations

Fresh flowers, berries, chocolate shavings, sprinkles, and more make lovely decorations. Or keep it simple with bare sides to showcase the cake layers.

Drizzles and Glazes

Drizzle creatively with chocolate, caramel, or flavored glazes like lemon for extra flair.

Serving Size

Plan on providing each guest with a slice about 8-10cm wide. A 20cm cake will easily serve 10-12 people or more when accompanied by extra desserts.

Storing

Leftover cake stays fresh wrapped at room temperature up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months.

Get Baking with a 20cm Cake Pan!

Baking the perfect cake using a standard 20cm round cake pan is easy with the right recipes and techniques. Grease your pan, preheat the oven, and get baking for delicious homemade cakes!

FAQs

What size cake pan do most cake recipes use?

The most common and versatile cake pan size is 20cm or 8 inches. Recipes across all cake types from scratch cakes to mixes are formulated for this standard round pan dimension.

What is the best cake pan material?

Opt for aluminum, carbon steel, or non-stick coated cake pans for even heating. Avoid glass or ceramic pans which retain heat and can lead to overbrowning.

How do I prevent cakes from sticking in the pan?

Always prepare your cake pan by greasing with butter or non-stick spray and dusting with flour. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for extra insurance against sticking.

How long does it take to bake a cake in a 20cm pan?

Most standard cake recipes take 30-45 minutes in a 350°F oven when using a 20cm round cake pan. Larger, denser cakes may need up to 60 minutes. Check for doneness at the minimum time.

How should I frost and decorate a 20cm cake?

Consider a luxurious buttercream, cream cheese or ganache frosting. Decorate simply with fresh fruit or flowers, or add sprinkles, drizzles, chocolate shavings and more for extra flair.