The best square cake pan is the Nordic Ware Naturals 8 x 8. Pure aluminum bakes evenly, it costs about $16 and has 2,600+ reviews.
We compared seven square cake pans by size, material, depth and coating, using only the specs each brand lists. For round pans, see our round cake pan guide. Prices, ratings and review counts may change.
Below you’ll find our top picks, a comparison table, detailed reviews, a buying guide and answers to common questions.
Top 3 Square Cake Pans
Nordic Ware Naturals Commercial 8 x 8-Inch Square Cake Pan
USA Pan Nonstick Square Cake Pan, 8-Inch
Fat Daddio’s Anodized Aluminum Square Cake Pan, 8 x 8 x 3-InchSquare Cake Pans Compared
| Image | Product | Key Specs | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Nordic Ware Naturals Commercial 8 x 8-Inch Square Cake Pan Best Overall | 8 x 8 x 2.2" cooking surface · Pure aluminum; never rusts | 4.8/5 2,602 reviews | Check Price |
| 2. USA Pan Nonstick Square Cake Pan, 8-Inch Best Nonstick | 8-inch aluminized steel · Corrugated surface for airflow | 4.7/5 2,925 reviews | Check Price |
| 3. Fat Daddio’s Anodized Aluminum Square Cake Pan, 8 x 8 x 3-Inch Best Deep | 8 x 8 x 3" interior; 6.5-cup capacity · 14-gauge anodized aluminum | 4.6/5 2,832 reviews | Check Price |
 | 4. Nordic Ware Naturals Nonstick 9 x 9-Inch Square Cake Pan Best 9 x 9 | 9 x 9 x 2.25" interior · Aluminum with nonstick interior | 4.7/5 384 reviews | Check Price |
 | 5. GoodCook MegaGrip 8 x 8 Nonstick Square Pan with Silicone Handles Best Grip | 8 x 8" heavy-gauge steel · Scratch-resistant nonstick | 4.7/5 1,755 reviews | Check Price |
 | 6. Farberware Nonstick 9-Inch Square Cake Pan Best Budget | 9-inch heavy-duty steel · Nonstick made without PFAS, PFOA, lead or cadmium | 4.8/5 5,681 reviews | Check Price |
 | 7. All-Clad Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 8 x 8-Inch Square Pan Best Premium | 8 x 8" tri-ply stainless steel and aluminum · Polished interior; brushed exterior | 4.8/5 19 reviews | Check Price |
Fat Daddio's Anodized Aluminum Square Cake Pan, 3" High - 8 Inch x 8 Inch x 3 Inch
1. Nordic Ware Naturals Commercial 8 x 8-Inch Square Cake Pan – Best Overall
Amazon rating: 4.8/5 from 2,602 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Nordic Ware Naturals 8 x 8-Inch Square Cake Pan is the best square cake pan for most bakers, at about $16 with 4.8 stars from 2,602 Amazon reviews. Pure aluminum conducts heat well, so snack cakes, cornbread and bars rise and bake evenly.
A reinforced steel rim keeps the pan square and flat, and it carries a lifetime warranty. It’s made in the USA.
Key features
Pure aluminum. Even baking.
Steel rim. Won’t warp.
4.8 stars. Top rated.
What it’s like to own
Grease and line it with a parchment sling for easy lifting. Hand wash to keep the finish bright.
It isn’t dishwasher safe.
Best for: Most bakers.
May not fit: Dishwasher users.
2. USA Pan Nonstick Square Cake Pan, 8-Inch – Best Nonstick
USA Pan Bakeware Nonstick Square Cake Pan, 8 Inch, Aluminized Steel
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 from 2,925 reviews
Pros
Cons
The USA Pan 8-Inch Square Cake Pan is the best nonstick square pan, at about $26 with 4.7 stars from 2,925 Amazon reviews. Straight sides and square edges turn out tidy, professional corners.
Its corrugated surface and clear silicone coating help cakes release quickly.
Key features
Square corners. Clean edges.
Nonstick. Easy release.
Made in USA. Quality.
What it’s like to own
USA Pan also sells a 9-inch version for 9 x 9 recipes.
It costs more than basic pans.
Best for: Clean-edge bakers.
May not fit: Budget buyers.
3. Fat Daddio’s Anodized Aluminum Square Cake Pan, 8 x 8 x 3-Inch – Best Deep
Fat Daddio’s Anodized Aluminum Square Cake Pan, 3" High – 8 Inch x 8 Inch x 3 Inch
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 from 2,832 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Fat Daddio’s 8 x 8 x 3-Inch Square Pan is the best deep square cake pan, at about $24 with 4.6 stars from 2,832 Amazon reviews. Its 3-inch sides suit tall layer cakes, tiered squares and thick bars.
Heavy 14-gauge anodized aluminum heats evenly and is safe for citrus-based recipes.
Key features
3-inch sides. Tall cakes.
14-gauge. Heavy duty.
550°F. Oven safe.
What it’s like to own
It’s a favorite format for square tiered cakes.
It needs greasing.
Best for: Tall cakes.
May not fit: Thin bars.
4. Nordic Ware Naturals Nonstick 9 x 9-Inch Square Cake Pan – Best 9 x 9
Nordic Ware Naturals Aluminum NonStick 9×9-Inches Square Cake Pan
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 from 384 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Nordic Ware Naturals Nonstick 9 x 9 is the best 9-inch square cake pan, at about $16 with 4.7 stars from 384 Amazon reviews. It pairs aluminum’s even heat with a nonstick interior.
It’s made in the USA with a 10-year warranty.
Key features
9 x 9. Bigger batches.
Nonstick. Easy release.
10-year warranty. Backed.
What it’s like to own
Many snack cake and cornbread recipes call for 9 x 9 pans.
It’s hand wash only.
Best for: 9-inch recipes.
May not fit: Dishwasher users.
5. GoodCook MegaGrip 8 x 8 Nonstick Square Pan with Silicone Handles – Best Grip
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 from 1,755 reviews
Pros
Cons
The GoodCook MegaGrip Square Pan is the best square pan for easy handling, at about $10 with 4.7 stars from 1,755 Amazon reviews. Silicone grips on both handles give a secure hold with oven mitts.
Its scratch-resistant nonstick coating releases cakes and cornbread easily.
Key features
Silicone grips. Secure.
About $10. Budget.
Dishwasher safe. Easy care.
What it’s like to own
It’s ideal for anyone with weaker grip strength.
Dark nonstick can overbrown edges.
Best for: Easy handling.
May not fit: Broiling.
6. Farberware Nonstick 9-Inch Square Cake Pan – Best Budget
Farberware Nonstick Bakeware 9-Inch Square Cake Pan, Gray
Amazon rating: 4.8/5 from 5,681 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Farberware 9-Inch Square Cake Pan is the best budget square pan, at about $8 with a 4.8-star rating. Its 5,681 Amazon reviews appear to be shared with other Farberware nonstick pans.
Heavy-duty steel resists warping, and the nonstick coating is made without PFAS.
Key features
About $8. Cheapest.
PFAS-free. Coating.
450°F. Oven safe.
What it’s like to own
It’s an easy way to add a 9-inch square pan cheaply.
Its reviews are shared.
Best for: Budget bakers.
May not fit: Pro bakers.
7. All-Clad Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 8 x 8-Inch Square Pan – Best Premium
Amazon rating: 4.8/5 from 19 reviews
Pros
Cons
The All-Clad Tri-Ply Square Pan is the best premium square pan, at about $80 with 4.8 stars from 19 Amazon reviews. Bonded stainless and aluminum heat evenly and handle broiler heat to 600°F.
It’s metal-utensil safe and doubles for casseroles and cobblers.
Key features
Tri-ply. Even heat.
600°F. Broiler safe.
Metal safe. Tough.
What it’s like to own
It’s a lifetime pan for both sweet and savory baking.
It has few reviews and a high price.
Best for: Premium buyers.
May not fit: Budget buyers.
How to Choose a Square Cake Pan
8 x 8 or 9 x 9
8 x 8 pans hold about 64 square inches; 9 x 9 pans hold about 81.
Use the size your recipe calls for, or adjust bake time for thicker or thinner batter.
Material
Aluminum, like Nordic Ware and Fat Daddio’s, heats evenly.
Nonstick steel, like USA Pan and GoodCook, releases easily; tri-ply stainless handles broiling.
Corners
Straight sides and sharp corners, like USA Pan’s, give tidy edges.
Rounded corners clean more easily.
Depth
Most square pans are about 2 to 2.25 inches deep.
3-inch pans suit tall layer cakes.
Handles
Silicone grips, like GoodCook MegaGrip, are easier to hold.
Integrated handles, like All-Clad, are broiler safe.
Lift-out
A parchment sling makes it easy to lift and cut cakes and bars.
Let cakes cool 10–15 minutes before lifting.
FAQ
What is the best square cake pan?
The Nordic Ware Naturals 8 x 8 is our top pick.
Can I use a 9 x 9 pan instead of 8 x 8?
Yes, but batter will be thinner, so check for doneness earlier.
Is aluminum or nonstick better?
Aluminum bakes more evenly; nonstick releases more easily.
How deep is a square cake pan?
About 2 inches, or 3 for deep pans.
Can a square cake pan go under the broiler?
Only broiler-safe pans like All-Clad tri-ply.
How do I get clean square edges?
Use straight-sided pans and a parchment sling.
Final Verdict
The Nordic Ware Naturals 8 x 8 is the best square cake pan overall.
Choose USA Pan for nonstick, Fat Daddio’s for deep cakes or Nordic Ware 9 x 9 for larger recipes.
On a budget, Farberware’s 9-inch pan costs about $8.
Quick picks:
- Best overall: Nordic Ware 8 x 8
- Best nonstick: USA Pan 8-Inch
- Best deep: Fat Daddio’s 8 x 8 x 3
- Best 9 x 9: Nordic Ware Nonstick
- Best premium: All-Clad Tri-Ply
Related buying guides: Best Round Cake Pans · Best Cake Pan Sets · Best Bakeware Sets
