Which recipes are best for baking with dark pans? Are light pans preferred? Here's what you need to know before your next baking extravaganza.
Here’s the Biggest Mistake You’re Making with a Dark or Nonstick Pan
Updated on Mar. 20, 2019
Does a recipe call for a light-colored pan, but your cupboard is only stocked full with dark pans? No worries. Read on for tips for baking with dark pans.
It’s all about the heat
Similar to how it feels when wearing light clothing versus dark clothing on a hot day, a lighter pan absorbs less heat and radiation from the oven than a darker pan.
What does that mean for your baked goods? Because a dark metal pan absorbs and spreads heat more efficiently than a lighter-colored pan, it can cause cakes to brown too quickly on the sides and set around the top edges before the cake has completely baked through, often resulting in a domed cake.
Be sure to avoid these other cake mistakes, too.
When to use dark pans vs. other pans
Because darker pans promote browning, they are best used when crispness is an asset, such as with pizza and cornbread (have you tried these mouthwatering recipes?). When baking cakes and cookies, lighter pans are ideal. While you might think adding a sheet of lighter colored parchment paper might help, this is not the case. However, a silicone baking mat can help distribute the heat more evenly when baking with a darker pan.
Tips for using dark pans
There are two rules of thumb when baking with darker pans. First, decrease the baking temperature by 25 degrees. Second, check for doneness 10 to 15 minutes before the recipe instructs you to do so. This will ensure that you don’t overbake whatever’s in the oven.
In general, when it comes to cakes, a lighter pan promotes more even baking. However, if you only have darker pans, wrapping aluminum foil around the outside of the pan can help to absorb some of the heat from the oven and help prevent over-browning.
Overall, it’s smart to have a few light and dark pans in your arsenal, but these tips can help you tackle any recipe no matter what you have.
Not sure if your baking sheet is really light or dark? Here’s how to clean off all that grime.
Bake These Contest-Winning Sweets!
Hazelnut Pear CakeFrom the hazelnuts to the yummy browned butter glaze, this dessert is a little different from an everyday pound cake. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Taste of Home runs recipe contests throughout the year. Want to enter one of your recipes? Check out our upcoming categories and send in your best recipe today!
Flan de QuesoA small slice of this impressively rich, creamy treat goes a long way. What a delightful finish for a special meal or holiday celebration. —Pat Forete, Miami, Florida
No-Churn Gingerbread Ice CreamThanksgiving or Christmas is gingerbread time! And this ice cream says it all. I've found that dark brown sugar works better than light. —Jacqueline, McComas, Paoli, Pennsylvania
Lemon Supreme PieA friend and I often visit a local restaurant for pie and coffee. When they stopped carrying our favorite lemon supreme pie, I got busy in the kitchen and created this version, which we think tastes even better! The combination of the cream cheese and tart lemon is wonderful. —Jana Beckman, Wamego, Kansas
Cardamom-Blackberry Linzer CookiesDeeply spiced cardamom is the perfect match for the jam of your choice in this family-favorite sweet treat. —Christianna Gozzi, Astoria, New York
Pineapple Coconut TassiesThese Hawaiian-style cookies may sound and look fancy, but they’re easy to make—and their simplicity makes them an ideal choice for baking with children. My granddaughter enjoys helping me measure ingredients. Children also can help shape the dough into balls, then you can finish them together. —Connie Shuff, York, Pennsylvania
Autumn Apple TorteDuring apple season, I always look forward to making this yummy torte. It has a cream cheese layer and apples galore. —Margaret Wilson, San Bernardino, California
Mocha Truffle CheesecakeI went through a phase when I couldn't get enough cheesecake or coffee, so I created this rich dessert. Its brownie-like crust and creamy mocha layer really hit the spot. It's ideal for get-togethers because it can be made in advance. —Shannon Dormady, Great Falls, Montana
Strawberry GelatoOur contest-winning strawberry gelato is an easy and luscious summer dessert, and a perfect way to use ripe berries!
Rustic Fruit TartMy husband and I love pie, but we can't eat a whole 9-inch pie by ourselves. So I make these easy tarts using rhubarb and raspberries picked at home. Sometimes I substitute apples, peaches or our garden blueberries for the rhubarb. —Naomi Olson Hamilton, Michigan
Blueberry Zucchini SquaresI saw a bar recipe using apple and lemon zest on a muffin mix. I tried it from scratch with shredded zucchini and fresh blueberries instead. It’s a nifty combo. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Red Velvet CheesecakeFestive and oh, so good, this cheesecake will become a fixture on your Christmas dessert menu. The red velvet filling is spiked with cocoa, topped with cream cheese frosting and baked in a chocolate cookie crumb crust. —Karen Dively, Chapin, South Carolina
Mrs. Thompson’s Carrot CakeI received this recipe from the mother of a patient I cared for back in 1972 in St. Paul, Minnesota. It was, and is, the best carrot cake I have ever tasted. It’s requested for many family gatherings and celebrations. —Becky Wachob, Kelly, Wyoming
Lime TartThis lime tart is a prettier version of Key lime pie, complete with a delicious graham cracker crust and tangy whipped topping.
Blueberry Ice CreamIf you churn only one homemade ice cream this summer, it should be this blueberry ice cream. Each scoop has a subtle tart, floral flavor and intense purple hue.
Sacher Torte SquaresSacher torte is a Viennese cake that requires several steps. My squares are an easy alternative, but they still feature the classic apricot and chocolate flavors. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Watermelon Slice CookiesOnce when I made these butter cookies for a party, a neighbor thought they were so attractive that she froze one to show friends. They're easy to make, too! —Sue Ann Benham, Valparaiso, Indiana
Mango Almond Icebox CakeThis recipe was inspired by my friend who asked me to make a mango cake. It's easy to prepare, refreshing, light, and tastes absolutely fantastic. Strawberries can be used as well. —Rachel Simoneau, Danbury, Connecticut
Luscious Almond CheesecakeI received this recipe along with a set of springform pans from a cousin at my wedding shower 11 years ago. It makes a heavenly cheesecake. My son Tommy has already told me he wants it again for his birthday cake this year. —Brenda Clifford, Overland Park, Kansas
Raspberry Cream PieThis recipe is delicious with either fresh-picked or frozen raspberries. That means you can make it year-round. One bite of raspberry pie will instantly turn winter to summer. —Julie Price, Nashville, Tennessee
Peanut Butter BrowniesWhen you can't decide between brownies or peanut butter bars, peanut butter brownies are the perfect compromise. A thick layer of icing tops these fudgy brownies, and chocolate glaze is added for a final flourish.
Lemon Whirligigs with RaspberriesGolden whirligigs with a tart lemon flavor float on a ruby raspberry sauce in this delectable dessert. I love serving it to guests. My children also like it made with blackberries. —Vicki Ayres, Wappingers Falls, New York
Dulce de Leche CheesecakeThis decadent dulce de leche cheesecake features rich cream cheese filling with swirls of dulce de leche atop a spiced gingersnap and walnut crust.
Coconut Key Lime ThumbprintsThis is the cookie recipe I created for the Las Vegas World Food Championships in 2013. It's similar to a shortbread thumbprint cookie, but with lots more personality. —Amy Freeze, Avon Park, Florida
Orange CheesecakeTart orange and rich cream is an enduring flavor combination. Orange cheesecake unites the two flavors in a sweet, ginger cookie crust with candied orange slices as an elegant finishing touch.
Lime & Gin Coconut MacaroonsI took these lime and coconut macaroons to our annual cookie exchange, where we name a queen. I won the crown! —Milissa Kirkpatrick, Angel Fire, New Mexico
Chocolate Velvet DessertThis creamy concoction is the result of several attempts to duplicate a dessert I enjoyed on vacation. It looks so beautiful on a buffet table that many folks are tempted to forgo the main course in favor of this chocolaty treat. —Molly Seidel, Edgewood, New Mexico
Neapolitan CheesecakeAs a child, I loved Neapolitan ice cream. I thought it would be fun to create a cheesecake with the same flavors. This smooth, creamy layered beauty is the result. Each layer is just rich with flavor. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
No-Bake Peanut Butter CheesecakeThis no-bake peanut butter cheesecake features rich layers of peanut butter and chocolate in an Oreo cookie crust. It is rich and decadent, making it a real winner for potlucks and special events.
S'more Sandwich CookiesCapture the taste of campfire s'mores in your kitchen. Graham cracker crumbs added to chocolate chip cookie dough bring out the flavor of the fireside favorite. Melting the cookies' marshmallow centers in the microwave makes them simple to assemble. —Abby Metzger, Larchwood, Iowa
Zucchini CupcakesI asked my grandmother for this recipe after trying these irresistible spice cupcakes at her home. I love their creamy caramel frosting. They're such a scrumptious dessert, you actually forget you're eating your vegetables, too! —Virginia Lapierre, Greensboro Bend, Vermont
Sour Cream and Cranberry BarsI turned sour cream raisin pie into a cookie bar with a crunchy oatmeal crust, custard-style filling and crisp topping. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Caramel Apple-Pear CrispThis crisp is packed with a combination of healthy pears and apples, and just the right amount of tasty walnuts in the topping. You'll love it! —Amanda Pettit, Logan, Ohio
Gingersnap Crumb Pear PieThis basic recipe was one my grandmother used for making crumble pies from fresh fruit. She simply substituted oats, gingersnaps or vanilla wafers depending on the fruit. Pear was always my favorite, and I added the ginger and caramel to give it a new twist. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
ApfelkuchenEmbrace nostalgic flavors and homey feelings with apfelkuchen—an old-fashioned dessert recipe that's been deliciously prepped for more than 150 years.
Blueberry Bread PuddingYou'll want to make blueberry bread pudding every time you come back from the farmers market or go berry picking. Use stale French bread for best results!
Creamy Lemon CheesecakeMy friend Gwen gave me this creamy, lip-smacking recipe, and it's been a crowd-pleaser at my house ever since. The homemade lemon curd on top adds a tart, special touch! The cake can also be made in three store-bought graham cracker pie shells. —Anne Henry, Toronto, Ontario
Chocolate Pistachio BiscottiChocolate, pistachios and cranberries make a dramatic, delicious trio. Introducing the cranberries to this recipe added tartness, texture and color, too. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware
Chocolate Peanut Butter CupcakesChocolate peanut butter cupcakes, crowned with chocolate ganache and a swirl of peanut butter buttercream, are an impressive treat that would rival those at any specialty cupcake bakery.
Berried Treasure Angel Food CakeMy husband grills anything and everything—even dessert! With his gentle nudging, I came up with this simple recipe that takes just a few minutes to prepare, yet always impresses dinner guests. —Anita Archibald, Richmond Hill, Ontario
Caramel-Mocha Ice Cream DessertYou can use any flavor of ice cream in this frosty dessert. Chocolate and vanilla would be delicious substitutes for coffee and dulce de leche. —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia
Sour Cream-Lemon PieI first tasted this pie at a local restaurant and hunted around until I found a similar recipe—now it's my husband's favorite. —Martha Sorensen, Fallon, Nevada
Grilled Figgy PiesDelicious figs combined with maple, walnuts and creamy mascarpone make a decadent treat that's easy to enjoy at a backyard cookout. These unique hand pies always disappear quickly. —Renee Murby, Johnston, Rhode Island
Chocolate Malt CheesecakeMy mother-in-law loved chocolate malts—and cheesecakes, too. Can you guess who passed this recipe on to me? Sometimes, I substitute pretzel crumbs for the graham cracker crumbs. They make a surprisingly good crust! —Anita Moffett, Rewey, Wisconsin
Rhubarb-Filled CookiesI won a blue ribbon at our local fair for these tender cookies. They're so pretty with the ruby-red filling peeking through the dough. Try making these special cookies and watch the smiles appear. —Pauline Bondy, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Caramel Apple CupcakesBring these extra special cupcakes to your next event and watch how quickly they disappear! With a caramel topping and spice cake base, they're the perfect mix of two fall-favorite treats. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Rustic Nut BarsMy friends love crunching into the crust—so much like shortbread—and the wildly nutty topping of these chewy, gooey bars. —Barbara Driscoll, West Allis, Wisconsin
Frosty Pumpkin PieThis frozen treat is so delightful no one would guess it's made with reduced-fat ingredients. We actually prefer a slice of this layered dessert to traditional pumpkin pie at Christmastime. —Janet Jackson, Homedale, Illinois
Lemon Chiffon CakeLemon chiffon cake is soft and spongy, with a luscious buttercream frosting. You'll want to eat this cake quickly, as chiffon cakes don't last very long—but that shouldn't be a problem, given how delicious it is.
Chocolate Crunch Ice CreamMaking ice cream goes smoothly when you do prep work in advance. I make the custard ahead and refrigerate it overnight. Plus, I toast the almonds beforehand and separate my add-ins into labeled containers. —Rosalie Peters, Caldwell, Texas
Lemon Panna Cotta with BerriesCool, creamy and pretty as a picture, this luscious Italian dessert is elegant enough for the fanciest dinner party. Instead of using ramekins, pour into cocktail glasses and chill for a dressier look. —Mariela Petroski, Helena, Montana
Irish Creme Chocolate TrifleI was given a bottle of Irish cream liqueur as a gift and had leftover peppermint candy, so I created this delicious trifle. It's always rich and decadent. —Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California
Frosted Butter Rum Brickle BitesThe rum, real butter and toffee bits made these cookies my husband’s new favorite. If you’d like them less sweet, skip the frosting and sprinkle the cookies with confectioners’ sugar while still warm. —Cindy Nerat, Menominee, Michigan
Apple BarsCheck out our classic apple bars recipe in time for fall baking season.
Chunky Apple CakeAfter taste testing lots of apple cakes, I've found this apple cake recipe the best. Full of old-world comfort, the yummy brown sugar sauce really makes the cake special. For a festive occasion, top with a dollop of whipped cream. —Debi Benson, Bakersfield, California
Strawberry-Rosemary Yogurt PopsWe planted strawberries a few years ago and these tangy-sweet frozen yogurt pops are my very favorite treats to make with them! The options are endless. Try using other yogurt flavors like lemon, raspberry or blueberry. —Carmell Childs, Orangeville, Utah
Chocolate Mint CookiesMy dad sandwiches mint patties between two tender chocolate cookies to create these chewy treats. The blend of chocolate and mint is a big hit at our house. Best of all, these cookies are easy and fun to make. —Christina Burbage, Spartanburg, South Carolina
Heavenly Surprise CupcakesThe recipe for these filled and frosted cupcakes was handed down by my mother-in-law, who taught this fledgling cook what to do in the kitchen. She's no longer with us, but baking these treats reminds me of our good times together. —Judie Heiderscheit, Holy Cross, Iowa
Cappuccino BrowniesThere’s something magical in coffee that intensifies the flavor of chocolate. These three-layer wonders freeze well, but somehow most of them disappear before they reach the freezer. —Susie Jones, Buhl, Idaho
Apple Roly-PolyMy grandmother’s apple dessert is genuine regional fare. With 13 children plus the men at Grandpa’s sawmill, she had to do lots of cooking each day! —Megan Newcombe, Cookstown, Ontario
Lemon Blueberry TartYou'll love this amazing combination of flavors. Lemon adds a zesty counterpoint to the tart's fruit topping and lovely, buttery crust. —Erin Chilcoat, Somerset, New Jersey
Slow-Cooker Hot Fudge CakeA cake baked in a slow cooker may seem unusual, but after-dinner smiles prove how tasty it is. Sometimes, for a change of pace, I substitute butterscotch chips for chocolate. —Marleen Adkins, Placentia, California
Black Bottom Brandy BitesThe idea for these bite-sized tarts started with little chocolate bottles of brandy. For an extra dash of fabulous, I place chocolate in the bottom of each pastry cup. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Frosted BrowniesThese Frosted Brownies have an amazing chocolate frosting that you'll adore. Sit back and savor every bit of the chewy brownie base and rich, fudgy frosting.
Golden Apple PiePies are the dessert I like best to prepare. This one's the favorite for family get-togethers, and it has been awarded blue ribbons at a couple of local fairs. —Theresa Brazil, Petaluma, California
Coconut-Pineapple Sherbet TorteI made up this torte one afternoon, and when I served it that night, it vanished within minutes. That's when I knew I'd struck gold. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Fig & Almond CookiesIn our family, holiday cookies—like these nutty fig ones—are a big deal. I'm so proud to be passing on this Italian tradition to my two boys. —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersey
Raspberry White Chocolate BarsA co-worker's mother gave me this gem of a recipe a few years back. I can never decide what's more appealing—the attractive look of the bars or their incredible aroma while they're baking! Everyone who tries these asks for the recipe. —Mimi Priesman, Pace, Florida
Upside-Down Apple PieThis pie has won eight ribbons at area fairs. People say it looks and tastes like a giant apple-cinnamon bun. I take time off from work around the holidays to fill pie requests from family and friends. The recipe has become everyone's favorite. —Susan Frisch, Germansville, Pennsylvania
Ultimate Double Chocolate BrowniesAs someone who grew up in the country, I love getting out into nature whenever I can. I also love home-style recipes, including these yummy brownies. —Carol Prewett, Cheyenne, Wyoming
Cranberry Cookies with Browned Butter GlazeI won a baking contest with these chunky glazed cookies that are so easy, even novice bakers can pull them off. What makes them special? Fresh cranberries. —Laurie Cornett, Charlevoix, Michigan
Susie's Dark Chocolate-Coconut PieIf you love chocolate and coconut, this pie’s for you. Surprisingly easy to make, the only difficult part is waiting for it to cool in the fridge. —Susan Graverson, Oneida, New York
Up Next: Discover the highest-rated, most-popular desserts that came out on top this year.
