How to Line a Cake Pan with Parchment Paper

On this page (10 sections)

1. How do you line a cake pan with parchment paper?
2. What supplies do you need?
3. How do you cut parchment for a round cake pan?
4. How do you line the sides of a cake pan?
5. Does parchment replace greasing a cake pan?
6. How do you remove a cake from parchment-lined bakeware?
7. What if the parchment wrinkles or curls?
8. Can you use parchment with stainless steel cake pans?
9. Can parchment paper go in a toaster or countertop oven?
10. What is the easiest parchment method for a cake pan?

Line a cake pan with parchment paper by greasing the pan, cutting parchment to match the base, and pressing it flat before adding batter. This simple lining helps the baked cake release with less scraping and keeps crumbs from sticking to the pan.

The method works for round, square, and rectangular pans. You can use one piece on the base, or add narrow strips along the sides when the cake is especially sticky or tall.

How do you line a cake pan with parchment paper?

Trace the pan base, cut the parchment, grease the pan, and press the paper into place. The paper should sit flat without large folds that can leave marks in the cake.

1. Place the clean pan on parchment paper.
2. Trace around the outside of the base.
3. Cut just inside the traced line.
4. Lightly grease the pan base and sides.
5. Place the parchment inside and smooth it flat.
6. Grease the parchment if the recipe calls for it.
7. Add the batter and bake as directed.

Tracing the outside of the pan gives you a starting guide, but cutting slightly inside the line is important. Paper cut to the exact outer edge may curl up the sides instead of lying flat on the base.

For a rectangular pan, turn the pan upside down and trace around the bottom. For a round pan, fold the parchment into a smaller shape and cut a circle, or use the pan base as a guide.

What supplies do you need?

You need parchment paper, kitchen scissors, a pencil, and a small amount of cooking fat. Butter, shortening, or a light coating of cooking spray can hold the paper in place.

Avoid using wax paper as a direct substitute for oven parchment. For the terminology difference, compare parchment paper and baking paper.

Wax paper is coated differently and may not be suitable for the baking temperature.

A flat-bottomed cake pan makes the paper easier to fit. If you are comparing pan shapes or materials, our guide to best cake pans for baking explains how size and construction affect everyday use.

How do you cut parchment for a round cake pan?

Fold the parchment into a wedge, measure from the center, and trim the outside edge. This creates a circle that matches the base more closely than a large square.

Fold a sheet of parchment in half, then fold it again. Fold the resulting square into a triangle, keeping the folded point at the center of the finished circle.

Measure from the center point to the pan edge, then cut the folded paper at that distance. Open the paper and check it against the pan before greasing the base.

If the circle is slightly too large, trim the edge. A little clearance around the paper is better than a folded rim that presses into the batter.

Can you use parchment in an 8-inch cake pan?

Yes, an 8-inch cake pan can use a parchment circle cut to its base. Measure the actual pan interior instead of assuming every pan labeled 8 inches has the same base shape.

An 8-inch round pan usually needs a circle that lies flat across the bottom. Grease the pan first, place the circle smooth side down if one side feels different, and add a light coating over the paper when needed.

See Best 8 Inch Cake Pans if you need a pan for smaller layer cakes. For individual portions, best mini cake pans may suit your baking plan better.

How do you line the sides of a cake pan?

Cut a parchment strip slightly taller than the pan and long enough to wrap around the inside. Grease the side of the pan first, then press the strip against it.

Leave a small overlap where the strip meets. A little extra height can help with cakes that rise above the rim, but too much paper may fold into the batter.

For a standard layer cake, lining only the base is often enough when the sides are greased. Use side strips for cakes that are difficult to release, sticky, or baked in a deep pan.

A rectangular pan with a lid can also help when you need to transport the finished cake. The Farberware Nonstick Bakeware Rectangular Cake Pan has a 9 x 13-inch rectangular shape and a plastic lid for transport.

The lid is not intended for oven use.

Does parchment replace greasing a cake pan?

Parchment reduces sticking, but greasing the pan still helps hold the paper in place and supports release. It also covers areas where the paper does not reach, especially along the sides.

Grease the base before placing the parchment. If the recipe contains a sticky filling or syrup, grease the parchment lightly too, unless the recipe gives different instructions.

A nonstick pan can make release easier, but it does not remove the need to prepare the pan correctly. Let the cake cool as directed before trying to lift it.

The Rachael Ray Cucina pan is a 9 x 13-inch steel cake pan with nonstick inside and out, wide handles with heat-safe silicone grips, and a plastic lid for countertop storage or travel. The lid is not intended for oven use.

How do you remove a cake from parchment-lined bakeware?

Cool the cake according to the recipe, loosen the edges, and lift or turn it out before peeling away the paper. Rushing while the cake is hot can cause cracks or torn edges.

Run a thin spatula around any exposed cake edges. Place a cooling rack or plate over the pan, then turn the pan over if the recipe allows.

Lift the pan away slowly. Peel the parchment from the bottom by pulling it back at a low angle instead of yanking it straight up.

For a cake that will be served upright, turn it back onto another rack or plate after removing the paper. Brush away loose crumbs before frosting.

What if the parchment wrinkles or curls?

Flatten the parchment before adding batter, and use a small amount of grease to keep it from moving. Wrinkles can leave shallow lines on the cake base, but they usually do not prevent the cake from baking.

If the paper curls upward, roll it briefly in the opposite direction or press it into the greased pan with clean fingers. Trim corners that fold over the sides.

Do not add a large sheet that bunches around the pan. Extra paper can catch on the batter and make the edges uneven.

For pans with different shapes, compare Best Round Cake Pans before choosing a replacement. A base circle is easiest when the pan has a clear, flat interior.

If you are choosing between pan styles, compare springform pans and cake pans.

Can you use parchment with stainless steel cake pans?

Yes, parchment can line a stainless steel cake pan, but greasing the pan and paper is especially useful for easy release. Stainless steel has no nonstick coating, so the paper becomes the main release layer on the base.

The E-far pan is stainless steel, measures 12⅓ x 9¾ x 2 inches in its title dimensions, and includes 2 pans with 2 plastic lids. Its lids are for storage and transport, not oven baking.

Cut parchment to the inside base rather than the outside edge. Grease the pan first, press the paper down, and use a side strip if the recipe is likely to stick around the edges.

The E-far pans are dishwasher safe, while hand washing is recommended for the lids. Remove the parchment before cleaning and let the pans dry fully before storing them.

Can parchment paper go in a toaster or countertop oven?

Parchment can be used in some smaller ovens when it is secured by food and kept away from heating elements. Check the paper instructions, pan clearance, and appliance guidance before baking.

For air fryer guidance, see how to use parchment paper in an air fryer.

Never place loose parchment directly on an oven rack. It can move toward a heating element, especially during preheating.

For appliance-specific guidance, read Can You Use Parchment Paper In A Toaster Oven? and Can You Use Parchment Paper In Countertop Oven?.

What is the easiest parchment method for a cake pan?

Use a parchment base circle or rectangle, grease the pan first, and add side strips only when the recipe needs extra release. This gives you a flat lining without wasting paper or creating folds around the batter.

Choose a 9 x 13-inch pan with a lid when transport matters. Choose stainless steel with parchment when you want a coating-free baking surface, or use a nonstick pan when quick release and cleanup are your main priorities.

Measure the inside base before cutting. That one step keeps the paper flat and makes it easier to lift the finished cake cleanly.

Frequently asked questions

Do you grease a cake pan before adding parchment paper?

Yes. Lightly grease the clean pan before adding parchment paper so the paper stays in place while you spread batter.

You can also grease the top of the parchment if the recipe calls for extra release.

The paper should cover the base without folding into the batter.

Should parchment paper cover the sides of a cake pan?

Usually, cover the base and grease the sides unless the recipe needs a full paper lining. A base circle or rectangle makes cake removal easier, while greased sides help the cake rise against the pan.

For sticky cakes, add parchment strips to the sides as well.

Can parchment paper go in a cake pan in the oven?

Yes, parchment paper can be used in a cake pan when its temperature rating suits the recipe and the paper stays inside the pan. Keep it away from exposed heating elements and never use a plastic lid in the oven.

Follow the paper and pan instructions.

How do you remove parchment paper from a cake?

Let the cake cool as the recipe directs, then loosen the edges with a thin spatula if needed. Turn the cake out or lift it by the paper, then peel the parchment away slowly from one corner.

If it sticks, warm the base briefly or loosen it again.