Making lasagna in a cake pan is certainly possible, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure success. With some simple adjustments to ingredients, cook time, and assembly, you can make delicious lasagna in a cake pan.
Benefits of Using a Cake Pan for Lasagna
There are several potential advantages to making lasagna in a cake pan rather than a traditional rectangular lasagna pan:
- Cake pans are readily available – Most home cooks already have cake pans on hand, so you don’t have to purchase a specialty lasagna pan.
- Portion control – Cake pans make excellent individual lasagna servings. Make multiple cake pan lasagnas and freeze for easy weeknight meals.
- No messy cutting required – Lasagna made in a cake pan is already portioned out. There’s no need to slice through messy layers.
- All around baking – The shape of a cake pan promotes even baking and browning on all sides.
- Eye-catching presentation – Lasagna baked in a cake pan has a fun, whimsical look when inverted onto a plate.
- Compact shape – The circular shape takes up less space in the oven and refrigerator.
Choosing the Right Cake Pan
While you can use any cake pan to make lasagna, some work better than others:
- Round pans – Standard round cake pans with straight sides work best. Rounded bundt-style pans are not recommended.
- Non-stick surface – Choose a non-stick cake pan for easy release of the lasagna.
- 8 or 9-inch size – An 8 or 9-inch round cake pan provides the right thickness for lasagna.
- At least 2-inches deep – Lasagna requires a pan deep enough to accommodate multiple layers.
How to Adapt a Lasagna Recipe for a Cake Pan
Making lasagna in a cake pan requires a few adjustments to your usual recipe:
- Noodles – Break noodles into smaller pieces so they fit compactly into the round pan. You’ll need less noodle surface area than a rectangular lasagna.
- Fillings – Use a bit less ricotta, mozzarella, etc. A 9-inch cake pan holds around 3 cups total filling as opposed to 9 x 13 pan which holds 4 cups.
- Sauce – Reduce sauce slightly, around 2 1⁄4 cups instead of 3 cups for a rectangular pan lasagna.
- Layers – You’ll achieve around 3 compact layers in a cake pan lasagna instead of 4 to 6 layers.
- Cook time – Reduce oven time by 5 to 10 minutes since cake pan lasagna is shorter and compact.
Check lasagna for doneness early to avoid overbaking in the cake pan.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for lasagna success in a cake pan:
- Grease an 8 or 9-inch round cake pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Break lasagna noodles to fit into the round pan. You’ll need about 6 medium noodles.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce evenly over the bottom of the pan.
- Place 2 noodle pieces over sauce overlapping in the center.
- Spread 1⁄3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Add 1⁄3 of the mozzarella over the ricotta.
- Repeat layers twice more, ending with mozzarella.
- Spread remaining sauce over top and cover tightly with foil.
- Bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Allow lasagna to rest 15 minutes before inverting onto a plate to serve.
Tips for Perfect Cake Pan Lasagna
Follow these helpful tips for lasagna success in a cake pan:
- Soak noodles briefly in hot water before assembling if very dry.
- Cut noodles with kitchen shears for easy shaping.
- Drain ricotta cheese to prevent watery lasagna.
- Spread sauce and fillings very thinly for compact layers.
- Cover tightly with foil to ensure even baking.
- Allow lasagna to rest before cutting for neat wedges.
- Invert onto serving plate and garnish with parsley and parmesan.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making lasagna in a cake pan:
What size cake pan is best for lasagna?
An 8 or 9-inch round cake pan is ideal. Anything larger may be too thin. Mini 4-inch cake pans can be used for individual servings.
Can I use a springform pan?
Yes, a springform pan is a great option. Make sure the walls are at least 2-inches high.
Should the cake pan be greased?
Yes, grease the pan well with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and help release the lasagna.
What oven temperature is best?
Bake at 375°F, checking a few minutes early to avoid overbaking. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
How long does it need to rest before serving?
Let lasagna made in a cake pan rest for 15 minutes before slicing for clean wedges and to set up.
Troubleshooting
Here are some common issues and how to avoid them when making lasagna in a cake pan:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Lasagna is too watery | Drain ricotta well and reduce sauce slightly |
| Noodles are not tender | Soak noodles before assembling if very dry |
| Lasagna sticks to pan | Grease pan well and allow lasagna to rest before removing |
| Top browns too quickly | Cover tightly with foil while baking |
| Lasagna sinks in center | Spread fillings and sauce very thin and even |
| Wedges fall apart | Allow lasagna to rest at least 15 minutes before cutting |
Round Cake Pan Lasagna Recipes
Once you get the hang of the technique, you can adapt all kinds of lasagna recipes to cook in a cake pan. Here are some delicious options:
Simple Cheese Lasagna
The classic cheese lasagna bakes up perfectly moist and tender in a cake pan. Just remember to reduce sauce and filling amounts slightly.
Vegetable Lasagna
Pack this veggie lasagna with layers of spinach, mushrooms, carrots, and bell peppers for a healthy meal.
Breakfast Lasagna
Make a breakfast-for-dinner lasagna with layers of scrambled eggs, bacon, spinach, and cheese.
Chicken Parmesan Lasagna
Layer breaded chicken cutlets, marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella for a saucy, protein-packed lasagna.
Lasagna Rolls
For another fun spin, roll up lasagna noodles filled with cheese spread the rolls in the cake pan like a wreath.
Is Cake Pan Lasagna Worth a Try?
Making lasagna in a cake pan takes a bit more finesse than a traditional rectangular lasagna, but it opens up possibilities for fun new shapes, portion control, and easy freezing. With a few simple recipe adjustments and the proper technique, cake pan lasagna can be a huge success. Be prepared for some trial and error as you get the layers compacted correctly. The unique presentation makes it an excellent option for potlucks, dinner parties, or family dinners. For an 7 to 8 portion lasagna, a cake pan is definitely worth a try!