My recommendations for all the best bakeware and tools for your keto low carb kitchen.
A few months ago, a friend texted me to ask if I had a mini-muffin pan she could use for her son’s birthday. I laughed and texted back “Of course! I have every baking pan known to man!”.
This isn’t strictly true, of course. I am sure there is some bakeware out there that I don’t own. But I do own a lot of it. As in several-cupboards-and-a-large-shelving-unit-in-my-basement-are-full-of-baking-pans.
Because let’s face it, new bakeware is a bit of always a thrill. The majority of it is priced under twenty dollars, even the good non-stick stuff. And buying a new pan in a fun new shape makes your old recipes seem exciting again. Yep, it’s the little things in life.
Good bakeware is worth the money
When it comes to keto baking, the tools you use to bake with are almost as important as your ingredients. You don’t necessarily need the top-of-the-line equipment, but you do need to have some basics. Putting a little thought into what you use can help save time, effort, and the heartache of a baking failure.
Spending a little money now on good non-stick, non-toxic pans is absolutely worth it. Why? Because durable quality bakeware will last well, and you will actually save money in the long rung.
I always recommend USA Pan as the BEST non-stick metal cookware. I have so many of their pans and every time I need to replace an older piece, I buy a USA Pan version.
I’ve had my 9-inch square pan from them over almost 8 years and it’s still going strong. And I bake a lot so that tells you something!
Rather than purchasing a cheapie pan from the dollar store, which will likely end up getting tossed within a year, consider getting good quality bakeware that will last many years.
The best basic baking pans
Round 8-inch or 9-inch cake pans: You need these, preferably 2 of them if you want to make keto layer cakes.
8 x 8 inch square pan:. For keto brownies and bars. They also make great square cakes.
Loaf pan: It’s hard to bake low carb bread if you don’t have a loaf pan. They come in slightly different sizes.
Standard muffin pan: Even as non-stick as these are, I always line them with parchment paper or silicone muffin liners for easy removal.
Rimmed baking sheets: I have a number of sheet pans and cookie sheets, some with the higher sides and some without. The rimmed sheets are the most versatile as they can be used for cookies and for keto sheet cake.
Springform pan: Cheesecake is the ultimate low carb treat. You need a springform pan so you can make a nice big one and release it easily. I love this one from Kaiser because it has a glass bottom, which makes it look great for serving.
The best specialty baking pans
Donut pan: You can’t make donuts without a donut pan! I went through a serious of not-so-great ones until I bit the bullet and purchased the USA pan version. The only downside is that it only has 6 wells and many of my keto donut recipes make 8 to 12!
Bundt pan: Cakes made in a bundt pan just look more elegant. I have several bundt pans, one from William Sonoma that cost more than it should and has funky sharp high peaks. But I recently bought this traditional shaped Cuisinart one and I love it too. The more rounded shape means it’s easier to grease and the glaze settles more evenly.
Tart pan with removable bottom. If you’re going to make lovely large tarts with fluted edges, you need one of these. The removable bottom is brilliant and you don’t risk breaking your lovely crust as you would with stationary tart and pie pans. I also have a set of 6 small tartlet pans with removable bottoms that I love.
Mini cheesecake pans. Perfect for all sorts of mini keto cake recipes. My keto desserts for two are some of my most well-loved and these pans are great for cheesecakes and regular cakes.
Other essential baking equipment
Silicone muffin liners: These are the best for keeping fragile keto muffins and cupcakes intact. They are also great for making keto peanut butter cups and fat bombs. I have both the standard and the mini size.
Parchment Paper. Parchment paper is a low carb baker’s best friend so you should always have some on hand. Low carb, gluten-free baked goods don’t hold together as easily as conventional treats, so parchment allows for quick release from cake pans. It also allows you to roll out low carb cookie and pastry dough without having it stick to your roller!
Parchment paper liners. The next best thing to silicone!
Offset Spatulas. Offset spatulas come in many sizes, but I find this little guy from Ateco the most useful. I use it to spread the tops of my batter in pans, to spread frosting and to get under rolled-out cookies or pastry to gently lift it from the parchment.
Silicone baking mats. These mats are as useful as parchment paper when baking low carb cookies and I use mine often. I only have one…I really need a few more!
That’s it! This is the bakeware that I have and love and that I would highly recommend to other people. I have a few other specialty pans like an ice-cream sandwich pan and a square individual brownie pan, and even a star-shaped whoopie pie pan. Most of these have been given to me and I don’t use them with any sort of frequency. But they are rather fun!
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Hannah Casebolt says
I love muffin pans. You can use them for pretty much everything… even muffins! ; )
Susie McDavid says
Parchment paper! That’s the most essential baking tool in my meager arsenal of baking pans and such. When it comes to cookie baking time, my two cookie sheets become many. 🙂
Valerie says
What a great post! I have most of the necessary items, but not all of them!!
Terry says
I love my silicone mat – that and parchment paper – I don’t know what I did without them…………especially when making cookies!
KellyJo says
I have these pyrex storage containers I use to send food in my husband’s lunch, but they are also great for making Jiffy English Muffins in the mic or baking small serving items in the oven.
Louise DePino says
In the process of learning how to bake sugar free and enjoyed the results!
Tracey Quast says
I think the muffin top pan would be fun to try!
Tina says
The muffin top pan is my favorite by far. Who doesn’t love muffin tops? Except when they are on our bodies of course 🙂
Heather @TheSoulfulSpoon says
Hands down, my favorite pan is always the muffin pan. I love other fun baking pans though. I’ve always felt I needed a donut pan in my life, not sure why. Mini loaf pans are also fun, but the muffin pan is such a classic. I could use a new one since mine is pretty rusty, so thanks for a chance to win this awesome giveaway!!:)
Nancy Meek says
I have some USA made baking pans I bought with ridges and nothing EVER sticks to them – and they’re not teflon or your typical non-stick surface. I would love to have some mini muffin pans and doughnut pans (which I didn’t know existed until I read this blog). Since eating this way, I’ve learned how important parchment paper is, and would love to get the silicone sheet. I learn so much from your blog! Thank you!
Pam says
I am having difficulty getting the giveaway entry to load. I’ve tried both on my laptop and my tablet, and it won’t seem to load. Any suggestions? I would love the muffin top pan! I have debated buying it too many times!! 😉
KellyJo says
I can’t log on with Facebook but had no problem using email.
Carolyn says
Did it ever work for you? It seems to be working for me!
Jess says
Mini things are so cute, but I love the versatility of my regular size muffin/cupcake pans because I can make more sweet OR savory items 😀
Jackie says
I don’t have a muffin top pan (reason as you mentioned, Carolyn), but my favorite would be the donut pan. Thanks for the opportunity to enter the giveaway. Hope I win!
Maureen M. says
I have wanted a muffin top pan and a donut pan for ages! They have been “saved for later” in my Amazon cart for so long. I just haven’t gotten around to buying them yet. I do have mini-cheesecake pans that I love, and use a bunch.
Maria Hicks says
I love my mini muffin pan for making bite size treats, but would LOVE to get a muffin top pan! Think I’ll have to get one now … that is the best part of a muffin! (:
Kimberly Sorensen says
Round cake pans : )
Paula says
I have 2 of the cheaper donut pans and after 6 months they are for sure losing their non-stick ability…which ticks me off! 🙂 I have a good spring form and most basic pans. I’d love some better bakeware.
Dita says
My favorite pan would be a donut pan. I love your site and your terrific recipes. They help keep me on my LC lifestyle.
Julieanne says
I always thought the muffin top pans were silly, too, until we started low-carbing. Now I use a muffin top pan to bake “buns” for our Egg McMuffin-style breakfast sandwiches. Num!
Peggy Cole says
I love to bake too, my favorite pan is my springform pan, since going low carb, I use it and muffin pans every week. Would like to try the mini bundt pan, since there’s only two of us, a whole bundt cake is usually too much.