Pronunciation: [kˈe͡ɪk pˈan] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of "cake pan" is /keɪk pæn/. The first part of the word, "cake," is pronounced with the long "a" sound, denoted by the IPA symbol /keɪ/. The second part of the word, "pan," is pronounced with the short "a" sound, denoted by /pæn/. The spelling of this word is important to ensure clarity in communication when referring to this specific type of kitchen equipment used for baking cakes.
A cake pan is a kitchen utensil that is specially designed for baking cakes. It is typically made of metal, such as aluminum or steel, and has a round or square shape with straight sides and a flat bottom. The purpose of a cake pan is to provide a vessel in which cake batter can be poured and baked into a desired shape.
Cake pans come in various sizes, ranging from small individual portions to larger sizes for multi-layer cakes. They usually have a non-stick coating or can be greased and floured to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan during the baking process. The straight sides of a cake pan allow the cake to rise evenly and maintain its shape while baking.
Cake pans may also come with removable bottoms or springform sides, which make it easier to remove the cake from the pan once it is baked and cooled. This is particularly useful when making delicate or layered cakes that need to be carefully transferred to a serving platter or frosted.
In summary, a cake pan is a metal baking utensil with straight sides and a flat bottom, designed to hold cake batter and facilitate even baking of cakes in various shapes and sizes. It is an essential tool for anyone who enjoys baking and creating delicious homemade cakes.
The word "cake" can be traced back to the Old Norse word "kaka", meaning a small, rounded bread loaf. It was borrowed into Middle English as "cake" in the 13th century and referred to various types of bread or baked goods. The exact origin of the word "pan" is uncertain, but it likely developed from the Latin word "patina", meaning a shallow dish or plate. Over time, "pan" came to refer specifically to a wide, shallow container used for cooking or baking.
The term "cake pan" emerged in the 19th century when baking cakes in dedicated pans became popular. The combination of "cake" and "pan" reflects the specific purpose of the container in baking cakes.
