If you love to bake, you likely have a jelly roll pan in your kitchen. This shallow, rectangular pan is ideal for making sheet cakes, brownies, and of course, jelly rolls. But what happens when you need to make a recipe that calls for a jelly roll pan, and you don’t have one on hand? Don’t worry, there are plenty of substitutes that can work just as well. In this article, we’ll explore the 7 best substitutes for jelly roll pan and how to use them.
What is Jelly Roll Pan?
A jelly roll pan is a baking pan that is flat and medium-sized and is primarily used for baking sponge cakes for desserts such as jelly rolls, Swiss rolls, or bûche de Noël. These desserts are made by rolling a thin sheet of cake into a cylinder with a filling of icing or jelly. The standard size of a jelly roll pan is 15 by 10 inches with a one-inch high rim to contain the cake batter while baking. Jelly roll pans are made from a variety of materials including non-stick stainless steel, heavy-gauge aluminized steel, carbon steel, or silicone by various manufacturers.
Best Jelly Roll Pan Substitutes
1. Rimmed Baking Sheet
The first and most obvious substitute for a jelly roll pan is a rimmed baking sheet. This type of pan is similar in shape and size to a jelly roll pan but has a slightly higher rim. To use a rimmed baking sheet as a jelly roll pan substitute, simply grease the pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the cake out of the pan once it’s done baking.
One thing to keep in mind when using a rimmed baking sheet as a jelly roll pan substitute is that it may take slightly longer to bake the cake. This is because the higher rim will prevent the batter from spreading out as much as it would in a jelly roll pan, which can make it take longer to cook through.
2. Brownie Pan
Another great substitute for a jelly roll pan is a brownie pan. This type of pan is usually square or rectangular with a slightly higher rim than a jelly roll pan. It’s ideal for making brownies, but can also work well for sheet cakes and other baked goods.
To use a brownie pan as a jelly roll pan substitute, grease the pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, as a brownie pan may take longer to cook a cake than a jelly roll pan.
3. Casserole Dish
If you don’t have a jelly roll pan, a casserole dish can work well as a substitute. This type of dish is usually rectangular and has higher sides than a jelly roll pan, which can make it easier to contain the batter.
To use a casserole dish as a jelly roll pan substitute, grease the dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. You may need to adjust the baking time, as a casserole dish may take longer to cook a cake than a jelly roll pan.
4. Pizza Pan
A pizza pan may seem like an unlikely substitute for a jelly roll pan, but it can work surprisingly well. A pizza pan is usually round and has a slightly higher rim than a jelly roll pan, which can make it ideal for containing the batter.
To use a pizza pan as a jelly roll pan substitute, grease the pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. You may need to adjust the baking time, as a pizza pan may take longer to cook a cake than a jelly roll pan.
5. Roasting Pan
A roasting pan is another substitute that may surprise you. This type of pan is usually rectangular or oval and has higher sides than a jelly roll pan. It’s typically used for roasting meats and vegetables, but can also work well for baking.
To use a roasting pan as a jelly roll pan substitute, grease the pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. You may need to adjust the baking time, as a roasting pan may take longer to cook a cake than a jelly roll pan.
6. Muffin Tin
If you’re making mini cakes or individual portions, a muffin tin can work well as a substitute for a jelly roll pan. Muffin tins are typically round or square and have individual compartments for baking.
To use a muffin tin as a jelly roll pan substitute, grease the compartments and line them with parchment paper or cupcake liners. Fill each compartment with batter, and bake according to the recipe instructions.
7. Oven-Safe Glass Dish
Finally, if you don’t have any of the above substitutes on hand, an oven-safe glass dish can work as a last resort. This type of dish is usually rectangular or square and has a slightly higher rim than a jelly roll pan.
To use an oven-safe glass dish as a jelly roll pan substitute, grease the dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. You may need to adjust the baking time, as a glass dish may take longer to cook a cake than a jelly roll pan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a jelly roll pan is a versatile and essential tool for baking, but in case you don’t have one, there are many substitutes available that can work just as well. From a rimmed baking sheet to a muffin tin or an oven-safe glass dish, you have plenty of options to choose from depending on your baking needs.
Remember to follow the tips mentioned above and adjust the baking time or temperature as needed for the best results. With these substitutes, you can continue to create delicious baked goods without missing a beat.
