Nordicware Anniversary Bundt Pan

After getting rid of a disastrous Bundt Pan which came as a gift, I went with what America's Test Kitchen suggested - The NordicWare Platinum Series Cast Aluminium 12-cup Bundt Pan. I couldn't believe what I saw, it was as if a professional chef made the cake!! Perfectly even browning, beautiful well-defined shape - just perfect!

I am now adding one more to my wish list, and I am going to stick with the Test Kitchen's advice.

These are heavyweight, high quality pans.

This pan appears to be the same or similar to the great 60th Anniversary Limited Edition pan. It is not clear whether this is the exact same pan, or a slightly shorter pan. If it is the same pan, perhaps they needed a different name after the 60th anniversary year passed.

The "Product Description" section above is confusing as to the capacity. It mentions 10-12 cup capacity, but then the next paragraph, which appears to be copied-and-pasted from the 60th Anniversary pan, says 10-15 cup capacity. Perhaps Amazon will correct it by the time you read this review. [A later edit, Sept. 2011: Thanks to D. Burke who pointed out that "10-15 cups" is imprinted on the bottom of the pan.]

In the "Product Details" section above, there was some confusion about the weight and height. Perhaps Amazon will correct this too, by the time you read this review. [Update: It seems corrected now.]
It previously said: "Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 10.5 x 3.8 inches; 4 pounds",
and the next line said "Shipping Weight: 2 pounds".
At the time, I said how can the shipping weight be less than the product weight? I believe the accurate weight is 2 pounds, which is heavy for a pan.

[Update: I see the measurements information has been updated to 10.5 x 10.5 x 4.5, which seems correct, excluding the handles]. Previously they said 11.1 x 10.5 x 3.8, and I had doubts about the depth measurement accuracy. The 60th anniversary pan has a 4.5 inch depth. The main diameter is 10.5 inches, except at the protruding handles.

I used to have no interest in Bundt pans. Then I realized 3 advantages:

(1) can reduce calories -- no frosting or icing necessary. A Bundt cake looks pretty, and does not look bare if frosting is omitted. Yes, I realize that cake is not diet food, but if you are making a cake for some occasion, leaving off the frosting does cut down on the sugar.

(2) save time because, again, the frosting can be omitted. You get a regal-looking cake that stands taller than a sheet cake, but does not require tricky stacking of layers.

(3) the tube in the center provides air circulation, for more even baking of cake center. This is especially important for those living at higher elevations.

Be sure to read the directions and tips enclosed with the pan.

These heavyweight pans, combined with recommended spraying with Bakers Secret, result in cakes that slide out easily; almost too easily. Warning: Be sure to have a plate underneath the pan when you tip it upside down; it slips out rapidly, in the blink of an eye.

After baking, be patient; allow it too cool for the recommended time period, before flipping it upside down. Otherwise, a risk that the cake will break apart.

At high elevations, cakes tend to puff up a little higher at places not touching the sides or middle. Fortunately, when flipped out onto the serving plate, that un-evenness is hidden, appearing as if it were part of the intended shape at the base of the cake. This is in contrast to regular layer-style cakes, which are more problematic.

I was thrilled to find that these quality heavy aluminum pans are still being produced. It's tough to find them. I don't even bother baking cakes in Bundt pans if I don't have a Nordic Ware Cast Aluminum 12" Bundt pan. I have tried and it's a waste of time! I have this really delicious Yogurt Lemon Cake that turns out perfect every time in my Nordic pan.