Jelly-Roll Pans

What Is a Jelly Roll Pan?

A jelly roll pan is a shallow baking pan, typically made of metal, that comes with low sides and is most often used for baking cakes, bars, and cookies. Its name originates from the traditional use of the pan in baking jelly rolls—a type of cake rolled with a filling, like jam or cream. Jelly roll pans usually have dimensions of about 15 x 10 inches or similar, though slight variations in size may occur. Their low profile allows for an even spread of batters, ensuring uniform baking.

Given their versatility, jelly roll pans are not restricted to baking just cakes. These pans can be used for a wide array of other baked goods, from cookies and brownies to roasted vegetables and even sheet-pan dinners.

The Features of a Jelly Roll Pan

Jelly roll pans are designed with certain features that make them an ideal tool for baking. Understanding these features will help you pick the best one for your needs and maximize its use in the kitchen. Here are the key attributes of a jelly roll pan:

1. Shallow, Low-Sided Design

The hallmark of a jelly roll pan is its shallow, low sides, which typically measure around 1-inch in height. This design allows for a faster cooking process and ensures that the batter spreads evenly across the surface. The low sides also make it easy to roll cakes without the risk of crumbling, which is why jelly roll pans are often used for making swiss rolls or other rolled cakes.

2. Standard Size

Most jelly roll pans are standardized to approximately 15 inches by 10 inches, providing ample space for a variety of baked goods. This size is perfect for sponge cakes, angel food cakes, sheet cakes, and even cookies. While you can find variations in size, a 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan is considered the classic option and is the most commonly used.

3. Durable Construction

Jelly roll pans are typically made of durable materials like aluminum, steel, or carbon steel. These materials ensure the pans heat up quickly and distribute heat evenly for consistent baking results. Nonstick coatings are often applied to jelly roll pans to make it easier to remove your baked goods without damaging them, though there are also uncoated versions available for those who prefer more traditional baking methods.

4. Versatility

One of the most appealing features of jelly roll pans is their versatility. They are not limited to just cake baking. Their size and shape make them ideal for baking cookies, brownies, and bars, as well as for roasting vegetables and preparing savory dishes. You can even use them to cook meats like chicken or fish when you’re short on time. Some jelly roll pans are equipped with lids, which can help with storage and transport, making them even more versatile.

5. Rimmed Edges

A jelly roll pan typically features raised edges, though they are still much lower than those of a traditional cake pan. The rimmed edges help keep the batter contained and prevent spills. For those who enjoy baking cookies or bars, this is particularly useful, as it prevents the batter from running off the sides of the pan during baking.

Common Uses of Jelly Roll Pans

While jelly roll pans were initially designed for making rolled cakes, they have evolved into one of the most multi-functional pieces of bakeware in modern kitchens. Let’s explore some of the most common uses for jelly roll pans:

1. Baking Jelly Rolls and Sponge Cakes

The most obvious use for a jelly roll pan is to bake jelly rolls or sponge cakes. These cakes are known for their light, airy texture and are traditionally rolled with a jam or whipped cream filling. The shallow design of the jelly roll pan allows for the cake batter to spread thinly and bake quickly, which is essential when making sponge cakes that need to maintain their light texture.

After baking, the cake is typically inverted onto a kitchen towel and rolled up while still warm, creating the rolled shape. The jelly roll pan’s size and low sides make this process easier, as the cake has enough space to bake evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan’s edges.

2. Baking Cookies and Bars

Jelly roll pans are perfect for baking cookies and bars due to their generous surface area. Instead of using multiple cookie sheets, you can spread your cookie dough or bar batter into a single jelly roll pan and bake them all at once. This allows you to bake large batches without worrying about the cookies spreading too much or running into each other.

The shallow edges of a jelly roll pan also help prevent over-spreading and allow for uniform baking, which results in perfectly baked cookies and bars.

3. Roasting Vegetables

Beyond baking sweet treats, jelly roll pans are an excellent tool for roasting vegetables. Their low sides allow the heat to circulate evenly, which promotes even roasting. You can easily toss your favorite vegetables with oil and seasoning, spread them evenly across the pan, and roast them to perfection.

Whether you’re roasting carrots, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or cauliflower, the jelly roll pan provides ample space for your vegetables to cook evenly and develop a delicious caramelized exterior.

4. Making Sheet Cakes

The jelly roll pan is also ideal for baking sheet cakes. Its spacious design allows you to bake a large, even layer of cake that can be decorated and cut into squares or served as a whole. Whether you’re making a birthday cake, a dessert for a party, or just a simple treat for the family, a jelly roll pan’s low profile makes it easy to spread the batter and achieve consistent results.

Sheet cakes often feature frosting, fruit toppings, or decorative elements, making them a favorite choice for special occasions.

5. Savory Dishes

Jelly roll pans are just as versatile in savory cooking. You can use them for sheet-pan dinners, where ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and potatoes are all roasted together in one pan. The low sides of the pan allow for a large surface area, which is perfect for roasting multiple ingredients at once, while the raised edges keep everything in place.

Whether you’re making roasted meats, casseroles, or even baking pizza, the jelly roll pan provides a great foundation for a variety of savory dishes.

How to Choose the Best Jelly Roll Pan

When selecting a jelly roll pan, there are a few factors to consider to ensure you pick the best one for your needs. Here are some tips for choosing the right pan:

1. Material

Jelly roll pans come in a variety of materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel. Each material offers unique benefits:

• Aluminum: Known for its quick heat conductivity and even heating. Aluminum pans are lightweight and durable, but they may require additional care to prevent scratches and dents.
• Stainless Steel: More durable and resistant to rust, stainless steel pans are a bit heavier but provide excellent heat distribution. However, they might not be as nonstick as aluminum pans.
• Carbon Steel: Often preferred by professionals for its durability and heat distribution. Carbon steel pans typically have a natural nonstick coating that improves with use.

2. Nonstick Coating

Many jelly roll pans come with a nonstick coating, making it easier to release baked goods and reducing the need for greasing or lining the pan. If you bake frequently, a nonstick jelly roll pan can save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning up afterward. However, you should be cautious with nonstick pans and avoid using sharp utensils that could damage the coating.

3. Size

While the standard jelly roll pan is around 15 x 10 inches, you can find various sizes, such as 17 x 12 inches or smaller pans for smaller batches. The size you choose will depend on the types of baked goods you plan to make and the quantity needed.

Tips for Using Jelly Roll Pans

To get the best results when using your jelly roll pan, keep these tips in mind:

1. Grease the Pan: Even with a nonstick coating, it’s a good idea to grease your jelly roll pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of your baked goods.
2. Avoid Overfilling: Make sure not to overfill the pan with batter. A jelly roll pan should be filled only halfway to avoid spills and ensure even baking.
3. Check for Even Baking: Due to their shallow design, jelly roll pans tend to bake quickly. Keep an eye on your baked goods, and rotate the pan if necessary to avoid uneven cooking.