A jelly roll pan is one of those foundational pieces of bakeware that every home baker needs. Its signature one-inch rim is the perfect height for containing cake batter for classic jelly rolls and sheet cakes, while also being versatile enough for roasting vegetables, baking bars, and cooking one-pan meals. Choosing the right pan can be the difference between a perfectly golden, evenly baked cake and one that’s burnt on the edges and undercooked in the middle.
The best pans are constructed from materials that distribute heat uniformly and are built to resist warping at high temperatures. From commercial-grade nonstick options to durable uncoated aluminum, the variety available ensures there is an ideal pan for every baking style and preference. This roundup will help you find the perfect jelly roll pan to add to your kitchen arsenal.
The Best Jelly Roll Pans for Your Kitchen
- USA Pan Jelly Roll Baking Pan and Bakeable Cooling Rack
- Ultra Cuisine Jelly Roll Baking Sheet Pan Set of 2
- OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Jelly Roll Pan
- Nordic Ware Natural Jelly Roll Pan
- Chicago Metallic Commercial II Traditional Uncoated Jelly Roll Pan
- USA Pan Bakeware Nonstick Jelly Roll Baking Sheet Pan
- Fat Daddio’s Anodized Aluminum Jelly Roll Pan
- USA Pan Bakeware Half Sheet Jelly Roll Pan
- Chicago Metallic Professional Non-Stick Jelly Roll Pan
USA Pan Jelly Roll Baking Pan and Bakeable Cooling Rack
This set from USA Pan offers excellent value by combining a high-performance baking pan with a matching cooling rack. The pan features a unique corrugated surface that facilitates air flow around your baked goods, promoting a quick release and exceptionally even baking. The included cooling rack has a crosswire design and six raised feet for stability and uniform air circulation, which is essential for preventing soggy bottoms on cakes and cookies.
Both pieces are coated with the brand’s proprietary Americoat, a nonstick silicone coating made without PTFE, PFOA, and BPA. This ensures easy food release and straightforward clean-up with just hot water, mild soap, and a gentle sponge. This versatile set is built with commercial quality, making it a reliable choice for both sweet and savory applications.
Ultra Cuisine Jelly Roll Baking Sheet Pan Set of 2
For bakers who frequently need multiple pans or are looking for a great value, this set from Ultra Cuisine is an outstanding option. These commercial-grade, warp-resistant aluminum baking sheet pans are designed for superior, even baking. The specialized reinforced steel rim is a key feature, as it effectively prevents the pan from warping under high heat and contains grease and liquids from spilling over.
Constructed from high-grade, food-safe aluminum, these pans are non-toxic, oven-safe, and durable. The 1.3-inch high rim makes them perfect for everything from cookies and jelly rolls to roasting meats and vegetables. Having two pans on hand streamlines batch baking and meal preparation, making this set a practical choice for busy home kitchens.
OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Jelly Roll Pan
The OXO Good Grips Pro line is known for its user-friendly design and professional performance. This jelly roll pan is made from heavy-gauge aluminized steel, which promotes excellent heat distribution for consistent results. The Swiss-engineered nonstick coating is PTFE-based but is ceramic-reinforced for enhanced durability, offering superior food release and resistance to scratches, stains, and corrosion.
This pan is ideal for bakers who want a reliable, easy-to-clean surface for delicate items like jelly rolls and bars. The robust construction ensures the pan will lay flat without warping, providing a stable baking surface every time. It’s a thoughtfully designed tool that combines the trusted OXO ergonomics with high-end baking performance.
Nordic Ware Natural Jelly Roll Pan
Nordic Ware’s Natural bakeware line is crafted from pure aluminum, a material prized for its superior heat conductivity. This ensures that your cakes and other baked goods brown evenly from edge to edge. Pure aluminum will never rust, promising a lifetime of durability for the dedicated baker.
The pan features a reinforced encapsulated steel rim that adds significant strength and prevents warping during high-temperature use. For those who prefer using parchment paper or silicone baking mats, this uncoated surface is perfectly compatible. It’s a straightforward, high-quality, and durable pan from a trusted American brand.
Chicago Metallic Commercial II Traditional Uncoated Jelly Roll Pan
This heavy-weight aluminized steel pan from Chicago Metallic is built for performance and longevity. The Commercial II line is designed to withstand frequent use in a home kitchen, offering professional-grade results. The material excels at distributing heat evenly, which is fundamental for achieving consistent baking, whether you’re making pastries or roasting vegetables.
As an uncoated pan, it provides a neutral surface that is ideal for recipes where a dark, crisp bottom is desired, such as with pizza or certain types of cookies. With an oven-safe rating of 450°F, this versatile and durable pan is a workhorse that can handle a wide range of sweet and savory cooking tasks.
USA Pan Bakeware Nonstick Jelly Roll Baking Sheet Pan
This is another excellent offering from USA Pan, featuring the same effective corrugated surface that promotes even baking and easy release. The pan is constructed from aluminized steel, which provides a sturdy base that resists warping. Its specific jelly roll size is perfectly suited for classic sheet cakes like pumpkin rolls and, of course, jelly rolls.
The proprietary nonstick silicone coating is clear, durable, and designed for superior baking performance. It guarantees easy release of even the most delicate cakes and allows for quick and simple clean-up. This pan is a solid, single-purpose choice for bakers who want reliable nonstick performance from a reputable brand.
Fat Daddio’s Anodized Aluminum Jelly Roll Pan
Fat Daddio’s is a favorite among serious bakers for its professional-quality tools. This pan is made from 16-gauge anodized aluminum, which creates a hard, non-reactive surface. This makes it safe for use with citrus-based foods, unlike traditional aluminum bakeware, and it will never rust, peel, or flake.
The pan features a true jelly roll design with straight sides for clean, defined corners on your cakes. It is manufactured without PFAS, CFC’s, PTFE’s, or PFOA’s, appealing to those who are mindful of the materials used in their cookware. For a durable, uncoated pan that offers excellent heat conduction and easy maintenance, this is a top-tier selection.
USA Pan Bakeware Half Sheet Jelly Roll Pan
For bakers who need a larger capacity, USA Pan offers a half-sheet size jelly roll pan. This pan incorporates the same trusted features as their other models, including the corrugated surface for improved air circulation and even baking. The larger surface area is ideal for making bigger batches of cookies, larger sheet cakes, or substantial one-pan meals.
Finished with their reliable nonstick coating, this pan ensures easy food release and clean-up. It’s constructed from durable aluminized steel to prevent warping and maintain its shape over years of use. This is an excellent choice for those who regularly entertain or have a large family to feed.
Chicago Metallic Professional Non-Stick Jelly Roll Pan
Chicago Metallic’s Professional Non-Stick line is designed to deliver reliable performance for the home baker. This pan likely features a durable nonstick coating applied to a sturdy base metal, ensuring easy release of delicate cakes and straightforward cleaning. The brand is known for producing bakeware that offers consistent results.
Built to resist warping and distribute heat effectively, this pan is a versatile tool for a wide array of recipes. From classic jelly rolls to roasted vegetables and frozen pizzas, it can handle everyday baking and cooking tasks with ease. It represents a solid, dependable choice from a well-established bakeware manufacturer.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Your Jelly Roll Pans
As someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen, I know that having the right pan is the difference between a cake that rolls perfectly and one that cracks. A jelly roll pan is a specific piece of bakeware, and while it seems simple, a few key features really matter. Let me walk you through what I look for when I’m picking out a jelly roll pan.
First, consider the material. Aluminum is my top choice because it heats quickly and evenly, which is crucial for getting that uniform, golden-brown sponge cake. You want to avoid hot spots that can cause uneven baking. Some pans have a steel core or are made of carbon steel, which are also excellent for heat distribution and are often very durable. Non-stick coatings are a huge help. A good quality non-stick surface means your cake will release easily, making the rolling process much less stressful. Just be sure to use silicone or wooden utensils to avoid scratching it.
Next, pay close attention to the size. A standard jelly roll pan is typically 15½ x 10½ x 1 inch. This is the size most classic recipes are designed for. Sticking to this ensures your batter isn’t too thin or too thick. The one-inch rim is essential; it contains the batter while still being low enough to easily slide your cake out onto a towel. I also check the weight and feel of the pan. A heavier-gauge metal warps less over time and with high heat, providing more consistent results batch after batch.
Finally, think about the edges and corners. Rounded corners can make it harder to get a perfectly rectangular cake, which is why I prefer pans with sharp, defined corners. This gives you a neat, professional-looking finish. Some pans come with a matching cooling rack, which is a nice bonus. When I’m selecting from the many jelly roll pans for home bakers, I prioritize even heating, a reliable non-stick surface, and the correct standard dimensions. Getting these fundamentals right sets you up for success with all your rolled cake creations, from classic bûche de Noël to thin pizza crusts.
FAQ
What is the standard size for a jelly roll pan?
The standard size you’ll find in most recipes is 15½ inches by 10½ inches, with a 1-inch deep rim. This size is perfect for holding the right amount of batter to create a thin, flexible sponge cake that is easy to roll without cracking. If you use a different size, you’ll need to adjust your baking time, as a larger pan will result in a thinner cake that bakes faster, and a smaller pan will make a thicker cake that takes longer.
Can I use a baking sheet instead of a jelly roll pan?
You can sometimes use a baking sheet, but there are differences. A typical baking sheet often has a lower, slanted rim or no rim at all, which could allow batter to spill over in the oven. A jelly roll pan has that consistent one-inch rim all around, specifically designed to contain the batter. For the best results, especially when you’re learning, using the proper pan is a good idea.
How do I prevent my jelly roll cake from cracking?
Cracking is usually caused by overbaking. The cake becomes too dry and loses its flexibility. To prevent this, bake just until the top springs back when lightly touched. Immediately after taking it out of the oven, turn the cake out onto a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar or lined with parchment paper. While it’s still warm, gently roll the cake and towel together. This “trains” the cake to hold a rolled shape as it cools, making the final roll much easier.
What is the best way to clean and maintain my jelly roll pan?
For non-stick pans, hand washing with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge is best to preserve the coating. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or steel wool. For uncoated aluminum or steel pans, they can often be washed in the dishwasher, but hand washing will help maintain their appearance over time. Always make sure the pan is completely dry before storing it to prevent any rust or water spots.
Are jelly roll pans only for making jelly rolls?
Not at all! This pan is incredibly versatile in my kitchen. I use it for baking sheet cakes, making bar cookies like brownies and lemon bars, and even for roasting vegetables. Its large, flat surface and contained edges make it perfect for any recipe that needs a shallow, rectangular baking vessel. Investing in a good set of jelly roll pans for home bakers means you’ll have a reliable pan for many different cooking and baking tasks.