When you need to set fudge, having a perfect baking pan is usually the first line of thought for any fudge-making project. But a baking pan is not crucial for being able to set your fudge properly. With this in mind, what can you use for making fudge if you don’t have baking pans?
When making fudge, it is important to use a pan that can hold the volume of fudge you need to set and prevent sticking. An aluminum baking pan, or silicone pan is best to set fudge since these pans can prevent sticking and provide just enough structure.
Setting fudge all depends on the quality of pan or special containers you use. In this guide, we will explore a variety of different pans and containers you can use to set fudge.
We will also review and recommend a variety of pans for this process.
What can I use if I don’t have baking pans for making fudge?
It can be said that practically any pan can be used to set fudge, but some pans make for the right tools to choose from in your kitchen equipment collection.
Optimally, the following six types of pans are best for setting fudge.
Baking sheet
You cannot go wrong with a common baking sheet. A baking sheet also works well if you want decidedly thinner portions of fudge.
A baking sheet is a popular, makeshift pan for making fudge, but if you want thicker slices of fudge, a large pan is ideal.
Aluminum foil pan
You can also use aluminum foil pans to set fudge. What makes aluminum foil baking pans so great, is that these pans are completely disposable, which means you do not have to worry about cleaning the pans.
Furthermore, an aluminum foil pan allows for easier slicing and removal of fudge.
Cake pan
A cake pan or, any pan that you commonly use for baking cakes, is also a choice you can consider for setting fudge. Cake pans can be either round or oblong for making sheet cakes.
Cake pans are also a good idea since they allow your fudge to set to a thicker density.
Stainless steel fry pan
Different shapes are also a possibility, and although a stainless steel frying pan is not a normal choice, it can certainly be used to set fudge. The bottom of the pan will likely create a round bottom for the fudge as it sets.
Sheet pan
A sheet pan is also a great choice for setting fudge since it is both long and wide. Baking sheets are a perfect choice if you are making a large batch of fudge.
Glass pans
Pans made of glass can also be used for setting fudge. If you use a pan made of glass, make sure you apply baking spray to the pan or line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil before pouring the fudge into the pan.
Note: It is also important to remember that like with a baking pan, you would still need to line any of these choices with wax paper, cupcake liners or parchment paper. Alternatively, you can use aluminum foil as well. If using cupcake liners, you could also consider setting your fudge in a muffin tray!
Pan Options
Glass pan (oven proof to withstand high temperatures)
This oven-safe, glass pan is made from tempered glass to withstand the hot temperatures of fudge that have just finished cooking.
When using glass, this is an important feature since the glass can break from the shock of incredibly hot substances. This pan can withstand temperatures of 482 degrees Fahrenheit, so there is no concern in this regard for this container.
The dimensions of this product are 13.5 inches in length x 9 inches in width x 2.16 inches in height. It has a 3.5-quart capacity and is rectangular-shaped.
Pros:
- Tempered glass and perfect for avoiding thermal shock
- Nonporous and easy-to-clean
Cons:
- May be tricky to remove if not lined properly. We recommend using parchment that overhangs on the sides for an easy lift and transfer to a cutting board.
Cast Iron Skillet
The great thing about a cast iron skillet is that it is non-stick (as long as it has been seasoned properly), which means there is no need to grease it, which also makes these skillets great for baking cake or a variety of bread. This model is great to use beyond baked goods and can work as a very handy fudge-setting skillet as well.
Even better, you will have a wonderful pan on your hands for future baked goods and other recipes as well!
There is enough structure to set an entire batch of fudge in this type of skillet. Although this is a different pan than you are likely used to, and it is hard not to associate a skillet with baking, this product is great to have on hand if your other containers are being used.
Pros:
- No need to line with aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Easy to clean
- Will increase the iron content in a batch of fudge
Cons:
- Will increase the time it takes for the fudge to completely cool due to heat retention
- You won’t get a rectangular or square shape slab of fudge, so when cutting to serve you can trim the edges.
A large frying pan
For smaller portions of fudge, you can also make set fudge recipes in a frying pan like this one. This frying pan prevents sticking and has smart heat conduction manufacturing that prevents unequal temperature distribution as the fudge sets.
With this in mind, it still helps to put a small bit of oil in the bottom or to optionally line the bottom and sides with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
What is great about using this kind of saucepan for setting fudge is that you could also choose to both make and set the fudge all in one saucepan. This provides for a great time-saving exercise.
Pros:
- Well designed and perfectly shaped for a cooling rack or a cover
- Prevents sticking and provides a durable coating to allow fudge to set more evenly
- Completely prevents hot spots
Cons:
- Although the pain prevents sticking, adding aluminum foil or parchment paper may still be necessary
Porcelain bakeware (Le Creuset)
Le Crueset is a company that specializes in crafting porcelain bakeware for a variety of recipes. Once you fill this container with fudge, the cooking process stops much quicker than in other saucepans or sheets.
You can bake a cake without worrying about the recipe overheating, and the same applies to fudge as well!
This model allows for even heat distribution which allows fudge to set evenly, and the glazed interior, with or without aluminum foil, allows for easy release of the fudge once you cut the squares accordingly.
Plus, it’s such a well-known brand for baking. Le Crueset cast iron has been recognized for its strength and durability. Cast individually in sand molds, then hand-inspected by French artisans, each piece represents a rich heritage and continues a tradition of lasting, authentic design for a multitude of baking recipes.
Pros:
- Superior thermal retention to allow fudge to set evenly and without air pockets and lumping on one side over another
- Durable and well-constructed exterior that resists scratches and scrapes
- Easy to clean and resistant to stains or tarnishing
Cons:
- Le Crueset products are more prioritized for baking and cake recipes, and setting fudge may still require the use of aluminum foil
Muffin tins
Using a muffin tin to set fudge is another innovative and creative way to set fudge. This 12-count tin by Nordic Ware provides a great way to serve round blocks of fudge to change up the recipe a bit.
The pan is made entirely of aluminum, which reduces the need of using aluminum foil. You can still use muffin paper if you like by simply placing the papers in the round holes of the tin.
This model is easy to clean and features great thermal retention without being excessive, which allows the fudge to cool properly.
Pros:
- Made of aluminum and is also great for cooking and baking when not being used to set fudge
- Rust-free
Cons:
- It can be a bit hard to slice square fudge with a muffin tin
In Summary
As you can see, there are different types of containers and baking products you can use to set fudge properly. All of these products are well-reviewed, and a few can even provide you with some new and creative ways to set fudge apart from squares.
If you want to know more about fudge making tools and equipment, read these:
