For perfectly shaped loaves, you’ll need a loaf pan. There are so many different styles and sizes available, but the standard rectangular pan is really versatile. Use it to bake
sandwich loaves, challah and babkas, as well as loaf cakes like
banana bread. Loaf pans can be metal, silicone, glass or ceramic, with different materials producing different results. Pans with a non-stick coating make it easier to pop your baked goods out in one piece, and are easier to clean, too.
Always refer to your recipe when choosing which sized loaf pan to use. If the pan is too big for the recipe’s volume it won’t rise enough; too small and the dough can spill over and burn.