Selecting the best type of ice cream cake pan is largely a matter of personal preference, and will typically depend on the way you like to prepare these desserts. If you do not want to purchase a dedicated pan, it is possible to use any regular cake pan to make an ice cream cake. This is typically accomplished by washing the pan after you have baked the cake layer, lining it with plastic wrap, and then filling it with ice cream to create that layer. If you prefer to use a dedicated ice cream cake pan, then you may want to consider a springform. Another option is to obtain an ice cream cake mold, which is a tool commonly used to make commercially prepared ice cream cakes.
Ice cream cake is a dessert that is typically made up of at least one layer of cake and one of ice cream. More complex versions use multiple layers of ice cream and cake, and some also use traditional frosting or whipped toppings to cover the layers. There are many different ways to prepare this type of dessert, so there is no one ice cream cake pan that is definitively better than all of the other choices. If you are trying to select one, you will first need to decide how you want to prepare your ice cream cake.
The simplest option available when choosing an ice cream cake pan is to just use whatever regular cake pan you have available. You can use a traditional sheetcake pan, a round pan, or any other shape you like. This method requires baking the cake layer or layers first, then washing the pan. You can then line the pan with plastic wrap, fill it with ice cream, and place it in a freezer. After the ice cream has refrozen, you can remove the plastic lining and you will have a layer of ice cream to pair with your cake layer.
Another option you may want to consider is a springform pan. These pans are made up of two components, including a detachable ring that forms the sides. They are typically used to make cheesecakes, though they can also useful for making ice cream cakes and other deserts. Unless you plan on using the springform pan to actually bake your cake layer, make sure to choose one that is the same shape and size as your cake pan. You can then simply fill the springform pan with ice cream and then release the sides.
If you prefer a more complex type of ice cream cake, you may want to choose an ice cream cake mold. These molds are available in a variety of different shapes and patterns that can create a more visually interesting result than an improvised ice cream cake pan. If you make ice cream cakes to sell, then you should typically obtain a number of different molds so that you can offer a variety of options to your customers.