I still remember the first time I stumbled across a Wilton branded cake pan. The pan featured an outline of a Care Bear, one of the popular 1980's cartoon characters. With a little frosting, you could create almost any bear from the same cake pan. Since that moment, I found myself hooked on Wilton pans and eager to add to my collection. If you are interested in collecting the same pans for yourself, keep a few things in mind.
Where to Find Wilton Cake Pans
Wilton has its own website, but the site only sells newer models. If you want a modern Hello Kitty or Cars themed cake pan, by all means check out the website. If you want the vintage models from the 1980s and earlier, you need to expand your search.
Normally, I would recommend that you search for the pans at thrift stores, but that solution no longer works effectively. I came across several blogs and forums, where re-sellers let others know about the popularity of the pans. I went from seeing one or two pans at nearly every thrift store to not seeing a single one in months.
If you want to track down vintage Wilton pans, you should still try your local thrift stores, but also yard sales. Many people buy a pan and use it once or twice, but have no need for it after their kids grow. You can also try looking online at classified ads and through auctions for some of the rarer versions.
How Much Do the Cake Pans Cost?
Wilton cake pans vary in price, based on the rarity. I stumbled across a vintage turkey pan from 1979 for $1.99 at a thrift store. The same pan sells for $15-30 online. Look for sellers offering bundled packages, which include several cake pans for one price. Sell any doubles you acquire and use the rest to fill-in your collection.
What Pans to Collect?
The type of vintage Wilton pans you collect depends on your interests. Stick to 1980's designs, like Cabbage Patch Kids, Garfield, and Care Bears or opt for models from the 1970s. You can also build a holiday collection, such as Christmas pans. Do not forget about the 3-D models Wilton made. I have a Barbie and a Winnie the Pooh pan, which make freestanding 3-D cakes.
Cleaning Vintage Cake Pans
When you buy older cake pans, you risk the pans showing signs of aging. The pans might have leftover cake or frosting inside, such as the case with an old Garfield pan I bought, or have leftover pieces of tape clinging to the pan. Clean the vintage pan with mild dish soap and warm water. Do not use any type of scouring pad, as the pads leave behind scratches and wreck the finish.
Displaying Vintage Cake Pans
Instead of keeping your vintage lovelies crammed in a cabinet, turn the pans into a fun display for your home. After moving into a new house, my boyfriend hung several of mine around the top of the kitchen wall. It immediately draws your eye, as soon as you see my kitchen. You can also try displaying the cake pans in a cluster on one wall. Use the pans as you would a traditional artwork display and make the most of your new-found collection.
Jennifer Eblin - Jennifer Eblin received a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Dayton before re-enrolling and finishing a B.A. in History. During ...
Join the Conversation