Tart mould
The mould à manqué: a pastry-making essential
The mould à manqué is without doubt the most emblematic mould of French pastry-making. Recognizable by its round shape and high, slightly flared edges, it's the tool of choice for making soft cakes, sponges and, of course, the famous gâteau manqué. At Cakelicious, we offer a complete range of professional cake and tart moulds to meet all your baking needs.
Whether you're a professional pastry chef or a passionate amateur in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, the mould à manqué is one of those utensils you absolutely must have in your kitchen. Its versatility makes it an invaluable ally for dozens of different recipes.
The fascinating history of the gâteau manqué
The origins of the missed cake mould date back to the 19th century, in Parisian kitchens. Legend has it that an apprentice pastry chef at the Maison Félix, a famous Parisian patisserie, failed to make his cookie de Savoie by letting his egg whites fall to the bottom. Rather than discard the dough, he mixed in butter and slivered almonds, then baked it in a high-sided round mold.
The result was a dense, moist and deliciously fragrant cake - an unexpected success that customers loved. This "manqué" cake gave its name to the specific mold in which it was baked. Since then, the "manqué" mold has become an indispensable classic, used far beyond the original recipe. Its high, flared edges make it easy to remove from the mold, and allow you to create generous cake heights, perfect for filling, icing or simply eating plain.
Size guide: which mould to choose?
Choosing the right size of mould is essential to the success of your pastries. Here's a practical guide to help you select the right diameter for the number of guests:
- 16 cm mould: ideal for 4 people, perfect for a small group dessert or as the base for a generous individual dessert.
- Moule à manqué 18 cm: suitable for 6 people, a popular format for family snacks.
- Moule à manqué 20 cm: the standard size for 6 to 8 people, the most versatile and widely used in home baking.
- Moule à manqué 22 cm: for 8 to 10 people, ideal for festive meals.
- Moule à manqué 24 cm: for 10 to 12 people, the professional choice for special occasions.
- Moule à manqué 26 to 30 cm: for receptions and professional catering, serves up to 16 generous portions.
As a general rule, the height of a manqué mold varies between 4 and 7 cm. The higher the edges, the more generous your cake will be, and the easier it will be to top with cream, fruit or mousse. For layer cakes, opt for a manqué mold with rims at least 6 cm high.
Springform vs. tart tin: what's the difference?
It's easy to confuse a mould à manqué with a classic tart mould, but these two utensils have very distinct uses. The tart mould has low (2 to 3.5 cm) and often fluted edges, designed to accommodate shortcrust, shortbread or puff pastry. The mould à manqué, on the other hand, has high, smooth, slightly flared edges, designed for leavened cake dough.
The removable bottom is a feature common to both types of mould. Our tart moulds with removable bottoms make it easier to remove fragile tarts from the moulds, just as a good cake tin makes it possible to release a cake without damaging it. For a well-equipped pastry chef, both are essential.
Materials: which mould to choose?
The choice of material directly influences the baking and durability of your manqué mould. Here are the main options available:
- Non-stick coated steel: the most common, it offers easy demolding and simple maintenance. Ideal for amateur pastry chefs.
- Stainless steel: robust and durable, this is the choice of professionals. Our stainless-steel pie circles bear witness to the quality of this material.
- Edible silicone: flexible and practical, for effortless removal from the mold. Discover our silicone tart-entremets molds from Silikomart.
- Tinplate: the traditional material, appreciated for its exceptional thermal conductivity that guarantees even baking.
Whichever material you choose, remember to butter and flour your tart mould before use (except for silicone models) to guarantee perfect unmoulding.
Our tart moulds and circles to complete your equipment
Cakelicious also offers a complete range of tart and pastry moulds. Our perforated pie circles ensure even baking of pastry thanks to micro-perforations that allow heat to circulate. Available in round, square and even oval formats, they are perfect for crisp pie shells.
For more elaborate creations, our tarte-entremets kits combine perforated circles and silicone molds, opening up a world of creative possibilities. And for café gourmands, our tartlet molds let you create delicious individual bites.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a mould à manqué and a cake tin?
A mould à manqué is a specific type of cake tin. Its particularity lies in its high edges (4 to 7 cm), slightly flared outwards, and its flat base. This shape facilitates unmolding and is ideal for sponge cakes, pound cakes, yoghurt cakes and, of course, the traditional gâteau manqué. A generic cake tin can be made in a wide variety of shapes (bundt, savarin, etc.).
Can a cake tin be used to make a tart?
Technically yes, but it's not ideal. The high edges of the mould will result in a tart with very high sides, which is not what you want. For your pies, prefer a classic tart mould with low sides or a tart ring for a professional result.
What diameter cake tin for 8 people?
For 8 people, a 22 cm-diameter cake tin is recommended. If you're making a heavily filled cake (layer cake, black forest), a 20 cm diameter may be sufficient, as the slices will be richer. For a simple cake such as pound cake, opt for the 22 cm to obtain generous portions.
How do I care for my cake tin?
Maintenance depends on the material. For a non-stick steel cake tin, avoid abrasive sponges and the dishwasher. Wash in warm soapy water and dry immediately. Silicone molds are dishwasher-safe. For tinplate molds, a light greasing after washing prolongs their life and improves their non-stick properties over time.
Where can I buy a quality springform pan in Switzerland?
At Cakelicious.ch, we select professional-quality baking molds and utensils, delivered throughout French-speaking Switzerland. Our range includes molds from leading brands such as Silikomart and Decora, suitable for both demanding amateurs and professionals.





































































































