I tried TikTok’s viral Nordic Ware fall cake tins – it's not too late to get them in time for Halloween and Thanksgiving

Every night, I fall asleep watching cozy baking videos – my TikTok is filled with endless inspiration, from pecan pie to apple tart. But if you ask any online baking fanatic, they'll tell you one trend is standing out amongst the crowd.

Nordic Ware's autumn-themed cake molds have become a viral sensation, with pumpkin and apple-shaped pans capturing the hearts of viewers across the globe. The apple loaf that started it all has over 22 million views and 4 million likes. It was created by Julieta Taytt in her at-home bakery, Dairy Mail Club, using a Nordic Ware tin and clever food dye to create bright apples with green leaves – it looks more like art than dessert.

The comments are filled with admiration. Julieta told me she bought the mold four years ago and will cherish it forever. But some people remain curious... Do these molds actually work? Many commenters admitted they've had one gathering dust in a cupboard that they've never used; they weren't convinced they could create the same show-stopping effect.

As a kitchen appliances expert and trained cook, it's my job to test the best stand mixers, trendiest baking equipment, and best countertop ovens. So, I knew I had to try the Nordic Ware sensation for myself. Could they really be as magical as they seem on screen? Here's my review.

@julii.fnz

♬ not a Lot..Just forever - freakish gal

My review of the Nordic Ware pumpkin bundt tin

Nordic Ware kindly sent me a few items to try out: a pumpkin-shaped Bundt tin, a pine tree tin, and a beautifully curated recipe book by Melanie Johnson. I was almost as captivated by this book as I was by the tins themselves. I couldn't stop folding down pages to bookmark delicious flavor combinations. There's a Cookies 'n' cream Bundt, Sticky Toffee, and even S'mores ( a marshmallow-coated chocolate cake with graham cracker filling... I mean, how delicious?).

The trick to using Nordic Ware tins

I set out to make a seasonal, pumpkin spice batter. But before I could start baking, I had to tackle the most critical step – preparing the tin. I hadn’t realized just how essential this part was, until I researched it. Nordic Ware is clear: the pan must be prepped with baking spray that contains flour, like this one from Target, to ensure a flawless release.

This is where I panicked – I couldn't find that specific spray locally to me. Nordic Ware says, ‘We recommend only using baking spray with flour in it. Please do NOT use a regular cooking spray because it tends to leave a sticky residue on the pan, and the cake may stick. The residue left on the pan may be very difficult to clean completely.’

A sigh of relief, as I realized I could use their approved alternative: a generous coating of melted butter, applied with a good pastry brush and finished with a dusting of flour.

Another top tip that I stumbled across after some experimentation: use a large ice cream scoop or spoon to transfer the batter into the tin. It's far easier than scraping with a spatula, which turned out pretty messy – the last thing you want to do is compromise the clean lines of the pan’s intricate design.

The moment of truth

Once the tin was filled, I placed it into the oven and eagerly awaited the results. Thirty minutes later, I pulled the tin out, resisting the temptation to flip it immediately. Nordic Ware’s instructions are clear: you must cool the cake in the tin for 10 minutes before attempting to release it. This step ensures the cake sets properly and doesn’t crumble when inverted.

I followed these instructions to the letter, and I’m so glad I did. The moment I tapped the tin and revealed the cake, I was greeted with a perfectly formed bouquet of pumpkins – each curve defined, smooth, and elegant.

I brought it to a dinner party and the hosts were equally thrilled. I was flattered but couldn't take credit – it was all the tin's work!

However, I was nervous about the taste. Could something so sculptural actually taste good? The cake was a little dense in my opinion, but still delicious. Our friends actually kept the cake to eat throughout the week, they liked it that much.

Clean up and maintenance

You might be thinking: are Nordic Ware pans dishwasher-safe? Well, hand washing is recommended for all Nordic Ware pans. The Bundt tins are made of high-quality cast aluminum and the inside is a silicone-based nonstick coating made, without PFAS (a bonus for anyone interested in non-toxic cookware). You need to wash your pans after every use to avoid residue build-up.

I used a soft sponge and gentle dish soap to wipe away the oil layer and any leftover crumbs, which was easy and quick. One thing to note: the tins are quite large, so you need to devote a good chunk of cupboard space to storing them.

What do customer reviews say?

Considering I'd never heard of this brand prior to TikTok, I'm astounded by the glittering array of five-star reviews on their products. I searched up the pumpkin bundt pan I tested on Amazon, and there wasn't one bad review. Everybody loves the ease and impact.

One reviewer says, 'It's a good quality pan. I have used it many times.' While others say, 'It’s perfect for the fall holiday season, perfect for pound-cakes or butter cakes. Just adds a little something special to your countertop or dessert table.' I enjoyed looking at the lovely pictures in the reviews, too.

The TikTok trend-setter, Julieta, has had her mold for four years – so it looks like they stand the test of time.

My verdict

If you've also been captivated by TikTok’s viral baking trends and want to bring a little autumn magic to your kitchen, I can’t recommend Nordic Ware’s tins enough. With their timeless designs and easy-to-master techniques, these pans can transform even the simplest cake into a work of art.

With the entire collection available on Amazon Prime, it’s not too late to grab one in time for Halloween or Thanksgiving, with speedy delivery.

I’m bringing another pumpkin spice bundt to my friend’s pumpkin carving party this weekend. Plus, I’ve set my sights on creating a black forest bundt in my Christmas tree tin. It's sure to be a fuss-free, show-stopping centerpiece – every host’s dream come true.

Shop my picks from the Nordic Ware collection

These are the tins at the top of my wish list for cozy, autumn-winter baking. Maybe I could go viral for having the world's biggest collection! The range is available at Amazon, QVC and I found some exclusives at Williams Sonoma.

FAQS

What is Nordic Ware?

Nordic Ware is a family-owned company based in Minnesota, and they've been crafting iconic pans since the mid-1950s. Most famously, the Bundt® pan. Co-founder, Dave Dalquist, actually coined and trademarked the term "Bundt" for a round, fluted cake tin – which rose to fame in the Pillsbury Bake Off 1966.

Fast forward to 2024, Nordic Ware's popularity shows no sign of waning. Enthusiasts now collect their seasonal pieces – autumn pumpkins, apples, and even Christmas trees.

Do bakers use Nordic Ware?

Nigella Lawson is a fan of the Christmas tree Bundt pan. She first featured the tins in her Christmas Feast special in 2008, marveling how such intricate designs can make a cake look complex to create, yet it's 'all down to the shape of the tin.’