A 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan holds about 14 cups, and an 8 x 8 x 2-inch pan holds about 8 cups. That makes the 8×8 a little more than half the size of a 9×13, so a recipe written for 9×13 needs to be cut down to roughly half to fit an 8×8 pan.
Below is how to scale it, what to do about eggs and baking time, and the mistakes to avoid.
9×13 vs 8×8: Pan Sizes
| Pan | Approximate volume |
|---|---|
| 13 x 9 x 2-inch rectangle | 14 cups |
| 9 x 9 x 2-inch square | 10 cups |
| 8 x 8 x 2-inch square | 8 cups |
| 8 x 8 x 1 1/2-inch square | 6 cups |
Volumes come from a standard baking-pan chart. Measure your own pan inside edge to inside edge, because manufacturers vary.
How to Halve a 9×13 Recipe
The simplest conversion is to cut every ingredient in half. Half a recipe fits an 8×8 pan with a batter depth close to the original, so the baking time stays similar and you only need to start checking a little earlier.
- Halve flour, sugar, butter, milk and other measured ingredients.
- For an odd number of eggs, beat one egg in a small bowl and use half of it by weight or volume. That is about 2 tablespoons for a large egg.
- Keep the oven temperature the same.
- Check for doneness 5 to 10 minutes before the original time, then add time if needed.
Baking Time
With the same depth of batter, the bake time is close to the original recipe. If you leave the batter amount unchanged, the 8×8 pan would be filled much deeper and bake slowly in the center while the edges over-brown. A deeper batter calls for a longer, lower-temperature bake.
Why Not Use the Full Recipe?
A full 9×13 recipe in an 8×8 pan can overflow, and the cake may sink or be raw in the center. For cakes that rise, fill the pan only about two-thirds full. Bake any extra batter as cupcakes in a muffin tin.
What If You Only Have a 9×9?
A 9×9 pan holds about 10 cups, which is closer to three-quarters of a 9×13. Make about three-quarters of the recipe for the same batter depth, or keep the full recipe and accept a shallower cake that bakes sooner.
Quick Answers
Can I use a 9×13 recipe in an 8×8? Yes, if you cut the recipe to about half.
Do I change the temperature? Not when you halve the recipe.
How do I know it is done? A toothpick in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, and the edges should pull away from the pan.
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