How many quarts will an 8×8 pan hold? A pan of standard height will hold approximately 2 quarts (1.89 liters), although the exact volume can vary slightly, depending on the depth of the dish. Read on for more info.
Getting the measurements right can make all the difference when baking. Different sizes of pans could affect the cooking times, thickness, and texture of a dish. So it’s important to know a pan’s capacity.
In this article, you’ll find the volume of most 8-inch square dishes, as well as other pans with common dimensions. You’ll find conversions, alternatives to an 8-inch square baking dish, and a couple of recipe ideas to get you started.
Ready to dive in? Let’s get started.
Contents
How Many Quarts Does an 8×8 Baking Dish Hold?
An 8-inch pan is one of the standard sizes for baking pans. It’s often one of the pieces included in a bakeware set. When I say 8×8, what I mean is that the baking dish has a length of 8 inches and a width of 8 inches.
8-inch round cake pans are quite popular, but today I’ll look at another common pan, the 8×8 square baking dish.
The 8×8 square pan usually comes in 1.5 inches, which holds approximately 1.5 quarts. Another common height is 2 inches, which would hold 2 quarts in volume.
You can use this quart measurement to replace pans in a recipe. For instance, if you don’t have an 8×8 baking dish, but the recipe calls for one, you’ll know you can substitute another 2-quart baking dish. Alternately, if a recipe calls for a 2-quart baking dish, you’ll know your 8×8 pan can do the trick.
Different Baking Pan Sizes for Substitutions
Baking pan sizes can vary depending on the shape and exact dimensions. Finding the appropriate pan for a recipe can be a challenge if you don’t know how to adapt it. While the size of a pan matters, you don’t need all the pans to start your baking endeavors. Use the chart below to find the volume of common pan sizes and shapes.
| Baking Pan | Batter Volume | Alternative Pan Sizes |
| 8-inch square baking dish | 8 cups (2 quarts) | 9-inch deep dish pie plate9x5-inch loaf pan7x11 rectangular baking dish2 (8-inch) pie plates24 standard cupcakes |
| 9-inch square baking dish | 8 cups (2 quarts) | 9-inch deep dish pie plate9x5-inch loaf pan2 (8-inch) pie plates24 standard cupcakes |
| 1 (8-inch) round cake pan | 4 cups (1 quart) | 8×4-inch loaf pan9-inch round cake pan9-inch pie plate12 standard cupcakes |
| 2 (8-inch) round cake pans | 8 cups (2 quarts) | 2 (8×4-inch) loaf pans9-inch tube pan2 (9-inch) round cake pans10-inch Bundt pan7x11 rectangular baking dish10-inch springform pan24 standard cupcakes |
| 10-inch tube pan | 16 cups (4 quarts) | 3 (9-inch) round cake pans2 (10-inch) pie plates2 (9-inch) deep dish pie plates2 (9×5-inch) loaf pans2 (8-inch) square baking pans2 (9-inch) square baking pans32 standard cupcakes |
| 10-inch Bundt pan | 12 cups (3 quarts) | 9×13 baking dish2 (9-inch) round cake pans2 (8-inch) round cake pans9-inch tube pan2 (7×11-inches) baking dishes10-inch springform pan36 standard cupcakes |
| 7×11 baking dish | 6 cups (1.5 quarts) | 8-inch square baking dish9-inch square baking dish9-inch round cake pan18 standard cupcakes |
| 9×13 baking dish | 15 cups (3.75 quarts) | 10-inch bundt pan2 (9-inch) round cake pans3 (8-inch) round cake pans10x15-inch jellyroll pan42 standard cupcakes |
This chart is specifically geared toward cake batter volume, but it could apply to other dishes, as well. Of course, not all recipes would swap out as easily.
You should also consider the cooking time and temperature. A shallower pan will require less time in the oven, and cake batter in a cupcake pan will cook faster than in an 8-inch round cake pan. Many cake batter boxes come with the suggested oven temperature and baking times for different baking pan sizes.
Why Choose an 8×8 Square Baking Dish?
An 8-inch square baking dish is a handy tool in the kitchen. But why is size important? Although it’s best have a variety of baking dishes of different capacities, there are a few advantages to cooking with an 8×8 dish.
For starters, an 8×8 2-quart baking dish can fit in practically any oven. Some larger baking pans are great for big-batch recipes, but they might not fit in a smaller oven. This isn’t an issue with an 8×8 dish.
Secondly, 8×8 square pans have a nice shape that’s easy to portion out when serving. A square cake allows you to get even 2-inch slices of cake or brownies.
Lastly, an 8×8 baking dish can handle a variety of recipes, savory or sweet. I’m a fan of bundt pans and round cake pans, but they just don’t have quite the same versatility as a square glass baking dish. From brownies, cakes, and layer desserts to casseroles and baked pasta, a 2-quart baking dish can handle it.
How to Measure Volume the Easy Way
Most baking pans already have the measurements indicated, either on the dish itself or in the product description. However, if you aren’t sure of your pan volume, there is an easy way to calculate it.
Do you remember learning the equation for volume in school? LxWxH=cubic inches. That works for theoretical objects on paper, but it’s actually easier to find the volume when you have the thing in front of you!
To find out how many quarts your container can hold, fill a measuring cup with one cup of water. Start pouring the water in the pan, one cup at a time. Count how much liquid you add until you reach the top edge. That number is the volume.
If you need the volume measurement in quarts, remember that 4 cups equals 1 quart. So if your pan holds 8 cups, that means it holds 2 quarts. If it holds 10 cups, the volume is 2.5 quarts. You get the idea.
How Many Cups Can a 2-Quart Baking Dish Hold?
Remember that 4 cups is equal to 1 quart. Some quick math will show you that a 2-quart baking dish holds 8 cups. A 2-quart baking dish is interchangeable with an 8-inch pan in most cases.
How Many Ounces Are in an 8×8 Baking Dish?
There are 8 ounces in a U.S. standard size cup. 8×8 square pans usually have a height of 1.5-2 inches. For a 1.5-inch depth, the pan holds 1.5 quarts (1.42 liters), which is equivalent to 6 cups. That would be equivalent to 48 ounces.
If the 8-inch square pan has a depth of 2 inches, that would yield a volume of 2 quarts (1.89 liters), or 8 cups. That would be equivalent to 64 ounces.
To recap, if the 8×8 baking dish is 1.5 inches deep, it will hold 48 ounces. If the pan is 2 inches deep, it will hold 64 ounces.
2-Quart Baking Dish: Things to Consider
When it comes to a square baking dish, you have some options. Many of these dishes come in glass, like Pyrex, or in metal. Most common is aluminum with non-stick coatings. I personally use my glass version regularly. I had a metal pan, but I never used it and ended up giving it away. However, each person is different. Choose the material that suits your cooking needs.
Almost all such dishes are oven-safe. After all, they’re for baking, right? But not all are suited for the dishwasher, microwave, or freezer. I like my Pyrex dish because it can go from one to the other, although not immediately! But it has the versatility that I need to justify using it.
8×8 Baking Dish Alternatives
If you’re cooking, and the recipe calls for an 8-inch square dish, there are some alternatives you can use.
Round Cake Pans
Round cake pans are great for cakes of all types. A 9-inch round cake pan has a volume of 8 cups, the same as an 8-inch square baking pan. An 8-inch round cake pan has a smaller volume of 6 cups. If you’re looking to substitute, a 9-inch round cake pan would be your best best.
Tube Pans
Tube pans are ideal for cakes and break-apart sweet roll recipes, like monkey bread. These tend to be larger in volume. For instance, a 9-inch tube pan holds a generous 12 cups, or 3 quarts. A 10-inch tube pan holds even more, at 16 cups, or 4 quarts. These aren’t the best substitutions, but I would go with the 9-inch tube pan in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Rectangular Baking Dishes
I know it’s technically possible to cook without using rectangular baking dishes, but I don’t want to attempt it. I practically survive on my 9×13 and 7×11 baking dishes. If you’re subbing one out for an 8×8, I would go with the 7×11. It’s slightly larger, so you might need to adjust the baking time, but it’s a good substitute. Learn the volume of a 9×13 baking dish.
9×9 Square Baking Dish
What if you only have a 9×9 square baking dish? Can you still use it for the same recipe? Yes, you can! A 9-inch square pan is about 25% larger than one measuring 8 inches in length. If you want to maintain the same level of batter thickness, increase your recipe by one-fourth.
Loaf Pan
A 9×5 loaf pan is a common piece in many bakeware sets. Each 9 x 5-inch loaf pan has a volume of 2 quarts (8 cups), so it holds the same volume as an 8-inch baking pan. You would need to increase the baking time, since the batter will be deeper in loaf pans than in square baking dishes. I wear out my 9 x 5-inch loaf pan during the holidays. Loaves make a fantastic holiday gift, so it’s a good investment to make.
What to Make in an 8-Inch Square Baking Dish?
If you’re looking for recipes to make in your 8-inch or 2-quart baking dish, you’re in luck. I’ve listed some of my favorite recipes to make in an 8-inch square baking pan.
Chocolate Fudge Brownies
This chocolate fudge brownie recipe calls for an 8-inch square pan. Using basic ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, these brownies are full of rich chocolate and fudgy goodness.
Tasty Banana Bread
Quick breads are some of my favorite breakfast recipes. They’re easy to throw together, filling, and easily adaptable. This tasty banana bread recipe calls for a 9×5 loaf pan, but if you don’t have a loaf pan, you can sub out an 8-inch baking dish that’s 2 inches in depth. There are vegan and gluten-free options, too, so everyone can enjoy this recipe.
Easy Lasagna
I love lasagna, but it can be a time consuming dish to prepare. This easy lasagna recipe is designed for an 8×8 pan, the perfect size for my family of four. The recipe calls for easy-to-find ingredients and is perfect for a weeknight dinner that’s sure to be a crowdpleaser.
How Many Quarts in an 8×8 Pan? Summary
When it comes to baking dishes, use what you’ve got. An 8-inch pan is a versatile tool in the kitchen. Now that you know how many quarts an 8×8 pan can hold, you’ll be ready to make substitutions along your baking adventures. If you’re looking for bakeware sets to give you all the pieces you need, check out my in-depth bakeware review.
