Definition of baking sheet

The term "baking sheet" is commonly used in reference to a flat, rectangular pan made of metal (usually aluminum or steel) that is used in baking goods in an oven. The origin of this particular term can be traced back to the 1940s. Prior to the 20th century, bakers would use a variety of pans, molds, and trays to cook their goods. In the early 1900s, sheet cake trays, which were essentially flat, sturdy, and rectangular in shape, began to gain popularity as they allowed bakers to make multiple cakes at once with their relatively even heats distribution. The term "sheet" in the context of baking refers to a wide, flat surface - an inference from the original sheet cake tray. As other types of oven trays began to be developed, this term was applied universally to all of them. The word "baking" is an old English term, originating from the Dutch bakken, meaning knead or shape dough. In combination with "sheet," "baking sheet" refers to a flat, level surface used to bake goods, particularly those made in large quantities or in bulk, as they provide even heat distribution. In summary, the term "baking sheet" began as a variation of "sheet cake tray" in the 1940s, and its application has subsequently expanded to include other types of oven trays as its popularity has steadily grown.