What type of pan is characterized by vertical fluted sides and a false bottom?

The correct choice describes a tart pan, which is specifically designed for making tarts. Tart pans are distinguished by their vertical, fluted sides that help create a beautiful crust and a false bottom that allows for easy release of the tart once it’s baked. This design is crucial when working with delicate crusts that may collapse or break upon removal from a standard pan. The fluted edges also provide an appealing aesthetic and can help showcase decorative finishes or fillings.

In contrast, a cheesecake pan typically has a removable bottom but is meant for the specific purpose of baking cheesecakes or similar desserts that require a moist environment, while a cake pan generally has straight sides and lacks the decorative fluting, making it less suitable for presenting tarts. A pie pan, while it may also have fluted edges, is generally deeper and oval or round with sloped sides, focusing more on accommodating pies rather than the exacting aesthetic and structural needs of a tart.