Baking donuts at home is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic treat with a healthier, baked twist. The right donut pan is the key to achieving that perfect ring shape with a tender, even crumb. Moving away from traditional frying eliminates the greasy mess and reduces fat, making it easier to enjoy a homemade batch any day of the week.
With options ranging from classic metal to flexible silicone, choosing the best pan can shape your baking results. This roundup highlights eight excellent donut pans that cater to different needs, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker. From single pans to comprehensive kits, these selections will help you find the ideal tool for creating beautiful baked goods in your own kitchen.
The Best Donut Pans for Your Kitchen
- Wilton Gold Premium Non-Stick Warp-Resistant Bakeware, Donut Pan Set
- HEHALI LoveS (2pcs) 6-Cavity Silicone Donut Baking Pan
- KLEMOO 2-Pack Donut Baking Pan, Silicone, Non-Stick Mold
- Chefast Silicone Donut Pans Combo Kit with Spatula and Bags
- ABAM Premium Silicone 3.5 inch Donut Pan 3-Pack
- Wilton Non-Stick 6-Cavity Donut Pan
- Norpro Nonstick 12-Cavity Donut Pan
- Chicago Metallic Commercial II Nonstick Donut Pan
Wilton Gold Premium Non-Stick Warp-Resistant Bakeware, Donut Pan Set
Designed for passionate home bakers, this Wilton set offers reliable performance and even heat distribution for consistent, professional-level results. The premium non-stick coating ensures your donuts release cleanly every time, making both baking and decorating a smooth process. It is oven safe up to 450°F, making it perfect for a wide range of baking needs.
You can bake with confidence using this PFA-free bakeware, which is made without harmful forever chemicals. This commitment to safety provides toxin-free cooking for you and your family. The warp-resistant design guarantees long-lasting durability and dependable performance batch after batch.
HEHALI LoveS (2pcs) 6-Cavity Silicone Donut Baking Pan
This two-pack of silicone donut pans from HEHALI is firmer and more sustained than many standard silicone options. Each cavity is about 3 inches in diameter, creating a perfect full-size donut ideal for family baking. The flexibility of the material allows the pan to be folded for compact storage without suffering any damage, as it easily unfolds back to its original shape.
For easy use, simply place the pan on a cookie sheet for stability, fill it with your batter, and bake according to your recipe. The non-stick silicone surface makes for straightforward release and cleaning. Being dishwasher, oven, microwave, and freezer safe, this pan offers remarkable versatility for various cooking and preparation methods.
KLEMOO 2-Pack Donut Baking Pan, Silicone, Non-Stick Mold
The KLEMOO 2-pack offers a health-conscious way to enjoy donuts by eliminating the oily mess of frying and reducing fat content. Made from 100% silicone, the non-stick surface allows donuts to pop out easily while maintaining their perfect shape. This results in beautifully formed baked goods bursting with sweet flavor.
This set is ideal for family projects, providing an opportunity to spend quality time together with a fun, homemade activity. The baking process fosters sharing, relaxing, and creativity in the kitchen. With two pans, you can bake larger batches efficiently, making it great for gatherings or meal prepping for the week.
Chefast Silicone Donut Pans Combo Kit
This comprehensive kit from Chefast is a complete solution for any baker looking to start making donuts. It includes a large professional-grade donut pan, a mini donut pan, five pastry bags, and even recommended baking tips and recipes. You’ll have everything required to create any full-size or small doughnut right out of the box.
The pans are made from BPA-free, 100% food-grade, nonstick silicone with no fillers or harmful chemicals. They pass the ‘pinch test’ for quality and are dishwasher, freezer, and oven-safe up to 446 degrees. The possibilities are endless, extending beyond donuts to bagels, cookies, frozen desserts, sushi donuts, or even homemade soaps.
ABAM Premium Silicone 3.5 inch Donut Pan 3-Pack
ABAM’s 3-pack provides excellent value with a total of 18 donut molds, each producing a 3.5-inch donut. The premium food-grade silicone is heat-resistant, BPA-free, and features a non-stick surface that ensures your donuts release easily and present with a perfect shape. The flexibility of the silicone allows the pans to be folded for storage without damage, as they effortlessly return to their original form.
These molds are incredibly versatile and safe for use in the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher. For best results when baking, it is suggested to place the mold on a cookie sheet before placing it in the oven and to spray with a little oil before using. Their heat resistance ranges from -40°F to 460°F, making them long-lasting and a reliable alternative to metal pans that can rust.
Wilton Non-Stick 6-Cavity Donut Pan
As a trusted name in bakeware, Wilton’s classic 6-cavity donut pan is a staple for home bakers. The durable steel construction provides even heating for consistent baking results, ensuring your donuts are cooked through perfectly. The reliable non-stick coating allows for easy release and straightforward cleaning, making the process efficient.
This pan is an excellent choice for those who prefer traditional metal bakeware over silicone. Its sturdy build sits flat on oven racks without the need for an additional baking sheet. The six-cavity design is ideal for standard batch sizes, perfect for a family treat or a small gathering.
Norpro Nonstick 12-Cavity Donut Pan
The Norpro Nonstick Donut Pan stands out with its 12-cavity design, allowing you to bake a full dozen donuts in a single batch. This high capacity is perfect for those who like to bake in larger quantities for parties, potlucks, or to have leftovers for the week. The efficient use of oven space saves time and energy.
Featuring a quality nonstick coating, this pan ensures your baked goods release cleanly and intact. The durable construction is built to withstand regular use, making it a workhorse in a busy kitchen. If you frequently bake for a crowd or have a large family, this pan’s capacity is a significant advantage.
Chicago Metallic Commercial II Nonstick Donut Pan
Chicago Metallic’s Commercial II line is known for its professional-grade quality adapted for home kitchens. This 6-cavity donut pan features a heavy-gauge steel construction that resists warping and promotes even baking. The commercial strength nonstick coating is highly durable and designed for easy food release and clean-up.
This pan is an investment for the serious home baker who values performance and longevity. Its robust build ensures it will remain a reliable tool in your kitchen for years to come. The results are consistently well-shaped, evenly baked donuts that look and taste professional.
What to Look For in the Best Donut Pans
When I started looking for my first donut pan, I quickly realized that not all pans are created equal. The right pan can be the difference between a perfectly shaped, evenly baked treat and a disappointing kitchen experiment. Based on my experience, here are the key things I consider before making a purchase.
First, the material is a huge factor. Non-stick metal pans, often made from aluminized steel, are the most common. They heat up quickly and evenly, which is great for consistent baking. I always look for a high-quality, durable non-stick coating; it makes releasing the donuts so much easier and cleanup is a breeze. Stoneware is another fantastic option. While it takes longer to heat up, it provides incredibly even heat distribution, leading to a beautiful golden-brown finish. Silicone pans are flexible and make unmolding a snap, but I find they sometimes need a baking sheet underneath for stability and can result in less browning.
Next, think about the size and capacity. A standard donut pan typically has six or twelve cavities, each holding about a third of a cup of batter. If you have a smaller household or kitchen, a six-cavity pan is a good start. If you like to bake in batches for parties or meal prep, a twelve-cavity pan is more efficient. Also, check the size of the donuts it produces. Most make classic, ring-shaped donuts that are perfect for glazing, but some pans create mini donuts, which are fun for kids or as snacks.
The design of the cavities matters more than you might think. I prefer pans with a generous center hole. A small hole can close up during baking, leaving you with a filled-in circle instead of a ring. A wider hole ensures your donuts have that classic shape. Some pans also have decorative edges or patterns, which can add a nice touch to your finished product. Finally, don’t forget about durability and ease of cleaning. A pan that is dishwasher safe is a major plus for me on busy days, but a good non-stick coating usually means a simple hand wash is all that’s needed. By considering these factors—material, capacity, design, and clean-up—you can find the perfect pan to make your baked donut creations a success every time. Choosing from the 8 best donut pans for baked treats becomes much simpler when you know what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to grease a non-stick donut pan?
Even with a high-quality non-stick pan, I always recommend giving it a light greasing. It’s a simple step that guarantees your donuts will release cleanly and without any broken pieces. I use a pastry brush and a little melted butter or a spritz of baking spray. Getting into every nook and cranny ensures a perfect release every single time.
Can I use a regular muffin batter in a donut pan?
You absolutely can, and it works wonderfully! I do it often when I want a different shape for my favorite muffin recipes. The key is to not overfill the cavities. Fill each one only about halfway to two-thirds full, as the batter will rise and you want to maintain that distinct ring shape. The baking time might be slightly less than for traditional muffins, so I start checking for doneness a few minutes early.
How full should I fill the donut pan cavities?
This is a common point of confusion. I’ve found that the sweet spot is to fill each cavity between halfway and two-thirds full. If you fill them any more than that, the batter will rise and expand over the center hole, resulting in a donut that looks more like a muffin with a dimple. Using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off makes this process much cleaner and more precise than using a spoon.
What is the best way to clean my donut pan?
For pans with a good non-stick coating, cleaning is usually very straightforward. I let the pan cool completely after baking, then wash it with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. While many are dishwasher safe, I find that handwashing helps preserve the non-stick coating for a longer lifespan. For any stubborn bits, I soak the pan in warm water for a short while to loosen them before washing.
Are baked donuts really a healthier option than fried ones?
Yes, generally speaking, baked donuts are a healthier alternative. The main reason is that they cook in an oven without sitting in a bath of hot oil. This significantly reduces the fat content. However, I always remind myself that the health factor ultimately depends on the recipe. A baked donut loaded with sugar and a thick glaze is still a treat, but it avoids the extra grease from frying. You have full control over the ingredients, which is a big plus.
Can I make savory recipes in a donut pan?
Definitely! Don’t limit your thinking to just sweet applications. I love using my pan for savory baked goods. One of my favorite things to make is a cornbread batter baked in the pan—they’re perfect for serving with chili. You can also make savory egg bakes or even ring-shaped meatloaves. It’s a fun way to present everyday meals. Exploring these options is part of the fun of owning one of the 8 best donut pans for baked treats.