For bakers who believe the crown is the absolute best part of a muffin, a dedicated muffin top pan is a game-changer. These specialized pans are designed to maximize that beloved, domed, cakey top, creating a batch where every single serving is the premium piece. They are perfect for creating uniform, bakery-style treats that are ideal for parties, bake sales, or simply satisfying a household that can’t get enough.
When baking in large batches, the right pan makes all the difference. You need bakeware that offers consistent heat distribution for even browning, a reliable non-stick surface for effortless release, and a durable construction that can withstand frequent use. From classic metal sheets to flexible silicone options, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best pans to help you produce perfect muffin tops every time.
Our Top Picks for Muffin Top Pans
- Norpro Puffy Muffin Top Pan Makes 6 Non Stick
- Wilton Gold Premium Non-Stick Muffin Top Pan, 12-cavity
- Mrs. Anderson’s Baking 6-Cup Muffin Top Pan, Silicone
- Chicago Metallic Professional Non-Stick Muffin Top Pan
- Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick 6-Cup Muffin-Top Pan
- Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Muffin Pan, 12 Cup
- USA Pan Bakeware Muffin Pan, 12-Well, Set of 2
- Lekue Silicone Bread Maker
- Fat Daddio’s Anodized Aluminum Muffin Top Pan
Norpro Puffy Muffin Top Pan Makes 6 Non Stick
This Norpro pan is designed specifically for bakers who want to focus on the high-rise crown of the muffin. It creates six generous muffin tops, each measuring 4 inches wide and a half-inch deep, giving you that perfect, puffy bakery-style result. The pan’s dimensions are 17.25 by 11.25 inches, making it a standard size that fits easily in most ovens.
The non-stick coating is a key feature, ensuring your muffin tops release cleanly and without breakage. This makes for simple serving and an even easier cleanup process. It’s a straightforward, effective tool for making the most popular part of the muffin.
Wilton Gold Premium Non-Stick Muffin Top Pan
For those who need to bake larger quantities, the Wilton Gold pan offers 12 cavities, doubling the output of many other models. It is constructed to be warp-resistant, providing reliable performance and even heat distribution batch after batch. The pan is oven-safe up to 450°F, making it versatile for various baking projects.
A significant benefit of this bakeware is that it is made without PFAS, often called forever chemicals. This allows for safer, toxin-free cooking, which is a priority for many home bakers. The premium non-stick coating promotes consistent, professional-level results with easy food release.
Mrs. Anderson’s Baking 6-Cup Muffin Top Pan
This option from Mrs. Anderson’s is made from European-grade silicone, which offers excellent flexibility and durability. The material is BPA-free and maintains its non-stick qualities over time, promising long-term use. Its flexibility allows for incredibly easy food release by simply peeling the silicone away from your baked goods.
Beyond muffin tops, this pan is ideal for making tarts, mini cheesecakes, quiche, and other small desserts. The silicone construction also means easy cleanup, often requiring just a simple rinse. It’s a versatile and space-efficient tool for any baking enthusiast.
Chicago Metallic Professional Non-Stick Muffin Top Pan
Chicago Metallic is known for professional-grade bakeware, and this muffin top pan is crafted from heavy-weight carbon steel. This material provides superior heat conduction for even baking and consistent browning across all six muffin tops. The pan measures 15.75 by 11 inches, with each cup sized at 4 by 0.5 inches.
The durable non-stick coating is engineered for exceptional baked good release, so your muffin tops come out intact every time. This feature also contributes to a quick and simple clean-up process. It’s a robust pan built to handle frequent use in a busy kitchen.
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick 6-Cup Muffin-Top Pan
Part of the renowned Chef’s Classic line, this Cuisinart pan brings reliable performance to your baking routine. The package dimensions indicate a sturdy, well-proportioned pan that is built to last. Its construction is designed for even heating, which is crucial for achieving uniformly baked muffin tops.
The nonstick interior is a highlight, guaranteeing that your creations will release smoothly and without sticking. This makes the pan very user-friendly, especially for those who are new to using specialty bakeware. Cleanup is straightforward, often requiring just a gentle wash.
Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Muffin Pan
While this is a standard 12-cup muffin pan from Nordic Ware, its commercial quality makes it a worthy consideration for large batches. It is constructed from pure natural aluminum, a material known for its superior heat conductivity and durability. This ensures your muffins rise evenly and bake consistently.
The reinforced encapsulated steel rim is a key design element that prevents the pan from warping under high heat. This pan is built for a lifetime of use and will never rust. For best results, it is recommended to hand wash this pan to maintain its condition.
USA Pan Bakeware Muffin Pan, 12-Well, Set of 2
This set from USA Pan is an excellent value, providing two heavy-duty muffin pans for high-volume baking. The pans are made from commercial-grade aluminized steel, which offers excellent heat distribution and durability. Each pan has 12 standard-size wells, perfect for traditional muffins or smaller, muffin-top-style creations.
They feature the proprietary Americoat nonstick coating, which is made without PTFE, PFOA, and BPA. This coating promotes a quick and clean release of all baked goods, making your baking process much smoother. Cleanup is also minimal, requiring only hot water and mild soap.
Lekue Silicone Bread Maker
The Lekue Silicone Bread Maker is a unique and versatile tool that can also be used to create large, singular muffin-top-like breads or cakes. Its partially closed bowl design allows steam to circulate inside, which keeps the dough moist and prevents it from drying out. This results in a soft interior with a nicely textured crust.
The side openings facilitate the circulation of hot air, giving your bread a golden, crusty exterior. While not a traditional multi-cavity pan, its innovative design is perfect for making a single, large, round “muffin top” loaf. It is a creative alternative for those looking to try something different.
Fat Daddio’s Anodized Aluminum Muffin Top Pan
Fat Daddio’s is a trusted name in professional baking, known for its high-quality anodized aluminum pans. This type of construction provides superior heat conductivity, which is essential for baking items that require even rising and browning, like muffin tops. Anodized aluminum is also exceptionally durable, resistant to corrosion, and will not rust.
The pan is designed for commercial use but is perfectly suited for the serious home baker. While specific features for this model are not listed, the brand’s reputation for reliable, warp-resistant bakeware that produces consistent results is well-established. It is a solid choice for those who value professional-grade tools.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Muffin Top Pans for Large Batches
When I need to bake a lot of muffin tops quickly, I know that not every pan is up to the task. The right pan makes all the difference between a smooth, efficient baking session and a frustrating one. Over the years, I’ve learned that a few key factors separate the good pans from the great ones, especially when you’re focusing on large-batch production.
First, I always look at the material. Heavy-gauge carbon steel is my top choice because it heats evenly and consistently, which is non-negotiable when you have multiple trays in the oven. Uneven heating can lead to some muffin tops being done while others are still raw in the middle. A good non-stick coating is also a lifesaver. It not only makes cleanup a breeze but also ensures that my delicate, crispy-edged tops release perfectly without any tearing. I steer clear of pans with thin, flimsy coatings that scratch off after a few uses.
Next, I consider the capacity and design. For large batches, a standard 6-cup pan just doesn’t cut it. I look for pans with at least 12 wells. Some even come in linked sets of two, which is perfect for rotating in and out of the oven. The size and depth of the individual wells matter, too. A true muffin top well is wide and shallow, designed specifically to create that signature large, crispy circumference and soft center. Using a regular muffin pan will give you a very different, taller result.
Finally, I think about durability and ease of use. I check that the pan is dishwasher safe for those days I just don’t have the energy for hand-washing. Oven-safe handles are a small but significant feature that prevents burns when moving a hot, heavy pan. The pan should also feel substantial in my hands; a warped pan is useless as it leads to uneven baking. By focusing on these aspects—material, capacity, and durability—I can confidently select a pan that will handle my need for the best muffin top pans for large batches without any fuss.
FAQ
What exactly is a muffin top pan?
A muffin top pan is a specialized baking sheet with wide, shallow wells. Instead of creating a tall, domed muffin, it bakes only the top, crispy, puffy part. The result is a thin, disc-shaped cake with a large surface area for maximum browning and a soft center. It’s perfect for when you want that classic muffin flavor and texture without the denser bottom half.
Can I use a regular muffin pan to make muffin tops?
You can, but you won’t get the same result. A regular muffin pan has deep, narrow wells designed to hold a full portion of batter, resulting in a tall muffin with a small top. To make a “top” in a regular pan, you’d have to underfill it significantly, which can be wasteful and doesn’t create the ideal wide, flat shape. For the authentic, large, crispy-edged muffin top, the specific pan design is necessary.
How do I prevent my muffin tops from sticking to the pan?
A good non-stick pan is the first line of defense. Even with that, I always use an additional greasing method. I lightly brush the wells with melted butter or a neutral oil, or I use a non-stick baking spray. For an extra layer of insurance, especially with sticky batters, you can also dust the greased wells with a light coating of flour, tapping out the excess. Properly greasing your pan is the single most important step for a clean release.
Do I need to adjust my standard muffin recipe for a muffin top pan?
Most of the time, you can use your standard recipe without any changes. The key difference is the baking time. Because the batter is spread out in a thin layer, muffin tops bake much faster than whole muffins. I always start checking them about halfway through the original recipe’s baking time. They are usually done in 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the recipe and your oven. Keep a close eye on them the first time you use a new pan to learn its timing.
How many muffin tops does a typical large-batch pan make?
A standard large-batch muffin top pan usually has 12 wells. Since the goal is producing a high volume, many bakers, including myself, own two or more of these pans. This allows me to have one pan baking while I’m preparing the next, making the process of creating the 9 best muffin top pans for large batches a reality. Some brands also sell their pans in sets of two, which is incredibly convenient for big baking days.
Are silicone muffin top pans a good option for large batches?
Silicone pans can be tricky for large batches. Their flexibility is a benefit for removal, but it’s also a drawback. They can be difficult to move when full of batter without spilling, and they often don’t promote the same level of browning and crispiness as a metal pan. For a single batch, they are fine, but for efficiency and the best texture in a high-volume setting, I strongly prefer rigid, heavy-duty metal pans.