A baked donut pan lets you skip the hot oil and still get tender, ring-shaped donuts in a standard oven. The pan does most of the work, shaping the batter, browning the outside and releasing cleanly once the donuts have cooled for a minute or two.
Donut pans come in steel and silicone, in six-cavity trays, 12-cavity mini pans and one 20-cavity party size. If you already bake with a muffin pan or cupcake pan, you will find a donut pan works the same way, only with a ring in the middle. We compared six options so you can pick the right one for your kitchen.
Top 3 Best Donut Pans at a Glance
Wilton Gold Non-Stick Donut Pan Set, 2-Piece
Bellemain Nonstick Donut Pan for Baking, 6-Cavity, 2 Pack
Walfos Silicone Donut Pan Set, 3 MoldsBest Donut Pans in 2027
| Image | Product | Key Specs | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Wilton Gold Non-Stick Donut Pan Set, 2-Piece Best Overall | Two 6-cavity pans, each 12.5 x 8 inches · Steel with nonstick, made without PFAS | 4.8/5 21,465 reviews | Check Price |
| 2. Bellemain Nonstick Donut Pan for Baking, 6-Cavity, 2 Pack Best Steel 2-Pack | Two 6-cavity pans · 12.5 x 8.5 inches per pan | 4.8/5 4,546 reviews | Check Price |
| 3. Walfos Silicone Donut Pan Set, 3 Molds Best Budget | Set of 3 silicone donut molds · Food-grade silicone, BPA free | 4.5/5 6,486 reviews | Check Price |
 | 4. Wilton 6-Cavity Doughnut Baking Pan Best Single Pan | 6 cavities, each 3 1/4 inches in diameter · Steel with nonstick finish | 4.7/5 6,281 reviews | Check Price |
 | 5. Wilton Perfect Results 20-Cavity Mega Donut Pan Best for Big Batches | 20 cavities, 3.25 inches in diameter · 21.5 x 15.5 x 0.8 inch pan | 4.7/5 2,800 reviews | Check Price |
 | 6. Wilton Small Donut Pan, 12-Cavity Best for Mini Donuts | 12 cavities for smaller donuts · 9.25 x 13.75 inch pan | 4.4/5 3,415 reviews | Check Price |
Bellemain Nonstick Donut Pan for Baking, 6-Cavity Stainless Steel - 2 pack
Walfos Non-Stick Donut Pan For Baking-Silicone Doughnut Mold, BPA FREE, Make Perfect Donut Cake Biscuit Bagels,Dishwasher Safe, Set of 3
1. Wilton Gold Non-Stick Donut Pan Set, 2-Piece – Best Overall
Wilton Gold Non-Stick Donut Pan Set, Made Without PFAS, 2-Piece
Amazon rating: 4.8/5 from 21,465 reviews
Pros
Cons
Wilton’s Gold donut pan set is the easy recommendation for most home bakers. You get two 6-cavity pans, so a half or full dozen of baked donuts is always possible, and the pans come from a brand that has sold bakeware since 1929.
It also has the largest review base on our list, with a 4.8 star rating from over 21,000 ratings, which tells you plenty of bakers have used it.
Key features
Each pan measures about 12.5 inches long by 8 inches wide and has six cavities. The steel construction is described as delivering even heat and resisting warping, and the pans are oven safe to 450°F.
Wilton says the nonstick coating is made without PFAS and is scratch resistant, which is a relevant feature if you want to avoid PFAS in bakeware. The extended handles let you grip the pan securely with oven mitts.
The pans are dishwasher safe, which saves time after a batch. For the longest coating life, you can still wash by hand with a soft sponge.
What it’s like to own
In use, the pans release baked donuts cleanly when greased lightly, and the rings come out evenly shaped. Because there are two pans, you can bake one batch while the other is being filled or cooled.
The set is sized for standard donuts, so it will not do mini or jumbo styles. If you want a larger batch, the 20-cavity pan from the same brand is the step up.
Best for: Families and casual bakers who want a dozen baked donuts per batch from a trusted brand.
May not fit: Anyone who wants mini donuts, silicone molds or a single-pan purchase.
2. Bellemain Nonstick Donut Pan for Baking, 6-Cavity, 2 Pack – Best Steel 2-Pack
Bellemain Nonstick Donut Pan for Baking, 6-Cavity Stainless Steel – 2 pack
Amazon rating: 4.8/5 from 4,546 reviews
Pros
Cons
Bellemain’s 2-pack is a close rival to the Wilton Gold set, with the same 4.8 star rating and two 6-cavity pans in the box. It is aimed at bakers who want sturdy steel and a nonstick finish for cake donuts and bagels.
It costs more than the Wilton set, so choose it only if you prefer the brand or want a hand-wash steel pan.
Key features
The listing describes premium steel that guarantees durability and a nonstick coating for easy release. Each pan has six cavities and measures 12.5 x 8.5 inches.
Bellemain says the pan works for classic donuts and for bagels, which is a useful bonus if you like homemade bagels. Care instructions call for hand washing.
The 2-pack format means you can bake a full dozen in one oven cycle, using a standard rack. The steel builds heat evenly, which gives consistent browning on cake-style donuts.
What it’s like to own
Ratings appear to be shared across the 1-pack and 2-pack listings, with around 4,500 reviews in total. That is a smaller pool than Wilton, but the average is excellent.
The pan asks for more care than a dishwasher-safe model, so be ready to wash it by hand after each bake. With that routine, a steel pan like this should last for years.
Best for: Bakers who want a sturdy steel 2-pack and are happy to hand wash.
May not fit: Bakers who want dishwasher-safe pans or the lowest possible price.
3. Walfos Silicone Donut Pan Set, 3 Molds – Best Budget
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 from 6,486 reviews
Pros
Cons
Walfos offers three silicone donut molds for far less than a pair of steel pans. The material is food-grade silicone with no chemical coating, so it suits bakers who want to avoid nonstick finishes.
It is a good first pan for kids’ baking projects and for anyone who bakes donuts only occasionally.
Key features
The listing says the molds are made from food-grade silicone, BPA free, and that they do not need a coating to stay nonstick. A light spray of oil before use helps the donuts release.
The set is described as microwave and freezer safe, and the molds are dishwasher safe. They can also be folded for storage, which suits small kitchens.
Walfos pitches the molds for donuts, cake, biscuits and bagels. Because silicone is flexible, place the molds on a baking tray before filling them so they do not sag.
What it’s like to own
Silicone does not conduct heat the same way as metal, so donuts may brown more lightly. That can be a plus for soft, pale cake donuts, but it will not give the golden edges of a steel pan.
With a rating of 4.5 from over 6,000 reviews, the set has plenty of feedback behind it. It is the cheapest way to start baking donuts.
Best for: Casual bakers, families and anyone who wants a no-coating, budget-friendly mold.
May not fit: Bakers who want deeply browned donuts or a rigid pan that does not need a tray.
4. Wilton 6-Cavity Doughnut Baking Pan – Best Single Pan
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 from 6,281 reviews
Pros
Cons
This is the classic Wilton donut pan, a single 6-cavity tray for bakers who want to try baked donuts without buying a set. It has a 4.7 star rating from over 6,000 reviews.
It is the right pick if you only bake a handful of donuts at a time and do not want to store two pans.
Key features
Each cavity measures 3 1/4 inches in diameter, and the listing says the pan makes full-sized donuts or other individual baked treats such as mini cakes and cupcakes. The steel pan has a nonstick finish.
Wilton lists a limited 10-year warranty and says the pan is dishwasher safe. The pan can be used up to 450°F, but Wilton warns against using it in a toaster oven or microwave.
Baked donuts are lighter than fried ones, and the pan gives them an even ring shape. The nonstick surface lets finished donuts slide out after a short cooling time.
What it’s like to own
Because it holds only six, you will need two rounds for a dozen. If you bake donuts often, the 2-piece Gold set saves time.
It does one job well, so it suits small households and first-time bakers who do not want to store two trays.
Best for: First-time donut bakers and small households that bake six at a time.
May not fit: Anyone who wants a dozen donuts per bake or a PFAS-free coating.
5. Wilton Perfect Results 20-Cavity Mega Donut Pan – Best for Big Batches
Wilton Perfect Results Non-Stick Donut Pan, 20-Cavity Donut Baking Pan, Steel
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 from 2,800 reviews
Pros
Cons
The 20-cavity Wilton pan is the answer when a dozen is not enough. It bakes twenty standard-sized cake donuts in one go, which helps with parties, school events and weekend brunches.
It is a single large tray, so you only wash and handle one pan for the whole batch.
Key features
The pan measures 21.5 x 15.5 x 0.8 inches, and each cavity is 3.25 inches in diameter, the same size as a standard donut. It is made from steel with a reinforced nonstick coating.
Wilton says the pan fits standard ovens and carries a limited 10-year warranty. It is dishwasher safe, though the listing recommends hand washing for the best results.
The large footprint means you need a roomy rack, and a single recipe has to be scaled up to fill every cavity. For groups, that scaling is the main benefit.
What it’s like to own
The review count is smaller than the top Wilton pans, but the 4.7 rating is strong. The pan suits bakers who make donuts regularly in large quantities.
It is awkward to store in a small kitchen, so make sure you have a flat shelf or a spot for it. For a smaller household, a 6-cavity pan is easier to live with.
Best for: Bakers who cook for crowds and want one pan for a whole batch.
May not fit: Small kitchens and anyone who bakes a few donuts at a time.
6. Wilton Small Donut Pan, 12-Cavity – Best for Mini Donuts
Wilton Small Donut Pan 12-Cavity, Steel
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 from 3,415 reviews
Pros
Cons
Mini donuts are the main reason to pick this pan. It has twelve cavities in a compact 9.25 x 13.75 inch tray, so you can make a batch of bite-size rings for parties or kids.
It trails the other Wilton pans on rating, with a 4.4 star average, but remains a popular choice for small treats.
Key features
The listing describes steel construction with a reinforced nonstick coating that is durable and scratch resistant. The tray measures 9.25 x 13.75 inches and includes 12 cavities.
Wilton says it is dishwasher safe but advises hand washing in warm, soapy water before first use and after each use for the best results. A limited 10-year warranty is listed.
The smaller size is a bonus for snacks and desserts, since you can serve several flavors in one batch. Smaller rings also bake faster, so watch the oven time closely.
What it’s like to own
Because each ring is small, you will fill the cavities with less batter, and a piping bag makes that easier. Decorating minis with glaze or sprinkles is a fun project with kids.
If you want standard-sized donuts, choose one of the 6-cavity pans instead. Reviewers rate this one a little lower, so check recent reviews before you buy.
Best for: Bakers who want bite-size donuts for parties or snacks.
May not fit: Anyone who wants full-sized donuts or the highest-rated pan.
How to Choose a Donut Pan
Steel or silicone?
Steel pans conduct heat well and give donuts a lightly browned exterior. They are rigid, easy to move in and out of the oven, and long lasting if you care for the coating.
Silicone molds are flexible and cheap, and they do not need a nonstick coating. They brown more lightly and need a tray underneath, but they are easy to store and kind to small budgets.
How many cavities do you need?
A 6-cavity pan makes a half dozen, so two of them make a dozen, which is why 2-packs are popular. A 20-cavity pan covers parties and bake sales in one batch.
Think about how often you bake and how much storage you have. A large pan is a time saver for crowds but takes more room in a cabinet.
Standard or mini size
Standard cavities, around 3 to 3.25 inches across, produce classic donut shapes. Mini pans, such as a 12-cavity tray, make bite-size rings that are ideal for snacks.
Do not expect to swap batters between sizes without adjusting bake times. Minis bake faster, so check them early.
Coating and PFAS
Most steel pans have a nonstick coating. Some brands, such as Wilton’s Gold line, say their coating is made without PFAS.
If that matters to you, check the product listing, and consider silicone as a coating-free alternative. Whatever you choose, avoid metal utensils that scratch the surface.
Cleaning and care
Dishwasher-safe pans save time, but hand washing in warm, soapy water extends the life of any nonstick coating. Dry the pan well after washing.
Silicone molds are easy to wash and can often go in the dishwasher. Always check each listing, because instructions vary between brands.
FAQ
Are baked donuts the same as fried donuts?
No. Baked donuts have a softer, cake-like texture and are less greasy than fried ones. They are a lighter option that is easy to make at home.
Do I need to grease a nonstick donut pan?
A light spray of oil helps donuts release cleanly even from nonstick or silicone pans. It takes a few seconds and prevents tearing.
Can I use a donut pan for bagels?
Some donut pans, like the Bellemain listing, say they can also be used for bagels. Check the cavity size, since bagel dough rises more than donut batter.
What temperature can donut pans handle?
Several Wilton pans on our list are oven safe to 450°F, but you should always follow the recipe, which usually calls for a lower temperature. Check each listing for its limit.
Final Verdict
The Wilton Gold 2-piece set is our top pick for most bakers because it bakes a dozen at once, uses a PFAS-free nonstick finish and has the biggest review base. The Bellemain 2-pack is a strong steel alternative, and the Walfos silicone set is the cheapest way to start.
If you bake for crowds, the 20-cavity pan saves time, and the 12-cavity mini pan suits snack-size treats. For more baking tools, see our guides to the mini muffin pan and the baking sheet you will want for cooling and glazing.
Quick picks:
- Best overall: Wilton Gold Non-Stick Donut Pan Set, 2-Piece
- Best steel 2-pack: Bellemain Nonstick Donut Pan, 6-Cavity, 2 Pack
- Best budget: Walfos Silicone Donut Pan Set, 3 Molds
- Best for big batches: Wilton Perfect Results 20-Cavity Mega Donut Pan
Related buying guides: Best Muffin Pans · Best Cupcake Pans · Best Mini Muffin Pans · Best Baking Sheets
