A madeleine pan gives the little French sponge cakes their scalloped shell shape and the famous hump that forms when the batter hits a hot, shallow mold. The pan you choose decides how crisp the edges are, how cleanly each cake releases and how many you can bake at once.
Madeleine pans range from 12-well metal trays to 16-well pans, mini shells and silicone molds. If you already bake with a mini muffin pan or a cupcake pan, a madeleine tray is a worthwhile next step for tea-time baking, and we compared seven of the best on Amazon.
Top 3 Best Madeleine Pans at a Glance
USA Pan Bakeware Nonstick Madeleine Pan, 16 Well
Gobel Non-Stick Madeleine Pan, 12 Shells
MasterClass Non-Stick Madeleine Tray, 12 HoleBest Madeleine Pans on Amazon in 2027
| Image | Product | Key Specs | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. USA Pan Bakeware Nonstick Madeleine Pan, 16 Well Best Overall | 16 wells in one pan · Heavy-gauge aluminized steel | 4.8/5 1,803 reviews | Check Price |
| 2. Gobel Non-Stick Madeleine Pan, 12 Shells Best Classic French Pan | 12 shells, each 3.1 x 2 inches · Pan size 15.6 x 7.9 x 0.7 inches | 4.6/5 787 reviews | Check Price |
| 3. MasterClass Non-Stick Madeleine Tray, 12 Hole Best Value 12-Hole | 12 holes, 40 x 20 cm tray · 1 mm carbon steel | 4.7/5 1,700 reviews | Check Price |
 | 4. de Buyer Nonstick Madeleines Mold, 12 Shells Best Premium French Brand | 12 regular-size madeleines · Steel construction with nonstick coating | 4.6/5 1,469 reviews | Check Price |
 | 5. Tala Performance 12 Cup Madeleine Pan Best Guarantee | 12 cups, professional-gauge carbon steel · Double-layer Whitford Eclipse nonstick | 4.8/5 622 reviews | Check Price |
 | 6. Norpro Non-Stick Mini 18 Madeleine Pan Best Mini Madeleine Pan | 18 mini madeleines · Pan 15 x 9 x 0.5 inches | 4.5/5 296 reviews | Check Price |
 | 7. Silikomart Silicone Classic Collection 9 Count Madeleine Pan, Large Best Silicone Pick | 9 large madeleines, 1.7 x 1.8 inches each · 100% food-grade LSR silicone | 4.3/5 474 reviews | Check Price |
1. USA Pan Bakeware Nonstick Madeleine Pan, 16 Well – Best Overall
USA Pan Bakeware Nonstick Madeleine Pan, 16 Well
Amazon rating: 4.8/5 from 1,803 reviews
Pros
Cons
The USA Pan 16-well madeleine pan is our top pick because it combines heavy-gauge aluminized steel, a proven nonstick finish and a generous batch size. It has a 4.8 star rating from about 1,800 reviews, one of the highest scores on our list.
Sixteen wells mean one batch of batter fills a single pan with little left over, which is a practical advantage over 12-well trays.
Key features
USA Pan builds this pan from commercial-grade aluminized steel, a mix of steel for strength and aluminum for heat conduction. It is oven safe to 450°F and finished with the brand’s proprietary silicone nonstick coating.
The company describes the coating as providing easy release and quick cleanup. A limited lifetime warranty backs the pan, and USA Pan says it has made bakeware in the USA for more than 60 years.
Even heat is what produces the signature madeleine bump and a golden edge with a soft center. Aluminized steel is a good match for a shell mold because the thin batter sets quickly.
What it’s like to own
In use, a light butter-and-flour or spray release gives clean shells, and the nonstick finish makes cleanup quick. The pan sits flat on the rack and does not flex when you lift it.
Sixteen wells fill an entire sheet at once, which saves time when you are baking for a crowd. The pan costs more than lighter imports, but heavy construction tends to repay that over years of use.
Best for: Bakers who want a durable, high-capacity pan with a lifetime warranty.
May not fit: Anyone who prefers a classic 12-well format or the lowest price.
2. Gobel Non-Stick Madeleine Pan, 12 Shells – Best Classic French Pan
Gobel – Non-Stick Madeleine Pan, 12 Shells, 15.6 x 7.9 in
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 from 787 reviews
Pros
Cons
Gobel is a French bakeware maker that has been in business since 1887, and this 12-shell pan is its classic madeleine tray. It is a good pick for anyone who wants a traditional French pan and a PFAS-free coating.
The pan measures 15.6 x 7.9 x 0.7 inches, and each shell is 3.1 x 2 inches, a full classic madeleine size.
Key features
Gobel says the pan bakes 12 classic madeleines with the signature bump, crisp outside and soft inside. The listing describes a two-layer, PFAS-free nonstick coating, among the thickest on the market.
The pan is oven safe to 482°F and dishwasher safe, though the seller advises avoiding abrasive scrubbers and metal utensils. A one-year warranty is listed.
Gobel is described as a certified Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant, a French recognition for heritage craftsmanship. That heritage is part of the appeal for bakers who care about traditional tools.
What it’s like to own
The listing says madeleines release easily without greasing, but a light coat of butter is still the classic way to get a sharp shell pattern. The wide shells show off the scalloped design well.
With 4.6 stars from several hundred reviews, the pan has fewer ratings than USA Pan or MasterClass. It is nonetheless a safe pick if you want a PFAS-free coating and French manufacturing.
Best for: Bakers who want a traditional French pan with a PFAS-free coating.
May not fit: Anyone who needs a lifetime warranty or a mini-sized madeleine.
3. MasterClass Non-Stick Madeleine Tray, 12 Hole – Best Value 12-Hole
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 from 1,700 reviews
Pros
Cons
MasterClass offers one of the best-reviewed 12-hole madeleine trays, with a 4.7 star rating from about 1,700 ratings. It is a carbon steel pan with two layers of Quantum II nonstick coating.
It is a strong choice if you want a standard 12-well tray with a durable finish.
Key features
The tray makes 12 defined, evenly browned madeleines and measures 40 x 20 cm. The 1 mm carbon steel is meant to give smooth heat transfer, and a sandblasted surface helps the nonstick coating bond.
Two layers of Quantum II nonstick make the tin release cakes easily and clean quickly, according to the listing. The coating is PFOA free.
The listing says the pan is fridge, freezer, oven and dishwasher safe. That flexibility is useful if you chill your batter in the pan before baking, which many madeleine recipes recommend.
What it’s like to own
The pan comes from the MasterClass line by Kitchen Craft, a UK brand, so dimensions are in centimeters. Fit is standard for a home oven.
Carbon steel at 1 mm is a standard gauge for imported madeleine pans, but it is thinner than the aluminized steel in the USA Pan. Handle it with care and hand wash to keep the coating at its best.
Best for: Bakers who want a well-reviewed 12-well pan that handles chilling and baking.
May not fit: Anyone who wants a heavy aluminized pan or more than 12 wells.
4. de Buyer Nonstick Madeleines Mold, 12 Shells – Best Premium French Brand
de Buyer Nonstick Madeleines Mold – Bake Up to 12 Perfectly Crisp Madeleines – Easy to Use & Clean
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 from 1,469 reviews
Pros
Cons
De Buyer is a French brand that has made cookware and bakeware since 1830. Its 12-shell madeleine mold is aimed at bakers who want a professional-style pan and are happy to pay a bit more for the name.
It has a 4.6 star rating from about 1,500 reviews, and it follows the traditional 12-shell layout.
Key features
The listing says the mold bakes up to 12 regular-size madeleines with optimized heat conduction. The goal is a crisp, golden crust while the center stays soft and moist.
The steel construction is designed for even heat distribution, and the coating is non-toxic and nonstick. The upper temperature rating is 220°C, about 428°F.
De Buyer says it has designed and manufactured premium cookware, bakeware and kitchen tools since 1830. That long history appeals to bakers who want a traditional French brand.
What it’s like to own
The nonstick coating makes it easy to remove madeleines without damaging their shape. As with any shell mold, a light butter coating helps preserve the scalloped pattern.
The price is higher than the budget options, and the listing gives few dimensions beyond the capacity. If you are not attached to the brand, the MasterClass or Gobel pans are comparable.
Best for: Bakers who value a French heritage brand and a classic 12-shell pan.
May not fit: Anyone shopping on price or who wants a bigger pan.
5. Tala Performance 12 Cup Madeleine Pan – Best Guarantee
Amazon rating: 4.8/5 from 622 reviews
Pros
Cons
Tala’s Performance range is aimed at serious home bakers, and its 12-cup madeleine pan carries a 4.8 star rating and a 10-year guarantee. It uses commercial-weight carbon steel with a double-layer Whitford Eclipse nonstick coating.
It is the pick if you want a long guarantee and a coating that tolerates metal utensils.
Key features
The listing describes robust, commercial-weight steel with a double-layered nonstick coating from Whitford. Tala says it is safe to use with metal utensils, which is unusual among nonstick pans.
The pan is oven proof to 240°C, about 464°F, and is fridge, freezer and dishwasher safe. The 10-year guarantee is listed prominently.
Whitford’s Eclipse coating is a well-known commercial nonstick, and it is designed to resist wear. That makes the pan a good option for frequent bakers.
What it’s like to own
Reviews number just over 600, a much smaller pool than USA Pan or MasterClass, but the average rating is high. The pan is made for a standard 12-cup madeleine batch.
The listing gives no dimensions, so check that the tray fits your oven if you have a compact model. It is also one of the more expensive 12-well options.
Best for: Frequent bakers who want a long guarantee and a durable coating.
May not fit: Buyers who want the lowest price or a pan with a bigger review base.
6. Norpro Non-Stick Mini 18 Madeleine Pan – Best Mini Madeleine Pan
Norpro New Non Stick Mini 18 Madeleine Pan Sponge Cake Shells Best For Chocolate
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 from 296 reviews
Pros
Cons
Norpro’s mini pan makes 18 bite-size madeleines in one batch, which suits tea parties and dessert platters. Each shell is 2.25 x 1.5 inches, noticeably smaller than a classic madeleine.
It is a handy second pan if you already own a full-size tray.
Key features
The pan measures 15 x 9 x 0.5 inches and the listing says it provides even heating for uniform baking. The nonstick surface helps the little shells release.
Norpro also pitches the mold for cookies, chocolate and candy, so you can use it beyond cakes. Hand washing is recommended.
With a 4.5 rating from just under 300 reviews, it has a smaller track record. For a small price, it is a low-risk add-on.
What it’s like to own
Mini madeleines bake faster than full-size ones, so watch the oven closely. Piping the batter with a bag makes filling the small shells easier.
Because it is a different size from the classic mold, it will not replace a full-size pan. It does, however, give you a way to serve bite-size treats.
Best for: Bakers who want bite-size madeleines or a mold for chocolate.
May not fit: Anyone who wants classic large shells or dishwasher-safe bakeware.
7. Silikomart Silicone Classic Collection 9 Count Madeleine Pan, Large – Best Silicone Pick
Silikomart Silicone Classic Collection 9 Count Madeleine Pan, Large
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 from 474 reviews
Pros
Cons
Silikomart’s madeleine mold is for bakers who prefer silicone. It makes nine large shells, uses platinum-cured liquid silicone and is made in Italy.
It is the lowest-rated pan on this list at 4.3 stars, but it is the only true silicone option.
Key features
The listing says the silicone is 100% food-grade LSR, injected for greater detail and flexibility. The glossy surface is meant to give easy release.
The mold is safe from -75°F to 450°F and can go in the oven, microwave, fridge, freezer and dishwasher. Silikomart says it is guaranteed durable for 3,000 uses.
Because the mold is flexible, place it on a baking sheet before filling so it does not sag. Silicone does not brown as deeply as metal, so shells will be paler.
What it’s like to own
The ultra-flexible material makes it easy to pop out shells without tearing them. Cleanup is simple, and the mold stores flat.
You get only nine shells per batch, so it takes longer to bake a full recipe. If you want a crisp, golden shell, a metal pan will give a better result.
Best for: Bakers who prefer silicone, or who want a mold that also works in the freezer.
May not fit: Anyone who wants a deeply browned shell or a large-capacity pan.
How to Choose a Madeleine Pan
Metal or silicone?
Metal pans, usually carbon steel or aluminized steel, conduct heat quickly and give madeleines the crisp, golden edges and pronounced hump bakers look for. Silicone molds are flexible and release easily but brown more lightly.
If you want classic texture, choose a metal pan. If you prefer easy storage and a flexible mold, silicone works, as long as you support it on a baking sheet.
Pan size and number of shells
Classic pans have 12 shells, while some have 16 or more. Mini pans have 18 to 24 small cavities for bite-size cakes.
Match the pan to your batter recipe. Most recipes make 12 to 16 madeleines, so a 12-well or 16-well pan avoids baking in several rounds.
Nonstick coating
A good nonstick coating is important, because the delicate shell pattern can tear if the cake sticks. Look for layered coatings and note whether they are PFOA or PFAS free.
Even with nonstick, most bakers brush the wells with butter and a dusting of flour. That gives a sharper shell pattern and a crisper edge.
Material thickness
Heavier steel holds heat and resists warping, which gives more consistent results. Thinner carbon steel works but can flex and may need more care.
Aluminized steel, as in the USA Pan, combines strength with good heat conduction. If you bake often, a heavier pan is worth the extra cost.
Care and cleaning
Check whether a pan is dishwasher safe, since some are and some require hand washing. Gentle hand washing helps all nonstick coatings last.
Avoid metal utensils unless the maker says they are safe, as Tala does. Dry the pan fully to prevent rust on carbon steel.
FAQ
Do I need to chill madeleine batter?
Many recipes recommend chilling the batter for at least an hour, which helps create the hump. It is a recipe tip rather than a pan feature, but pans that are fridge safe let you chill the batter in the mold.
Should I grease a nonstick madeleine pan?
Yes, a light brushing of melted butter and a dusting of flour gives a cleaner shell pattern. Even with nonstick coatings, it improves release.
What size is a standard madeleine pan?
Standard pans have 12 shells and measure about 15 x 8 inches, though sizes vary by brand. Mini pans have smaller shells and more cavities.
Are silicone madeleine molds good?
They release easily and are simple to store, but they brown more lightly than metal. Place the mold on a baking sheet so it stays stable when you fill it.
Final Verdict
The USA Pan 16-well pan is our top pick for its heavy-gauge steel, large batch size and lifetime warranty. For a traditional French pan with a PFAS-free coating, choose Gobel, and for a well-reviewed 12-hole tray, MasterClass is a strong value.
Tala is the pick for a long guarantee, de Buyer for premium French brand appeal and Norpro for mini shells. For more small-cake pans, see our guides to the mini muffin pan and the donut pan.
Quick picks:
- Best overall: USA Pan Nonstick Madeleine Pan, 16 Well
- Best classic French: Gobel Non-Stick Madeleine Pan, 12 Shells
- Best value 12-hole: MasterClass Non-Stick Madeleine Tray
- Best mini: Norpro Non-Stick Mini 18 Madeleine Pan
Related buying guides: Best Donut Pans · Best Mini Muffin Pans · Best Muffin Pans · Best Cupcake Pans
