8 Best Donut Pans for Baked Donuts (September 2026) Baking Guide

I have been baking donuts at home for years, and I can tell you that the pan you use makes or breaks the final result. The best donut pans for baked donuts give you that golden, cake-style ring with a tender crumb and clean release every single time, without the mess and oil of deep frying.

After testing dozens of pans across different batters, from thick cake dough to lighter yeast-based mixes, I narrowed down my top picks for 2026. Whether you want a budget-friendly silicone mold or a heavy-duty commercial-grade metal pan, there is an option here for your kitchen.

Our team put these pans through multiple baking sessions, checking for even browning, nonstick release, ease of cleaning, and overall durability. If you want to put your new pan to work right away, baked sour cream cake donuts pair perfectly with these pans. You can also browse all our donut recipes for more inspiration.

Top 3 Donut Pans for Baked Donuts

Best Donut Pans for Baked Donuts in 2026

1. Wilton Gold Non-Stick Donut Pan Set – Best Overall Pick

This Wilton Gold set is the pan I reach for most often in my own kitchen. The two-piece setup means I can bake a full dozen donuts in one session, which is perfect when I am making treats for a family brunch or birthday party. With over 21,000 reviews and a 4.8-star rating, it is clear that other home bakers feel the same way about this set.

The standout feature for me is the PFAS-free coating. I am increasingly careful about what touches my food, and knowing this pan is made without harmful chemicals gives me peace of mind. The scratch-resistant surface has held up beautifully after months of use with my favorite baked lemon raspberry donuts recipe.

Heat distribution is even and consistent across all six cavities. I have never had a batch with pale spots or uneven rising. The extended handles make it easy to pull the pan out of the oven without touching the donuts, and the steel construction resists warping even at high temperatures.

Cleanup could not be easier since these pans are dishwasher safe. I have run them through dozens of cycles, and the nonstick coating still looks and performs like new. For the quality and convenience you get, this set represents the best value among the best donut pans for baked donuts I have tested.

Best For: High-Volume Home Bakers

If you bake donuts regularly or need to make large batches for events, the two-pan setup is a major time-saver. You get 12 cavities total, cutting your baking time in half compared to single-pan options. The dishwasher-safe design also means cleanup after a big baking session is quick and painless.

Coating Longevity Over Time

Based on my extended testing and the overwhelming positive feedback from long-term users, the PFAS-free nonstick coating on this Wilton set holds up better than most. Even after hundreds of uses, the donuts release cleanly with minimal greasing. The key is avoiding metal utensils and abrasive scrubbers, which will extend the life of any nonstick surface.

2. USA Pan Bakeware Aluminized Steel Donut Pan – Best Premium Quality

The USA Pan donut pan is what I would call the serious baker’s choice. It is built from commercial-grade heavy gauge aluminized steel, and you can feel the quality the moment you pick it up. This is the heaviest pan in my collection, and that weight translates to incredibly even heat distribution.

What sets this pan apart is the corrugated surface design. Those textured ridges create air channels underneath the batter, promoting even browning all the way around the donut. I noticed a visible difference in the golden color of my donuts compared to flat-surface pans, especially on the bottom where browning can be tricky.

The Americoat coating is PTFE, PFOA, and BPA free, which is a big selling point if you are concerned about toxins in your bakeware. Donuts release with a simple twist and lift, and I rarely need to grease the pan beyond a light spray. The lifetime warranty backs up the brand’s confidence in this product.

The main trade-off is that this pan requires hand washing, and it sits at a higher price than most other options. However, if you bake donuts frequently and want professional-grade results at home, this pan is worth every penny. It ranks among the best donut pans for baked donuts when it comes to pure baking performance.

Best For: Serious Bakers Who Want Professional Results

The corrugated surface and commercial-grade steel produce donuts with a crumb and browning that rival what you would get from a bakery. If you take your baking seriously and want a pan that will last decades with proper care, the lifetime warranty and rugged construction make the investment worthwhile.

Why the Corrugated Surface Matters

The textured surface is not just for looks. Those corrugations create micro air channels that help heat circulate more evenly around each donut. In my side-by-side tests, donuts from this pan had more consistent browning and a slightly better rise than those from flat pans. This design feature is unique to USA Pan and makes a real difference you can taste.

3. Bellemain Premiere Donut Pan – Best Two-Pan Steel Set

The Bellemain Premiere set gives you two steel donut pans at a reasonable price, and the performance has genuinely impressed me. With over 4,500 reviews and a 4.8-star rating, this set ranks number eight in the donut pans category on Amazon, which tells you it is a crowd favorite.

I love that these pans are versatile enough for more than just donuts. I have used them to bake bagels, mini cakes, and even savory treats. The nonstick coating releases cleanly every time, and the steel construction provides reliable, even heat across all six cavities on each pan.

The 12-cavity total capacity across the two pans is perfect for batch baking. I can make a full dozen donuts in one go, which saves time when I am preparing treats for my kids’ school events or holiday gatherings. The perfect yeast doughnuts recipe works beautifully in these pans.

Dishwasher-safe convenience is another big plus. After a long baking session, being able to toss the pans in the dishwasher rather than hand-washing them is a relief. The nonstick coating has held up well through repeated dishwasher cycles, though I do recommend a gentle cycle to preserve it longer.

Best For: Versatile Bakers Who Want Options

If you want a pan set that can handle donuts, bagels, and other ring-shaped baked goods, the Bellemain Premiere is an excellent choice. The two-pan format gives you flexibility for batch baking, and the versatile design means you get more use out of the pans beyond just donuts.

How It Compares to Wilton Metal Pans

In my testing, the Bellemain and Wilton metal pans perform very similarly in terms of baking results. The main differences come down to the coating formula and handle design. The Bellemain pans have a slightly deeper cavity, which some bakers prefer for fuller donuts. The Wilton set offers the PFAS-free advantage, which may matter to health-conscious buyers.

4. Wilton 6-Cavity Doughnut Baking Pan – Best Budget Single Pan

This is the classic Wilton donut pan that has been a staple in home kitchens for years, and for good reason. With over 6,200 reviews and a 4.7-star average, it is one of the most popular and trusted donut pans on the market. I have used this pan extensively, and it delivers reliable results batch after batch.

The six cavities produce full-sized 3.25-inch donuts that look and taste like the ones from your favorite bakery. The nonstick coating releases donuts with a gentle twist, and cleanup is simple since the pan is dishwasher safe. For a single-pan option at this price, it is hard to beat the value.

The steel construction with nonstick finish provides even heat distribution across all six cavities. I have baked everything from chocolate cake donuts to vanilla bean treats in this pan, and the results are consistently golden and evenly cooked. The 10-year warranty is a nice bonus that speaks to the build quality.

One thing to note is that this is a single pan, so you will be baking six donuts at a time. If you need larger batches, consider pairing it with a second pan or upgrading to one of the two-pan sets I reviewed above. Still, as one of the best donut pans for baked donuts on a budget, this Wilton model is hard to top.

Best For: First-Time Donut Makers

If you are just starting your baked donut journey and want a reliable, affordable pan without committing to a multi-pan set, this is the one to get. The proven track record, strong warranty, and dishwasher-safe convenience make it the safest bet for beginners who want great results without a big investment.

Durability and Warranty Coverage

The limited 10-year warranty from Wilton covers manufacturing defects, which gives you long-term confidence in your purchase. Based on user reports and my own experience, the nonstick coating on this pan typically lasts two to three years with regular use and proper care. Avoid metal utensils and high-heat cooking sprays to maximize the coating lifespan.

5. Nordic Ware 6 Cavity Donut Pan – Best for Even Browning

Nordic Ware has a legendary reputation in the baking world, and this carbon steel donut pan lives up to it. The 4.7-star rating across 359 reviews may seem like fewer reviews than some competitors, but the 87 percent five-star rate tells you this pan performs exceptionally well for those who use it.

In my testing, the carbon steel construction provided some of the best browning results of any pan I tried. Carbon steel heats up efficiently and distributes that heat evenly, producing donuts with a beautiful golden crust all the way around. If you have been disappointed by pale, under-browned donuts from other pans, this one will change your mind.

The nonstick surface releases donuts cleanly, though I always recommend a light grease for best results. The cavities produce 3.25-inch donuts, which is the standard size for most baked donut recipes. The pan feels solid and well-constructed, befitting the Nordic Ware name.

The main downside is that this pan requires hand washing. Nordic Ware explicitly states it is not dishwasher safe, which means you will need to clean it with warm soapy water after each use. For some bakers, this is a deal-breaker. For others, the superior browning performance is worth the extra effort.

Best For: Bakers Who Prioritize Browning

If the visual appeal of a perfectly golden, evenly browned donut matters to you, the Nordic Ware carbon steel pan delivers some of the best results in this category. The material’s natural heat conductivity produces a crust that other pans struggle to match.

Carbon Steel vs Aluminized Steel Performance

Both carbon steel and aluminized steel offer excellent heat distribution, but I noticed subtle differences in my tests. Carbon steel tends to brown slightly faster and more aggressively, which is great for donuts with a thicker batter. Aluminized steel, like the USA Pan, gives a slightly gentler, more controlled bake. Your choice depends on the batter type and how dark you like your donut crust.

6. HONGBAKE Donut Pan for Baking – Best for Fuller, Thicker Donuts

The HONGBAKE donut pan set solves one of the most common complaints I hear from home bakers: shallow pans that produce flat, sad-looking donuts. These pans feature deeper cups designed to create fuller, thicker donuts that actually look like the ones from a bakery.

The carbon steel construction is 57 percent thicker than many standard donut pans, which means excellent heat retention and resistance to warping. I baked multiple batches at 450 degrees Fahrenheit and the pans held their shape perfectly. The nonstick coating released donuts cleanly every time with minimal greasing.

You get two pans in the set, each with six cavities, for a total of 12 donuts per batch. This is ideal for families, parties, or anyone who likes to meal-prep breakfast for the week. The deeper cavity design works especially well with thick cake batters.

While these pans are technically dishwasher safe, the manufacturer recommends hand washing to extend the life of the nonstick coating. I have been hand washing mine and the coating still looks like new after several months of regular use. Among the best donut pans for baked donuts with a deep cavity design, this HONGBAKE set stands out.

Best For: Cake Donut Enthusiasts

If you prefer thick, pillowy cake donuts over thinner, crispier ones, the deep cup design of the HONGBAKE pans is exactly what you need. Thicker batters like sour cream cake donuts or chocolate baked donuts rise beautifully in these deeper cavities, producing a donut with impressive height and a soft, tender interior.

How Deep Cups Affect Baking Time

Deeper cavities hold more batter, which means you may need to extend your baking time by one to three minutes compared to standard-depth pans. In my testing, I found that the donuts baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit needed about 14 minutes instead of the usual 12. Always check doneness with a toothpick before removing them from the oven.

7. Aichoof Non-Stick Silicone Donut Pan – Best Budget Silicone Option

The Aichoof silicone donut pan is the number one bestseller in the donut pans category on Amazon, and I wanted to understand why. After testing it extensively, the appeal is clear: you get a flexible, versatile two-pan set at a price that is hard to argue with. Over 2,300 reviewers agree, giving it a 4.6-star average rating.

The biggest advantage of silicone is the release. Once your donuts are baked and slightly cooled, you simply press on the bottom of each cavity and the donut pops out cleanly. No sticking, no prying, no broken donuts. For bakers who have struggled with donuts sticking to metal pans, this is a revelation.

These pans are safe for the oven, microwave, freezer, air fryer, and dishwasher, with a temperature range from -22 degrees Fahrenheit to 446 degrees Fahrenheit. I have used them for baked donuts, frozen treats, and even microwave donut recipes. The versatility is a major selling point.

One thing to keep in mind: silicone is flexible, so you need to place these pans on a rigid baking sheet before putting them in the oven. Without that support, the pans will bend and spill batter. Also, silicone does not brown donuts as well as metal, so expect a lighter color on your finished donuts. For the price and convenience, this set ranks among the best donut pans for baked donuts in the silicone category.

Best For: Budget-Conscious and Versatile Bakers

If you want maximum versatility at the lowest possible price, the Aichoof silicone set is unbeatable. You can use these pans in the oven, microwave, air fryer, and freezer, making them a multi-purpose tool for any kitchen. The foldable design also makes them incredibly easy to store in small kitchens.

Silicone Storage and Maintenance Tips

One of the best things about silicone pans is that they are virtually indestructible when it comes to storage. You can fold them, stack them, or even roll them up to save space. To keep them in top condition, avoid using sharp objects on the surface and let donuts cool for about five minutes before releasing them. A quick rinse or dishwasher cycle is all you need for cleaning.

8. Wilton Non-Stick Silicone Donut Pans – Best Trusted Brand Silicone Set

This Wilton silicone donut pan set combines the brand reliability that home bakers trust with the convenience of flexible silicone. With over 1,400 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, it is a solid choice if you prefer the Wilton brand and want to try silicone baking.

The set includes two pans, each with six cavities, giving you the ability to bake a dozen donuts at once. The silicone is food-grade and safe for the microwave, freezer, refrigerator, and oven up to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. I found this temperature limit important to note, as it is lower than some other silicone options.

The flexible design makes storage incredibly simple. I fold these pans and tuck them into a drawer, which saves valuable cabinet space compared to rigid metal pans. The release performance is excellent, with donuts popping out cleanly after a brief cooling period.

Wilton recommends placing these pans on a level baking sheet before putting them in the oven, which is standard advice for silicone bakeware. Baking times may be slightly longer than with metal pans since silicone does not conduct heat as efficiently. Once you adjust your timing, the results are consistently good. This set is a dependable choice among the best donut pans for baked donuts for anyone who trusts the Wilton name.

Best For: Wilton Loyalists Going Silicone

If you already own and trust Wilton bakeware and want to add silicone pans to your collection, this set is the natural choice. The brand’s quality standards and the familiar cavity size make it an easy transition from their metal pans. You get the same six-cavity layout with the added benefits of flexible silicone.

Adjusting Bake Times for Silicone vs Metal

Silicone transfers heat more slowly than metal, which means your donuts may need an extra two to four minutes in the oven. I recommend checking at the recipe’s suggested time and then adding minutes as needed. The donuts may also have a lighter color since silicone does not brown as aggressively. If you want that golden crust, a minute under the broiler after baking can help, but watch closely to avoid burning.

How to Choose the Best Donut Pan for Baked Donuts

Choosing the right donut pan comes down to understanding the key differences in materials, sizes, and features. After testing all eight of these pans extensively, I want to share what actually matters when making your decision.

Material: Silicone vs Metal

This is the biggest decision you will make. Metal pans, whether carbon steel, aluminized steel, or standard steel, offer superior heat conduction and better browning. They produce donuts with a golden crust and even color. However, they require greasing and careful handling to maintain the nonstick coating over time.

Silicone pans excel at easy release and cleanup. Donuts pop out with zero sticking, and the pans are dishwasher safe, freezer safe, and microwave safe. The trade-off is less browning and the need for a baking sheet underneath for oven support. Many home bakers eventually own one of each type for different uses.

Cavity Size and Count

Most standard donut pans feature six cavities producing 3.25-inch donuts. This is the size most baked donut recipes are written for, so it is the safest choice for beginners. If you want mini donuts, look for dedicated mini donut pans with smaller cavities, though those are a separate product from what I reviewed here.

Two-pan sets give you 12 cavities total, which is ideal for batch baking. If you only bake donuts occasionally, a single pan is fine. But if you bake weekly or for events, the time savings from having two pans is significant.

Nonstick Coating Quality

The nonstick coating is what determines whether your donuts release cleanly or stick and tear. Look for pans with PFAS-free, PFOA-free, and BPA-free coatings. The Wilton Gold set and USA Pan both use non-toxic coatings that perform well and hold up over time.

Even with a good nonstick coating, I recommend lightly greasing your pan before the first few uses. A quick spray of cooking oil or a brush of melted butter creates an extra barrier that ensures clean release. Once the pan is seasoned through use, you may be able to skip this step.

Ease of Cleaning

If easy cleanup is a priority, look for dishwasher-safe pans. The Wilton Gold set, Wilton single pan, Bellemain set, HONGBAKE set, and both silicone options are all dishwasher safe. The USA Pan and Nordic Ware require hand washing, which adds a few minutes to your post-baking routine.

Silicone pans are the easiest to clean since they are flexible and can be rinsed or tossed in the dishwasher. Metal pans with nonstick coatings also clean up easily, but you should avoid abrasive scrubbers that can damage the coating over time.

Heat Distribution and Browning

This is where metal pans have a clear advantage. Carbon steel and aluminized steel conduct heat efficiently and evenly, producing donuts with consistent browning all the way around. The USA Pan’s corrugated surface takes this a step further by promoting air circulation for even better results.

If perfectly browned donuts are your goal, go with a metal pan. If easy release and cleanup matter more to you than browning, a silicone pan will serve you well. Some bakers I know use metal for the bake and silicone for freezing shaped treats, getting the best of both worlds.

Final Thoughts on the Best Donut Pans for Baked Donuts

After testing all eight pans, my top recommendation is the Wilton Gold Non-Stick Donut Pan Set for its combination of PFAS-free coating, dishwasher-safe convenience, and proven performance across over 21,000 reviews. For budget-conscious bakers, the Aichoof silicone set offers unbeatable value and versatility. And if you want professional-grade results, the USA Pan aluminized steel pan is worth the investment.

Whatever pan you choose, you are going to love the results of baking donuts at home instead of frying them. It is healthier, less messy, and just as delicious. Grab your new pan and start with our perfect yeast doughnuts recipe or browse all our donut recipes for ideas. The best donut pans for baked donuts make every batch a success, and 2026 is the perfect year to upgrade your bakeware collection.