We’re 100% sure you’ve already got a cupcake pan or 2 in your kitchen. The question is, do they really work as well as you’d like? It’s not surprising if many of you have them end up in the back of the cupboard, unused and forgotten because of the bad experiences it offers! But by having a high-quality baking pan for cupcakes, we’re sure this won’t be the case anymore. If you have the right one, you can make perfectly brown cupcakes with even shape, and we can guarantee that you’ll spend far less time cleaning it compared to your old one! That said, we’ve curated this list with all the possibilities in mind to help you decide what your kitchen might need. Have fun reading!
How To Choose The Best Baking Pans for Cupcakes
To help you choose the right baking pan for cupcakes, we’ve compiled some important features that you should consider. Those features are:
Number of cups
Cupcake pans come in various sizes, with most of them having between 4 and 24 cups. To make the best final product, all of the wells in the pan should be filled with batter, so it’s crucial to choose a model that’ll be the right size for the number of cupcakes you want to bake.
Material
Generally, good-quality cupcake pans are made of steel, carbon steel, aluminized steel, silicone, silicone-line fiberglass fabric, and steel-lined silicone. The weight of a nice cupcake pan has been designed to make oven heat flow and transfer well for the size of the pan so that it can vary.
Ease of cleaning
Thankfully, the majority of the cupcake pans on the market today are completely dishwasher safe. However, some might need to be rinsed beforehand. If super simple cleanup is essential to you, stay clear of the hand-wash-only pans.
Nonstick coating
Again, most of the options out there have a nonstick coating. Still, it’s important always to make sure the one you want to purchase has this feature. It’ll offer you a much better baking experience as removing the baked goods will be easier. Furthermore, cleaning won’t be much of a problem because crumbs can easily slip off the surface just with plain water.
Price
The vast majority of cupcake pans are very moderately priced and quite affordable. That said, what matters in this category is to be sure you’ve chosen the right details in your pan for the uses you want to put it to. If a pan is much less expensive than others, it possibly lacks in weight, sturdiness, or other features. On the other hand, if it’s way more expensive, it might have special features that are instantly recognizable.
What is the difference between a cupcake pan and a muffin pan?
Both of them are basically the same thing. However, cupcakes often use liners, while muffins are often baked without liners.
What is the safest material for muffin pans?
Many prefer silicone baking pans as they’re naturally nonstick and flexible, making them ideal for foods that don’t easily release, such as cupcakes. Plus, this material is dishwasher safe!
keliwa’s 12-Cup Silicone Muffin Pan
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Calling all lovers of tender yet fluffy baked cupcakes! What we have here is the keliwa’s 12-Cup Silicone Muffin Pan, a baking pan for cupcakes that’ll make you smile from ear to ear. As a terrific addition to your kitchen, this bright-colored pan has an impressive nonstick coating and is chemical-free. By the way, for more chemical-free kitchen essentials, please take a look at our list of the best non-toxic cutting boards and kitchen utensils!
Another feature that we fancy is that it’s dishwasher safe. Thus, cleaning is always quick, simple, and fun! If you don’t have a dishwasher, you can wash it with warm soapy water. Did you know that you can also fold it without damage? When you want to use it, unfold it back to its initial shape, and it’s ready to do its magic!
What We Love
A foldable silicone option that’s insanely cheap.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Foldable silicone design
- Great heat conductivity
- Nonstick coating
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- The bright red color might not be everyone’s cup of tea
Silpat Perfect Mold Muffin Pan
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Do you bake muffins or cupcakes almost every single day? Then the Silpat Perfect Mold Muffin Pan might be what you need. But first, you should know that this is no cheap product! In fact, this high-end baking pan for cupcakes is the most expensive on this list! With that being said, why is it more expensive than others?
This brand is the original creator of the innovative silicone-covered fiberglass fabric bakeware for professional use, which is now available for home kitchens with the same quality level. As you can guess, this item is a real pleasure to use. The silicone wells are enough to hold batters on their own without being set into a metal muffin pan, which means you can place this on a cookie sheet on its own. To clean, rinse and place it on the top rack of your dishwasher or wash it by hand.
What We Love
The best pick for those looking for a high-end cupcake pan that’s durable and can fit all sizes of ovens.
Pros:
- Highly durable
- Dishwasher safe
- Nonstick coating
- Additional silicone layers for easy release
- Comes with a recipe book
Cons:
- It costs 3 to 5 times more than other cupcake pans
Ecolution Bakeins Cookware Nonstick Cupcake Pan
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If your real focus is finding one that’s a cinch to clean and doesn’t require a lot of oil for priming, the Ecolution Bakeins Cookware Nonstick Cupcake Pan is what you need. This amazing pan is made of carbon steel, which means it’s both highly durable and nonstick.
This baking pan comes with a reinforced rolled edges and seamed cups for perfectly shaped and evenly cooked cupcakes. Plus, the natural nonstick surface means cleanup will be effortless without the use of harmful chemical coatings like BPA, PFOA, and PTFE. Best of all, it’s available in various cup sizes, which are 6-cup, 6-extra-large-cup, 12-cup, and 24-mini cup.
What We Love
It’s a reliable baking pan for bakers looking to make delectable brown and evenly baked cupcakes.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Available in various cup sizes
- Nonstick coating
- Chemical-free
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Some people think it feels cheap
Boxiki Kitchen Silicone Muffin Pan
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Our pick for an easy-to-use and easy-to-clean silicone baking pan for cupcakes goes to the Boxiki Kitchen Silicone Muffin Pan. Thanks to its durable, warp-free stainless steel body and flexible silicone baking cups, you can easily pop your cupcakes out after baking. Not to mention, you can clean it up without the hassle of a wobbly, bendy pan that’s hard to handle.
Moreover, this pan is also elegantly shaped with wide, comfy handles. Another thing worth mentioning is that you’ll also get the brand’s Top 50 Delightful Muffin Pan Recipes ebook by purchasing this baking pan! Talk about a good deal! Backed by a lifetime warranty, there’s really no reason for you not to get this amazing item.
What We Love
It’s a great option for those looking for a silicone alternative.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Wide, comfy handles
- Comes with ebook recipes
- Lifetime warranty
- Flexible silicone baking cups
Cons:
- A bit more expensive than others
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Bakeware 6-Cup Jumbo Muffin Pan
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Say hello to our next great baking pan for cupcakes, the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Bakeware 6-Cup Jumbo Muffin Pan! Cuisinart’s baking pans for cakes are exceptional, and this one is no exception. This simple yet very well-made cupcake pan can bake up to 6 huge cupcakes, perfect for sweet-toothed people like you! It’s manufactured with nonstick aluminized steel, and the design ensures you can bake the larger-than-normal jumbo cupcakes at a perfect level temperature throughout.
This baking pan for cupcakes is heavy enough not to warp and be cleaned in the dishwasher after use. Overall, we think it’s safe to say that it’s one of the best options on the market as its weight and composition are perfect for baking giant cupcakes, which can sometimes brown too quickly on the outside while not cooking through in the center.
What We Love
A highly recommended baking pan as the weight and composition are perfect for baking jumbo cupcakes.
Pros:
- Nonstick aluminized steel
- Distributes heat evenly
- Dishwasher safe
- Cheap
- Thick rolled edges
Cons:
- Not the most durable option
Rachel Ray Nonstick Bakeware 12-Cup Cupcake Pan
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We have here a budget-friendly option that features outstanding build quality and ease of use that everyone would appreciate. The Rachel Ray Nonstick Bakeware 12-Cup Cupcake Pan has many outstanding features, like snug-fitting silicone handles and the ability to bear the heat of up to 500-degree Fahrenheit.
Without using gigantic potholders, this pan’s user-friendly extra-wide handles provide the right room for gripping the pan. You’ll have a safe and simple time to move the pan’s hot layer with its heat-resistant painted rubber grip. We also like the fact that this baking pan for cupcakes is super durable, and the interior makes it very easy to release baked goods. If you’re wondering, yes, it’s dishwasher safe!
What We Love
An affordable option that’s very well-built and user-friendly.
Pros:
- Affordable price tag
- Durable construction
- Dishwasher safe
- Extra-wide handles
- Allows you to release cupcakes easily
Cons:
- The nonstick feature loses its effect if you don’t take care of the pan well
USA Pan Bakeware Cupcake and Muffin Pan
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Want to make the perfectly sized, on-the-go cupcakes for birthday parties? If so, then you should get something like the USA Pan Bakeware Cupcake and Muffin Pan! This 12-cup baking pan for cupcakes has an Americoat surface that allows baked goods to be released effortlessly. Made from heavy-gauge aluminized steel, this pan is super durable.
This great baking pan is also BPA, PTFE, and PFOA-free, which is a huge plus. Aside from being able to distribute heat evenly, it’s also resistant to warp and rust, plus you can clean it quickly without scratching the outer surface! Another thing that you’ll like about this item is that a lifetime warranty backs it!
What We Love
A long-lasting and chemical-free option that you can always rely on.
Pros:
- Chemical-free surface
- Easy to clean
- Heavy-gauge aluminum design
- Even heat distribution
- Resistant to warp and rust
Cons:
- You need cupcake liners to bake goods
Chicago Metallic Professional 12-Cup Non-Stick Muffin Pan
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Made from heavy-duty carbon steel, the Chicago Metallic Professional 12-Cup Non-Stick Muffin Pan can provide you 12 cups of baked goods. Comes with high-quality carbon steel standards, this product is robust and easily transfers heat. It’s coated with a robust nonstick coating that guarantees the cupcakes can be released effortlessly.
Furthermore, this baking pan can withstand up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, similar to other options you can find out there. Washing it is also a breeze, that’s because it’s dishwasher safe! If you like this item but feel like you need a bigger or smaller one, relax! Aside from 12-cup, it’s also available in a 6-cup and 24-cup version.
What We Love
It’s a durable, non-stick option that’s designed with ease of use in mind.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Available in many sizes
- Even heat distribution
- Dishwasher safe
- Nonstick coating
Cons:
- The surface can peel off over time if not maintained properly
All-Clad Pro-Release Bakeware Pan
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The All-Clad Pro-Release Bakeware Pan might have an exceedingly plain cosmetic, but this amazing item does everything you can ask and a whole lot more! Made of heavy-gauge aluminized steel, this baking pan for cupcakes will warm up your baked goods equally and will withstand temperatures of around 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
As expected, this popular product features a ceramic-reinforced, nonstick finish that can make sure nothing is left after baking. Aside from that, it’s built with oversized integrated handles for a comfortable and safe grip. This pan can easily be the go-to option for professional chefs and avid home bakers alike with everything it offers.
What We Love
This is a well-made and versatile option that does everything you can ask.
Pros:
- Made of heavy-gauge aluminized steel
- Nonstick coating
- Oversized, comfy handles
- Easy to clean
- Scratch-resistant
- Chemical-free
Cons:
- A bit more expensive than other similar models
Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick 24-Cup Mini Cupcake Pan
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The Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick 24-Cup Mini Cupcake Pan’s design manages to answer the challenges that can happen when baking mini cupcakes! Even though it’s mini, the weight of the steel is still thick enough so that heat is evenly distributed but not so thick that the small cakes risk burning. Plus, the nonstick coating is infused with silicone to assure easy removal.
We also like how the handles extend out from the pan far enough to get a comfortable grip. Plus, this baking pan for cupcakes can be used with cupcake liners or without, which is awesome. Oh, the nonstick coating also makes the pan scratch-resistant! When you want to clean it, feel free to put it in the dishwasher. Best of all, it comes with a lifetime limited manufacturer’s warranty.
What We Love
A great option to whip up a big batch of mini cupcakes all at once.
Pros:
- Nonstick coating
- Comfortable handles
- Scratch-resistant
- Dishwasher safe
- Lifetime limited manufacturer’s warranty
- Distributes heat evenly
Cons:
- Some quality control problems
Nordic Ware 12-Cup Natural Aluminum Commercial Muffin Pan
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The Nordic Ware 12-Cup Natural Aluminum Commercial Muffin Pan is a food-grade option made from aluminum and offers a rust-resistant surface. As one of the most popular baking pans out there, you can rest assured that it can last a lifetime! Baking the cupcakes inside and outside is also ensured by the pan’s excellent heat conductivity.
Thanks to its natural nonstick property, this baking pan for cupcakes can make yummy cupcakes and muffins without burning the bottom and gives the pan superior durability. Like other options, it’s also rustproof, warp-resistant, and allows the cakes to be easily released. Cleaning the pan is super easy as well, although it’s not dishwasher safe.
What We Love
A good option with a sturdy and durable build that allows you to bake up to 12 cupcakes at once.
Pros:
- Durable construction
- Allows cakes to be easily released
- Great heat conductivity
- Nonstick coating
- Warp-resistant
- Rustproof
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe
OXO Good Grips Nonstick Pro Muffin Pan
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Many people pick the OXO Good Grips Nonstick Pro Muffin Pan when they’re shopping for the best baking pan for cupcakes? Why? Well, that’s because this brand has made plenty of reliable products, like stainless steel mixing bowls and cutting boards for meat. This one is no different. It has all the features you could ask for from a baking pan! For instance, it’s available in various cup sizes, from large muffin pans to small ones. Then, this solid product is also straightforward to release and clean.
On top of that, itis heavy-gauge aluminized steel promotes even heat distribution. That means you can always rely on this baking pan to make perfectly brown and mouth-watering cupcakes. Another thing that you should know is that the micro-textured, nonstick pattern reduces surface contact and increase airflow for even baking. If you’re looking for an option that’s worth the money, you really can’t go wrong with this one!
What We Love
This item is an excellent and even cupcake pan that’ll please even the most discerning bakers.
Pros:
- Available in various cup sizes
- Easy to release and clean
- Even heat distribution
- Nonstick coating
- Offers a secure grip
- Highly durable
Cons:
- Compared to other 12-cup baking pans, it’s a bit more pricey
Wilton Recipe Right 12-Cup Muffin Pan
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Wondering which baking pan for cupcakes to get? Why don’t you take a look at the Wilton Recipe Right 12-Cup Muffin Pan? This item offers consistently excellent performance. It’s sturdy, won’t buckle, and can be used in high heat. The edges are softly rounded, allowing you to get a good grip on the pan when placing it in the oven or removing it.
The steel construction of this pan maintains a level of baking temperature. At the same time, the nonstick surface allows muffins and cupcakes to release easily, regardless of whether you use muffin liners or not. That’s not all, as it’s also rustproof, dishwasher safe, and best of all, comes with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty!
What We Love
For all levels of cooks, this baking pan takes the worry out of making a batch of cupcakes.
Pros:
- 5-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Super cheap
- Round edges for better grip
- Durable steel construction
- Nonstick surface
- Can be used in high heat
Cons:
- The brand’s large label is glued to the pan, which is hard to get off before first use
