The Best Miniature Muffin Pans
Is there anything tastier than freshly baked muffins? Nope. And mini muffins are even better. They're bite-size and full of flavor. Of course, to make the perfect muffins, you need the perfect pan. And trust us, it can be hard to figure out which ones are best. There are tons of materials, sizes, and options. But we've done all the research to help you get exactly what you need.
What to Look For
While on the hunt for the ideal mini-muffin pan, there are a few key features we wanted to consider. First, the pan should be made from a durable, nonstick material. Speaking of nonstick, silicone or other equally non-stick coating is key unless you want to spend hours scraping crusty muffin bits from your pan. Good grips and handles are essential, too, as these can help you from spilling batter or burning yourself. The Rachel Ray pan, for example, has wide silicone grips and a sturdy, non-stick surface. However, it does stay hot for longer than usual, which makes it a bit unsafe for kids and family baking. So if that’s how you’ll be using your pans, you may want to check out the Caketime silicone pan instead. Each one of our top picks made the cut for a reason, so if you want to learn more, take a look at this list of the best miniature muffin pans.
Caketime Silicone Muffin Pan
Caketime’s silicone muffin pan is the crème de la crème of mini-muffin pans. This food-grade muffin pan is made from hardy, flexible silicone that’s non-toxic, lightweight, and nonstick, resulting in minimal cleanup. This means that you’ll get super tasty, evenly cooked, bite-sized muffins every time. This pan is perfectly safe to put in the microwave, dishwasher, or fridge, and it comes in a cheery red color that’ll brighten up your kitchen space. What’s not to love?
Pros:
- The quick-cooling silicone makes this one of the best options if you’re baking with kids. It’s safer than the usual metal pans.
- Storage is simple. All you need to do is roll it up and tuck it into a cabinet or drawer between uses.
- No matter what you make in this pan, it will pop right out, so you won’t need to worry about your muffins or cupcakes crumbling.
Cons:
- You may need to use a cookie sheet with this pan.
Wilton Store Mini-Muffin Pan (24-Cup)
A time-tested classic
A solid, classic pick in every way, this mini-muffin pan from Wilton is made of super-strong steel that’s built to last, and it sports a nonstick coating that easily releases any baked-on batter. Conveniently, this muffin pan is also dishwasher-safe, so you don’t have to waste any time scrubbing it. If you’re a frequent baker or you just have a craving for chocolate mini-muffins, then you need this pan in your life.
Pros:
- The high-quality steel heats evenly, so you’ll feel confident in knowing your muffins and cupcakes will bake nicely, every time.
- Wilton pans are known to last for years. Once you get this pan, you’ll be all set.
- We feel the price is phenomenal, especially when you consider the size and quality.
Cons:
- The packaging needs to be improved; it should come with more protection.
Wilton Store Mini-Muffin Pan (48-Cup)
Entertainment made easy
It’s not every muffin pan that comes with a whopping 48 cups in one, but that’s exactly what you get with Wilton’s 48-cup mini-muffin pan. Whether you’re having a party or you just want to make a giant batch of muffins for freezing or giving to friends, this muffin pan is the real deal. Aside from being extra-large, it’s got all the right features, including steel construction, solid nonstick coating, and oversized handles that allow you to get the perfect grip on the pan.
Pros:
- This pan is dishwasher safe and easy to care for.
- It’s a super cost-effective option, especially compared to others of the same high quality.
- No matter what you’re baking, it will pop right out. Nothing sticks to the non-slip surface.
Cons:
- It does take up the entire rack of a standard-sized oven, so if you have a smaller oven, this pan might not fit properly.
Rachael Ray Mini-Muffin Pan
No more burns
Are you the type of home cook who’s always burning herself or spilling food? Hey, there’s no shame in being a little messy. Just be sure to get this mini-muffin pan from Rachael Ray. Available in multiple color combos, this pan boasts extra-wide handles and comfy silicone grips so that you can get a confident grasp even when wearing big, bulky potholders. And, the nonstick exterior lets food slide off easily. This pan is even available in two configurations: a 6-cup and 24-cup size.
Pros:
- This pan is very versatile. You can use it for baked goods, breakfast foods, and cold desserts.
- Durable materials and high-quality construction make this a fantastic choice if you want your pans to last for years to come.
- Cleaning and care are easy. Simply put it in the dishwasher or wipe it out in the sink.
Cons:
- It’s pricier than other options.
Laminas Mini-Muffin Pan
Feeling a little short on storage space? You can fold, bend, and roll this mini-muffin pan up so that it fits in virtually any drawer or cabinet. Best of all, it doesn’t even lose its shape. Easy storage aside, this pan also has a nonstick silicone construction, which means that scrubbing off burnt food becomes a thing of the past. And it has a wide heat-resistant range, from -104 degrees Fahrenheit to 446 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros:
- We love using this silicone pan for fat bombs, chocolates, and other cold desserts. Everything pops out without a problem.
- Although it’s easily bent and rolled when you need it stored, this pan is stiff enough to hold its shape when you’re using it, unlike some of the other silicone options.
- This is a great choice for kids. It’s safe and easy to use.
Cons:
- You do have to take the time to wash this pan by hand, because if you put it in the dishwasher, it may acquire a faint white residue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some must-have features to look for in a mini-muffin pan?
It’s crucial to get a thick, non-aluminum pan with a good nonstick coating. This type of pan will bake everything more evenly, plus it’ll resist sticky batter. Also, the darker the pan, the more it’ll brown your muffins around the sides and bottoms, so a light-colored pan is best. And large, wide handles are key, too.
How many cups do mini-muffin pans have?
As opposed to regular muffin pans, mini-muffin pans generally have 24 cups. That being said, this differs depending on the design.