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6 Substitutes for Donut Pans That Actually Work

Making donuts at home sounded so simple—until we realized we didn’t have a donut pan. We had already whipped up the batter, so giving up wasn’t an option.

We got creative and improvised with what we had. Spoiler alert: it worked way better than we expected. Turns out, there’s no rule saying you need an actual donut pan to make donuts.

Some of these substitutes even gave our donuts a cool new shape or texture, which made them extra fun to eat. Who says you can’t make donuts without the fancy tools? You just need the right hacks to pull it off.

We’ve rounded up six handy alternatives that’ll save the day the next time you’re ready to bake and find yourself donut-pan-less. It’s easier than you think!

6 Easy Substitutes for Donut Pan

Here are six substitutes for donut pan that will work just as well (if not better) than the real thing:

1 – Muffin Pan with Foil Liners

You’ll never believe how easy it is to turn a muffin pan into a donut maker. All you do is grab some foil, shape it into little cylinders, and drop them in the center of each muffin cup. This hack gives you perfect donut holes and works like a charm.

Fill the cups about halfway with batter, and bake as usual. The foil creates that donut-like center. Use one foil “plug” per muffin slot. You can control the size of the donut holes by adjusting the foil shapes. Cleanup is just as quick since foil is disposable.

Want more ways to hack your bakeware? Check out our guide on the best muffin pan substitutes for even more ideas.

2 – Baking Sheet with Donut-Shaped Foil Molds

Did you know you can use a baking sheet to fake a donut pan? All you need is some foil and a little creativity. Shape foil into small donut molds, then space them out on your baking sheet. This lets you make donut shapes without specialized tools.

Pour batter into the molds, filling them halfway. Keep the foil sturdy so it holds the shape while baking. One mold equals one donut, simple as that. Adjust the mold size to fit your batter needs.

Cleanup is super easy since you toss the foil afterward. It’s quick, effective, and works with most donut recipes. Bonus tip? Use thicker foil for stronger molds. This trick takes minutes to set up and saves you from buying another pan. That’s a win for us.

3 – Silicone Molds

Some recipes insist on silicone molds, and we get why. They’re flexible, reusable, and handle heat like pros. You can find them in all shapes and sizes—circles, stars, even mini donuts.

Pour your batter right into the mold, and they hold their shape perfectly. They’re non-stick, so no greasing needed. Plus, cleanup is a breeze. Just wash and reuse. One standard silicone mold works as a 1:1 substitute for a donut pan.

They handle high heat up to about 400°F, so they’re as tough as they are handy. Bonus? They’re super easy to store. Flex ’em, fold ’em, chuck ’em in a drawer. If you hate clutter, these molds are made for you. They’re practical, simple, and reliable.

4 – Ramekins with a Small Center Mold

There’s one thing every cook should know—you can totally use ramekins with a small center mold as a donut pan substitute. The trick is adding something like foil or a small oven-safe object in the middle to mimic the donut hole. Use a 1:1 ratio for your batter, and they’ll bake up just fine.

Ramekins are heat-resistant and reliable. They work well for recipes that need even heat distribution. Cleanup? Super easy—just soak and rinse. They’re sturdy, so no bending or wobbling during baking. Plus, you’re likely to already have them around.

They might not come in donut shapes, but they’re customizable with a little creativity. Think of them as a versatile dish that fills in when you need it. Ramekins are both practical and easy to store.

5 – Cake Pan with a Makeshift Center Insert

This one substitute will save your recipe. A cake pan with a makeshift center insert works well when you’re missing a donut pan. All you need is an oven-safe object, like a small ramekin or a foil ball, to create the hole in the middle.

Use a 1:1 ratio for your donut batter. The pan size can handle it. The batter spreads evenly without fuss, so the bake is reliable.

Cleanup is simple. The pan and insert are easy to soak and clean. The shape might lack polish, but the taste stays the same. Plus, most of us already own a basic cake pan.

It’s a solid backup option that’s quick to set up. No special tools needed. It’s efficient, straightforward, and gets the job done.

6 – Cookie Cutter for Shaping Donuts by Hand

Last but not least, you can use a cookie cutter to shape donuts by hand. This hack works great with dough-based recipes like cake donuts or fried donuts. Use the cookie cutter to cut out the shape and then fry or bake as usual.

One bonus of this method? You have more control over the size and shape of your donut. Plus, it adds a personal touch that makes your homemade treats even more special.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a muffin pan to make donuts?

Yes, using foil liners in a muffin pan can help create a donut-like shape for your baked goods.

What are donut-shaped foil molds, and can they replace a donut pan?

Donut-shaped foil molds are simple alternatives that you can place on a baking sheet to shape your donuts.

Can silicone molds be used instead of a donut pan?

Yes, silicone molds are flexible and perfect for creating donuts without a traditional pan.

How can I make donuts using ramekins?

Use ramekins with a small center mold to create a donut shape; just ensure the batter doesn’t overflow.

Is there a way to make donuts without a donut pan or mold?

Yes, you can make a makeshift center insert with a cake pan or use a cookie cutter to shape the donuts by hand.

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