Don't Waste Your Money is supported by our readers. When you purchase an item through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Mini Muffin Pans for Desserts and Appetizers

Last updated on July 23, 2024
Categories Kitchen Tags

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Our Picks For The Top Mini Muffin Pans

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Key Takeaway
 Top Pick

Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Bakeware Nonstick Mini Muffin Pan

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Cuisinart

Chef's Classic Bakeware Nonstick Mini Muffin Pan

This mini muffin pan is made from alloy steel, which is light in color to promote even baking. Its broad, rolled edges also keep the pan from warping, so the mini muffins come out uniform every time.

Overall Take

Perfect for Even DonenessConsistently achieve a perfect, even bake with this 24-cup mini muffin pan.

 Runner Up

GoodCook Heavy Duty Non-Stick Steel Mini Muffin Pan

GoodCook

Heavy Duty Non-Stick Steel Mini Muffin Pan

This mini muffin pan is darker in color, which means it will absorb heat and bake muffins faster. The pan is also non-stick and can be used without muffin liners.

Overall Take

Best for Crispy EdgesMake baking easy with this mini muffin pan, whether you want to bake soft mini muffins or crispy egg bites.

 We Also Like

Wilton Perfect Results Non-Stick Steel Mini Muffin Pan

Wilton

Perfect Results Non-Stick Steel Mini Muffin Pan

Want a mini muffin pan that is compact and easy to keep in storage-challenged kitchens? This is the ideal choice! However, don't let the size fool you; it can still hold the average 24 mini muffins, just like any other pan.

Overall Take

The Small but MightyThis mini muffin pan can easily fit in small spaces if your kitchen lacks storage.

 Strong Contender

CAKETIME BPA-Free Silicone Nonstick Mini Muffin Pan

CAKETIME

BPA-Free Silicone Nonstick Mini Muffin Pan

While most mini muffin pans are made from steel, this is made from flexible silicone. One of the many benefits of silicone is that muffins can be removed with a simple finger press on the back of the cup.

Overall Take

Durable and FlexibleEnjoy the many benefits of silicone with this muffin pan, such as its durability, impressive heat resistance and ease-of-use.

Buying Guide

Mini muffins typically measure around one inch in diameter and are about half the size of standard muffins. Because of their size difference, mini muffins cannot be baked in a standard muffin pan, or they will be misshaped and uneven.

Mini muffin pans are used to accommodate their size better. While standard pans typically fit 12 2-inch cups, mini muffin pans fit up to 24 cups in roughly the same amount of space.

What to Look For

There are several aspects to consider when shopping for a mini muffin pan, such as material, color and size.

Most muffin pans are made from alloy steel; however, silicone is a common, albeit a less popular, option. Both materials are durable and can easily withstand high temperatures, so the optimal choice is a matter of preference.

Some people prefer silicone because it is durable with an innate non-stick surface and can easily be used for crafting. On the other hand, alloy steel absorbs heat better, enabling a more even bake.

You should also note which pans have a non-stick coating and which do not. Non-stick pans can be used without liners and are easier to clean.

Color can also make an impact on how well the pan bakes. Dark metal pans absorb heat, distributing it throughout the pan faster than light metal, so your baked goods cook faster. This can be especially optimal when aiming for crispy edges; otherwise, cooking times should be adjusted.

It is also important to consider the mini muffin pan size. Larger pans can be more challenging to store, especially if your kitchen doesn’t have much space. While most pans hold up to 24 muffins, smaller 12-cup pans are also available.

More to Explore

10 one-bite appetizers you can make in a mini muffin tin

Chili-Stuffed Mini Meatloaf

All the comfort food goodness of meatloaf in one zingy bite! Real Food By Dad shared this recipe, which can be perfect for game day or a cocktail party.

Tater Tots With Cheese And Bacon

Shredded potatoes, bacon, cheese and spices come together to make a mini bite that promises to pack a yummy punch. This recipe, shared by Well Plated By Erin, takes the taste of a loaded baked potato and shrinks it down into a tiny tater tot!

Mini Shepard’s Pot Pie

Shepard’s Pie on a cold night is a winning combination. Now you can have multiple pies with little to no guilt with this mini version, courtesy of I Wash, You Dry. It might be hard to choose what part of the pie is your favorite. The pie crust or the browned mashed potatoes on top?

5-Ingredient Caprese Phyllo Cups

Phyllo dough brings so much flavor and style to a recipe. It also cuts prep time down because you don’t have to make your own pastry. Gimme Some Oven’s 5-Ingredient Caprese Phyllo Cups mimics a classic tomato basil bruschetta.

Spicy Little Muffin Tin Chicken Tostadas

Have a Mexican food party night planned? Try these mini chicken tostadas from Recipe Tin Eats! The filling can be made ahead of time and added to the baked tostadas shortly before your guests arrive.

Mini Chicken Pot Pie Quiche Bites

This combination may sound out of the ordinary, but Port and Fin insist that this blend of chicken pot pie and quiche is a winner. According to the author, they’re “light, fluffy and bursting with chicken, beans, corn, peppers, spices, and cheese.”

Baked Spinach Artichoke Won-Ton Cups

Spinach dip lovers in the family will love this bite-sized appetizer that brings a crispy won-ton and the creamy deliciousness of spinach artichoke dip together! This recipe takes only 20 minutes to whip up. Your appetizer may be made last-minute, but they’ll taste like you spent hours on them, thanks to this recipe from Peas and Crayons.

Mini Muffin Garlic Knots

These mini garlic knots could be the perfect starter for an Italian feast or the main dish for an ordinary game night. The fresh garlic make this “work smarter not harder” recipe from Spiced stand out!

Bacon Double Cheeseburger Bites

This recipe sounds better with every word. Just about everyone loves a bacon cheeseburger! The author at The Slow Roasted Italian who shared this recipe recommends setting up condiments on the side so everyone can make their “burger” special.

Sloppy Joe Cups

A non-messy sloppy joe? Sounds impossible, right? Well, Pillsbury has managed to put together a recipe that has all the flavor of the classic family favorite but takes away the sloppiness.

Which of these will you be trying?

From our partners