Ever found yourself halfway through a donut recipe, only to realize you don’t have a donut pan? You’ve got the batter mixed, the glaze ready, and the sprinkles lined up, but as you reach for the pan, you realize it’s missing from your kitchen arsenal.
That perfect ring shape you were counting on seems out of reach. But don’t let that stop you—donuts can still happen, even without the specialized pan. With a little creativity and some common kitchen tools, you can achieve the same delicious results.
Donut pans are designed to create the classic ring shape, but they’re not the only way to make donuts. Whether you’re improvising with what you have, avoiding single-use kitchen tools, or just experimenting, these substitutes will deliver the same fluffy, glazed goodness.
From muffin tins to DIY solutions, here’s how to keep your donut dreams alive—no donut pan required.

7 Easy Substitutes for a Donut Pan
Donut pans are handy, but they’re not essential for making delicious donuts. These substitutes mimic the shape and texture of traditional donuts while adding their own unique twist. Perfect for baked or fried donuts, here’s how to adapt without compromise:
1. Muffin Tin: The Classic Alternative
A muffin tin is one of the easiest substitutes for a donut pan. Simply fill the muffin cups about halfway with batter, and bake as usual. While the shape won’t be a perfect ring, you’ll still get fluffy, donut-like treats.
This substitute works beautifully for cake-style donuts. I once used a muffin tin for a last-minute batch of cinnamon sugar donuts, and the result was a hit. For a ring-like appearance, you can use a small cookie cutter to remove the center after baking.
Pro tip: Use silicone muffin liners for easy removal and a smooth finish.
If you’re exploring muffin tin alternatives, try these muffin tin substitutes.
2. Baking Sheet + Foil: The DIY Ring Mold
If you don’t have a donut pan, you can create your own ring molds using aluminum foil. Roll small pieces of foil into rings, place them on a baking sheet, and fill them with batter.
This swap is perfect for baked donuts. My friend used this method for a batch of chocolate-glazed donuts, and the rings held their shape perfectly. For extra stability, lightly grease the foil rings before adding the batter.
Fun twist: Use different-sized rings to create mini or jumbo donuts.
For more DIY baking hacks, check out these baking sheet substitutes.
3. Bundt Pan: The Giant Donut Maker
A Bundt pan can be used to make one giant donut or multiple smaller ones. Simply pour the batter into the pan, bake, and slice into individual servings.
This substitute works well for cake-style donuts or donut holes. I used a Bundt pan for a last-minute donut cake, and the result was a show-stopping centerpiece. For extra flair, drizzle glaze over the entire cake and sprinkle with toppings.
Watch out: Baking times may vary, so keep an eye on the donut to prevent over-baking.
Need more Bundt pan ideas? Try these Bundt pan substitutes.
4. Cookie Cutter + Baking Sheet: The Freeform Method
If you have a round cookie cutter, you can use it to shape donuts directly on a baking sheet. Place the cutter on the sheet, fill it with batter, and carefully remove the cutter before baking.
This swap is perfect for baked donuts with a classic ring shape. My cousin used this method for a batch of vanilla-glazed donuts, and the rings were perfectly uniform. For extra stability, lightly grease the cookie cutter before using.
Pro tip: Use different-sized cutters to create mini or jumbo donuts.
Love cookie cutter hacks? Explore these cookie cutter substitutes.
5. Cupcake Liners: The Mini Donut Solution
Cupcake liners can be used to make mini donuts. Simply fill the liners about halfway with batter, and bake as usual. While the shape won’t be a perfect ring, you’ll still get delicious, bite-sized treats.
This substitute works well for mini donuts or donut holes. My neighbor used cupcake liners for a batch of powdered sugar donuts, and the result was a hit. For extra flair, dip the tops in glaze or melted chocolate.
Fun twist: Use silicone cupcake liners for easy removal and a smooth finish.
For more cupcake liner alternatives, check out these cupcake liner substitutes.
6. Mason Jar Lid: The Rustic Ring Mold
A mason jar lid can be used as a makeshift ring mold for donuts. Simply place the lid on a baking sheet, fill it with batter, and carefully remove the lid before baking.
This swap is perfect for rustic, homemade donuts. My brother used a mason jar lid for a batch of maple-glazed donuts, and the rings held their shape perfectly. For extra stability, lightly grease the lid before using.
Pro tip: Use different-sized lids to create mini or jumbo donuts.
If you’re diving into DIY baking, explore these mason jar lid hacks.
7. Frying Method: The Classic Donut Experience
If you don’t have a donut pan, you can still make traditional fried donuts. Simply roll out the dough, cut it into rings using a glass or cookie cutter, and fry until golden brown.
This substitute works beautifully for classic, yeast-raised donuts. I used this method for a batch of glazed donuts, and the result was a nostalgic treat. For extra flair, dip the donuts in glaze or roll them in cinnamon sugar.
Watch out: Frying requires careful temperature control to prevent burning.
Need more frying tips? Try these frying substitutes.

Kimberly Baxter is the proud owner of the food blog Eatdelights.com. A self-proclaimed foodie, Kimberly loves to cook and share her recipes with others. She has been blogging about food since 2010 and has amassed a following of loyal readers.
Her recipes are creative, delicious, and easy to follow. In addition to her blog, Kimberly also enjoys writing for other publications.