Smaller Is Better
Smaller silicone baking cups (e.g. mini-muffin cups and cupcake cups) do much better than larger cake pans, mostly because they're less likely to bend.
Small silicone baking molds are also easier to find, less expensive, and offer a greater variety of colors and shapes.
If you only buy one type, get the normal, cupcake-sized ones. If you're willing to get two different kinds, then the mini-muffin cups would be a good idea.
Novel Doesn't Mean Practical
Because silicone molds are so versatile and inexpensive, there are a lot of specially shaped ones you can purchase. While they're cute, it is better to stick to the most common ones.
In the name of practicality, go with just one large baking mold or a matching set comprised of multiple baking molds that can accommodate a full recipe. It might be disappointing to realize this, but the novelty and uniquely-shaped silicone baking molds are the ultimate impulses buy of the silicone kitchen-implement world!
Build a Diverse Collection
If you do end up getting a couple of novelty molds, one way to make a full recipe's worth of cake or some other bread-like concoction is to amass a collection of different baking molds or to have extra silicone baking cups on hand to make small muffins or cupcakes with the batter that doesn't fit into your novelty-shaped mold.
It's nice to have these extra snacks on hand (even if they aren't specially shaped) because they can make for fun leftover treats.
DEFINITELY Grease Larger Pans
As I said, silicone baking molds are extra convenient because they don't typically require greasing. Still, some baking molds—especially the larger ones— need greasing or buttering and flouring.
Yes, it's boring, but it makes a difference, especially because cakes baked in larger silicone baking molds are at a higher risk of cracking than they would in metal pans.
Greasing and flouring pans can be awesome though. One thing recommended here is to substitute cocoa powder for flour when baking chocolate cakes as it contributes to a better appearance.
Grease for Easier Cleaning
While only larger pans really require greasing, it's easier to clean smaller cups when they've been greased.
Fully greasing and flouring these cups is not necessary, but you might consider spraying them with some sort of nonstick cooking spray. You can also put paper baking cups inside them and just using the cups for structure so that they don't get messy at all.
Soaking Makes for Easy Clean Up
Cleaning larger silicone baking pans is pretty easy, but cleaning the smaller ones (especially the mini-muffin cups) is more difficult, partly because there are so many of them!
Here's the most efficient way to washing these.
- Immediately toss the empty cups into warm, soapy water.
- Let them soak.
- Rub the crumbs out of them.
- Rinse them, and let them dry.
- After they're dry, give the cups an additional wipe with a damp cloth in case there's remaining grease.
Wonderful for Savory and Sweet Items
Silicone baking molds are good for more than just making cakes and muffins. Smaller silicone baking cups are also great for making:
- Mini pies and quiches
- Cheesy puff-pastry appetizers
- Delicious snacks made with wonton wrappers
And lots of other savory snacks. So don't just make sweets with your cups; use them for all they're worth!
These Molds Double as Reusable Serving Containers
They make great little serving cups for parties—you can put small snacks in them like jellybeans, nuts, and small candies, and because they come in such cute shapes and colors, they can really fancy up a party platter! The extra benefit here is that, unlike other little serving cups, they are washable and reusable.
Stick With Metal for Big Confections Like Cakes
When dealing with larger confectionary treats it is preferable to choose a metal pan.
Battle of the Bulge
With larger confections, silicone can bend; whereas metal would be rigid. Something to keep in mind if you're considering making a cake with this type of bakeware.
With larger confections, silicone can bend; whereas metal would be rigid. Something to keep in mind if you're considering making a cake with this type of bakeware.
Be Mindful of Temperature Ratings
You do want to keep an eye on the temperature rating to ensure that you don't accidentally melt your pan and ruin all of your hard work. Different pans/cups might have different temp ratings, so it is better to follow instructions.
Do the Silicone Pinch Test to Ensure You're Getting a Quality Product
Not all silicone is created equal. Well, maybe it is, but it's not all manufactured equally. You want to ensure that you're getting pure silicone, not something that's had extra materials added. Adding filler reduces the manufacturing cost of silicone items but sacrifices their overall quality.
So how do you tell if you're getting good, pure silicone?
Simple! Pinch the silicone and twist it a bit. If it stays the same color, you've struck silicone. If it turns white, you've got silicone with some filler in it.
(www.delishably.com)
