Let’s see how you can use muffin paper liners to your benefit; what are the pros and cons of silicone muffin cups and individual muffin tins. And, finally, whether you need to grease cupcake liners before adding butter to forms.
There are three main types of muffin cups that I prefer using to other options when I need to bake a bunch of cupcakes for the family. They have different materials; different reasons why I prefer to use one instead of the other, and, of course, affordability. When silicone muffin cups and muffin tins are reusable, paper liners add that extra cost to your muffin that can be avoided if you decide not to use them and face all the shortcomings that come your way.
How to Use Cupcake Paper Liners
Paper wrappers can bring many benefits to the table. You easily can avoid the mess and clean sticky batter from unlined muffin tins when using paper liners. Of no less importance is their ability to prevent spreading germs. The outer protective layer is the best reason to use them for public events, picnics, and barbecues.
Moreover, paper liners have an important impact on the baked muffin itself. First, they help to bake a bunch of muffins with a uniform look. The paper lining helps the heat to spread evenly and therefore the muffin to cook through evenly. Muffin wrappers also help you to store already baked goods. They prevent moisture from drying out and preserve the original moist texture.
Finally, with paper liners, you simply can show your unique style and creativity. The options for colors, sizes, and shapes are endless. You can stick to the holiday theme; match the colors to the topping or icing on the muffin, etc. However, do not forget that colorful paper liners are more distinct from the light batter. If you are making chocolate muffins, the bright colors on the liners will lose their brightness against the background of the dark muffin (like in the picture).
Here are some tips that can come in handy when baking with paper liners. Simply keep them in mind and you will get perfect muffins every time:
- Always check the instructions of the paper liners that you bought as different manufacturers use a different material for making their paper wrappers. There always should be information on whether you need to apply a layer of grease or not.
- Cheaper brands can stick to the baking pan, unfortunately.
- Always check the size of muffin tins before going to the store and buying paper liners to insert. There are three main sizes of paper wrappers: mini baking cups (around 2 cm/0.78 inches high and 3.2cm/1.25 inches at the base); standard (around 3 cm/1.18 inches high, 5cm/2 inches at the base); jumbo (around 7 cm/2.75 inches high, 7 cm/2.75 inches at the base).
- Let muffins cool down before serving them, as it is so much easier to take them out of the tin and out of the paper wrapper.
Baking with Silicone Muffin Cups
If you are baking muffins for the family and a high level of hygiene is required, baking silicone cups are the perfect option, in my opinion. They are reusable, very convenient to use, and very easy to clean afterward.
If you are using your silicone muffin cases for the first time after the purchase I would highly recommend you to grease them. However, you will not need it for further use especially with oil and butter-based batter.
Moreover, you get one more bonus when using them for baking cupcakes. You will have no problems with removing baked goods from cups as the silicone material bends easily and changes its shape when pressed lightly.
How to Use Individual Muffin Tins
You can come across muffin tins made out of a variety of different materials. However, those that are coated with non-stick coatings, like Teflon, are so much better to use. You do not have to grease them with butter or oil, no cupcake batter will stick to the surface, and they are so much easier to clean after cooking.
You definitely should grease aluminum or stainless steel muffin tins without coating. Cover them with a nice layer of vegetable oil or butter. You can also use a greasing spray. And, of course, you can use paper or foil liners inside of them, too.
I hope that the article was helpful and you found the information that you were looking for. If you still have any questions left, ask them in the comment section below!
