Cody Casey
Muffin tins and trays are a common kitchen staple, but they aren't always necessary for baking muffins. With a bit of creativity, you can still enjoy freshly baked muffins without the need for specialized equipment. From using alternative baking vessels like sheet pans, loaf pans, or individual silicone cups, to getting innovative with pudding moulds and paper liners, there are multiple ways to achieve delicious muffins with a crispy texture and moist interior. So, if you're short on storage space or simply want to explore different baking methods, read on to discover the possibilities of muffin-making beyond the traditional muffin pan.
Making muffins without a muffin pan
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alternative baking pans | Sheet pan, bread pan, cake pan, popover pan, cookie sheet |
| Muffin liners | Paper, wax paper, silicone cups |
| Other containers | Pudding moulds, cans, metal cups, ramekins |
| Baking time | May take longer |
| Portioning | Easier to portion when using a cake pan or bread pan |
| Texture | Crispy edges, moist and soft |
| Taste | Similar to a muffin |
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$9.99
What You'll Learn
Bake in a sheet pan
If you don't have a muffin pan, you can bake muffins in a sheet pan. Line your sheet pan with parchment paper, which makes cleanup easier. Then, spread your muffin batter onto the pan. You can skip the paper liners with this method, and the result will be similar to a giant muffin top with a moist and soft interior and golden, crisp edges.
You can also try this technique with popover batter, pancake batter, or any basic cake batter. If you want to avoid the muffin top and achieve a more consistent texture throughout, you can try baking your muffins in a loaf pan or bread pan, which will produce something akin to a quick bread.
If you're set on using a sheet pan, you can also try using individual silicone muffin cups or metal cups/ramekins with paper liners, placing them on the sheet pan before pouring in your batter. This will give you more traditionally shaped muffins while still allowing you to use your sheet pan.
So, if you're in a pinch and don't have a muffin pan, don't fret! There are multiple ways to bake muffins using a sheet pan.
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Use a bread pan
You can use a bread pan to make muffins. This is a good option if you don't have a muffin pan and don't want to buy one. Using a bread pan also means you get to skip the paper liner step, and the result is akin to a giant muffin top.
To convert a muffin recipe into a loaf recipe, you'll need to make a few adjustments. Firstly, grease the bread pan well and fill it about three-quarters full with batter. The main variables that require tweaking are cooking time and temperature. Muffins typically bake at temperatures between 375°F and 425°F, while loaf recipes tend to bake at lower temperatures for longer. If your muffin recipe calls for 375°F, lower the heat to 350°F. If it calls for 400°F, lower it to 375°F. The cook time will likely double or more, with a standard-size loaf pan of quick bread taking at least 45 minutes to cook.
It's important to get the batter into the oven relatively quickly after mixing the liquid and dry ingredients, or else the gas will expend before the heat of the oven can set the glutens in the flour. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the centre of the loaf – when it comes out with no wet batter attached, it is done.
You can also use a sheet pan to make muffins if you don't have a bread pan. Simply spread your muffin batter onto a parchment-lined or well-greased sheet pan with high edges and bake until golden.
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Try silicone muffin cups
If you don't have a muffin pan, you can try using silicone muffin cups. These are individual cups made of silicone that you can place on a tray and fill with your muffin batter. This method is convenient if you have limited storage space and don't want to buy a muffin pan. Silicone muffin cups are also flexible, making it easy to pop out your muffins once they're baked.
When using silicone muffin cups, it's important to place them on a baking tray or sheet pan before filling them with batter. This provides a stable base for your muffins to bake evenly and makes it easier to transfer them in and out of the oven. You can also use metal cups or ramekins with paper liners, but silicone cups offer the advantage of being reusable and non-stick, making cleanup easier.
Silicone muffin cups come in various sizes, so you can choose the size that best suits your needs. They are typically flexible, allowing you to easily remove your muffins without breaking or cracking them. This can be especially useful if you're making delicate muffins or want to ensure they retain their shape.
Using silicone muffin cups also gives you the option to create different-sized muffins. You can find silicone cups in mini, standard, and jumbo sizes, allowing you to make bite-sized muffins for a party or larger muffins for a more filling treat. This versatility can be especially useful if you like to experiment with different muffin recipes and serving sizes.
Overall, silicone muffin cups are a great alternative if you don't have a muffin pan. They offer convenience, flexibility, and versatility, allowing you to bake muffins without the need for a traditional muffin pan. So, if you're short on storage space or simply looking for a reusable and non-stick option, silicone muffin cups are worth considering for your muffin-making endeavours.
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Bake in a cake pan
If you want to make muffins without a muffin pan, you can use a cake pan. This method works with any batter, and you can use a 9" round cake pan. The muffins may take longer to bake, but they travel more easily than traditional muffins. Using a cake pan also means that people can cut as much or as little as they want.
To bake muffins in a cake pan, spread your batter onto a parchment-lined (or well-greased) pan. You can skip the paper liner step, and the result will be similar to a giant muffin top. Your muffins will be moist and soft, but you will still get golden, crisp edges.
You can also try this technique with popover batter or pancake batter. If you want to avoid using paper liners, you can sprinkle sugar over the top of the batter before baking.
If you are looking for a quicker bake, you can try making your muffins in a loaf pan or bread pan. This will result in a large 'muffin bar' with crispy edges.
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Use a popover pan
If you don't have a muffin pan, you can use a popover pan to make muffins. Popover pans have deeper, narrower cups that force the batter upwards, resulting in muffins with more pronounced tops.
To make muffins using a popover pan, preheat your oven to 450°F and position the oven rack on a lower shelf. While the oven is preheating, prepare your batter. In a large bowl, whisk together two eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Then, add all-purpose flour and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and frothy. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can cause the batter to become too heavy and affect the rise of your muffins. Finally, whisk in three tablespoons of melted butter.
Once your batter is ready, remove the popover pan from the oven and grease it generously with butter or oil. Fill each cup about two-thirds to three-quarters full with batter. Place the pan back into the oven and bake for 20 minutes without opening the oven door. Reduce the heat to 350°F without opening the door and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the muffins are deep golden brown.
Remember, it's important to maintain a consistent oven temperature when using a popover pan. Avoid opening the oven door during the baking process, as this can cause your muffins to fall or dip in the center.
Using a popover pan will give your muffins a unique shape with taller, more pronounced tops. So, if you're looking for a fun alternative to traditional muffin pans, give the popover pan a try!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can make muffins without a muffin pan. You can use a sheet pan, a loaf pan, or a round cake pan.
Line your sheet pan with parchment paper and spread your muffin batter onto it. Bake until golden and then let it cool.
You get to skip the paper liner step and your muffins will have a greater surface area, resulting in more golden, crisp edges.
Yes, you can use individual silicone muffin cups, metal cups, or ramekins with paper liners. Alternatively, you can use a bread or popover pan, or even make your muffins in a "pudding mould".
