Cupcake Pans: To Spray Or Not To Spray?

Whether you're using a cupcake pan or an alternative, like a ceramic mug or silicone cupcake case, it's important to prevent your cupcakes from sticking to the pan. The best way to do this is to use a liner, such as paper, foil, or silicone. However, even when using a liner, you may still need to grease your pan with butter, cooking spray, or another alternative. Greasing the pan is especially important if you're not using a liner, as this will prevent the cupcakes from sticking.

Using non-stick cooking spray on paper liners

Non-stick cooking spray is a convenient product that can be used in many sticky cooking situations. It is a combination of oil, lecithin, and a propellant like food-grade alcohol, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, or propane. The spray coats items in a thin layer, preventing food from sticking.

When it comes to using non-stick cooking spray on paper liners for cupcakes or muffins, opinions vary. Some sources claim that it is unnecessary to use non-stick spray if you are already using paper liners. Liners, like parchment paper, prevent sticking by preventing contact between the cupcake/muffin and the pan. Therefore, the liners themselves should be sufficient to prevent sticking.

However, others argue that using non-stick spray on paper liners can make it easier to peel the liners off the baked goods. This is especially true for certain types of liners, such as pastel-coloured liners, which may require a light spritz of non-stick spray to ensure the cupcakes or muffins don't stick.

If you decide to use non-stick spray on your paper liners, be careful not to use too much, as it can soak into the liners and make them greasy. Additionally, it is important to note that non-stick spray is not recommended for use on non-stick cookware due to the build-up of residue.

Some alternative methods to prevent sticking include using high-quality liners and baking pans, allowing the cupcakes or muffins to cool before removing them from the pan and liners, and greasing the liners with butter or ghee instead of using non-stick spray.

Double-lining cupcake pans

• Even baking: The use of double liners is believed to help cupcakes bake more evenly by providing extra insulation. This prevents the batter from setting too quickly and allows the entire cupcake to rise uniformly.
• Presentation: Double liners can help retain the colour and shape of the paper, resulting in a brighter and more attractive presentation. This is especially useful when using light-coloured liners, as the cupcake's colour will not bleed through.
• Clean-up: Using double liners eliminates the need to grease the pan, making clean-up easier and quicker.

However, in a test conducted by King Arthur Baking, there was no noticeable difference between cupcakes baked with single or double liners. The cupcakes in both cases released easily from the pan and the paper, with no sticking. Therefore, it can be concluded that while double-lining cupcake pans may provide some benefits, it is not essential, especially when using high-quality cupcake papers.

Foil liners

When using foil liners, it is important to note that they may stick to the cupcakes slightly more than paper liners. For example, in one test, a small piece of the cupcake's edge stuck to the foil liner, causing a noticeable tear. However, this may have just been due to bad luck, as the same thing can happen with paper liners. If you are concerned about sticking, you can grease the foil liners before filling them with batter.

Overall, foil liners are a good choice for baking cupcakes. They are sturdy, convenient, and come in a variety of colours and sizes. Just be aware that they may stick slightly more than paper liners, so greasing them beforehand can help prevent this issue.

Nonstick silicone baking cups

Advantages of Silicone Baking Cups

• Reusable and Eco-Friendly: Silicone baking cups are a more sustainable option than disposable paper cups, reducing waste in your kitchen.
• Non-Stick and Easy to Clean: Their non-stick surface makes it easy to pop out your baked goods, and they can be cleaned by hand or in the dishwasher.
• Durable: Silicone is a durable material that can withstand high temperatures and repeated use without ripping or tearing like paper cups.
• Space-Saving: Silicone baking cups are soft and flexible, stacking easily, and taking up minimal space in your kitchen cabinets.
• Versatile: These cups can be used for a variety of recipes, from cupcakes and muffins to mini quiches and cheesecakes. They can also be used for meal prep, portion control, and serving snacks.

Disadvantages of Silicone Baking Cups

• Size and Shape: Some users find that silicone baking cups are smaller than expected, and their flexibility may result in slightly smaller baked goods.
• Staining: Over time, silicone cups may become discoloured, especially when used for baking darker-coloured goods.
• Cleanup: While silicone is naturally non-stick, some users find that cleaning the cups can be a bit tedious due to the need to scrub between the ridges to remove all residue.

Tips for Using Silicone Baking Cups

• Greasing: While not necessary, greasing your silicone cups can make cleanup easier and help prevent sticking. You can use non-stick cooking spray, melted butter, or flour (or cocoa powder for chocolate cakes).
• Baking Pan: For stability, it is recommended to place the silicone cups on a baking sheet or in a muffin tin before filling and putting them in the oven.
• Cooling: Allow your baked goods to cool completely before removing them from the silicone cups to prevent sticking.
• Temperature Ratings: Check the temperature rating of your silicone cups to ensure they can withstand the heat of your oven. Most silicone is heat-resistant up to about 440-450°F.
• Quality: Not all silicone is created equal. Look for pure silicone products that are BPA-free, food-grade, and pinch-test approved to ensure a quality, safe product.

Tulip papers

The unique four-petal tulip design makes them an attractive addition to any dessert tray, and they can also be used as single-serving containers for nuts or candy. The papers are non-stick and allow for easy removal from the cupcake pan. They are also easy to peel away when eating the cupcake.

Some customers have reported issues with the sturdiness and thickness of the cups, mentioning that the paper is very thin and can arrive crushed or wrinkled. However, others have praised the quality and appearance of the liners, saying they make their cupcakes look professional.

You can also make your own tulip papers at home using parchment paper and a small can.

Frequently asked questions