Cast Iron Muffin Pan: Baking Essential Or Unnecessary Niche Item?

A cast iron muffin pan is a type of cookware made from cast iron and designed to bake muffins. Cast iron provides even heating, resulting in muffins with a perfect bread crust. Cast iron muffin pans typically have multiple cups or impressions, ranging from six to twelve, and they are often pre-seasoned with vegetable oil or another formula to ensure non-stick properties and easy release of the muffins. The size of the cups can vary, with some being standard muffin size, while others are designed for mini muffins or cupcakes. Cast iron muffin pans are durable and long-lasting, with some customers reporting that they have lasted for over 50 years.

What are the benefits of using a cast iron muffin pan?

A cast iron muffin pan is a durable, affordable, and versatile piece of cookware. Here are some benefits of using a cast iron muffin pan:

Durability and Longevity

Cast iron is incredibly durable and long-lasting. With proper care, a cast iron pan can last for generations. Its toughness makes it difficult to ruin, and it can withstand high temperatures without warping.

Heat Retention and Even Heating

Cast iron has excellent heat retention properties, which is ideal for cooking muffins. It stays hot once heated, ensuring consistent temperatures during the baking process. This even heating results in muffins with a golden crust and a crispy bottom—a feature that standard muffin pans may not achieve.

Non-Stick Surface

Cast iron muffin pans, when properly seasoned, offer a natural non-stick surface. This makes it easier to remove your muffins from the pan and simplifies the cleaning process. The more you use and season your cast iron pan, the smoother its surface becomes, enhancing its non-stick properties.

Versatility

Cast iron pans are versatile and can be used on various heat sources, including stovetops, ovens, grills, and even open campfires. This makes them suitable for a wide range of recipes beyond just muffins. You can use them for frying, searing, baking, and roasting a variety of dishes.

Health Benefits

Cast iron pans are free of harmful toxins, providing a healthy cooking option. Additionally, a small amount of iron is absorbed into your food during the cooking process, which can be beneficial if you have anemia or low iron levels.

Aesthetic Appeal

Cast iron pans also offer a rustic and beautiful presentation for your muffins or other baked goods. The detailed design and natural colour of cast iron can enhance the visual appeal of your culinary creations.

How do you season a cast iron muffin pan?

A cast iron muffin pan is a type of cookware made from cast iron, a big hunk of iron moulded into the shape of a pan. Cast iron is highly reactive and can rust within minutes in humid air, so it needs to be seasoned to create a protective coating. This involves creating a natural, non-stick coating by applying a thin layer of oil and heating the pan to a specific temperature. This process, called polymerization, converts the fat into a form of plastic, bonding it to the metal and to itself, and creating a hard, blackened skin that protects the metal.

• Wash and dry your pan: Give the pan a good scrub with warm, soapy water, then dry it thoroughly. You can place the pan on a stovetop flame for a minute or two to drive off any lingering water.
• Rub with oil: Once the pan is clean and dry, rub it all over, inside and out (including the handle), with cooking oil. You can use vegetable, canola, corn oil, or other unsaturated cooking fats. Make sure to rub the oil all over and then buff it so that the pan no longer looks greasy.
• Heat in the oven: Place the oiled pan in a preheated oven. The ideal temperature is around 400–450°F (200–230°C). You may want to place a baking sheet or piece of foil underneath to catch any oil drips. Leave the pan in the oven for about 30 minutes. It may get a little smoky, so make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated.
• Repeat: Take the pan out of the oven and rub it with oil again, buffing it out. Put it back in the oven for another 30 minutes. Repeat this oiling-and-heating process two to three more times to set a good initial layer of seasoning.
• Cool and use: Once you've completed the above steps, simply let the pan cool down, and it's ready for cooking!

After the initial seasoning, you don't need to repeat this complex process. Just use your cast iron muffin pan regularly, and each time you cook with some type of fat, you will be adding to the seasoning.

What are some recipes you can make with a cast iron muffin pan?

A cast iron muffin pan is a type of cookware that is used to bake muffins. It is made of cast iron, which is a durable and heat-retaining material. Cast iron muffin pans often have multiple cups or impressions, which are used to form the shape of the muffins. These pans can also be used for baking other items such as biscuits, cornbread, cupcakes, and scones.

• Blueberry Muffins: This recipe combines buttery, sweet, and tart flavours with a moist centre and golden-brown crust. The streusel topping, made with flour, sugar, butter, and milk, is what sets these muffins apart. The prep time is around 15 minutes, and the cook time is 20-25 minutes at 425° F.
• Banana Bread Muffins: This recipe involves making a batter with butter, sugar, milk, vinegar, eggs, vanilla, mashed bananas, flour, baking soda, and salt. The oven should be preheated to 350˚. The batter is then poured into a greased and floured cast iron muffin pan and baked for about 45 minutes.
• Gem Muffins: Gems are small, decoratively-shaped muffins that were first popularised in the 19th century. They were typically made with whole wheat Graham flour and baked in a heavy cast iron gem pan. Fruit could be added to the batter to make fruit gems. A unique variation includes baking muffins with the words "FAITH", "HOPE", and "LOVE" embossed on their tops.

What are some popular cast iron muffin pan brands?

There are several brands that sell cast iron muffin pans. Here are some of the popular ones:

Lodge

Lodge is a popular brand that offers a range of cast iron muffin pans, including the Lodge Cast Iron 2 Piece Muffin Pan Set, the Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Muffin Pan, and the Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Mini Cake Pan. Lodge products are known for their quality and heat distribution, and their pans are pre-seasoned for easy release.

Old Mountain

Old Mountain is another brand that offers cast iron muffin pans. Their Old Mountain 10122 Cast Iron Muffin Pan is a 6-impression preseasoned pan that measures 7.5" x 5.25" and is compatible with induction stovetops.

Bruntmor

Bruntmor offers the Bruntmor Premium Cast Iron 7-Cup Biscuit Pan, which can be used for muffins, cupcakes, scones, and more. Their pan is non-stick and black in colour.

YOLOPLUS+

YOLOPLUS+ offers a pre-seasoned cast iron mini cake pan that can be used for biscuits, muffins, and scones. Their pan has 6 impressions and is made of cast iron.

Norpro

Norpro offers a cast iron stuffed pancake pan that can also be used for making muffins and cupcakes. Their pan has a 2" diameter and is black in colour.

These brands provide a variety of options for those seeking cast iron muffin pans, with Lodge and Old Mountain being particularly popular choices.

What are some reviews of cast iron muffin pans?

Lodge L5P3 Cast Iron Cookware Mini Muffin/Cornbread Pan

This pan has received 1,288 ratings on Amazon and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Many customers are satisfied with the quality of the pan, noting that the muffins turn out great and that the pan is the best bakeware they have ever used. The cast iron construction provides easy release and a good crust. The muffins are evenly cooked and browned, making them perfect for popovers. However, opinions are mixed on the size of the pan, with some reviewers stating that the portion size is quite small. Some also found the pan a bit difficult to clean.

Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Muffin Pan, 6 Impressions

This pan has received 134 ratings on Amazon and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Reviewers praise the quality and performance of the pan, noting that it produces muffins with a lovely crust and tender centre. The even heat distribution ensures consistent baking and browning. The pan is also heirloom-quality and made in the USA. Some reviewers mention that the pan is heavy, but this is expected for cast iron cookware.

Old Mountain 10122 Cast Iron Muffin Pan

This pan has received 82 ratings on Amazon and has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars. Customers like the quality of the pan, saying it's very good, perfect, and easy to use. They also say it makes beautiful bread and the best mini muffins. However, some customers feel the size is too small and does not fit paper muffin cups.

Frequently asked questions