Silicone baking molds have taken the bakeware industry by storm. They are easier to use than regular baking utensils and work better than non-stick pans. One of their advantages is that they don’t require greasing and can withstand temperatures as high as 500°F.
They’re also flexible and elastic and come in various shapes, colors, and sizes. Sadly, they’re not entirely perfect and can disappoint you in your baking efforts.
While silicone frames may work for some people, their flimsiness may raise a few skeptic speculations among others. If you want to be successful in using a mold, here are some hacks that’ll come in handy while in the kitchen.
How to Use Silicone Baking Molds: 8 Tips to Follow
Use Smaller Molds
When you have a lot of baking work to do, you want to use the biggest pan you can find. This is an effort to get much of the work done in the shortest time possible. However, this may work against you when it comes to silicone baking molds.
It’s better to buy smaller silicone baking cups, especially for cupcakes and muffins. These are more rigid and will withstand pressure a lot better than bigger ones. There are less likely to break or bend or even crack.
Besides, smaller molds are easier to find and cost less than their bigger counterparts. If you’re out in the market looking for one type of silicone baking molds, consider going for the normal cupcake-sized ones.
Be Careful With Temperatures
As earlier mentioned, silicone baking frames can withstand very high temperatures. They can be put in the oven as they’re heat-resistant and can be used at low or high temperatures. However, you want to be aware of their temperature ratings to avoid melting them.
Ensure to check the amount of heat each mold can withstand. This way, you’ll avoid melting your pan and ruining your hard work.
Consider Greasing
Greasing may not be necessary when using silicone pans. You’ll still get fantastic baking results with your ungreased models, but you’ll realize you can do better. Some models, especially larger ones, require buttering or greasing.
Cakes baked in large baking pans tend to crack. You can prevent this from happening by greasing your silicone container.
It’ll also help when it comes to cleaning your silicone frames later on. Greasing provides a protective layer on the pans, making it easier to get off your cakes after baking. This translates to a shorter cleaning time later on.
Alternatively, you can layer the frames with paper baking cups. Use the mold as a structural form to ease the process. You’ll experience an easier time cleaning them.
Go for High-Quality Products
You can’t afford not to be particular about the quality of the silicone molds you buy. It’s only when you have high-quality products that you’ll experience great and easy baking.
As a tip, be wary of silicone molds that contain fillers. A few models may contain fillers, which compromise their quality.
You can check if the mold contains some other material by pinching and twisting it slightly. If upon doing so, the color remains the same, the product is made of 100% silicone. If you notice a color change, mostly whitish, steer clear from it.
Have a Collection of Recipes
Once you start using silicone containers for baking, you’ll want to do it over and again. There’s no shortage to the variety of recipes you can make using these beautiful little things.
You don’t have to be highly artistic in baking to use silicone molds. Equip yourself with quality baking supplies, and you’ll always be ready for baking and cooking endeavors.
Use an Oven Tray
The flexibility of silicone trays can make it challenging to get them out of the oven. Make your work easier by using regular oven trays to place the molds on when baking. This will make removal easier and hold your cake together in case of spills or other accidents.
Proper Cleaning
Soak your silicone molds immediately after use to make your cleaning work easier. Warm soapy water will do a good job of helping remove any residue or crumbs.
Rinse them in clean water and leave them to dry. You may then use a damp cloth to give them an additional wipe. This will help take care of the residual grease, especially if you used them to make muffins.
Recycle and Reuse
Unknown to you, your silicone frames can be used in several other ways apart from baking. Their ability to withstand a wide range of temperatures makes them attractive for use in the freezer, oven, fridge, and microwave.
Use them to make mini pies, cheesy puff-pastry appetizers, and quiches, among other savory snacks. The molds make for great little serving cups in parties. Use them to serve small snacks like nuts, candies, and jellybeans and let your guests enjoy using them in their wide range of colors and sizes.
You can reuse the molds as many times as you want. The least you can do is ensure you take good care of the products by following the recommended instructions. Washing and storing them the right way is essential in prolonging their lifespan.
If you have a collection of molds, the last thing you should worry about is their storage space. You can brilliantly stack them up, and all the space they’ll need is that of an espresso cup.
Take Away
Baking is not only fun but also positively addictive, especially when silicone baking molds are in the picture. Once you start getting used to using them, you’ll wish you had acquired them earlier.
The products are quite flexible, practical to use, and easy to manage. They’re also safe to use at different temperatures, whether in the freezer or oven. Proper care of these cute containers will see them serve you for many years to come.
It won’t be long before baking becomes one of your best pastime activities. You never know what the future holds. You might eventually consider upgrading your baking skills to become a state-of-the-art baker.