Muffin and Cupcake Pans

A helpful guide on how to use muffin pans for cupcakes, muffins and other savory foods.
Wondering how to use your metal non-stick and silicone muffin pans for baking and cooking?
You’ve come to the right place! With helpful suggestions on how to use your muffin pan for baking muffins, cupcakes, egg cups and more, this guide is a great resource for muffin pans big and small!
Is there a difference between cupcake and muffin pans?
If you’re wondering if a cupcake pan is the same as a muffin pan, the answer is yes! Though generally called muffin pans, they can be used to bake cupcakes, muffins and even savory items, like egg cups.
How to grease a muffin pan
The easiest way to grease your muffin pan is to spray it with a non-stick vegetable spray. You can also use baking cups, which prevent your batter from sticking to the pan.
If you’d rather not use vegetable spray and you don’t have baking cups on hand, simply use a paper towel or your finger to rub some butter into each cavity. Lightly dust each cavity with flour and shake out any excess. This is especially helpful with jumbo muffin pans.
How to use a silicone muffin pan
To use a silicone muffin pan, place it on a cookie sheet (which offers added stability), and fill with your desired batter. There’s no need to grease or spray a silicone pan, as the silicone is naturally non-stick. However, you can use baking cups in a silicone pan, if you’d like.
Since silicone does not heat up like a metal pan, keep in mind that your baked goods may not brown like they would in a metal pan (but they’ll still taste delicious!). Silicone is also flexible, so your muffins and cupcakes should pop out easily.
What is a muffin top pan?
A muffin top pan allows you to make the best part of the muffin – the top! With wider cavities, this pan skips the stump and bakes a round muffin top that’s perfect for serving with tea or coffee.
Of course, the fun doesn’t have to stop there! This pan is also great for making whoopie pies, eggs, cornbread, cake layers, brownies and more.
How to make eggs in a muffin pan
You can bake eggs or cook mini quiches in your muffin pan for a quick and easy breakfast on the go! To prevent your eggs from sticking to the pan, you can use parchment paper or cupcake liners, or use a silicone pan for easier removal.
You can also use a slice of ham as your cavity liner, like in these Baked Ham and Egg Cups.
And if you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast or brunch recipe, these Spinach and White Cheddar Egg Bites are my favorite go-to!
Can you make brownies in a cupcake pan?
You absolutely can make brownies in a cupcake pan – just keep in mind that your brownies may bake faster than if you were to bake them in a square pan.
How to make cheesecake in a cupcake pan
Both muffin pans, and mini muffin pans, are great for making cheesecake. You can make small bite-sized treats with this Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa No-Bake Cheesecake or indulge in that delicious peanut butter-chocolate combo with these Buckeye Cheesecake Bites.
How do you clean a muffin pan?
Most non-stick and silicone muffin pans are dishwasher safe; however, we suggest hand washing them in warm, soapy water for best results.
If you have stubborn bits of batter or egg on your pan, you can soak it for a few minutes in warm, soapy water before lightly scrubbing the crumbs off.