A muffin tray is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used for much more than just baking muffins. With the right techniques and recipes, a muffin tin can help you make everything from appetizers and main courses to delicious desserts. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about how to use a muffin tray, from the different types available to handy tips and tricks. We’ll also provide plenty of delicious recipe ideas to help you get the most out of this simple but useful pan.
What is a Muffin Tray?
A muffin tray, also sometimes called a muffin pan, is a baking pan that has multiple round cup-like indentations used to bake muffins or cupcakes. The indents are usually about 2 1/2 to 3 inches wide and hold around 1/2 cup of batter each.
Muffin trays can be made from a variety of materials including:
- Aluminum – This is the most common and affordable option. Aluminum conducts heat well for even baking.
- Silicone – Flexible silicone muffin pans are great for easy food release.
- Ceramic – Ceramic pans provide excellent heat distribution and a nonstick surface.
- Glass – Glass muffin trays allow you to monitor baking progress.
- Nonstick – These are coated in a nonstick material for easy release.
The number of cups in a muffin tin can range from 6 to 24, with 12 being the standard size. Mini muffin tins generally have 24 smaller indentations.
Benefits of Using a Muffin Tray
There are many benefits to using a muffin tray:
- Portion Control – The cups make it easy to bake up individual portions. This is great for portion control when making snacks or desserts.
- Versatility – From bite-size appetizers to personal pot pies, the possibilities are endless for muffin trays.
- Creativity – Use liners and toppings to dress up your muffin tin creations.
- Freezing – Baked goods like mini quiches and meatballs freeze well in a muffin tin for quick thawing.
- Even Baking – The smaller size allows for fast, even cooking or baking.
- Easy Transport – The tidy individual portions travel well in a muffin tin for potlucks or parties.
Whether you are meal prepping or making party hors d’oeuvres, a muffin tin offers versatility. The compact size is also perfect for smaller households.
Types of Muffin Trays
There are several types of muffin trays available to choose from:
Standard Muffin Tin
This is the classic 12 cup muffin tin that most people envision. The indentations are about 2 1/2 inches wide and 1 1/4 inches deep. Standard muffin tins work great for cupcakes, muffins, cupcake-sized quick breads, and more.
Mini Muffin Tin
Mini muffin pans generally have 24 smaller indentations, with each cup being about 1 1/2 inches wide. Mini tins are perfect for bite-sized appetizers, petite desserts, and candies. Their small size also makes them ideal for portion control.
Jumbo Muffin Tin
Jumbo pans have 6 oversized cups that are wider and deeper than standard sizes. Each jumbo cup holds around 1 cup of batter. Use jumbo tins for recipes like egg bakes or jumbo muffins. The large cups are also convenient for layered meals.
Specialty Muffin Tins
You can find muffin tins in a variety of novelty shapes like flowers, hearts, trees, and more. These are fun for holidays and themed parties. Silicone pans are common for shaped tins since the flexible material makes it easy to remove baked goods.
How to Use a Muffin Tray
Using a muffin tray opens up a whole world of baking possibilities. Here are some tips for success:
Prepare the Pan
Depending on the recipe, you may need to grease, line, or coat the wells of the pan. This prevents sticking. Common options include:
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Melted butter or oil
- Baking cup liners
- Sugar or flour for a light coating
Be sure to coat any exposed surface areas thoroughly.
Fill the Cups
When it comes to filling your muffin cups, there are a couple approaches:
- Use a spoon or scoop to evenly distribute batter between the wells. This works well for thicker batters.
- Pour batter into a large measuring cup with a spout for thin batters. Gently pour and divide between tins.
Fill tins about 2/3 to 3/4 full to allow room for rising. If cups are overfilled, overflow may occur.
Baking Time & Temp
Since muffin tins create a smaller baked good, they require less time in the oven. Check a recipe, but average baking temps are 350°F – 375°F for 16 – 24 minutes.
Stagger pans on racks to promote even baking. Rotate pans between racks halfway through bake time. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick. It should come out clean when they are finished baking.
Cooling and Removing
Allow muffins or cupcakes to cool for 5 minutes in the tin before removing. Run an offset spatula or knife around the edges to loosen. For cupcakes, twist liners gently to release.
Invert mini muffins to release them when cool. Allow egg bakes and custards to cool slightly longer before serving.
Storing and Freezing
Most items baked in a muffin tin can be stored covered at room temperature for 2-3 days. They can also be packed tightly in a freezer bag or container and frozen for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Quickly warm individual muffins as needed in the microwave.
Cleaning Your Muffin Tray
Muffin pans can accumulate grease and baked-on residue, so proper cleaning is a must. Here are some cleaning tips:
- Allow pan to cool fully before cleaning.
- Scrub gently with a soft brush or sponge and hot soapy water. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.
- For stuck-on debris, let the pan soak for 15-30 minutes after washing.
- Use baking soda and water to make a paste for really stubborn spots.
- Dry thoroughly since moisture causes corrosion and rust over time.
You can also place very dirty muffin tins in the oven during the self-cleaning cycle if they are oven safe. This incinerates debris at high heat. Check the pan instructions first before attempting this.
Helpful Muffin Tin Tips and Tricks
After years of muffin-making, here are some helpful tips I’ve gathered:
- Spray tins with nonstick spray even when using liners to prevent sticking.
- Let batter rest 15 minutes after mixing to prevent tunneling in muffins.
- Fill any empty cups halfway with water to prevent warping while baking.
- Brush pans with egg wash for a shiny, golden finish.
- Upgrade mixes by adding fruits, nuts, chocolate chips, or spices.
- Underfill cups slightly so muffin tops rise above the rim.
- Use a scale for perfect portion control when dividing batter.
With the right techniques, your muffin tin can turn out picture-perfect results every time. A little trial and error will help determine what works best for your particular pans.
Muffin Tin Recipe Ideas
Now that you know the ins and outs of how to use a muffin tray, let’s get to the fun part – the recipes! A muffin tin isn’t just for making muffins. Here are some savory and sweet ideas to try:
Savory Muffin Tin Recipes
Mini Quiches
These bite-sized quiches are perfect for brunch or snacking. Customize them with mix-ins like cheese, meat, or veggies.
Lasagna Cups
Layer lasagna noodles, sauce, cheese and meat in muffin cups for handheld portions.
Mac and Cheese Cups
Bake everyone’s favorite comfort food in single servings for lunchboxes or parties.
Meatloaf Muffins
Whip up individual meatloaves that cook up fast and evenly. Kids love these too.
Veggie Frittatas
An egg-based frittata baked up in a muffin tin makes the perfect low-carb meal.
Jambalaya
Make this New Orleans favorite in single servings for a fun twist.
Pot Pies
For individual pot pie perfection, fill muffin cups with your favorite filling and top with dough.
Pizza Cups
Line tins with dough, add sauce and toppings, and bake DIY pizza bites.
Sweet Muffin Tin Treats
Cupcakes
Whip up fun flavors and decorate to your heart’s content. They’ll be the hit of any party.
Whoopie Pies
Bake chocolate cake cups and sandwich them with filling for adorable whoopie pies.
Cookies
For fun shaped cookies, press dough into greased tins and decorate before baking.
Pumpkin Pies
These mini pumpkin pies with homemade crust are ideal for Thanksgiving.
Cheesecakes
Make luscious individual cheesecakes with graham cracker crusts for a dinner party finale.
Donut Holes
Fry up bite-size cinnamon sugar donut holes for a quick sweet treat.
Candy
Make personalized candy like whoppers or mints in fun shapes with silicone molds.
Fruit Cobbler
Enjoy individual servings of summer fruit cobbler made right in a muffin pan.
FAQs
Get answers to common muffin tin questions here:
Can you make cupcakes without a muffin tin?
Yes, you can bake cupcakes without a muffin tin by lining a baking pan with liners. Space them about 1 inch apart for even baking and to prevent sticking together.
What size is a standard muffin cup?
A standard size muffin cup holds about 1/2 cup batter and is around 2 1/2 inches wide and 1 1/4 inches deep.
What muffin tin size for baking cupcakes?
Standard 12-cup muffin tins work perfectly for baking cupcakes. You can also use mini 24-cup tins for bite-sized cupcakes.
Can you reuse muffin liners?
It’s best not to reuse paper muffin liners since they absorb grease and odors that can impact flavor. An exception would be for cookies or crafts. Reusable foil liners are a great eco-friendly option.
What is the best material for a muffin pan?
The best muffin pan material depends on your needs: Silicone is great for easy release, steel conducts heat evenly, and ceramic/glass allow you to monitor baking.
How do you prevent sticking in a muffin tin?
To prevent sticking, grease tins thoroughly with butter, oil, or nonstick spray. You can also use liners, or coat lightly with flour or sugar for easy release.
Conclusion
For such a humble pan, the muffin tin can take you far in the kitchen when you embrace its full potential. Whether making mealtime staples or impressive desserts, a good quality muffin tray is a versatile asset. With proper care and technique, you’ll have this workhorse pan turning out beautiful baked goods for years.
So grab your muffin tin, preheat the oven, and explore the myriad possibilities. Mini egg bakes for breakfast, pineapple upside down cupcakes – anything is possible when you think outside the muffin!