Why Baking Trays Matter for Muffin Making
In order to make the perfect muffin, it’s important to have the right baking tray. Choosing the wrong one can result in uneven baking, sticking or even burnt bottoms. Here’s why baking trays matter when making muffins:
- Heat distribution: Different baking trays conduct heat differently, which can affect how your muffins bake and rise.
- Non-stick surface: A non-stick surface can make it easy to remove muffins from the tray without them falling apart.
- Size and shape: The size and shape of the tray can affect how the muffins look and cook.
Types of Baking Trays for Muffins
When it comes to baking trays for muffins, there are a few options to choose from:
- Metal trays: Metal trays conduct heat well, creating evenly baked muffins. However, they may require some greasing to prevent sticking.
- Silicone trays: Silicone trays are non-stick and don’t require greasing. However, they may not conduct heat as well as metal, resulting in slower baking times and less browning.
- Stoneware trays: Stoneware trays are known for their even heating, resulting in perfectly baked muffins. However, they can be heavy and require preheating to prevent cracking.
Recommended Baking Trays for Muffins
After researching and testing various baking trays for muffins, we recommend the following:
- Wilton 12-Cavity Non-Stick Muffin Pan: This metal tray offers even baking and a non-stick surface, making it easy to remove muffins without any sticking.
- USA Pan 12-Well Nonstick Muffin Pan: Made from aluminized steel, this tray is durable and offers great heat distribution for even baking.
- Good Cook Classic Metal Muffin Pan: This affordable metal tray offers great value, with even baking and a non-stick surface.
Additional Tips for Muffin Baking Success
While having the right baking tray is important, there are a few additional tips to keep in mind for muffin baking success:
- Preheat your oven before baking
- Don’t overmix your batter
- Use room temperature ingredients
- Fill muffin cups about ¾ full
- Allow muffins to cool before removing them from the tray
Choosing the right baking tray for muffins can make a big difference in the outcome of your baking. By considering the type of tray, its size and shape, and its non-stick surface, you can choose a tray that will result in perfectly baked muffins every time. For the best results, we recommend the Wilton 12-Cavity Non-Stick Muffin Pan, USA Pan 12-Well Nonstick Muffin Pan, or the Good Cook Classic Metal Muffin Pan.
