Types Of Muffin Pans

Muffins, as well as cupcakes, are usually baked in a muffin pan, or tin as they are sometimes called. Muffin pans are typically crafted out of cast iron, aluminum, or stainless steel and have 6-, 12-, and 24-cup shaped indentations in each pan. When buying a muffin pan, consider getting a pan with a non-stick surface as this will make it much easier to remove your baking product after you are done cooking.

Muffin pans can are designed to accommodate the specific size of muffins you prefer. Here are some of the different types and sizes available:

Mini muffin pans - Mini muffin pans are made with cups about 2 inches across and 1/2-inch deep. These will usually hold 12 or 24 cups with each cup holding about 2 tablespoons of batter.

Standard muffin pans - Regular size muffin pans will contain 6 or 12 cups with each one being about 3 inches across. These will hold about 4 ounces of muffin batter each.

Large muffin pans - Jumbo muffin pans are also manufactured that create very large muffins or cakes. Jumbo muffin pans have 6 cups with each one being 4 inches across and 2 inches deep. Jumbo muffin cups hold about one cup of batter each.

Fluted muffin pans - Fluted muffin pans are made from heavy aluminum and contain six or 12 cups per pan. The cups on a fluted muffin pan with 6 cups are 4 inches across and 2 inches deep. Each cup will hold about 8 ounces of batter. Fluted muffin pans with 12 cups are a little over 2 inches wide and one inch deep. Fluted muffin pans are used to make muffins as well as individual decorative cakes.

Cooking with muffin pans, no matter the size or type, is typically fairly easy even for the amateur baker. However, there are few tips to keep in mind in order to ensure delicious muffins;

When using a muffin pan that is dark in color, be sure to reduce the baking temperature by about 25 degrees. Dark pans will absorb more heat than lighter colored pans and will transmit heat faster.

Muffin cup liners can make cleaning up easier while also keeping your muffins fresher and moister than they would be otherwise. However, keep in mind that using muffin cup liners will also prevent a hard crust from forming and shouldn't be used if muffins with hard crusts are preferred.

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