What Are the Instructions for Baking Cupcakes in a Silicone Pan?

By Regina Edwards, eHow Contributor

Read more: What Are the Instructions for Baking Cupcakes in a Silicone Pan? | eHow http://www.ehow.com/way_5606845_instructions-baking-cupcakes-silicone-pan_.html#ixzz2TnomHtZx

Silicone is a nonstick, flexible material that is heat-resistant. Baked goods can be unmolded or gently pushed out of the pan, thereby reducing build-up in crevices and corners. Recipes don’t require modification for baking in silicone pans. Some practical adjustments should be noted for even filling and to avoid punctures. Cupcakes may require a few more minutes of baking time before checking for doneness and removing from the oven. Silicone pans cool quickly and cleaning is an easy task; baking cupcakes in a silicone pan may promote more frequent treats at home.

Preparation

According to CupcakeRecipes.com, use your favorite cake batter recipe for cupcakes and make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. As with any cupcake or muffin pan, spray or apply a thin coating of oil or insert cupcake liners into the pan wells. Since the silicone pans are flexible, RealBakingWithRose.com recommends placing the pan on a baking sheet as a firm, flat surface to facilitate inserting into the oven.

CupcakeRecipes.com recommends filling cupcake pans half to two-thirds full; RealBakingWithRose.com recommends filling cupcake pans almost to the top of each well. If using a cake mix, follow the recipe for filling the pan for the first batch to determine how the batter expands in the pan during baking. Based on how high the cupcake tops rise (or overflow), adjust the fill level for subsequent batches according to your needs.

Baking

Preheat your oven for 30 minutes so that the desired temperature is reached for your cupcake recipe. Position the oven rack to the middle position or one level below the middle. Make sure the rack is not directly on or too close to the heating element because this may burn your cupcakes. Place one or two pans in the center of the rack and add five to 10 minutes to the baking time for the silicone pan.

Check that the cupcakes are cooked thoroughly by inserting a wooden toothpick into the center of a cupcake and that when removed, it slides out cleanly (i.e., no clumps or batter). Avoid inserting the toothpick too deeply into the well and puncturing the bottom of the silicone pan.

Allow the cupcakes to cool on a baking rack before unmolding. Once unmolded, the silicone pans cool quickly for the next batch (oil, line and fill the pans according to your recipe). If extra batter overflows or droplets are baked onto the sides or top of the pan, cooled remnants will slide or peel off during the unmolding process.

Cleaning and Storage

Silicone pans are flexible and stain-resistant, and can be hand-washed or cleaned in the dishwasher. Hardened or baked-on particles can be easily removed by bending the surface of the pan and peeling off. Do not scrape the pan as this may damage or puncture the pan. ReakBakingWithRose.com notes that if the pan is cleaned in the dishwasher, a white residue may be observed after the wash cycle; this white film should be rinsed off with warm water. Silicone pans should be dried thoroughly before storage.