Cookware – Kitchen Acorns

Author: Tosh Lubek Published: 21st February 2022 Ever since silicone bakeware was introduced to the market, they have become a favorite among home bakers and pastry chefs alike, and understandably so. These products are lightweight, durable, and easy to use. Not to mention, they're inexpensive and come in various shapes and sizes. However, if you don't know how to use them correctly, you're in for a big disappointment. There is nothing more frustrating than having your treats stick to the pan, or worse, getting all burned because you didn't know how to handle them properly. Luckily, we've shared some baking tips when cooking with silicone bakeware molds and pans to ensure you never have to experience that again. So, let's dive right in. Mind the Baking Temperature Are silicone cake molds safe for the oven? Is the baking in silicone vs metal time the same? These are probably some of the most commonly asked questions about silicone bakeware. The answer is yes - as long as you follow the baking temperature guidelines specific to silicone pans and molds. In general, silicone molds tend to be highly heat-resistant and can withstand much higher baking temperatures of up to 400° Fahrenheit. That said, it's still important to adhere to the specific temperature guidelines recommended by the manufacturer, as these vary from brand to brand. Too much heat can cause silicone bakeware to warp or even melt, so always be mindful of the oven temperature when using these products. Smaller Baking Molds are Better There's no shortage of silicone baking molds on the market these days, and with good reason - they're incredibly versatile. But when it comes to smaller items like cupcakes or cookies, a small silicone mold is often your best bet. Smaller molds are easier to find and more affordable and versatile. Not to mention, you don't have to worry about the mold bending and warping under the heat of the oven as you might with a larger one. Prioritize Practicality When you begin shopping for silicone bakeware, you'll be spoilt for choice. From intricate and ornate designs to molds that are shaped like popular food items, there's something for everyone. But before you get too carried away, remember to prioritize practicality. Ask yourself how often you'll realistically use the mold and whether it has any features that will make your baking easier. In most cases, these cute designs tend to be small in size and don't work for most recipes. Therefore, you'll find that you have to make multiple batches or use a larger mold if you want to make anything more than cupcakes or muffins. Therefore, save yourself the hassle and stick to practical molds that will be of use in the long run. Grease Larger Pans If you're cooking with silicone cake pans or baking molds, there's one thing you don't have to worry about: greasing them. However, if you're using a silicone loaf pan or another large mold, you must grease it well before adding your batter. The last thing you want is for your cake or dish to stick to the sides of the pan or crack after all your hard work. To prevent this from happening, use a pastry brush to coat the inside of your pan with butter or nonstick spray before pouring in your batter. Grease for Easier Cleaning While only the larger pans need to be greased, it's a good idea to grease all of your silicone bakeware. This will make it much easier to clean later on. Simply coat the entire surface with cooking spray or butter before pouring in your batter. This will prevent your batter from sticking to the silicone and make cleanup much easier. Alternatively, you can place paper baking cups into the silicon molds before adding your batter. This way, all you have to do is peel off the paper and discard it when you're finished. Check the Quality Baking with a silicone mold is hassle-free, and quite often, the results are impeccable. However, you can only enjoy these benefits if you invest in a quality silicone mold. Low-quality bakeware may buckle or warp, leading to an uneven finished product. The best way to confirm if a silicone mold is high-quality is to do the pinch test. Pich the silicone mold and twist it a bit, then let go. If the color remains intact, you're dealing with a top-notch silicone product. On the other hand, if the color turns white, there's a great chance the material isn't pure silicone and has been mixed with another material. Steer clear of these products, as they won't perform as well. Soak Your Silicone Bakeware for Easy Cleaning Cooking with silicone molds and pans is fun but cleaning them afterwards can be a hassle. To avoid having to spend the next 30 minutes scrubbing and washing your silicone bakeware clean, here's what you should do: Toss the empty cups into warm, soapy water immediately after use. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. Rinse and let them air dry. Give the cups an additional wipe with a damp cloth, mainly if you used them to make savoury muffins since they may still have some grease on them. Your silicone bakeware will now be clean and ready to go for your next baking adventure! Recycle and Reuse Silicone bakeware molds and pans are not just great for baking. They are also great for storing leftover food. You can put them in the fridge or freezer if you want to save your baked goods for a later time without transferring them to another container. You can also use them to warm food up in a microwave or oven. Just make sure that your bakeware is microwave safe if you plan to heat things in a microwave, as some silicone items are not suitable for all forms of cooking. Wrapping Up There you have it - a few simple tips to help make baking with silicone bakeware a breeze. As you can see, it's not as complicated as you may have thought, and with a few basic precautions, your baked goods will come out perfectly every time. So go ahead and stock up on those fun, colorful cups - your next cake or batch of cookies is going to be amazing! You might also like… Top 10 Kitchen Safety Tips When Using Electrical Appliances 5 Best Hong Kong Style Bubble Egg Waffle Maker How to Make Stroopwafels Without a Stroopwafel Maker or Pizzelle Iron How to make protein waffles less dry and more delicious How To Make Homemade Waffles Without Milk: Dairy Free How to Make Fantastic Waffles with Kodiak Pancake Mix Sources: 1, 2