23 October 2026 Get the letterSearchSaved
THE APEX GASTRONOMY CHRONICLE
Food The WireThe CounterThe SourceThe Apex Guide The Recipe FileThe IndexThe Bureau
The Wire
Why it's best to avoid paper molds when baking muffins

Why it's best to avoid paper molds when baking muffins

Paper cupcake and muffin liners protect the batter, but according to some experts they can prevent the treats from baking evenly.

When baking cupcakes and muffins, there is no simple answer about using cupcake liners, because some experts recommend them and others do not.

According to Baking Kneads, there are paper, aluminum, and reusable silicone baking cups available, which are useful if you don't want to constantly buy and throw away new ones. Their advantages include retaining moisture, preventing the batter from sticking, making them easier to handle, and adding a special touch to the presentation.

However, every advantage has its downside, and it's possible that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. From the opposite perspective, some experts consider using paper liners to be one of the biggest mistakes when baking muffins, because they can prevent them from baking properly.

The Spruce Eats also points out that paper liners are an extra expense and can be difficult to adjust if the muffin tin is too large or too small. And, perhaps most annoyingly, some of the cake can stick to the liner when you unmold it.

Alternatively, the mold can be greased well for easier cleaning, or you can use a silicone one, a sustainable material that makes removing the muffins from the mold easier once baked. Ultimately, cupcake liners aren't essential, although they can be practical and attractive.

More The Wire