If you’re not using silicone baking pans, you’re missing out. Of course, if you’re new to the world of silicone baking pans, you need to know how to use them correctly. Luckily, you’ve stumbled upon this handy how-to guide for how to use silicone baking pans the right way.
Hi, there! I’m Michelle, and I have been baking for centuries (okay, not really, but it seems like it). I stumbled upon silicone baking pans a while back and have been in love with them ever since. It’s a bit of a learning curve to know how to use them correctly, but after that, it’s a breeze.
Yes, using a silicone baking pan is a bit different from using other pans, and you will need to learn how to use them correctly. But trust me, it’s easy to learn, and once you’re comfortable using silicone baking pans, you’ll never want to go back.
Let’s bake with some silicone baking pans, shall we?
How to Use Silicone Baking Pans
Silicone baking pans are a great option for any kitchen. Not only are they available in charming perky colors, but they’re easy to use, too. Most people (myself included) love that they add some razzle-dazzle to the kitchen while also fending off sticky baking messes.
If you haven’t jumped on the silicone baking pan train yet, then consider this great set. I love the variety, and believe me; you’re going to want to use silicone baking pans for everything from cookies to muffins, cakes to brownies.
Already have a set of silicone baking pans but don’t know how to use them? Let’s not waste another second and dive into how to use them.
1. Make Sure the Silicone Baking Pan is Clean
Your silicone baking pan might look and feel entirely different from your usual baking pans, but that doesn’t mean you should try to bake on it when it’s dirty. Just as you would clean any other pan, make sure your silicone baking pan is free of debris and ready for action.
2. Grease the Pan
I know what you’re thinking – “Aren’t silicone baking pans supposed to be nonstick?” Yes, you’re technically right. We stand for silicone baking pans because they have non-stick properties, making it a breeze to bake and cook.
That doesn’t mean you should ditch your greasing agent, though. Although nonstick, adding a little bit of grease to the silicone baking pan will act as an extra line of defense to fend off sticky messes.
Remember – nothing is perfect, and that includes your silicone baking pan. Give the pan a helping hand and toss a little Pam (or your favorite spray) on top. You can even use this to your advantage. For example, use grease and a pinch of cocoa powder to amp up chocolate cake.
3. (Optional) Place Greased Silicone Baking Pan on a Cookie Sheet
Now, you don’t necessarily have to place your greased silicone baking pan on a cookie sheet. But I highly recommend it. Why? Because silicone baking pans are super flexible and twist and bend with ease.
That said, trying to maneuver a filled silicone baking pan into the oven can cause a big mess. You can avoid the issue by placing a cookie sheet underneath. It will catch all of the spilled matter, making for a much easier cleanup.
Not only that but taking the silicone baking pan out of the oven is going to be much easier when you have a cookie sheet to hold onto. Why not do something that’s going to make your life a little bit easier?
4. Pour the Batter
With this step, it’s the same ole, same ole. There is nothing fancy or special about pouring batter into a silicone baking pan instead of a “regular” pan. It’s done the exact same way, so don’t stress about it.
5. Bake!
When it comes to silicone baking pans, the actual baking part can be a tad tricky. Here are some tips to make sure you’re successful.
- Check your product’s temperature range. Most of the time, silicone baking pans can handle temperatures up to around 450F. But not all pans are created equal. Check the temperature range, so you do not accidentally melt your silicone baking pan.
- Adjust baking time for darker pans – Did you know that darker silicone baking pans take longer to bake? If you’re using a pan with a darker shade, you will need to add anywhere from five to ten minutes to the cooking time. Check regularly.
- Be extra careful – Whether you’re using a cookie sheet or not, you should be extra careful when placing the silicone baking pan into the oven. Remember, these pans are super flexible, and if you’re not careful, the batter can spill everywhere.
6. Remove the Silicone Baking Pan Carefully and Cool
Now that your batter is solidified, you won’t have to worry about the batter spilling every which way. Your next problem is that bending and turning can damage your final product (for example, create cracks). How can you avoid this?
The best option is to use the cookie sheet from the beginning. If you’re not using a cookie sheet, be extra careful about removing the silicone baking pan from the oven.
Once out of the oven, let the silicone baking pan cool off entirely. When the baked good has cooled, you can transfer it out of the silicone baking pan. The best part about this is that it’s so easy to remove treats from this type of pan instead of others. Totally stress-free!
7. Clean Immediately
Cleaning a silicone baking pan right after using it is imperative to keep it in tip-top condition. Right away, you can rinse it off with mild soap and warm water. Then, stick it onto the top rack of a dishwasher. It really is that simple!
FAQs
Now you know how to use silicone baking pans the right way. If you still have some questions, check out these commonly asked questions below.
Do silicone baking pans need to be greased?
“Technically,” no, but you should do it anyway. Yes, silicone baking pans are nonstick, but adding a little grease is only going to make your experience even easier. Who wouldn’t want that?
Do silicone pans take longer to bake?
No, unless you’re using a darker-colored silicone baking pan. If your pan is a darker shade, you will need to add at least five to ten minutes to the total baking time.
Do silicone baking pans work?
Yes, silicone baking pans work, and they work like magic. They’re super easy to use from start to finish. Being so flexible, it’s a cinch to make muffins, cakes, and other treats out of the pan without struggle.
Is silicone safe for baking?
Yes, silicone is safe for baking, and you can get an in-depth answer about why here.
Final Thoughts
I love silicone baking pans, from the bright and fun colors to the ease of use, but knowing how to use them properly is important. The biggest change is that you need to be extra careful taking in and out of the oven to avoid messes and damage to baked goods.
Do you like baking with silicone baking pans? Share your favorite recipe with us below!
About Michelle
Bobbieloucarmack@gmail.com
Been looking for a video for making a pie with my pie pan …silicone….but have not found a pie vido. …question is can you please send me a vido
Michelle
Hi,
I hope this is what you were looking for: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYvO2A27k28&t=126s
Carol Crawford
When making a cake for potluck in a silicone cake pan, can we leave it in the silicone pan to take to church and frost the cakes at church?
Michelle
Hi Carol,
Remove it from the pan once cooled and place it on another plate/container for transporting.
Sandy
Thank you so much for the information, especially using a baking sheet. Question, can I refrigerate to bring to a family gathering and remove to a plate later?
Michelle
Hi Sandy,
I would remove once cooled and move to a plate. Otherwise, you run the risk of overbaking.
Loli
I love my silicone baking pans, but I have a white pan with confetti like sprinkles and the white part gets brown and I don’t know how to clean it off. I scrubbed with dish soap and the rough side of a sponge and got some of it off but not all. Do you have a better suggestion? I sprayed it with Baker’s Joy before baking a cake. Do you think that harmed it?
Michelle
Hi Loli,
What kind of pan is it? That will determine how you clean it. You can try a paste with baking soda and water. Let it soak for a few hours and scrub.
Loli
It is a Trudeau silicone white baking square pan with confetti like sprinkles. I thought maybe using Bakers Joy may have caused the problem because my bundt pan also has the same brown discoloration. Maybe the flour in the spray burned?
Deb
I had some cute silicone baking pans, squirrels and acorns. Thought I would make a cute brownie squirrel and acorn and cover them in chocolate ganache. Epic fail. One squirrel came out perfect the other 5 either stuck to the pan or came out in pieces. I was so disappointed. Maybe should have left in longer? I did Pam the pan slightly. But have no fear, went on google to all you amazing bakers, and take that leftover pieced out super failed squirrel and acorn and roll them in little balls, and freeze for a bit, then melt some white chocolate and sprinkles, and we had a squirrel with a bunch of snowballs for our thanksgiving dessert! Need more work with silicone pans. Even the individual squares brownie pan failed. This old bird needs to learn more! THanks!
Angie
Aww nooo haha! Well, I’m glad it worked out in the end!
Hope the article helped 😉
Angie