Should You Spray Cupcake Liners

Well, hello, there! My name is Michelle, and my love for cupcakes has no bounds. Cupcakes genuinely are one of the cutest and tastiest treats out there, and they’re pretty easy to make unless they get stuck to the cupcake liner. 

Cupcake liners are designed to lend your cupcakes a helping hand at being removed from the pan. They’re also necessary if you’re taking the cupcakes to birthday parties, graduations, etc., where people can remove the liner and indulge. 

However, that doesn’t mean they always work as they should. Sometimes, cupcakes stick to the liners, leaving some bakers wondering whether they should be sprayed or not. In my opinion? A quick spritz of baking spray never hurt anything. Just don’t overdo it!

Keep reading to find out more about spraying cupcake liners.

Are You Supposed to Spray Cupcake Liners?

Plenty of people are under the impression that they don’t need to grease anything if they use a liner. Simply pour the cupcake batter into the liners, bake them, and enjoy. 

Sounds pretty simple, right? Until, of course, you notice that your cupcakes are sticking to the liners, and by the end of the fiasco, half of the cupcake is missing.

While cupcake liners take the hassle out of removing cupcakes directly from the pan, they’re not 100% foolproof. Cupcakes can stick to liners for a number of reasons, but at the end of the day, it can all be avoided by using a quick spritz of baking spray.

So, should you spray cupcake liners? I say yes, although you don’t “have” to. I use baking spray regardless of what I’m baking and which pan I’m using, simply to give my treats an extra barrier against sticky nightmares. Just don’t overdo it. You don’t want your cupcakes to end up soggy!

How to Spray Cupcake Liners

Yes, you should spray your cupcake liners. But doing it the right way is vital. After all, too much greasing can lead to a greasy, soggy mess. Follow these simple steps for success.

Step 1: Start With the Right Liner

Always use nonstick cupcake liners. These are specifically designed to avoid sticking. They come in various colors, designs, and materials. Personally, I prefer to use silicone baking products. I love the flexibility and non-stick qualities.

Step 2: Spritz the Liners with Baking Spray

Next up? You guessed it – it’s time to spray the cupcake liners. I recommend using a baking spray over regular cooking spray. The baking spray is specifically designed for baking treats like cakes, cookies, and cupcakes, so you know it will work like a charm.

Don’t have baking spray? For one, I highly suggest buying a pack – especially if you bake as often as I do. But for now, you can always use your reliable cooking spray. You can also brush a little butter onto the liners.

The key is not to overdo it. Although greasing the liners will stop the cupcakes from sticking, too much will cause the bottoms to become soggy, greasy, and gross. A little goes a long way, especially on top of liners. 

Step 3: Bake Cupcakes as Normal

Last but not least, pour the batter into the cupcake pan and bake as usual. Baking time won’t change because you lightly spritzed the liners with baking spray.

Step 4: Let Them Cool Properly

One of the main reasons why cupcakes turn into crumbly messes is because people are quick to remove them from the pan, frost them, and consume them. Sure, I’m in a rush to get my hands on a cupcake as much as the next person, but proper cooling is essential.

You want to leave the cupcakes in the pan for at least five minutes before removing them and placing them on a wire rack. 

If desired, you can keep them in the liners, which may be the case if they’re being transported. Keep in mind that you can also use a fresh liner when they’re done being decorated!

FAQs

There you have it, folks! The truth: cupcake liners should be lightly sprayed, even if you use nonstick ones. If you still have some prying questions about this topic, here are a few commonly asked questions that might help.

Are you supposed to spray the cupcake liners?

Should you? I say yes. Are you supposed to? Not necessarily. Honestly, when it comes to whether or not you spray your cupcake liners, it’s entirely up to you. I do it to add an extra barrier of nonstick protection, but it’s not required for baking cupcakes in liners. 

How do you keep cupcakes from sticking to the paper cup?

Are your cupcakes sticking to the paper cup/liner? Then I highly suggest you spray them with a pinch of baking spray before pouring the batter and baking. Allow them to cool before removing them from the liner and decorating. Keep in mind that high-sugar and low-fat cupcakes tend to stick more prevalently. 

Why are my cupcake liners greasy?

If you’re struggling with greasy cupcake liners, it’s simply because the liner has absorbed the fatty ingredients from the cupcake liner. The best option is to purchase greaseproof cupcake liners. If you plan to spray them, make sure you don’t overdo them.

Why do my cupcakes come away from the paper?

If your cupcakes continuously come away from the paper, they’re likely being overcooked or undercooked. Make sure you follow your recipe to a tee and bake the cupcakes for the recommended amount of time at the right temperature.

Final Words

I recommend spraying your cupcake liners, regardless of whether or not they’re “nonstick” varieties. It will act as extra protection to reduce the chance of sticky messes. 

I suggest using a baking spray over other sprays or greasing methods. Regardless of the method, though, ensure you do not overdo it. Otherwise, cupcakes can become soggy and unappealing.

Do you spray your cupcake liners? What do you use to spray them? Share your thoughts about this topic with us below!

About Michelle
I have been a lover of sweets since day one. This led me on a self-taught baking journey starting at the age of 13. It's been over 10 years since the start of my baking adventures, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Now, people rave about my delectable treats, whether it’s a chocolate cake or a strawberry crepe.

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  • Jackie

    This was very helpful. Thank you.

    Reply