Silicone baking molds

Do you dream of durable, heat-resistant cookware that doesn't stick and is easy to clean? Silicone baking molds fully meet your requirements. These flexible synthetic polymer products are oven and microwave safe. To choose good molds for your kitchen, find out all the pros and cons of this unusual utensil.

Features of silicone baking molds

High resistance to temperature influences is the main advantage of silicone cookware. It can be used in the range from -20ᵒ to +260ᵒ C. The heat resistance of the material is explained by the fact that it is made from a compound of silicon and carbon.

Silicone baking molds are durable and flexible . They can be used to bake delicate dough products that are difficult to remove from metal utensils.

Because silicone has natural non-stick properties , it does not need to be treated with fat before baking. If you want to get cupcakes with a clear pattern, the walls can be lightly greased with vegetable oil.

Another important feature of silicone is its heat-insulating property . Food in such a container warms up evenly. Immediately after removal from the oven, the dishes cool quickly, so they can be served straight from the oven.

Silicone is easy to clean , both by hand and in the dishwasher. But the material is unstable to physical influences - it melts over an open fire, and is damaged by sharp objects.

Types of silicone molds

Manufacturers produce silicone baking containers suitable for a variety of baking options, including:

• cakes - in stores you can find round molds for layered dessert pies, rectangular ones for sheet products, and grooved dishes for baking;
• bread - containers for loaves are characterized by increased depth. You can also bake pies and meat rolls in them;
• Cookie molds are silicone sheets with several shaped cells. Stores offer cookie sets in the form of flowers, berries, animals, traditional gingerbread men;
• cupcakes, muffins - baked in miniature dishes with ribbed or smooth walls;
• pancakes – there are many silicone pancake makers that allow you to create perfectly round baked goods.

Silicone utensils are also suitable for baking meat and fish, making omelettes, and homemade chocolates.

How to choose a silicone baking dish

Despite many advantages, silicone utensils from different manufacturers vary greatly in price and properties. When choosing a product in a store, pay attention to four factors:

• rigidity - if the walls are too thin and flexible, the dishes will sag greatly under the weight of the dough;
• need for lubrication - although silicone is considered a non-stick material, the walls need to be lubricated with oil every time or only before the first use. Please clarify this issue in the instructions;
• design - individual products are equipped with handles to facilitate lifting and removable reinforcing rings. These elements make the cookware easier to use;
• care - find out if it is dishwasher safe.

When choosing, it is important to consider the cost - for good dishes it varies from 100 to 1,200 rubles.

How to use a silicone baking pan

The first rule is to comply with the maximum heating level specified by the manufacturer. When placing the container in the oven, place it on a metal baking sheet to ensure greater stability. Use a special glass stand in the microwave. Also learn how to use silicone cookware for different types of baked goods.

For cupcakes

Pre-wash the molds, dry them with a paper towel and grease them with vegetable oil. After filling the containers with dough, place them on a baking sheet and place it on the middle level of the oven. Immediately after baking, remove the cupcakes from the pans.

For cakes

Grease the dishes with oil and sprinkle the walls with flour. After pouring in the dough, place the container in a glass or metal baking tray. Place in a preheated oven. Once the cake is ready, let it cool and then remove it by inverting it onto a flat plate.

For cookies

If this is your first time using a cell sheet, wash it and dry it with a towel. Lubricate all the indentations with vegetable oil - this will make the cookie pattern more prominent. Carefully distribute the dough into the cells, remove excess drops from the surface of the sheet. Place in a preheated oven on a baking sheet.

For early risers

An interesting type of containerand for baking - lark-shaped molds. The dough for them should be liquid, like low-fat sour cream. If there is oil among the ingredients, the walls do not need to be pre-lubricated. The molds are placed on a metal baking sheet and baked for half an hour at a temperature of + 180ᵒ C.

For baking bread

Containers for loaves and loaves are very deep, so they are placed on a baking sheet before filling with dough. Since silicone does not conduct heat well, the bread will take longer to bake than in a metal pan and the crust will not be golden brown. When the loaf is ready, let it cool, then transfer it to a large platter.

How to properly remove baked goods from a silicone mold

To make the finished product easy to remove, prepare the dishes in advance - grease them with oil or spray them with cooking spray. If you are making a large cake or bread, sprinkle the sides with additional flour. Be sure to let the baked goods cool before removing from the pan. Then carefully run a pastry spatula along the edges. Place a flat plate or board on top and then invert.

How and with what to wash a silicone mold

Silicone can be easily washed with hot water and liquid detergents. Avoid abrasive powders, they damage the structure of the material. If there is any food stuck inside the cookware, soak it in very hot water and baking soda. Most silicone products are dishwasher safe.

Are silicone baking pans safe to use in the oven?

International medical organizations have recognized silicone as a safe material for health. It is used in pacemakers, joint replacements and implants. Silicone dishes have no taste or smell, and do not affect food during processing in the microwave, oven, or freezer. Food grade silicone does not cause allergies and is safe for the environment.