Should You Buy a Mini-Muffin Tin?

These tins make adorable, bite-size treats. With so many options on the market, which one is best?

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[gwenp]

The best use of a mini muffin pan is to cook meatballs. Make them slightly larger than the cup opening, then prop them on top. The grease drains into the cup and the meatballs are very crispy!

[mtncreekdawn]

I switched to floppy silicone mini pans several years ago & won't be going back. No problems with browning, but maybe that's due to my specific techniques? (Unlined, with cake release, set on a cheap aluminum sheet, oven preheated to 425F then turned down to normal baking temp after a couple minutes). Cleaning is easy; just dump in a sudsy sink & wipe clean; no seams to catch crumbs & individual wells/cups can be turned inside out for better access.

Do go for silicone muffin cups/tins with smooth sides. The pleated ones are a pain to clean.

Plus storing the silly pans is just a matter of squishing them into a drawer or baking supply box or whatever.

[kajakawa]

I use mine for tartlets at the holidays, not muffins. The little tiny pumpkin or pecan pies are amazing. Cut little pie crusts with a biscuit cutter. Press them into the muffin tin, fill, and bake. They're gone before they have time to cool.

[annalockwood]

I actually like the ones with lower, wider cups for little tartlets. The regular mini cupcake proportions are just not quite right. The shallower pans just seem to work better when you're baking something with a crust and a bit of filling. YMMV, but I've got both types to use as needed.

[maritzafarr]

I use the silicone mini muffin pan to freeze small herbs and pumpkin puree for smoothies. It's a great product for that purpose.

[Midori_Seabreeze]

I use mine mainly for all my overflow recipes. Things like breads or muffins or cupcakes. The “stars” are made full sized for the baked goods I bring to my coworkers, but I get to eat the mini versions.

[CS-bnun]

Love baking mini-muffins, both savory and sweet, but I'll stick with my vintage 1 dozen each aluminum pans! In fact, I keep adding them if I see them at estate sales or thrift stores. Great size for when you just need a few muffins vs two dozen. Yes, there are concerns about the aluminum and you have to use paper liners or spray them, but they bake beautifully, and those I know who enjoyed eating from my original ones, lived long and full lives of MANY decades (and only one with issues that may be associated with the aluminum).

[QueenOfTheNorth]

I used the Wilton mini muffin tin to make Cranberry-Brie Bites in Puff Pastry for New Year’s Eve. They turned out great. ❤️

[tomsparks]

Loved discovering the mini-muffin pan. Great tool not just for muffins and bite-sized tarts, but other canapes and appetizers.

[thaisstone]

(39) I have a mini-muffin pan. Its a lot of fun making all kinds of weird bite-sized stuff.

[briangreen]

The silicone pans are perfect for making egg bites. No sticking and no tedious cleaning too.

[cidercreekranch]

I use ours to make mini apple tarts with a crumb topping. My wife likes to take them to her art meetings since they offer a smaller bite than using a standard muffin pan.

[NoneofUrbusiness-pw]

I use the mini til for bacon wrapped scallops. Pre cook the bacon half way in the microwave.

[MargaretUIUC]

Peanut butter cookie dough with a Reese's p-butter cup stuck in the middle. Bake until done. Irresistible.

[disaacs]

What is the baking time adjustment from regular size to mini?

[sandyseibelhager]

I like to use a silicone mini muffin pan when I make shrimp havarti. It’s much easier to clean up melted cheese

[duaneking]

They make really good ice cube makers for jumbo ice cubes

[mayonnaiseeee]

These are just great for portioning out things in general. I do baked oatmeal a lot for my evening post-dinner meal and not having to slice it (no gluten so they're always a little crumbly, even with a bit of xanthan gum and egg added in) is a plus.

[villagesteader]

I never thought I would need one until I made Canadian Butter Tarts!

[louisel.sinniger]

I happen to have pans from USA Pans. I believe they are steel & are sturdy. I generally use liners