Are you wondering how to use silicone molds with polymer clay to get a good casting? Read on for tips and tricks for making polymer clay designs with silicone molds for a fun, easy and mess-free project.
No matter how often you bake, you’ve surely noticed a new trend: silicone molds. These rubbery, flexible containers allow you to unmold cakes and other muffins without leaving dough sticking to the bottom or sides.
But is it safe to use them on a daily basis?
Generally speaking, if you use silicone molds made from platinum, you’re in no danger. Indeed, these types of molds that you use mainly for baking are designed to tolerate very high temperatures—up to 500°F (260°C). This isn’t the case for silicone molds made with peroxide, which cannot exceed 390°F (200°C).
Silicone molds are my favorite way to bake mini cakes, and I often get questions whenever I use them. It’s understandable since it’s a relatively new baking material – so here’s a post detailing all my tips on baking with silicone.
Silicone is rubber-like manufactured material containing no plastic. It’s widely used in the medical device, baby product, and food manufacturing industries. For baking, use food-grade silicone, typically indicated on the manufacturer’s labeling. These silicones are heat-safe up to 400°F/205°C.
These is my Ube Velvet cake recipe baked in silicone molds to create 4-inch mini cake layers.
Silicone is flexible, which is pretty different than other metal-based baking pans you may be used to. Generally, these types of molds are not only oven-safe but also microwave-safe and freezer-safe.
Silicone baking mats have been around for years – I use mine as a reusable eco-friendly alternative to disposable baking sheet liners such as foil. (They’re pretty great for macarons.) Using them as a pan to bake liquidy stuff like cake and muffin batters has a few differences from working with metal, so let’s get into it.
When silicone molds first hit the scene, baking was changed for good. And yes, I mean that in the absolute best way possible. After all, I’ve spent the last ten years baking, and I think most people will agree that silicone molds are a game-changer.
Well, if you’re jumping aboard the “silicone train” and need a captain to guide you, consider me Captain Michelle – choo! By the time we reach the end of our destination, you will be a silicone-baking whizz.
The good news is that silicone baking molds are a breeze to work with, so you won’t need any fancy tools or knowledge to use them. In fact, our journey through learning to use silicone molds for baking will be almost enjoyable as an actual train ride through a lovely landscape.
- How to Use Silicone Molds for Baking
- FAQs
- Final Words
Like I said before, using silicone molds is so easy when baking. That’s because they’re super-duper flexible to pop out treats and are relatively nonstick, so you won’t have to worry about messy baked goods getting stuck to the pan.
Here is how to use them successfully.
Start With a Clean Silicone Mold
Whether you’re using silicone or not, it is imperative to start with a clean item. After all, you don’t want to let your leftover crumbs and goop from your last baking project end up on your freshly baked treats.
Honestly, it makes me sick even thinking about it.
Ensure the silicone baking mold is 100% clean and ready for action.
Grease the Silicone Mold
“Okay, wait a second – I thought you said silicone baking molds were nonstick?” Before you bite my head off, hear me out.
Yes, silicone baking molds are nonstick. But that doesn’t mean they’re going to work perfectly every single time. They can also become less “nonstick” after multiple uses, especially if washed in the dishwasher.
In my opinion, it is always better to be safe than sorry. So, spritz on a dash of your favorite cooking spray and put your mind at ease.
And yes, it only takes a little bit – unlike some of the other pans you may be using.
Place on Top of a Baking Sheet, Then Pour Batter
If you’re using silicone baking molds, I highly recommend placing the mold on top of a baking sheet. You see, one of the selling points of silicone is also one of its drawbacks: flexibility.
If you pour batter into a silicone mold and try to pick it up – especially from one end – you’ll lose the batter all over your lovely kitchen floors.
Give your mold and batter some stability and place it on top of a baking sheet. It won’t affect the final result, I promise.
Bake as Usual
Silicone baking molds will almost always take the same amount of time to bake as any other type of pan. (Try saying that three times as quickly as you can!)
That said, you shouldn’t need to adjust the baking time (and definitely do not touch the recommended temperature for your recipe).
If you need to add a little more baking time, that’s okay. Silicone is an excellent heat insulator and provides an even and steady heating for your treats, so you shouldn’t be too concerned with dried-out or burnt goods.
Enjoy!
When it’s done baking, pop the silicone mold out of the oven and let it cool. Don’t try to remove your treat before it is cooled.
Otherwise, your silicone mold’s “nonstick” property won’t work as well, and you might leave more cake, cupcake, or brownie behind in your pan rather than on your dessert plate.
Clean it Thoroughly
Whether cooking a pork roast or baking a pie, one essential part of creating any recipe is the cleanup. In fact, I consider “cleaning” as part of my baking process. Who wants to be left with stuck-on dirt and grime, anyway?
With that in mind, it is crucial to clean the silicone baking mold right when you’re done using it.
I prefer to clean my silicone baking molds with soap, water, and a sponge (not too abrasive). That way, I can reach the crevices easily and take care of any grime that might be stuck. Then, I will toss it into the dishwasher. For extra big messes, I will add a dash of baking soda.
Silicone molds are becoming increasingly popular in the kitchen due to their versatility and ease of use. From making delicious desserts to creating unique crafts, silicone molds are an excellent tool for any cook or crafter.
But the question remains, can you put a silicone mold in the oven? We have the answer below.
Is It Okay To Put Silicone Mold In The Oven?
Yes, silicone molds are generally safe to use in the oven, microwave, and freezer.
“A juicy chicken breast can be the perfect accompaniment to a classic Caesar salad or a club sandwich. It’s also easy to cook, and can be as simple as dressing it with a few spices and popping in the oven.”
– Marcus Samuelsson, Ethiopian-Swedish Chef
It is also important to remember that the silicone mold should be placed on a baking sheet before being placed in the oven and should be covered with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning or discoloring.
Additionally, it is important to remember to use oven mitts when handling the silicone mold, as it will become hot during baking.
But is it okay to use a baking pan on the stove?
How To Use Silicone Molds In Oven
- Preheat your oven to the temperature indicated in your recipe.
- Grease the inside of the silicone molds with cooking spray or butter.
- Place the silicone molds on a baking sheet.
- Fill the molds with your desired ingredients.
- Place the baking sheet with the molds in the preheated oven.
- Bake according to the recipe instructions.
- Once finished baking, remove the silicone molds from the oven and place them on a cooling rack.
- Allow the silicone molds to cool completely before removing the finished product.
Read: Can You Melt & Reset Marshmallows?
How To Remove Cake From Silicone Mold
- Place the silicone mold on a flat surface.
- Place a knife in the gap between the cake and the silicone mold.
- Gently pry the cake away from the sides of the silicone mold using the knife.
- Once you have released the sides of the cake from the mold, gently twist the mold to release the cake.
- Carefully remove the cake from the silicone mold.
Baking With Silicone Molds
Baking with silicone molds is an excellent alternative to traditional baking methods. The material is non-stick, heat resistant, and can withstand high temperatures.
Silicone molds also distribute heat more evenly, ensuring that your baked goods come out evenly cooked and delicious.
But do you have to grease silicone cupcake liners?
How Do You Keep A Cake From Sticking To The Mold?
When baking a cake in a silicone mold, the best way to keep it from sticking is to grease it before adding the batter. Using a small amount of oil or butter, lightly coat the interior of the mold before pouring in the batter.
This will create a barrier between the cake and the mold, helping to ensure an easy release once the cake has finished baking.
Additionally, it is recommended to cool the cake for 10-15 minutes before removing it from the mold to ensure it does not stick.
But how can you keep the bread from molding so fast?
Tips For Safely Using Silicone Molds In The Oven
- Make sure to use oven-safe silicone molds for baking. Not all silicone molds are safe for use in the oven.
- Grease the molds generously before filling them with batter. This will help prevent sticking.
- Preheat your oven before using the molds. This will ensure even baking.
- Place the molds on a baking sheet before placing them in the oven. This will help them heat evenly and prevent burning.
- Reduce the baking time using a silicone mold. Silicone molds can bake faster than metal or glass pans, so reduce the time recommended in the recipe by a few minutes.
- Allow the silicone molds to cool before removing the baked item. This will ensure the item is fully cooked and prevent it from sticking.
- Use oven mitts when handling hot silicone molds.
Read: What Is The Ideal Size Of A Dutch Oven For Sourdough Bread?
FAQs
Can you bake a cake in a silicone mold?
Do you put silicone bakeware directly on the oven rack?
It would help to never put silicone bakeware directly on a hot oven rack. Instead, it should always be placed on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan before being placed in the oven.
But how long does it take for an oven to cool down?
In Conclusion
Silicone molds can be put in the oven, but with caution. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine your particular silicone mold’s maximum temperature and baking time.
Additionally, always use oven mitts and baking sheets when removing the molds from the oven.
Lastly, to maintain their shape and avoid burning the molds, make sure to place them on a flat and even surface.
- https://www.britannica.com/science/silicone
- https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/10813/best-chocolate-chip-cookies/
If you have ever wondered about all tips on the way to master baking with silicone molds, here is a guide. So make a cup of coffee and read it on.
Nobody can resist purchasing a naturally non-stick, lightweight, colorful, heat and cold resistant, and inexpensive silicone bakeware.
Interestingly, silicone molds are not only used to bake desserts but also to cook and store your dinner.
The molds come up in different forms, ensure easy release and perfect cooking, and are effortless to handle and clean.
And it doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or experienced baker: a lot of people love silicone bakeware.
French chef Guy Demarle is an excellent example of a silicone mold lover. In the 1960s, he merged food-grade silicone and glass threads to create his innovative material FLEXIPAN®.
His online store offers a large selection of professional quality silicone molds, which is impressive.
So, equip yourself with a couple of new silicone molds, read all the tips on using them, and bake.
The more you bake in silicone molds, the more you fall in love with them. It is guaranteed!
Safe bakeware first
When you decide to buy a silicone mold, the most common question is if it is safe.
First and foremost, make sure that the product is labeled as FDA approved, BPA free, and is made of 100% food-grade silicone. Try to avoid cheap bakeware that may contain fillers or coatings.
All that means that if you invest in high-quality silicone molds, they are safe to use.
You can buy your favorite mold in your local grocery store, home goods stores, or online stores. The latter carries the most significant variety to choose from.
Top-quality silicone is essential
While reading about silicone molds, please don’t get confused with the material like silicon (the spelling without the added “e”). It is wildly used to produce such things as computer chips.
So, you will be looking for silicone bakeware and not silicon molds.
Food grade silicone is a unique material that combines silicone polymers with a catalyst (either platinum or peroxide).
These catalysts are essential because they are the ones that guarantee the mold’s ability to prevent the particles from migrating toward the food.
But if the platinum silicone remains inert up to 392-572 degrees F or 250-300 degrees C, the “peroxide” silicone (cheaper) allows particles to migrate towards the food from 320 degrees F or 160 degrees C.
So, for total food safety, it is strongly recommended only buy silicone molds clearly labeled “platinum silicone.”
What is important to know is that professional-quality silicone products pass the pinch test.
What is it? It ensures that you invest in good silicone material, also known as pure silicone. You should pinch the silicone and twist it a little bit. Pay attention to the silicone color: if it stays the same, it is a 100% silicone pan.
If the color changes to white, it is likely mixed with other fillers. You don’t want to buy such bakeware. Remember: quality is crucial.
Make the right choice
What and how many types of silicone molds should you buy?
Silicone pans come in different shapes, sizes, and bright colors, so you might consider buying more molds than you eventually need.
It happens the same with cookie cutters. “I can never have enough cookie cutters,” you think.
You just can’t help yourself, and before you know it, your kitchen is cluttered with cookie cutters.
But let’s do smart shopping. Among the many silicone molds you can buy, first invest in silicone muffin cups.
Decorative silicone molds, for example, heart-shaped and animal-shaped, can be a cute addition to your home, but you will only use them once a year for Valentine’s Day or birthdays.
Use small silicone molds
If you have a passion for creating perfect little treats, it is worth investing in small silicone molds.
They are less expensive than large molds and the most versatile while baking.
You can easily transport them, so they are always at hand when you need a treat on the go.
Plus, muffins, cupcakes, and small cakes are the perfect way to serve your delicious desserts at family and friends’ gatherings, baby showers, and birthday parties.
Individually served desserts are easy on the stomach but still make a great impression.
Build a small collection
Minimalism is the key when it comes to kitchen equipment. You should find balance in numbers and types of molds to continue making yummy treats without running out.
So, make sure to have a minimal variety of silicone baking molds.
A set of 3-piece silicone bakeware is a good start. It includes essential round cake mold, square cake mold, and bread loaf pan. All of them have steel handles for easy and study handling.
Over time, you might fall in love with silicone bakeware and decide to invest in 41-piece silicone bakeware. It is probably the most versatile silicone set around worth buying.
These are the best times to get creative with your baking. You can use all that extra cake batter to make a few muffins or make, for example, mini muffins out of the banana bread dough.
So stock up on different types of molds because you will indeed find yourself using them more often.
Get ready for baking
When you purchase a new silicone mold, there is one small step that needs to be taken before using them for the very first time.
Some molds smell of plastic once bought, but the smell can be easily removed.
So before the first use, wash the mold with soap or dishwashing liquid well, rinse thoroughly and let it dry. Don’t use a kitchen towel to prevent the deposit of fabric particles.
Then heat the empty mold for one hour in the oven at 392°F or 200°C. Now your new mold is ready to use.
Find the right recipe
Many recipes can be baked in a silicone mold, but baking a large cake could be challenging.
So, use a stainless steel mold to make large or tall cakes, especially those made with butter, that require longer baking time.
Greasing silicone molds
Do you grease silicone pans? It is another common question from my readers. The answer is that it depends on the quality of your silicone mold.
Let’s say that with a “cheap” non-stick material of the silicone mold, you may find that it is better to butter and flour your mold or spray it with a cooking spray. It reduces the chances of breaking your baked goods when unmolding.
In the case of large molds, it is highly recommended to grease or butter and flour them. It ensures easy release and avoids cracking when you remove your preparation from the mold.
In terms of washing your mold afterward, it is also worth greasing the pan. Easy release and easy clean-up are what benefit the greasing.
But if you use silicone molds of high silicone quality, for example, those composed of food-grade silicone and glass threads, forget the terms “butter and flour.” These molds ensure incomparable release.
Oven temperature
Can you put silicone in the oven? Are silicone molds oven-safe?
In general, silicone molds are very heat-resistant and withstand both very high and very low temperatures.
They are capable of withstanding the cold of the freezer, the fridge, and the heat of the microwave oven and the traditional oven.
The answer is it depends on the silicone mold you have chosen.
The temperature limits of the silicone baking molds range from -94 to 572 degrees F or -70 to +300 degrees C.
For example, FLEXIPAN® molds by Guy Demarle withstand 500 to 536 degrees F or +260 to +280 degrees C.
DeBuyer’s Elastomould cake molds made of silicone mousse resist temperatures up to 572 degrees F or 300 degrees C.
Still, you should check every piece of silicone cookware while shopping. Please, read the description of the silicone items carefully.
Table of the different temperature ranges of silicone molds in Fahrenheit
Table of the different temperature ranges of silicone molds in Celsius
Baking on the oven rack
You might be wondering if you can place your silicone mold right on the oven rack. The answer is yes.
For example, to get the perfect madeleines, you will need to bring a silicone pan to the middle rack (not the oven tray) of a well-heated oven. This ensures that the madeleine hump develops properly.
When baking, it is essential to place an aluminum foil trap underneath the rack if you want any chance of preventing spillage.
Adjust the baking time
The baking time varies depending on the mold you use.
When baking in silicone molds, you will need to lower the temperature by 18°F or 10°C compared with your recipe and lengthen the cooking time a little (unlike classic metal bakeware).
For example, if it says that the recommended temperature to bake Spanish muffins is 420 degrees F or 210 degrees C, then try using 400 degrees F or 200 degrees C for a silicone type of pan.
Unmold correctly
Demolding silicone molds is easy and quick when you use the right technique.
In general, the unmolding should be done immediately when the mold comes out of the oven.
However, some delicate preparations, such as sponge cake, dacquoise, madeleines, or even muffins, require at least 10 minutes of rest before being unmolded.
A little but important tip: when you take your preparation out of the oven, never let it cool on the stove; the bottom could hang under the influence of heat.
To release small cakes, muffins, or cupcakes from the silicone cupcake cups, all you have to do is press gently on the bottom of them.
To unmold a larger cake, turn the mold upside down on a plate. Then gently pull the mold’s edges apart while applying light pressure to its base and pull the mold away.
When removing your preparation, it is important that you don’t overstretch the mold or risk tearing it on its surface. This will negatively affect the quality as well as the lifespan of your mold.
Once unmolded, clean your mold immediately.
Cleaning molds after baking
You want your silicone molds to last as long and be in peak condition for use, but they need some everyday maintenance.
The most efficient way of doing this is by soaking them in hot soapy water immediately after baking.
Clean your molds with a hand. Avoid using a scraping sponge to prevent micro-scratches.
Rinse them thoroughly with clean running water and let them dry. Don’t wipe them with a towel to avoid the deposit of fabric particles.
Can you use a dishwasher to clean all the silicone molds? It depends upon the quality of the silicone. Read the manufacturer’s instructions to see if it is dishwasher safe.
To learn how to remove burn marks, stains, and fat residue from silicone, read a post devoted to this topic.
Stack it to store
One great benefit of using silicone bakeware is to save space in the kitchen.
They stack easily and take up a little space. Just imagine how much space it takes to store silicone baking cups, no more than an espresso coffee cup.
But don’t stack differently-shaped molds in a pile. It will cause them to bend and buckle.
Store your bakeware in a dry place at room temperature. Please avoid excessive heat and UV light that dry out the silicone.
Reusing silicone bakeware
If washed and appropriately stored, silicone molds can last long, for a few years. It takes usually between 2000 to 3000 uses, depending on the product, to wear the mold.
But how to use silicone baking molds?
They are great for making desserts as well as savory dishes. In addition, they can be used to reheat the meals or freeze leftovers.
Once you find that your silicone pan has lost its shape, you can give this mold a second life.
Just use it in place of a traditional storage container or a snack tray.
Here is a summary of the most frequently asked questions about silicone molds.
Can silicone cake molds go in a microwave?
Most of the higher-quality silicone molds can withstand temperatures from -40°F to +500°F. They’re thus suitable for both microwave and conventional ovens.
Flexipan silicone molds are specially designed to withstand the onslaught of the microwave without losing any flexibility over time.
Can you put silicone baking molds in the oven?
You can of course put your silicone molds in your traditional oven. The only condition? That they are high quality platinum silicone molds and thus suitable for high temperatures.
How to clean or wash silicone baking molds?
After each use, you must clean your silicone mold and make it impeccable, which means that it must be free of stains, burn marks and grease.
To properly clean your silicone mold by hand, you should use soapy water (or dishwashing liquid, if you prefer!) and definitely not steel wool or a scrubbing sponge! (although you might be tempted to go faster). You could damage your silicone mold by forming micro-scratches!
Instead, use a microfiber wipe and a little elbow grease.
Can silicone baking molds go in the dishwasher?
Some silicone molds are not dishwasher safe. This depends in part on the quality. The lower the quality, the less the silicone pan will withstand the heat of the dishwasher.
Regardless of the brand, always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for washing your silicone mold.
That said, cleaning in a dishwasher should be avoided if you want to keep your molds for many years to come.
Are silicone baking molds toxic?
This depends on the type of mold used (peroxide or platinum) and the oven temperature you use.
To be sure to avoid any migration in your preparations, opt for quality molds such as Flexipan or molds of this type.
Can you use silicone baking molds for soap making?
Absolutely—silicone baking molds can also be used to make soap.
Silicone is a popular choice for soap molds since it’s flexible, long-lasting, and easy to clean. As with food, its flexibility makes it easier to remove the soap from the mold once it has set.
What’s more, silicone molds come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, allowing you to choose the perfect mold for your soap making needs.
However, because of the products that make up the soap, I strongly advise against using the same molds to make soap and food: a simple question of prevention!
Two Common Types on the Market
Before you even buy or use silicone cookware, the most important aspect is to know which type of material it’s made of.
The silicone used for food is obtained from a material called silicon. A catalyst is added to it.
The catalyst is the added material that leads to a chemical reaction and gives a material the desired shape.
For the manufacture of silicone molds, there are two types of catalysts:
- peroxide
- platinum
It’s important to know that depending on the catalyst used, the silicone mold will have different characteristics. The impact on our health won’t be the same, either.
Platinum silicone molds
These are extremely durable. They’re designed to withstand very high temperatures, up to 500°F (260°C), without getting damaged.
Peroxide silicone molds
These are more unstable at higher temperatures. They’re not made to withstand heat exceeding 390°F (200°C). Moreover, during their manufacturing process, they didn’t undergo the so-called “curing” step. This step consists of leaving the mold in the oven for several hours at to eliminate all toxic substances.
It’s essential, then, to check the composition of each mold before you buy them since many recipes call for hot or very hot temperatures. The risk of migration of contaminants under the effect of heat and wear are very present.
How to Use Silicone Molds With Polymer Clay
Due to their ease of use and flexibility, silicone molds are a popular choice for working with polymer clay. You can make molds from plaster, silicone or a variety of other materials. One benefit of working with rubber silicone molds is that they are naturally non-stick.
If you don’t want seam lines, we recommend kneading your polymer clay before pressing it into your mold. To get a quality cast, try these tips:
- Fill the silicone mold with little pieces of clay at a time. Be sure to push down the polymer clay into the smallest crevices of the mold.
- Continue to add more clay to the silicone mold until the entire area is filled.
- Once you’ve filled all the empty spaces of the mold with clay, press down with your fingers to ensure all pieces of the clay are melded into the silicone mold. If any polymer clay parts come out of the mold, press them firmly back down.
- Use a blade to slice off any last bits of clay carefully.
- To clean up any areas where the clay spills over the mold’s edges, try using a blade.
- Shave off extra clay with your blade one more time after refining the edges of your mold with a blade or other tool.
- Make sure the face of the silicone mold is free of excess bits of polymer clay.
What temperature should you bake cakes in silicone molds?
You will just use the temperature indicated in the cake recipe. For my Cakeculator, all of my cakes bake at 350°F/176°C.
One thing to note. Although the mold will get hot and thoroughly cook your cake, it does not conduct heat as efficiently as metal pans.
This just means there won’t be as much browning on the cake surfaces in contact with the mold. I don’t mind this because it gives the finished cake a consistent look and color, even on the bottoms and sides.
How long does to bake a cake in a silicone mold?
These silicone molds for my mini cakes have a very short yet wide interior baking cavity, so it’s a relatively small cake if you’re used to baking 6 or 8-inch rounds.
I find that it bakes at almost the same time as a cupcake tray. All of my cupcakes bake from 18-22 minutes, and these cakes usually finish baking around the 21-22 minute mark.
If you’re using a cupcake recipe other than mine, use the recipe’s timing as a guideline. Start checking for doneness at the shortest time given in the recipe.
If you’re using a different type of mold than what I’m showing here, you’ll have to experiment a bit to get the timing right.
Choose the right silicone mold
As you can see, determining the type of composition is crucial before buying silicon cookware.
Made with peroxide, the cheapest molds won’t hold up to heat that well. Even if this isn’t visibly obvious, they risk letting harmful substances into your meals.
The migration of unwanted substances occurs most often when the mold exceeds a certain heat threshold, but also after a certain level of wear, or when it is in direct contact with fats (oil or butter added to the mold to prevent the preparation from sticking).
A very low-cost silicone mold, then, should throw up a red flag!
Platinum silicone molds are more expensive* but are much more heat resistant.* Platinum silicone is a rarer material and therefore more expensive.
To help you make your choice, look at the temperature indicated on the packaging of the mold or the mold itself. If they can withstand temperatures of up to 500°F, that’s a sign of premium quality.
Also, before you purchase any mold, make sure that you verify that it has been inspected and meets FDA regulations.
However, the price of the molds is not the only guarantee of quality! Beyond the price, check that the silicone mold has a certificate of compliance with the suitability for contact with food, which ensures that the migration remains within the limits of the regulations. It must specify the use for which the product is intended and the conditions of use.
Symbols on a silicone mold : as you can see, this mold can only support temperatures up to 430°F (220°C)
How to bake mini cakes using a silicone mold
Step 1. Prepare the mold.
Spray the molds with some cooking oil. Place your molds on a baking sheet BEFORE filling. (Moving an unsupported silicone mold filled batter is a recipe for disaster.) The metal tray also helps transfer heat to the bottom of the mold while in the oven.
Step 2. Scoop the prepared cake batter into the mold.
I’m using a scoop to portion out my batter, and I put two scoops into each hole, which comes out to about 2/3 cup of batter. For most cake recipes, you’ll want the batter to reach about 75% high inside the hole. That way, it will rise above and allow you to trim it down, so it’s a perfectly flat cake cylinder.
Step 3. Gently tap to remove any large air bubbles.
It will depend on the recipe, but all of my recipes need 2-3 firm taps on the counter to remove any big air pockets. It’s such a shallow mold that an air pocket can make a significant dent on the bottom of your cake, so settling the batter before baking is essential.
Step 4. Bake.
Use the cake recipe’s temperature. (Mine are all baked at 350°F/176°C.) These cakes take around 18-22 minutes to bake.
Step 5. Allow cakes to cool slightly before trimming.
Remove the mold from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Once I can touch the cakes without it being painful (they are still quite warm though), it’s time to trim off the tops. Using a long serrated knife and the mold as a guide, gently slice off the cake tops so that your mini cake layers are all even.
Step 6. Quality Control
Those cake tops are strictly for quality control measures. Take a taste while they’re still slightly warm and ensure your cake is delicious, which I know it is. Moving on.
Step 7. Remove mini cakes.
Gently pull the sides to ensure there’s no cake sticking. If cakes look like they have shrunken away from the sides, it’s probably easier to flip the entire silicone mold onto a flat surface all at once. They should all fall out. (See the rainbow mini cakes I made earlier in this post.)
If you have any doubts, try to remove one cake by inverting the mold. Remember, the mold is flexible, so bend it if necessary.
Step 8. Use immediately or store for later.
If you’re using the mini cakes soon, you can let them sit on the rack. If it’s more than a half-hour, I always wrap my cakes so they don’t dry out.
For these, I put little squares of parchment in between each cake layer and stack them 5 or 6 layers tall. Then I wrap them in plastic wrap. You can keep them like this for a couple days on the counter or double wrap them and put them in freezer bags for a couple weeks.
Would you like to try one of my recipes with this mold? I have lots of flavors listed in my Cakeculator – just select the cake flavor and for the Pan Size select “4 inch Mini Cakes, Round.”
I also have quite a few videos with tips on using this mold as well as assembling mini cakes or lunchbox cakes.
Order Sculpey® Molds and Clay
Begin your creative journey today with Sculpey® polymer clay. We’re the best place to purchase polymer clay online and offer high-quality color palettes and features. Choose from a variety of innovative brands, colors, sizes and more. Browse our molds and get inspired today!
How to Bake With Sculpey® Silicone Bakeable Molds
- Sculpey® III: Bake at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes for every 1/4 inch of thickness.
- Liquid Sculpey®: Bake at 275 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Sculpey Premo™: Bake at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes for every 1/4 inch of thickness.
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Baking with silicone molds is easy and they come in many shapes and sizes which makes the whole process of baking a lot more interesting and fun. Although they appeared quite recently, people found a lot of creative ways to put them to good use. They are great because they are made of a nonstick silicone material and can be washed and reused as many times as you want. They’re usually of bright colors and interesting shapes, while available at affordable prices!
If you’re tired of constantly washing greasy pans, using silicone molds instead can be the solution you’ve been looking for! You might be a master chef or someone who simply loves to cook, either way, silicone molds should find a way into your kitchen. Forget about old-fashioned metal pans and read through our 7 great tips on how to use silicone cupcake molds!
Baking Tips for Silicone Molds
The great thing about these molds is they can be used for a variety of things – for storage, for containers and, most often, for baking. There are a few things to know about molds when used for baking so let’s look at some useful tips:
Use Smaller Silicone Molds
Baking with silicone molds is becoming more and more popular, with so many chefs including them in their cooking. Apart from being good for other things as well, smaller molds are more practical and affordable, thus easier to find and use. Equip yourself with some regular-shaped cupcake molds, as well as with some of the interesting shapes – like hearts or stars.
Once you’ve built a great collection, you’ll find that everything you’ve been baking in regularly-shaped pans so far, can be baked in the silicone molds and allow you to provide your family and friends with creatively made pieces of food. If you have kids, they’ll love everything that’s small enough for them to hold and of an interesting shape, so you’re in the lead here.
Mind the Temperature
Many people who buy silicone molds have the same question – Can you put silicone in the oven? While this is a completely justified question, we must tell you that you shouldn’t worry too much about it. Silicone molds are usually very heat-resistant and can be used even at very low or high temperatures. Of course, you want to be aware of the temperature ratings and avoid melting the pan and ruining your hard work.
Choose Wisely
The market has a lot to offer on silicone molds nowadays. Shapes and sizes are numerous, but the practicality varies, too. They are quite inexpensive as well, but again, that doesn’t mean they are practical enough. Many molds are very small and if you are preparing something for a larger group of people, you’ll have to do more than one batch, which can be a bit tiring and boring. Go for regularly-shaped molds of average sizes and avoid cute or tiny shapes. We know how tempting it can be, but be smart!
Greasing Can Help
Generally, good old greasing is not really necessary with silicone molds. However, using cooking sprays or even greasing before baking and cooking can make your life a lot easier when it comes to washing them later on. Think of this as a means of prevention – you’ll spend much less time doing the dishes afterward. Isn’t that something we’re all striving for?
Another option that can reduce the washing-up time is putting paper baking cups in the mold instead of greasing it and just use the mold as a structural form. Cleaning time will be minimal this way!
Check the Quality
Checking the quality of your silicone molds is a must if you’re interested in buying a quality product. Baking in silicone is really easy and great, but only if the pan or the mold are made of 100% silicone, without added fillers. You want to be sure you’re buying pure silicone so you need to check the way it was made.
How can you check your silicone mold is made of pure silicone? You should do the pinch test – pinch the silicone and twist it a bit. Once you do that and the color of it stays the same, you’re dealing with a 100% silicone mold. If it turns white, it was probably mixed with some other material and you should steer clear from that one. Be careful! If you want to bake in silicone, buy pure silicone first.
Find Good Recipes
A great thing about baking with silicone is the variety of recipes available online! You don’t have to be a master chef to be able to bake with silicone, you just have to find delicious recipes for silicone molds and start baking!
Recycle and Reuse
If you have children, you can use them to freeze little pieces of food or meat for them and avoid throwing away meals. Of course, their creative shapes make them great for containers, lunch or snack trays and even homemade DIY products! It’s cute, it’s practical, it’s easy! Using silicone molds in your household is really great because they are easy to use, wash and stack. Make your pick!
Baking, baking, baking, isn’t it fun? Once you get used to using silicone molds for baking and cooking, you won’t even remember how it was before you had them. As you can see, they are very practical and easy to manage, while at the same time safe to use at different temperatures. Even if you haven’t been a fan of baking so far, these cute molds might make you change your mind and turn you into a state-of-the-art baker!
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What are silicone mini cake molds and where to buy it?
The mold I use to make my mini cakes creates perfectly flat 4-inch (in diameter) layers that are a little less than an inch tall. There are 6 holes (or “cavities” as the mold industry refers to them), and each holds about 2 cupcakes worth of batter.
I buy mine from Amazon, which you can see here if you like.
I use these layers to make lunchbox cakes, which are cute mini cakes that fit in takeout containers.
This post goes over how I specifically use this mold, but you can use these tips for baking in all kinds of silicone molds.
Benefits of Silicone Molds for Clay
Silicone molds for polymer clay continue to grow in popularity because of their many advantages and unique attributes. While each silicone mold offers various special features, some of the most popular benefits of these products include:
- Silicone molds are helpful for creating a range of items, from earrings and paperweights to figurines. You can also use these molds to add unique designs and intricate details to a larger figurine, statue or project.
- Because of their composition, silicone molds are naturally non-stick, making it easier to fully remove the finished piece from the mold.
- Silicone molds are strong, ensuring they last a long time for your future creations. Even if a silicone mold gets bent or compressed, it will still retain its shape.
- If you are working on a mixed media project, you can use silicone molds with polymer clay, resin and more to create a detailed and eye-catching piece.
- Complements polymer clay’s suppleness while crafting and sturdiness after baking.
- Gives you more chances to be creative. You can provide any creation with an exciting, one-of-a-kind upgrade.
- Makes achieving your desired results easier. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert clayer, you can get the look you want in no time.
- Streamlines your work, allowing you to focus on other parts of your piece. You save time by being able to replicate the duplicate parts you need quickly.
Using silicone baking molds is easy and isn’t much different from using any other pan. If you want to keep learning about this topic, here are a few commonly asked questions you might want to know about!
Do you spray silicone molds when baking?
You can spray silicone molds when baking to provide added protection against sticking. You can also stick to good, old-fashioned greasing with a stick of butter. Either way, you will improve the nonstick function of silicone by adding an extra barrier of nonstick elements.
Do you put silicone bakeware directly on the oven rack?
It’s okay to put silicone bakeware directly on the oven rack, but I don’t recommend it. Again, silicone is very flexible, and you’re likely going to struggle with placing it in and out of the oven. Instead of setting yourself up for a mess, put the silicone on top of a baking sheet for stability.
How do you get a cake out of a silicone mold?
You can “pop” a cake out of a silicone mold with no problem, especially if you sprayed it with nonstick cooking spray and allowed it to cool entirely. If you’re still having trouble, run a fork, knife, or another utensil around the edge of the cake and the silicone to help it come out.
Detailed Polymer Clay Doll Molds
Both new and seasoned crafters can create gorgeous baby dolls with our Sculpey® Flexible Push Mold. Whether you’re making a new toy for your child or a claymation scene, our polymer doll mold gives you the professional, lifelike results you need. Compatible with oven-bake, air-dry and non-drying clays, these molds offer countless ways to craft clay dolls.
How to remove cake from a silicone mold?
To remove cakes from this mold, allow the cake to cool slightly.
At this point, I also like to trim the tops off of the cakes. This is helpful while they’re still in the mold because the mold serves as a guide, and you’ll get perfect even layers of cake.
Then gently pull the sides away from each cake. You can flip the mold over very quickly onto a flat surface to remove all the cakes, and they should fall out.
If you’re unsure or baking a new recipe, try removing just one cake by inverting the mold to gently push out the cake. One of the advantages of using silicone is that it’s flexible, so bend the mold as much as you need to so you don’t break the cake.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Silicone cake pans are becoming increasingly popular among cooking enthusiasts because of their practical advantages such as ease of removal and heat resistance, but they also have drawbacks.
The advantages of silicone molds
- Their great flexibility: they permit extremely easy removal of food without the need to grease the mold beforehand
- They can be used in the oven as well as in the freezer. Unlike most glass and plastic, they perfectly tolerate temperature variations.
- Silicone molds are lightweight and unbreakable.
- They can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher—again, no breaks and bends
The disadvantages of silicone molds
- If the flexibility of silicone molds is its main advantage, it can also turn into a disadvantage! Few people have ever experienced the difficulty of putting their silicone molds in the oven without spilling half the batter!
- Baking in a silicone pan takes longer because the material doesn’t conduct heat as well. You have to be more attentive to cooking times and check more regularly.
- Over time and after many uses, silicone molds tend to have a greasy feel.
What Are Silicone Clay Molds?
Silicone molds for clay are a great way to create detailed designs using polymer clay. After working and conditioning your clay, you can fill the silicone mold with it, ensuring you get the material into every crevice. Typically, you will want to add extra clay to ensure you fill the entire mold. Once you are sure every space has clay, you can remove the excess from the back of the mold using a blade.
One fun benefit of silicone clay molds is you can bake the clay right in the mold for an easy and beautiful design! To remove the clay from the mold, you will want to set the form aside for a few minutes, allowing the material to slightly firm up.
You can then gently flex the clay mold to remove the design. After unmolding your design, you can leave it as it is or add it to a larger project. Regardless of what you decide, whenever you are finished with your mold, you can bake your piece as you would any project involving polymer clay!
How much batter do you need for these silicone molds?
Each hole in the mold can be filled with about 2 cupcakes worth of batter. That means that each of these molds holds about the same quantity of batter you’d use for 12 cupcakes.
Typical cupcake recipes or one box of cake mix (such as those from Pillsbury, Duncan Hine’s, and Betty Crocker) create enough batter for 24 cupcakes. In that case, you’d need two molds.
FAQ’s
Can you bake in silicone molds?
It is safe and convenient to bake in silicone molds, but they have to be made with food-grade silicone, be FDA approved, and be BPA free. Also, check the mold package for the temperature range of the silicone bakeware.
Can silicone go in the oven?
Silicone molds are perfect for baking and cooking in any type of oven, and they can stand up to high temperatures. In fact, most of them are resistant up to 446 degrees F or +230 degrees C, sometimes even higher.
Are silicone molds microwave safe?
Silicone molds are microwave safe, but be careful, however, not to put your mold in your microwave oven when it is in grill mode.
Why does my silicone mold smell bad?
Poor maintenance and poor quality of silicone are two main reasons why silicone molds smell. They may smell of plastic once bought, so just clean them with soapy water. Silicone molds shouldn’t smell when cooking or baking.
Tips on How to Get Polymer Clay out of a Silicone Mold
Many silicone molds can be baked in the oven so that you can bake your clay right in the mold. Simply place the mold with clay in the oven and bake per the clay’s instructions. If you purchased a mold, check the packaging or with the seller before baking your polymer clay.
If you are not baking in the mold, here are tips on how to remove your polymer clay. To remove clay that does not have many fine ridges or protrusions, turn it upside down and flex the silicone mold. Some tricks to remove clay that does have fine projections include:
- Use a piece of transparent plastic sheet that’s been cut from a sheet protector. Smooth it onto the clay to ensure it adheres properly. Then, turn it upside down and try to flex the mold again.
- For a more vigorous method, get a clean piece of glass or ceramic tile. Then, invert the mold onto the tile and press down firmly on the mold. Once the clay has adhered to the tile, lift the edge of the mold and flex it as you pull it off.
Do you need to grease silicone molds for cake?
Silicone is naturally a bit nonstick on its own. Usually, my cakes have enough fat and sugar and will not stick to the surface without any extra greasing.
That being said, just grease the pan anyways. It’s a bit of insurance to get that cake out later and doesn’t really have any adverse effect on the final cake. A gentle light spray of cooking oil is all you need.
Silicone Mold Crafting Ideas
The crafting possibilities are endless with our Sculpey® clay molds. Some ideas for your next project include:
- – Magnets: Create appealing sea life magnets for your fridge! You can place a magnet behind almost any mold for a fun piece of home decor.
- – Enhancing a vase: Have an old vase you want to touch up? Give it a refreshing makeover with chalk paint and our floral molds.
- Picture frames: You can embellish a wooden photo frame with our boho chic molds.
- – Clay keepsakes: Add our pet/baby molds to your Sculpey Keepsake® Kits for a personalized touch to your commemorative ornaments.
- – Jewelry: From gorgeous pendants to beaded mandala earrings, our diverse jewelry shape options let you create stunning pieces to wear, give or sell.
We give you the tools you need to let your imagination run free. You can find plenty of inspiration for your next creation in our How To section.
Silicone baking pans have gained popularity in recent years due to their versatility and ease of use in the kitchen.
These molds offer a range of benefits, including being non-stick, flexible, durable, and safe (depending on their quality) for use in the oven and microwave.
However, some low-quality silicone bakeware poses some safety concerns, such as potential contamination by other materials and potential degradation over time. This can result in the release of harmful chemicals into your food.
Before using these molds, you should also review the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines to ensure safe use.
In addition, it’s advisable to replace silicone molds that show signs of wear, such as discoloration or cracks.
In conclusion, silicone bakeware is a practical and effective alternative to traditional metal or glass casseroles.
However, we need to take the right precautions to ensure the safety and quality of our food when baking. With the right information and a careful approach, silicone baking pans are a valuable asset to any kitchen.
And with that, we come to the end of our discussion on molds. Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to let me know your favorite molds in the comments below! I’m always on the lookout for new molds to add to my collection, and I’m curious to hear about the ones you swear by!
As the founder of Container FAQs, my goal is to provide readers with in-depth information on the containers used in daily life and related subjects. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any suggestions for articles you would like to see on my blog.
As you can see, baking in silicone molds is a safe, convenient, and cheap alternative to metal molds.
They are for everyone, from a beginner baker to famous pastry chefs. The whole baking world is amazed by silicone utensils.
And if you want to start baking, invest in a couple of silicone baking molds, and give it a try: these cute little guys might just convert your non-bakers.
I hope that this article answers all the questions about how to bake with silicone molds.
With the secrets of silicone molds revealed, it is time to crack open your favorite mold! And why not make the best blueberry muffins or pistachio cupcakes?
Final Words
Baking with silicone is a game-changer and can allow you to say goodbye to stuck-on treats officially. All you need to do is make sure it’s clean, grease it slightly, and bake. Don’t forget to clean it thoroughly when you’re done!
Do you like baking with silicone?
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.