Is a Muffin Pan the Same As a Cupcake Pan?

 Cast Iron Muffin Pan

The difference between cupcakes and muffins depends on who you ask, and their answer may include the amount of frosting, the toppings, and the time of day they're eaten!

In this article, I offer some general guidance on the differences between the two.

1. Cupcakes have frosting. Muffins do not.

2. The proportions of ingredients are different. "The basic recipe for muffins is 2 cups flour, 2-4 tablespoons sugar, 2½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 egg, ¼ cup oil, shortening or butter, and 1 cup milk.

When the recipe has twice the fat, sugar, and egg to flour ratio of a muffin, you can create a fluffier crumb and a sweeter end product - a cupcake. When the ratios are right and you get a cupcake, it's a happy thing!

3. Cupcakes have a finer crumb, while muffins have a larger/coarser crumb.

4. Muffins have more topping than cupcakes and will usually spill out of the wrapper.

Is there a difference between a cupcake pan and a muffin pan?

Muffin pans and cupcake pans are exactly the same. However, another difference between cupcakes and muffins is that cupcakes are always lined, while muffins are usually baked without a liner.

If you are baking muffins, be sure to use a non-stick pan. Even when using a non-stick pan, I usually oil the pan to make sure nothing sticks.

Advantages of Cast Iron Muffin Pan

• 1. Versatile 4-Cup Muffin Pan: Create the most delicious chocolate fudge, cookies, cupcake, apple pie, brownies, muffins, and scones using this pre-seasoned cast iron baking pan. Whether you’re making early morning blueberry scones or afternoon tea biscuits, this seasoned round biscuit pan is perfect for outdoor and indoor use.

• 2. Secured And Comfortable Grip Handles: The baking muffin pan is designed with extra-wide, easy-to-hold handles that offer an outstanding grip when transferring from oven to surface. The open-frame design gives enough room for you to hold or hang this biscuit baking pan with ease.

• 3. Even-Heat Distribution: Experience superior heat distribution and retention for consistent even baking! The special design of this cast iron muffin pan has the perfect side height and thickness to evenly distribute heat making the crust evenly baked.

How do I season a cast iron muffin pan?

To season a cast iron muffin pan, you will need to heat the oven to 300° F and wash the cast iron muffin pan with some hot soapy water (use a mild soap). Then, simply rinse it off and make sure it is thoroughly dried before coating the entire cast iron muffin pan with a thick layer of solid vegetable oil.

Make sure you can get every nook and cranny when you apply the seasoning oil. Then when you are done, you need to place the experienced cast iron muffin pan, open the side up, and heat it at 300° F for about an hour. After letting it cool, you should pour off any remaining oil and wipe it off with a paper towel.

Once you start baking in your new cast iron muffin pan, you will want to re-season it a few times. Simply do this at 375 F for 20 minutes and then let the excess oil drip out of the pan. Again, do not clean the pan immediately after seasoning.

If you need to re-season an old cast iron muffin pan that is in good condition or one that is starting to stick, repeat the steps you did when you first seasoned it. However, if re-seasoning a rusty or old cast iron muffin pan, you will need to first heat the oven to 275° F and then clean it thoroughly, including wiping off any dry or baked-on food.

Then make sure it is completely dry before generously greasing it with vegetable oil. Next, you will bake the cast iron muffin pan in the oven for about 15 minutes, then remove it and remove any excess oil. Finally, put the muffin pan back in the oven for two hours. If the cast iron muffin pan gets really rusty, you will want to do this twice, if not more.

Reminder: Your cast iron muffin pan should never be seasoned immediately after.

Contact Sarchi cookware today to learn more about our custom cast iron muffin pan and cast iron cupcake pan.