Silicone molds

Silicone molds are made from flexible silicone, so they bend and sag when full. Setting a filled mold on a firm cookie sheet makes it easy to move in and out of the oven without spilling.

A study from the University of New Hampshire compared silicone muffin pans with dark metal ones and found that muffins baked in silicone were moister and had greater volume, but their top crust texture and color were significantly less developed. The authors concluded silicone pans did not produce a better product.

These traits explain how pastry cooks use the molds. They are good for frozen desserts, mousses, jellies and molded chocolates, which need gentle release, and for small cakes and muffins where a pale crust is acceptable. A light spray of oil can help in molds with sharp corners or intricate designs.