How to use silicone molds. Silicone baking molds: culinary tools for every day

Silicone baking molds come in a variety of shapes.

For those who don't know how to use silicone baking molds - instructions.

Silicone baking molds are very simple and easy to use. Yes, they have their drawbacks over traditional rigid forms. But there are also a lot of advantages in silicone molds. But first, let's talk about the material silicone itself, and why it has become so popular.

A lot of people don't want to use silicone baking pans because they think they're a health hazard. But in fact, this is not so, because silicone is used to make kitchen utensils, which does not contain harmful substances. Similar silicone is also used in medicine for the production of implants. But still, it is better to buy products from good companies that use platinum as a catalyst in the production of silicone, and not other chemical reagents. Basically, silicone is an inert material, so when heated, it does not emit various harmful substances.

Silicone is used not only for the manufacture of baking molds, but also for other kitchen utensils. It is used to make shovels, brushes, pickups and coasters for dishes. Silicone molds withstand temperatures from -40°C to +240°C. Therefore, they are ideal not only for baking cakes or muffins, but also for freezing ice in them.

We will tell you more about how to use a silicone baking dish. Soft silicone molds will last you up to 5 years if you use them correctly. Since silicone is a very soft material, you can fold your mold so that it doesn't take up much space in your cabinet. Don't worry, the mold won't warp and will return to its original shape the next time you take it out.
There are disadvantages of silicone molds. Soft material does not hold its shape well. Pour the dough into the dishes, it is better to put it on a baking sheet or transfer it on a stand, and not hold it by the sides. Otherwise, the dough will wobble. Especially, it will be inconvenient in molds with thin walls. A solution to this problem is a metal frame on the outside. You just hold on to it, and the silicone mold is inserted inside (like a "matryoshka").

It is impossible to use cutting and piercing objects, abrasive sponges or aggressive detergents in such dishes, put them on heat sources - an open fire or an electric stove.

Many housewives are interested in the question, should the silicone mold be lubricated with oil before baking the dough? The baking dish needs to be lubricated only once before the very first preparation of the dough in it. Remember to pre-wash your mold with a mild detergent to remove process dust from it. In the future, you will no longer need to grease the baking dish.

Silicone molds can be used in both electric and gas ovens. In both cases, do not let the edges of the mold come into contact with the walls of the oven. If you are baking your dish in a gas oven, do not place the pan close to the flame so as not to damage it. Silicone molds must not be used for cooking on gas or electric burners.

There are also several secrets on how to bake in a silicone mold.

The dough in silicone forms is baked much faster than in classic metal ones. Therefore, you will need to reduce the baking time. When your pastry is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool down a bit right in the tin. After 5 minutes you can take your finished pastries out of the mold.

It is very easy to take out pastries, for this it is enough to tilt the form on its side. The finished dough itself falls out of the mold without the slightest effort on your part. If the pastry is not removed, it can be picked up from the side with a special silicone or wooden spatula. Never use a knife or other metal object if you don't want to ruin your silicone mold.

It is very easy to wash the soft silicone mold, because nothing burns in it. Wash the silicone mold only with mild detergents. The use of any abrasive means is unacceptable.

As you can see, there are a lot of advantages to using silicone molds. But it is also worth remembering that forms have their drawbacks. Silicone molds are very soft, so the raw dough is poured into them when the mold is already on the baking sheet. The filled baking dish is moved on a baking sheet, wire rack or microwave oven stand.

Modern housewives have a large selection of baking utensils. Recently, molds made of silicone have attracted more and more attention. Completely non-toxic when heated, the hypoallergenic material is available in a variety of shapes and sizes.

How to choose the right silicone baking dish

Like any other cookware, products made of silicone have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Among the advantages it is worth highlighting:

• Compact storage. The product folds easily. This saves storage space.
• Ease of care. It is easy to wash, as there are no hard-to-reach places in it.
• Does not require oil lubrication.
• Ease of extraction of even the most fragile baked goods.
• The baking process itself proceeds much faster than in dishes made of other materials.

Of the minuses, it is worth noting:

• Many people have a hard time getting used to the soft sides and bottom of the cookware. If you do not first install it on a solid base, you can spill the product when moving.
• The dishwasher is not always able to completely wash the product. At the same time, manual washing easily eliminates this drawback.
• In order for silicone dishes to serve for a long time and not disappoint the hostess with poor-quality pastries, you should follow a few simple rules.
• After purchase, before use, the container must be thoroughly washed with soapy water using a sponge. It may be covered with a thin layer of chemical composition and it must be removed.
• After use, simply wipe with a damp cloth and rinse well with water.
• Silicone does not tolerate contact with an open flame.
• Store the product separately from sharp objects. Even slight contact with the tip of a knife can permanently damage the surface.

Comparison of the best silicone molds.

Silicone cookware comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.
This is due not only to aesthetic reasons, but also to the different purpose of a particular container:

• For cupcakes. There are small and large sizes, depending on the desired weight of the finished product. In large forms, the bottom diameter reaches 17 cm in diameter. Mayer & Bosch and Tescoma are considered the best manufacturers. Small molds are available in sizes of about 8 cm. Their height does not exceed 9 cm. Popular manufacturers are Mayer & Bosh and Khors.
• For cakes. There are two types: detachable and solid. Detachable in design are no different from metal counterparts. It is recommended to buy products from Lurch, Bradex. Tescoma and Pyrex are rightfully considered the leaders among manufacturers of solid molds. Their price and quality of production are commensurate.
• For baking cookies. They are popular for baking that does not require rolling out. The gingerbread is especially good. The most popular dishes are firms: Silikomart and Best Home Kitchen.
• For baking bread. The rectangular design is smooth on the inside. Popular manufacturers: Mayer & Bosh, Oursson and Fissman.

Is it necessary to oil the silicone mold?

Silicone has a pronounced non-stick property, so you can not use fats for baking. However, it is still necessary to grease the mold during the first baking. Without this, the non-stick effect will not work as expected.
In the future, the use of oil or any other fat will depend on the quality of the purchased form and the desire of the hostess.
It is important to remember two rules:

• Use little exclusively odorless.
• If the mold has been washed with any type of detergent, it must be re-greased, as the non-stick effect is lost.

How to bake in a silicone mold? The Basics of Successful Baking

Baking in a silicone mold is very convenient, but you need to take into account several important nuances in which it differs from ordinary dishes.
Silicone utensils are allowed to be used in ovens powered by both gas and electricity. It does not lose its properties and does not collapse in a wide temperature range: from -40C to 230C. It is not desirable to heat it to higher values, since the process of release of harmful substances into the product begins.
Due to the soft structure, an empty container should first be placed on a hard plate or tray, and only then pour the dough into it.
For convenience, it is advisable not to use forms with a too curly surface. Products baked in this form are beautiful in shape, but the process of extracting them is difficult. After approximately 500 bakes, the product is recommended to be replaced. Also, the use of such dishes has a number of limitations.
Forbidden:

• Heat empty dishes in the oven.
• Reheat ready-made pastries by placing them in a silicone container.
• Install on an open fire.

Compliance with these rules will allow you to get lush and tasty pastries.

How to properly remove baked goods from a silicone mold

Ready-made pastries are easy enough to remove from a silicone container. To remove the finished dough, the form is enough to bend with the edge. To facilitate the process, it is forbidden to use knives, forks and other foreign objects that can damage the container.

How and how to wash a silicone mold

Silicone cookware is easy to clean. After baking, it is enough to wipe it with a paper towel from food debris and rinse with cold water. For more thorough care, it is allowed to use dishwashing detergents without the inclusion of abrasive particles. It can also be washed in the dishwasher.

Can a silicone baking dish be used in the microwave?

Some housewives like to bake in the microwave. Baking is especially good in devices equipped with a convection mode. Silicone utensils are perfect for this. It is enough to follow all the rules that apply to a conventional oven.

No problems with storage (can be folded in half and rolled into a tube); the product is easily removed from the mold (it is enough to turn the latter inside out); 100% non-stick - no lubrication with oil or fat is required (“buttering” is necessary only once, the very first time); the baking process is faster than in conventional metal or ceramic counterparts. And what beauty is laid by designers at the bottom of the molds ...

It is no coincidence that silicone molds are deservedly an indispensable attribute of the "gentleman's set" of housewives for the kitchen. However, in order not to make a mistake with the choice of a product and know exactly how to use it for the first time, some features should be taken into account.

How to choose a silicone baking dish

The abundance of options on store shelves should not mislead potential shoppers who base their choices on visual criteria alone. It is much more important to pay attention to the quality of the silicone itself.

1. Technical silicone is made from cheap materials using harmful colorants that react with food when heated and can be harmful to health.
2. Medical silicone meets all the requirements of food equipment and does not pose a threat even to a child's body.

How to determine the quality of silicone

• The main way to determine if a silicone mold is safe is the smell it gives off. An unpleasant chemical or rubber aroma (and not only when cold, but also when heated) should warn against buying.
• Another true quality criterion is the return of the mold to its previous state without whitish marks after bending.
• Finally, as mentioned above, bright acid colors are probably produced by harmful dyes, so it is better to opt for natural and light mold colors.

How to use silicone molds

Question: Can it be used immediately after purchase?

• Answer: after purchase, the mold must be thoroughly washed and dried.

Question: Do I need to grease a silicone baking dish?

• Answer: before the first baking, grease the entire surface with vegetable oil and let it brew for 15 - 20 minutes.

Question: how to put in the oven

• Answer: silicone should be placed in the oven on a flat surface, ideally it should be refractory glass or ceramics.

Question: Are there temperature restrictions?

• Answer: Do not heat the mold above 250 degrees and cool below 60.

Question: Can the cake be taken out immediately?

• Answer: after the product is ready, the mold must be left to rest again on a flat surface until it cools, and then, slightly bending the edges, remove the undamaged baking.

I think it's hard to find a hostess now who would get along with pastries, but at the same time would not have a single silicone mold. But do we properly prepare them for use after purchase? Are we operating correctly?

Now I don’t remember exactly when I got my first silicone mold. Probably 2.5-3 years ago. However, the addictive phase did not pass as quickly as I thought at first.

I had to suffer, especially with such fragile desserts as, for example, milk soufflé with candied fruits "Tenderness". Yes, and with ordinary muffins too - it was sometimes very problematic to take them out.

Now I have new cupcake molds. That's why I came up with the idea to write this thread.

Before first use

After purchasing a silicone mold, several procedures should be followed:

1. Wash well with a mild detergent, preferably several times (possible in the dishwasher). Sponges, cloths, washcloths should not be rough or hard.

2. After removing all dirt and dust, dry the mold thoroughly. Not a drop of moisture should remain anywhere.

3. Lubricate the inside of the form with butter or vegetable oil, a thin and even layer. Leave for a while.

Lubricate later or not?

For example, I have Regent forms. I got used to them in the following way. Before pouring the dough, I sprinkle them well with cold water. And when the pastry is ready, I let it cool right in the mold and only after that I take it out.

Baking rules

I put the empty form on a baking sheet and only then pour the dough. This sequence is the most logical, because silicone is soft.

Due to the fact that these forms are very vulnerable, they can be easily broken through, pierced, cut through. To avoid this, you should use wooden, silicone or plastic spatulas. I prefer the first option.

You can send to bake in both a cold and a preheated oven. As in the case of a baking sleeve, such forms should not come into contact with an open flame.

In silicone, baking is cooked somewhat faster than in Teflon molds or stainless steel. Therefore, you need to be careful to take out the cupcakes or cake on time. The temperature of use typically ranges from -50" to 230". This is enough for freezing and baking.

Form cleaning

But the temperature during washing can be adjusted - after some dishes, the form will be easier to wash with cool water, after others - with warm or hot.

The same goes for smell. I bake not only sweet muffins, but also liver and fish ones. The silicone is absorbent, so after baking like this, I always treat the mold with vinegar. I do the same, for example, with a frying pan in which I fried fish.

It is better to wash silicone molds immediately, without delaying for a long time. Those contaminants that dry out or harden will be much more difficult to wash off. Alternatively, you can soak in soapy water and rinse several times.

Storage

You know, now I can say that I love silicone molds. Their biggest advantage is ease of storage. They can be twisted, folded, bent! In general, to do with them everything that is impossible with others. This is especially true for a small kitchen or when there are a lot of forms. I have both options! So now I'm nowhere without them! ;)

What do you think about silicone molds? Do you have your little secrets about them? What do you usually cook in them?

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More and more housewives prefer to opt for kitchen utensils made of silicone. This is due to the practicality of the material, as well as its long service life. Baking tins are no exception. Numerous reviews on the forums say that silicone oven molds have a number of advantages, among which are: easy use at high temperatures, elasticity, a variety of shapes and sizes, non-stick, some people claim they are safe for health. And is it really so?

Characteristics of silicone

Silicone baking molds allow you to prepare desserts without the use of oil. Silicone is highly resistant to temperatures up to +240 degrees.

The dense structure of the material withstands about 2000 baking.

Many people think that such forms are unhealthy, but this is not so. When used properly, silicone does not release any harmful substances into food.

Types of silicone baking molds

The main difference between silicone molds from each other is their purpose.

For cupcakes

When baking cupcakes, it is better to pay attention to small sets of identical containers (usually there are 6 of them in a set), a form that is a single canvas is also a good option: you can make several magnificent desserts on it at once.

The main advantage of forms located on one canvas is that all pastries will be cooked at the same temperature.

A wide volume range allows you to choose the best option for each family member. So, for children it is better to choose small molds, and for adults - larger ones.

For large baked goods

For cupcakes that are large, you should use long rectangular or round molds with a hole in the middle. This will cut the thickness of the cake for easy cooking, or help it bake through the middle.

Of great interest are containers in the form of flowers, objects, animals, fruits. Detachable silicone molds are also interesting. Usually they are made with a ceramic bottom to facilitate the process of removing the finished dessert from the mold.

Other silicone accessories

Rug

Such accessories are very convenient at several stages of the preparation of desserts.

For kneading dough.

Silicone mats help to knead the dough without sticking to the table. Here flour is needed only to prevent the dough from sticking to the hands. The main advantage of many rugs is the markings applied to their surface for even rolling out layers of dough. There are rugs with a three-dimensional texture that help the hostess create an interesting pattern on the surface of the cake.

For baking.

You can also use silicone mats in the oven. To do this, the accessory should be placed on a baking sheet, and the future dessert should be placed on it. Before baking, such a mat does not require oil treatment. This use is due to the fact that it is much easier to wash a silicone mat than baking sheets.

How to choose and care.

The whole care of this thing is that it only needs to be cleaned after use with running water, detergent and a soft sponge.

When buying a rug, you need to pay attention to several factors:

1. It is better not to choose cheap products to buy, as they can be harmful to human health.
2. In order for the dessert to bake faster and better, you need a rug that has a thickness of up to 4 millimeters.
3. After purchase, you must hold the mat in the oven for 2 hours at a temperature of 240 degrees.

siliconized paper

Thanks to the use of siliconized paper, pastries do not burn. Unlike parchment, it does not stick to dessert. Also, the advantage of this accessory is its 100% natural composition.

This paper can withstand up to 6 uses in the oven.

Sheets allow you to roll out the dough of uniform thickness. On such paper it is convenient to move the prepared cake into the oven, as it can be baked directly on the sheet. This will also avoid soiling the trays.

Terms of Use

There are several tips that will help to reveal the functionality of the silicone mold, as well as its safety during cooking.

1. It is required to pour the prepared dough into a mold that is installed on a baking sheet, otherwise the dough may leak out, since silicone is a flexible material.
2. Containers made of such material can be used not only in the oven, but also in the freezer. This is due to the fact that silicone can withstand temperatures from -40 to +240 degrees.
3. When using for the first time, you need to lubricate the mold with oil, and further processing is optional. Before each use, the mold should be washed with liquid dishwashing detergent. For the first time, the container must be rinsed well, and also poured over with boiling water.
4. The cooking time for desserts using silicone containers does not differ from cooking in ceramic, glass or metal dishes. But only the top blushes in them, and the walls and bottom of the baking have a fairly moist structure.
5. After cooking, the pastry must be removed from the oven and left in the mold for about 7 minutes. If the dessert is stuck, you need to turn the edges of the mold in the opposite direction, and use a spatula to separate the cooked cupcake from it. Do not use metal cutlery, as they can pierce the product.
6. Baking molds can also be used for cooking second courses in the oven. But for this, large containers should be preferred. The best solution for such a dish would be a round mold about 25–30 centimeters in diameter.
7. With all the abundance of various patterns, it is better to choose a minimum of threads and small details on the form, so that in the future there will be no problems with removing the baking. It is also worth considering that small parts on the mold are very difficult to wash after cooking.
8. To wash dried dough, you need to soak a container of silicone for 10 minutes in water at a cool temperature. After that, the water is poured out, and the form is turned inside out and wiped with a soft sponge.
9. For easy storage, all oven accessories can be folded down to save space. They quickly take their original shape when straightened, do not undergo deformation and do not wrinkle.
10. You can use the molds in the microwave only if it is completely dry. It is also worth considering that the edges of the container should not come into contact with the walls of this household appliance.

Mostly baking molds are used for making cupcakes. There are many recipes for this dessert, which is baked using silicone molds.

cupcake recipes

classic muffins

What will be required:

• 3 chicken eggs;
• 190 grams of sugar sand;
• incomplete faceted glass of 15% sour cream;
• three quarters of a package of butter;
• a little baking powder;
• faceted glass of flour;
• a couple handfuls of raisins.

How to cook:

1. The flour is sifted.
2. Raisins are washed and dried with a towel.
3. Oil is heated in a water bath.
4. Eggs are beaten with sour cream and granulated sugar, and then oil is poured into this mixture.
5. Flour mixed with baking powder is poured into the egg liquid.
6. The dough is gently kneaded, and then raisins are added to it.
7. If silicone molds are used for the first time, they must be lubricated with oil.
8. The containers are filled with dough to two-thirds of the volume.
9. Cupcakes are baked in the oven at a temperature of 180 degrees for about half an hour.

yeast muffins

What will be required:

• 3 full faceted glasses of flour;
• two thirds of a package of butter;
• half a glass of milk;
• dry yeast packaging;
• some salt;
• half a glass of raisins;
• a couple of handfuls of candied fruits;
• 5 eggs;
• some vanilla.

How to cook:

1. Raisins are washed and steamed with boiling water for several minutes.
2. Milk is heated, and then yeast is poured into it.
3. The butter is melted in a water bath.
4. Flour is mixed with sugar and baking powder.
5. Milk and butter are poured into the flour. The whole mixture is thoroughly mixed until a homogeneous consistency is obtained.
6. Pre-beaten eggs are poured into the mixture, vanillin is poured.
7. Dried fruits are poured into the dough.
8. Silicone molds are filled with prepared dough by two thirds. The top of future cupcakes is smeared with oil.
9. They are baked for 45 minutes in the oven.

The surface of the cupcakes can be decorated with chocolate chips.

Cottage cheese cupcakes

What will be required:

• 250 grams of low-fat cottage cheese;
• butter packaging;
• 3 chicken eggs;
• incomplete faceted glass of sugar sand;
• a couple of tablespoons of starch;
• 160 grams of flour;
• a small amount of baking powder;
• a handful of raisins.

How to cook:

1. Cottage cheese is mixed with sugar with a fork. Eggs and starch are driven into the curd mixture. Everything is thoroughly mixed.
2. Softened butter is added to the mixture, flour and baking powder are sifted.
3. Raisins are washed, soaked in boiling water.
4. Raisins are poured into the curd dough, everything is mixed.
5. The dough is poured into molds and baked in the oven at a temperature of 180 degrees for 40 minutes.

Instead of raisins, you can add another favorite ingredient to cupcakes, for example, berries, nuts, chocolate. So the dessert will turn out with a richer taste and will become a favorite treat for every member of the family.

Silicone molds: expertise (video)

Silicone baking molds are a godsend for housewives, as they allow not only to simplify the cooking process, but also save time on washing dishes after it. This material is not only convenient and practical to use, but also harmless to health.