Quick summary: Baking with silicone molds is easy and safe. Food-grade silicone is oven-safe up to about 446°F (230°C), naturally nonstick, and flexible. Set the mold on a baking sheet, grease it lightly if needed, fill each cavity two-thirds full, bake at your recipe temperature, and cool before unmolding.
Nobody can resist purchasing naturally nonstick, lightweight, colorful, heat- and cold-resistant, and inexpensive silicone bakeware.
Made with 100% food-grade silicone, FDA (The United States Food and Drug Administration) approved, and BPA (Bisphenol A) free, it is safe to use.
Silicone molds aren't only for baking desserts. You can also use them to cook and store your dinner. The molds come in different forms, release easily, cook evenly, and are effortless to handle and clean.
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 an impressive selection of professional-quality silicone molds.
Can you bake in silicone molds?
Yes, you can bake in silicone molds. Food-grade silicone is heat-resistant, naturally nonstick, and flexible, so cakes, muffins, and other bakes release easily once cooled.
For the best results, choose molds made of 100% food-grade or platinum silicone, place them on a baking sheet for support, and let bakes cool before unmolding.
Can silicone molds go in the oven? (Temperature limits)
Silicone molds are oven-safe. Most food-grade silicone bakeware handles temperatures from about 392°F (200°C) to 446°F (230°C) without issue, and professional platinum silicone molds can go higher still. As a safe rule, do not exceed 446°F (230°C) unless the manufacturer states a higher limit.
Because silicone is flexible, always set the mold on a rigid baking sheet before you fill it, so it keeps its shape as you move it in and out of the oven.
How to bake with silicone molds (step by step)
Baking with silicone molds is simple once you know the routine:
- Wash and dry a new mold, then season it once if the maker recommends it.
- Lightly grease the cavities if the recipe is sticky, though most molds need little or no greasing.
- Set the mold on a rigid baking sheet for support.
- Fill each cavity about two-thirds full, so batter has room to rise.
- Bake at your recipe temperature, lowering it by about 18°F (10°C) if bakes brown too fast.
- Cool the bakes in the mold, then flex the cavities and push from the bottom to unmold.
Are silicone molds oven-safe? How to tell
To check that a mold is oven-safe, look for a "food-grade" or "platinum silicone" label and a printed temperature rating on the packaging. Good silicone feels firm, doesn't turn white when you pinch and twist it, and has little to no smell.
Avoid cheap, thin molds with a strong chemical odor, since low-quality silicone can let particles migrate into food at high heat.
If you also bake shaped cakes in metal, see my guide to the best madeleine pans and the closest madeleine pan substitutes for more bakeware options.
Tips for baking in silicone molds
Tip #1: 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 the product is labeled as FDA-approved, BPA-free, and made of 100% food-grade silicone. Avoid cheap bakeware that may contain fillers or coatings. That means high-quality silicone molds are safe to use.
You can buy your favorite mold at your local grocery store, home goods store, or online. Online stores offer the widest variety.
Tip #2: Top-quality silicone is essential
While reading about silicone molds, don't confuse silicone with silicon (the spelling without the added "e"). It's widely used to produce things like 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 help the mold prevent particles from migrating into the food.
But if the platinum silicone remains inert up to 392°F to 572°F (250°C to 300°C), the "peroxide" silicone (cheaper) allows particles to migrate into the food from 320°F (160°C).
For total food safety, I strongly recommend buying only silicone molds clearly labeled "platinum silicone."
Professional-quality silicone products pass the pinch test. It confirms you have good silicone material, also known as pure silicone. Pinch the silicone and twist it a little. 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 that kind of bakeware. Remember: quality is crucial.
Tip #3: 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 end up buying more molds than you need. The same goes for cookie cutters. "I can never have enough cookie cutters," you think.
You 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, start with silicone muffin cups.
Decorative silicone molds, such as heart-shaped and animal-shaped ones, can be a cute addition to your home, but you will only use them once a year for Valentine's Day or birthdays.
Tip #4: 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 more versatile for 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 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.
Tip #5: Build a small collection
Minimalism is the key when it comes to kitchen equipment. Find a balance in the number and types of molds so you can keep making yummy treats without running out. So, keep your variety of silicone baking molds minimal.
3-piece silicone bakeware is a good start. It includes an essential round cake mold, square cake mold, and bread loaf pan. All of them have steel handles for easy and sturdy 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, for example, mini muffins out of banana bread dough. So stock up on different types of molds because you'll find yourself using them more often.
Tip #6: Get ready for baking
When you purchase a new silicone mold, there is one small step you need to take before using it for the first time.
Some molds smell of plastic when you first buy them, but you can easily remove the smell.
Before first use, wash the mold with soap or dishwashing liquid, rinse thoroughly, and let it dry. Don't use a kitchen towel, as it can leave fabric particles behind.
Then heat the empty mold in the oven at 392°F (200°C) for one hour. Your new mold is now ready to use.
Tip #7: 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 for large or tall cakes, especially those made with butter that require longer baking time.
Tip #8: Greasing silicone molds
Do you grease silicone pans? It is another common question from my readers. The answer depends on the quality of your silicone mold.
If your silicone mold is made of a "cheap" nonstick material, you may find it is better to butter and flour the mold or spray it with cooking spray. It reduces the chances of breaking your baked goods when unmolding.
For large molds, it is highly recommended to grease, butter, and flour them. This makes release easier and helps prevent cracking when you remove your preparation from the mold.
When washing your mold afterward, it is also worth greasing the pan. Greasing helps with easy release and easy clean-up.
But if you use silicone molds of high-quality silicone, for example, those composed of food-grade silicone and glass threads, forget the terms "butter and flour." These molds give effortless release.
Tip #9: Oven temperature
Can you put silicone in the oven? Are silicone molds oven-safe?
In general, silicone molds are very heat-resistant and cope with both very high and very low temperatures. They handle the cold of the freezer, the fridge, and the heat of the microwave oven and the traditional oven.
The next question is: What temperature can a silicone mold withstand? The answer depends on the silicone mold you choose.
The temperature limits of the silicone baking molds range from -94°F to 572°F (-70°C to 300°C). For example, FLEXIPAN® molds by Guy Demarle withstand 500°F to 536°F (260°C to 280°C).
DeBuyer's Elastomould cake molds made of silicone mousse resist temperatures up to 572°F (300°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
| Temperature range | Minimum temperature in F | Maximum temperature in F |
|---|---|---|
| Silikomart Professional | -76°F | +446°F |
| Silikomart 3D Design | -76°F | +446°F |
| Stecco Flex | -76°F | +446°F |
| SiliconFlex | -76°F | +446°F |
| Pavoni | -40°F | +482°F |
| Pavoflex | -40°F | +572°F |
| Elastomould | -94°F | +572°F |
| Flexipan | -40°F | +536°F |
| Silform | -40°F | +500°F |
| Mastrad | -40°F | +428°F |
| Easy Choc | -76°F | +446°F |
Table of the different temperature ranges of silicone molds in Celsius
| Temperature range | Minimum temperature in C | Maximum temperature in C |
|---|---|---|
| Silikomart Professional | -60°C | +230°C |
| Silikomart 3D Design | -60°C | +230°C |
| Stecco Flex | -60°C | +230°C |
| SiliconFlex | -60°C | +230°C |
| Pavoni | -40°C | +250°C |
| Pavoflex | -40°C | +300°C |
| Elastomould | -70°C | +300°C |
| Flexipan | -40°C | +280°C |
| Silform | -40°C | +260°C |
| Mastrad | -40°C | +220°C |
| Easy Choc | -60°C | +230°C |
Tip #10: 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 perfect madeleines, place a silicone pan on the middle rack (not the oven tray) in a well-heated oven. This helps the madeleine hump develop properly.
When baking, place a sheet of aluminum foil underneath the rack if you want any chance of preventing spillage.
Tip #11: Adjust the baking time
The baking time varies depending on the mold you use. When baking in silicone molds, lower the temperature by 18°F (10°C) compared with your recipe and lengthen the cooking time a little (unlike classic metal bakeware).
For example, if the recommended temperature to bake Spanish muffins is 420°F (210°C), try 400°F (200°C) for a silicone pan.
Tip #12: Unmold correctly
Demolding silicone molds is easy and quick with the right technique. In general, unmold immediately after the mold comes out of the oven.
However, some careful 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 sag under the heat.
To release small cakes, muffins, or cupcakes from the silicone cupcake cups, press gently on the bottom. 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, don't overstretch the mold or risk tearing its surface. This will negatively affect your mold's quality and lifespan. Once unmolded, clean your mold immediately.
Tip #13: Cleaning molds after baking
You want your silicone molds to last as long as possible and stay in peak condition, but they need some everyday maintenance.
The most efficient way to do this is to soak them in hot, soapy water immediately after baking. Clean your molds with your 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, as it can leave fabric particles behind.
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.
Tip #14: Stack it to store
One great benefit of silicone bakeware is that it saves space in the kitchen. They stack easily and take up little room. 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. They can bend and buckle. Store your bakeware in a dry place at room temperature. Avoid excessive heat and UV light, which can dry out the silicone.
Tip #15: Reusing silicone bakeware
If washed and appropriately stored, silicone molds can last for a few years. It usually takes between 2000 and 3000 uses, depending on the product, to wear out the mold. But how to use silicone baking molds?
They are great for making desserts as well as savory dishes. You can also use them to reheat meals or freeze leftovers. If your silicone pan loses its shape, you can give it a second life. Just use it in place of a traditional storage container or a snack tray.
Conclusion
As you can see, baking in silicone molds is a safe, convenient, and cheap alternative to metal molds. Silicone molds are for everyone, from beginner bakers 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 them a try: these cute little molds might win over the non-bakers in your life.
I hope this article answers all your questions about baking 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?
FAQ
Can you bake in silicone molds?
Baking in silicone molds is safe and convenient, as long as they are made of food-grade silicone, FDA-approved, and BPA-free. Check the mold package for the silicone bakeware's temperature range.
Can silicone go in the oven?
Silicone molds are made for baking and cooking in any oven, and they can handle high temperatures. Most of them are heat-resistant up to 446°F (230°C), and some professional molds go even higher.
Are silicone molds microwave safe?
Silicone molds are microwave safe, but do not put a mold in the microwave when it is in grill mode.
Can silicone molds go in the air fryer?
Yes, food-grade silicone molds are safe in the air fryer as long as you stay within their temperature rating. Leave space around the mold so hot air can circulate.
Can silicone molds go in the freezer?
Silicone molds are freezer-safe and handle very low temperatures well, so you can use them for frozen desserts and then move them straight to the oven.
Why does my silicone mold smell bad?
Poor maintenance and poor-quality silicone are the two main reasons a mold smells. New molds may smell of plastic, so wash them with soapy water before first use. Good silicone molds should not smell when baking or cooking.
Harold says
It is reducing the temperature by 50° F, or 10° C is not the same. If a reduction of 10° C is correct, that would be 18° F. And if a reduction of 50° F is correct, that would be a reduction of about 28° C. I'm guessing that a reduction of 10° C (28° F) sounds the most reasonable.
Irina says
Hello Harold, Thanks for the mistake you noticed in the article. I corrected it. 🙂
CATHERINE ELERI EDWARDS says
Thank you very useful; quite new to me. I am used to baking fruit cakes in a tin, but the mold I have been given - and would like to use this time for its convenient size - says 'patent pending' - do you think it is safe to use for cooking a fruit cake? The person who gave it to me had never used it.
Irina says
Hello Catherine, thank you for your comment. Unfortunately, I can't say if a mold with a 'patent pending' is safe to use. It would be your personal decision. Please look at the material the pan is made with and the brand that made it. It might speak a lot.
Kay says
Thank you I love it….
Jayne says
Thank you for this, really informative and useful. I have been afraid to use silicone for baking but having read this I can now use it for some baked donuts as I received some silicone donut molds as a gift.
Ramona says
I love the information and recipes. I will make the Christmas banana bread.
Billy says
I have a few silicone molds that I just bought, and this is very useful information. Thank you for publishing this.
Chris says
Interesting article. I will have to check which kinds I have.
Carla says
Very interesting, thanks for sharing!
Joan says
How are you supposed to move silicon molds that have products on them? I have an 8x11" muffin top mold that, when filled, was very heavy & wobbly. I had a cutting board that I slid it onto, but how is it usually done?
Irina says
Hi Joan, I do the same using a large cutting board. 🙂
Sylvia Jones says
This is very helpful; there is a recipe book for these molds, I bought my first one today.
Mary Durham says
Can you bake a partial amount of a recipe without filling all the cups of a silicone mold mfg. by Lurch? Will I damage the mold if I don't fill all of them?
Irina says
Hello Mary, I believe that it should be fine, but I am going to contact a French producer of high-top silicone molds to ask this question. I will be back here. 🙂
Michael coffey says
I have read your great article, but want to know if blind baking is needed with silicone molds. My wife passed away, so I cannot ask anyone.
Irina says
Hello Michael, I have gained great knowledge from the French chef Guy Demarle, who invented the OHRA® fluted tart mold when preparing tarts. It is important to prick the tart dough with a fork if using a silicone tart pan. The chef advises that the filling should be added to the raw crust before baking. This ensures the best possible results.
Sylvia Brierton says
How do you frost standing ghost cake molds??
Irina says
Hello, Sylvia, you should read the silicone mold specifications about what freezing temperatures it stands.
Elisabeth says
Thank you for the useful article. I have another question.
I bought a pumpkin-shaped silicone mold. The question is if I bake muffins in them, the pumpkin shape should be the top, but they will have a dome on the bottom when baked. Do you cut off the dome so the muffins sit flat? Do you just have a bottom with a curve so the top is the pumpkin shape?
I have used it to make pumpkin-shaped peanut butter candy. I pour in the chocolate, add the peanut butter mix (peanut butter, confectioners, sugar, butter & vanilla extract) topped with more melted chocolate. The bottom is flat, and the top has a nice pumpkin shape.
Irina says
Hello, Elisabeth, I think it is your personal preference to cut the domed surface or leave it. For the aesthetic perspective, I would cut it. 🙂
msSally says
What if my recipe says to preheat pan in oven? Do you preheat the silicone pan?
Irina Totterman says
No, you don't need to preheat a silicone pan, but make sure the chosen recipe can be made in a silicone mold.
Hailey says
Silicone pans are some of the WORST to work with. I cant make a single cake right, I dont want to look at another god awful silicone pan in my entire life.
Liz says
I followed the recipe, lowered the oven temp and tried to release but they wouldn’t come out. What did I do wrong? The brownies wouldn’t release? Wish I could send a picture….
Irina Totterman says
Hello Liz, I am sorry you couldn't release the brownies you baked. If you use a high-quality silicone mold, there are no issues with removing baked goods. I would only suggest slightly greasing your silicone mold next time and seeing if it helps.
Mike says
Wonderful information, thank you. I've been wanting to purchase silicone bakeware for some time. This information makes it much easier. I clicked on one of the links you provided (Guy Demarle), and it is in French. I don't speak or understand French, so the link is unfortunately useless to me. I will try to find his FLEXIPAN silicone molds elsewhere.
Irina Totterman says
Hello Mike, Yes, Guy Demarle’s website is in French. I also tried to find his molds in the U.S. and was able to locate some on bakedeco.com and webstaurantstore.com.