15 Recipes to Make in a Muffin Tin: Beyond the Basics

September 8, 2023

10 minutes read

15 Recipes to Make in a Muffin Tin: Beyond the Basics, this humble kitchen staple is a culinary chameleon, capable of whipping up a delightful array of sweet and savory treats. From classic muffins and cupcakes to bite-sized brownies and cookies, the possibilities are endless.

The beauty of a muffin tin lies in its versatility – it allows for precise portion control, ensuring that each bite is perfectly cooked and equally delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this trusty tool can elevate your baking game and inspire creativity.

The benefits of using a muffin tin extend far beyond baking. Its individual compartments are perfect for creating uniform portions, eliminating the guesswork of dividing batter or dough. The non-stick surface ensures easy release, preventing your creations from sticking and ensuring a clean and tidy experience.

The compact size of a muffin tin also makes it ideal for small kitchens, allowing you to bake multiple batches of treats without taking up too much counter space.

Table of Contents

The Versatility of a Muffin Tin

15 recipes to make in a muffin tin

The humble muffin tin is more than just a tool for baking sweet treats. It’s a versatile kitchen essential that can be used to create a wide array of delicious dishes, from savory snacks to delightful desserts. A muffin tin offers numerous advantages for baking.

Who knew a humble muffin tin could be so versatile? From savory appetizers to sweet treats, there are tons of recipes that can be whipped up in this handy kitchen tool. One of my favorites is the classic ooey gooey mud pie , which makes for adorable individual servings.

So, get creative and explore the world of 15 recipes to make in a muffin tin – you might just discover your new favorite dish!

Its individual compartments provide perfect portion control, ensuring even cooking and consistent results. The non-stick surface prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Moreover, its compact size makes it ideal for small kitchens and limited oven space.

Sometimes, the best meals are the ones that are simple and fun to make, like those 15 recipes you can whip up in a muffin tin. It’s a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen, and it’s a perfect opportunity to spark some conversation around the dinner table.

If you’re looking for some engaging prompts, check out family dinner questions 4 for some ideas. After all, those delicious muffins are even better when enjoyed with some lively discussion!

Types of Recipes

The possibilities for using a muffin tin are endless. You can create everything from classic muffins and cupcakes to savory appetizers, individual casseroles, and even homemade ice cream.

You know those days when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s where my favorite muffin tin recipes come in handy! From savory bites to sweet treats, there’s a recipe for every occasion.

And to help you keep track of all your favorites, check out this awesome resource for free printables for all occasions , including recipe cards! You can print out your favorite muffin tin recipes and keep them organized in a binder or a cute recipe box.

With these handy printables and my go-to muffin tin recipes, you’ll be whipping up tasty treats in no time.

Sweet Treats: 15 Recipes To Make In A Muffin Tin

15 recipes to make in a muffin tin

The muffin tin is not just for savory bites! It can be a delightful tool for creating sweet treats, too. Its individual compartments allow for even baking and beautiful presentation. Let’s explore some delightful recipes that can be made in your trusty muffin tin.

Sweet Treats in a Muffin Tin

The versatility of a muffin tin extends beyond savory treats. Its individual compartments are perfect for baking a variety of sweet treats, from classic muffins and cupcakes to brownies and cookies. Here are some sweet recipes you can try:

Recipe Name	Ingredients	Instructions	Notes
Blueberry Muffins	1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup milk 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup fresh blueberries	Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease and flour a muffin tin. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in the blueberries. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.	For a richer flavor, use buttermilk instead of milk. To prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom, toss them in a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Chocolate Cupcakes	1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup milk 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup chocolate chips	Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in the chocolate chips. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.	For a richer flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder. To prevent the cupcakes from sticking to the liners, spray the liners with nonstick cooking spray. These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Brownie Bites	1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 1 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup chocolate chips	Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a muffin tin. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until combined. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in the chocolate chips. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Let cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.	For a fudgier brownie, bake for a shorter time. For a cakier brownie, bake for a longer time. To prevent the brownies from sticking to the muffin tin, line the cups with parchment paper. These brownie bites can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Peanut Butter Cookies	1 cup creamy peanut butter 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt	Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, cream together peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix. Divide the dough evenly among the muffin cups. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.	For a chewy cookie, bake for a shorter time. For a crispy cookie, bake for a longer time. To prevent the cookies from spreading too much, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. These peanut butter cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins	1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup milk 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon lemon zest 2 tablespoons poppy seeds	Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a muffin tin. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and poppy seeds. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.	For a more intense lemon flavor, use the juice of 1 lemon in addition to the zest. To prevent the poppy seeds from sinking to the bottom, toss them in a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Savory Bites

The muffin tin’s versatility extends beyond sweet treats, offering a platform for crafting delectable savory bites. This versatile kitchen tool can be used to create individual portions of appetizers, lunch, or even dinner, all while delivering unique flavors and textures that are hard to achieve with traditional baking methods.

Savory Muffin Tin Recipes

The muffin tin’s individual cavities provide a controlled environment for baking, allowing for consistent cooking and even browning. This results in perfectly cooked, evenly browned bites that are ideal for sharing or enjoying as a single serving. Here are a few savory recipes that benefit from the muffin tin’s unique capabilities:

Mini Quiches: These bite-sized quiches are a classic appetizer or light lunch option. The muffin tin allows for individual portions, ensuring that each quiche is perfectly cooked and doesn’t overcook. The individual cavities also help to create a crispy crust, which is a hallmark of a good quiche.
Mini Meatloaves: These miniature meatloaves are a fun and flavorful twist on the traditional dish. The muffin tin allows for individual portions, making them perfect for a quick and easy meal. The individual cavities also help to create a moist and tender meatloaf, which is essential for a delicious result.
Savory Muffins: Savory muffins are a versatile option that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The muffin tin allows for individual portions, making them perfect for meal prepping or packing for a lunchbox. The individual cavities also help to create a moist and flavorful muffin, which is essential for a satisfying result.
Potato Skins: These crispy potato skins are a popular appetizer. The muffin tin allows for individual portions, ensuring that each potato skin is perfectly cooked and crispy. The individual cavities also help to create a crispy and flavorful potato skin, which is essential for a delicious result.
Mini Chicken Pot Pies: These individual chicken pot pies are a hearty and satisfying meal. The muffin tin allows for individual portions, making them perfect for a quick and easy dinner. The individual cavities also help to create a crispy crust, which is essential for a delicious pot pie.

Creative Applications

The muffin tin’s versatility extends beyond baking. Its unique design and size make it a useful tool for various crafting, organizing, and household purposes. Let’s explore some unconventional ways to put your muffin tin to good use.

Crafting with a Muffin Tin

A muffin tin can be a handy tool for crafting projects. Its individual compartments are perfect for creating small, uniform shapes.

Soap Making:Use a muffin tin to create individual soap bars. The compartments allow for even pouring and prevent soap from sticking.
Candles:Make small, decorative candles by pouring melted wax into the muffin tin compartments. You can add wicks and embellishments for a personalized touch.
Resin Crafts:Use a muffin tin to create unique resin coasters, jewelry, or other decorative items. The compartments provide a mold for pouring resin and allow for easy removal once hardened.
Ice Cubes:Create fun and interesting ice cubes for drinks by filling the muffin tin compartments with water, fruit, or herbs. This adds a visual appeal to your beverages.

Tips and Tricks

Baking in a muffin tin is a versatile and convenient method for creating a wide range of delicious treats. Whether you’re making sweet or savory recipes, mastering a few key tips and tricks can help you achieve consistently perfect results.

Greasing and Flouring

Properly preparing your muffin tin is crucial for ensuring easy release and preventing your baked goods from sticking. Greasing and flouring the muffin cups create a nonstick barrier, allowing your treats to slide out effortlessly.

To grease and flour a muffin tin, simply use a pastry brush or paper towel to coat each cup with a thin layer of butter or cooking spray. Then, sprinkle a light dusting of flour into each cup, tapping out any excess.

Filling Muffin Cups, 15 recipes to make in a muffin tin

The amount of batter you fill each muffin cup with directly affects the final shape and texture of your baked goods. Overfilling can lead to spills and uneven baking, while underfilling can result in a dense and dry product.

A general rule of thumb is to fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full. This allows for the batter to rise and expand without overflowing. For recipes that tend to rise significantly, like muffins with baking powder, you may want to fill the cups only halfway full.

Even Baking

To ensure that your muffins bake evenly, it’s important to distribute the batter evenly in each cup. This can be achieved by using a spoon or a scoop to fill each cup to the desired level.

Another helpful tip is to gently tap the muffin tin on the countertop a few times after filling the cups. This helps to remove any air bubbles and ensures that the batter is evenly distributed.

Preventing Spills

To avoid spills while baking, it’s essential to avoid overfilling the muffin cups. When filling the cups, leave a small space at the top to allow for expansion.

If you are using a recipe that calls for a lot of batter, you can always bake the muffins in two batches, ensuring that each cup is filled to the appropriate level.

Tags
dessert recipes easy baking kitchen hacks muffin tin recipes savory snacks

September 8, 2023

10 minutes read

15 Recipes to Make in a Muffin Tin: Beyond the Basics