A miniature cupcake pan, also known as a mini cupcake pan, is a pan specifically designed for baking cupcakes that are smaller than the traditional size, or muffin-size cupcakes. The cupcakes made from the miniature cupcake pan are often used to fill cupcake trees, which prove not only to be a decorative addition to a table setting but also a culinary delight. The miniature cupcake pan creates a cupcake that is a finger food dessert, usually consumed in just one bight.
These miniature cupcake pan comes in a number of varieties. Some come with a special non-stick surface, facilitating an easier removal of the cupcakes from the pan. There are pans that are made from dark and light colored metal. Pans also come in the pliable silicon, which recently has become popular with bakers. Noting each of these choices, the choice is truly the baker's. The pan that the baker finds works best and with which he is most comfortable is ultimately the best choice.
Miniature cupcake pans can be used to create the smaller version cupcakes for a variety of purposes. First and most common is simply to have a smaller version of the traditionally larger size of cupcake. The miniature cupcake pan creates little cakes that can then be used in or on a larger cake for decoration. These small sized cupcakes are also used to create figures. For example, stacking one cupcake atop another can provide the base for a snowman or a race car driver. After the stacked cupcakes are secure, the decorating ensues and the character comes to life.
It is important to choose the right size pan when baking cupcakes. Overfilling a small pan can cause the cupcakes not to cook all the way through, leaving the center gooey and with a tendency to fall once removed from the oven. It is also important to first read the recipe before choosing the type of miniature cupcake pan to make the cupcakes. The baker should determine whether the cupcake batter will be poured directly into the pan without a baking cup or whether a baking cup be used before deciding which type of pan to use.
Cupcakes, big or small, are a common petite cake consumed at various occasions, from children's parties to weddings. The miniature cupcake pan creates cupcakes in a size with a greater versatility than their larger counterparts. This pan helps alleviate the frustration of attempting to make a smaller cupcake in a much larger pan.