The 10 Best Baking Cups
Special Honors
Confectionery House Cupcake Liners A boutique, upstate-New York baking supply company provides some of the best greaseproof papers on the market. Their solid-colored cups are custom-made in Australia, which has particularly strict food and drug regulations, so the food-safe dyes won't fade or bleed. Except for the white ones, all other solid-colored cups remain bright after baking, making these a favorite for festive events where reusables are impractical. confectioneryhouse.com
King Arthur Nonstick From a beloved baking company comes transparent silicone ramekins in a set of six. This employee-owned business was founded in the United States in 1790, and mixes traditional offerings with contemporary kitchen must-haves. These attractive, naturally non-stick cups have all the best features of this modern material and are among the few clear options on the market. Oven safe up to 500 degrees Farenheit, they're generously sized and need no tins for support. kingarthurbaking.com
Editor's Notes
October 10, 2020:
Novice bakers might want to consider an easy-to-use baking mold, or even a complete bakeware set to get started. However, for those who specialize in muffins, cupcakes, or egg dishes, single-use or reusable standalone cups are probably the best choice.
Silicone is the newest material to join the options of paper, parchment, and aluminum foil liners, and this flexible, reusable medium has much to offer. We've listed types like Mrs. Anderson's Nonstick and OXO Good Grips Reusable because they'll last through many years of dishwasher cleanings, can be used for freezer storage, and are handy for melting butter or reheating small portions in the microwave. The bright colors can be appealing, especially to children, and the Caketime Reusable is helpful for those who do single-serving meal prep to freeze and reheat.
Disposables are handy for transporting foods, and the Wilton Rainbow Set works well for parties or bake sales, while the mini Simply Baked Petite are nice for catered events, particularly as they can be frozen with no degrading of the colors or metallic elements. That cardstock option also comes in larger sizes.
Many professional caterers and bakeries use classics like Pastry Chef's Pannetone or parchment paper, although regarding the latter, its nonstick qualities are so strong that the paper sometimes separates from baked goods all on its own. That doesn't seem to be a problem with Baker’s Signature Tulip Set, which also benefits from extra-high sides that hold frosting well and help keep cupcakes separate during transportation.