12 creative ways to use muffin tins

Muffins are marvelous, to be sure. Virtually all bakers of all ages and cooking ability levels have muffin tins in their cupboards. But besides making muffins, what else can you do with this compartmentalized cookware?

Consider these 12 creative ways to use muffin tins.

These 12 muffin pan uses are arranged alphabetically for easy reference.

1. Cupcakes – With or without liners, a muffin tin is the go-to item for the job.
2. Cheesecakes – Pour the filling over some graham cracker crust in each muffin cup, and bake.
3. Chocolate cups – Chill a muffin tin. Dip the bottom into melted chocolate, covering the outside of each section. Chill again until chocolate hardens.
4. Cookie cups – Press homemade or slice-and-bake cookie dough over the outside of each muffin tin cup. Bake as usual, cookie side up.
   
5. Eggs – Pour scrambled eggs into greased muffin tin cups. Bake.
6. Ice cream scoops – Shortcut sundae serving for a large gathering by scooping ice cream into a muffin tin. Cover, and freeze immediately until ready to serve.
7. Jello molds – Prepare gelatin of any flavor, as directed. Pour it into a muffin tin, and add fruit or other accents before chilling to make easy individual molds.
8. Pancakes – Grease muffin tin cups. Ladle prepared pancake mix into each one, and bake.
9. Quiches – Put pie crust into each muffin pan section. (Use a round cookie cutter or jar lid to cut out the fitting rounds. Pour egg mixture on tops, and bake.
10. Taco shells – Stretch soft tortillas over the outside of muffin tin cups. (Jumbo muffin pans are ideal for this.) Bake until crispy to make small edible taco salad bowls.
11. Tarts – Use muffin tins to make miniature pies for a special dessert.
12. Toddler fun meals – Fill each section of a muffin tin with a different finger food for a young child. Choose apple slices, banana bits, cereals, cheese chunks, Goldfish crackers, pretzels, hot dog pieces, and other favorites.

Outside the kitchen, muffin tins are super for setting up crafts. How about sorting beads, sequins, or buttons into a muffin tin for a handicraft project?

 

Muffin tins are also handy for sending leftovers home with guests after Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or another feast. Invite guests to spoon all their desired sides into the muffin pan wells. Cover with plastic wrap or tin foil. Their leftovers will be ready for reheating in their ovens at home!

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