How to Make Muffins Without a Muffin Pan (Plus 10 Amazing Pan-Free Muffin Recipes)

You have come to the right place if you want to learn how to make muffins without a muffin pan.  Using a pan for muffins can be a hassle if you need to make a large batch of muffins for a family gathering, a school function, or an easy breakfast. Check out our recommendations and 10 easy pan-free muffin recipes.

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How to make muffins without a muffin pan?

When learning to make muffins without a muffin pan, you can use paper, silicon, or foil cupcake liners on a baking sheet. These paper cupcake or muffin liners are often used with a muffin pan to prevent messes. They’re cheap and easy to come by. Once you have the liners, place them on any old pan you have lying around, and then you can fill them up halfway with muffin batter. Then, you can put them in the oven for the amount of time they need to bake. When you pull them out, they will be ready to serve as muffins without even using a muffin pan.

What can I use instead of cupcake liners?

If you don’t have muffin or cupcake liners, you can use parchment paper and aluminum foil to make your own liners. All you need to do is get a small size cup and a mold the aluminum foil around the cup on the bottom. Make sure to use enough aluminum foil so that when the muffins bake, they shape as they should and do not leak. After molding the aluminum foil, you will want to place parchment paper on the inside of the foil, which acts as a double seal. You don’t want the muffin to stick, so parchment paper is great to use for easy clean up and serving.

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What is your favorite type of muffin to make?

There are so many favorite types of muffins you can make. Here is a list of favorites of the different kinds of muffins you can make. 

• Apple- Cinnamon Muffins 
• Banana Muffins 
• Blueberry Muffins 
• Chocolate Muffins 
• Cornbread Muffins 
• Coffee Cake Muffins 
• Peanut Butter Muffins 

Is pancake mix the same as muffin mix?          

Pancake mix is different from muffin mix because pancake mix tends to include more liquid ingredients. Muffins are dense and cake-like, which can be molded into many flavors. You can substitute the mix if you have nothing else and need to make muffins. The best thing to do in this situation is to add some extra flour and adjust the ingredient sizes to match that of muffin recipes.

Is cake mix the same as muffin mix?

No, muffin mix is not the same as cake mix. The proportions in the ingredients you put in are completely different from the two. The muffin mix has more flour, so it tends to be more dense. Cakes are sweeter than muffins too. If you use cake mix for muffins, the texture and taste will be more like a dessert than a breakfast.

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Cakes vs. Cupcakes vs. Muffins?

Cake Cupcakes Muffins
Sweet	Sweet	Not too sweet breakfast meal
Bigger in size feeds more people	Small for one person	Small for one person
Frosting	Frosting	No Frosting
Light and moist texture	Light and moist texture	Heavier and dry texture
Contains mostly sugar and fat	Contains mostly sugar and fat	Usually contains fruits and nuts healthier options

How do you keep muffins from sticking to paper liners?

To keep your muffins from sticking to paper liners, you will want to grease the bottom of each muffin cup with vegetable oil or some kind of non-stick spray. If you don’t have either, you can use butter to help ensure the liners don’t stick to the muffins. Please make sure not to use too much because that could affect your muffin batter, but you’ll thank yourself when it comes time to serve the muffins and they are easy to remove from the liner and pan.

What can I use if I don’t have a muffin pan?

You can use plenty of things if you don’t have a muffin pan. 

• Baking cups 
• Muffin liners 
• Mason jars 
• Homemade muffin liners with parchment paper and aluminum foil 
• Ovenproof cups or mugs 
• Clean tin cans 

How do you make a muffin pan out of aluminum foil?

To make a muffin pan out of aluminum foil, you will want to get a box of aluminum foil that is pretty full if not brand new. Once you get a small cup, you can mold the aluminum foil to fit as a muffin liner would. You can even make multiple molds at once by placing 6-8 cups out on your kitchen counter close together. Mold the foil over all of the cups just enough to stick liners inside the foil pan. Once you take the foil off and turn it right side up, it will look like a DIY muffin pan. However, you’ll be able to double line it with parchment paper and then throw away the foil pan when finished.

We recommend placing this DIY muffin pan over a regular cookie sheet so you don’t risk any batter dripping on your oven.

How to make mini muffins without a mini muffin pan?

In order to make mini muffins without a pan, you can use the same techniques we’ve recommended. However, you would use or make smaller muffin liners. If you want a mini muffin pan, you can make it out of aluminum foil using the smallest cup size you have. Shot glasses or espresso mugs could work well for this. That way, you have an easy and disposable mini muffin pan without actually having to purchase a new pan.

Other clever tricks for baking muffins without the pan?

If you have a bunch of mason jars, they can be used as the rings that hold the liners in place while baking. Place them on a regular baking sheet and stick liners in each jar. This way, you will have individual cups for the batter to bake in just like a muffin pan.

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10 Amazing Pan-Free Muffin Recipes

Here is a list of amazing muffin recipes you can make without a pan. We use muffin liners on a baking sheet when it comes time to whip these up and it couldn’t be easier.

1. Blueberry Muffins

If you are looking for a breakfast meal, try these blueberry muffins.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
•  Blueberries 

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400. Then you will want to place the muffin liners onto a baking sheet. Depending on the size of the baking sheet, six – twelve liners can be placed on it. 
2. Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. 
3. Add the wet ingredients, the oil, egg, and milk until blended. 
4. Spray the muffin liners with nonstick spray or place the vegetable oil in the liners to avoid sticking. 
5. Divide the batter evenly into the muffin liners. Add the blueberries evenly.
6. Place in the oven to bake for 15 minutes until they are puffed and golden on top. 
7. Let them cool down for about 10 minutes, and then they are ready to be enjoyed. 

2. Banana Muffins

These are easy banana muffins you can make for breakfast.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 ½ cups mashed banana (3 medium size bananas 
• 1 egg
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Turbinado sugar, for topping

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400. Then you will want to place the muffin liners onto a baking sheet.
2. Whisk the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, ginger, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt together in a medium size bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, mash the bananas and then whisk the egg, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla together.
4. Combine all the wet and dry ingredients and stir until smooth. 
5. Spray the muffin liners with nonstick spray or place the vegetable oil in the liners to avoid sticking. 
6. Divide the batter evenly into the muffin liners. 
7. Place in the oven to bake for 15 minutes until they are puffed and golden on top. 
8. Let them cool down for about 10 minutes, and they are ready to be enjoyed. 

3. Chocolate Chip Muffins

Try making these delicious chocolate chip muffins.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar
• 2/3 cup milk
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400. Then you will want to place the muffin liners onto a baking sheet.
2. Whisk the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and kosher salt in a medium bowl.
3. Whisk together the brown sugar, milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until well blended. 
4. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix till well blended. Then add the chocolate chips into the mix. 
5. Spray the muffin liners with nonstick spray or place the vegetable oil in the liners to avoid sticking. 
6. Divide the batter into the liners evenly. Make sure there are chocolate chips in each liner. 
7. Bake for 5 minutes at 425 degrees, then reduce the temperature to 350 and let it bake for 13 minutes.
8. Once they are a nice golden brown, let them cool for 10 minutes.  

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4. Apple Cinnamon Muffins 

Here is a perfect recipe for apple cinnamon muffins if you want a warm and delicious breakfast.

Ingredients:

•  1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• ⅓ cup milk
• 2 apples – peeled, cored, and chopped

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400. Then you will want to place the muffin liners onto a baking sheet.
2. Stir flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt together in a large bowl. 
3. Mix in egg, oil, and milk with the dry ingredients. Add in chopped apples. 
4. Spray the muffin liners with nonstick spray or place the vegetable oil in the liners to avoid sticking. 
5. Spoon batter into the prepared muffin liners, filling below the rim.
6. Bake for about 20 minutes. 
7. Take out and let cool for 10 to 15 minutes.

5. Cornbread Muffins 

If you like cornbread, you should try out this amazing cornbread muffin recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup corn or vegetable oil

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400. Then you will want to place the muffin liners onto a baking sheet.
2. Add cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder to a large bowl and whisk to break up clumps.
3. Combine the egg, milk, and oil in a medium bowl and whisk till well blended.
4. Combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients.  
5. Spray the muffin liners with nonstick spray or place the vegetable oil in the liners to avoid sticking. 
6. Spoon batter evenly into the prepared muffin liners, filling below the rim.
7. Bake for 13 to 17 minutes. 

6. Pumpkin Muffins 

If you like pumpkin no matter the season, then try these pumpkin muffins.

Ingredients:

• 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil 
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 and 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree 
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk 

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Then, place the muffin liners onto a baking sheet.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, ginger, and salt together until combined. 
3. In a medium bowl, whisk the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, and milk together until combined. 
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until there are no flour pockets. 
5. Spray the muffin liners with nonstick spray or place the vegetable oil in the liners to avoid sticking. 
6. Fill the liners until they are right below the rim. 
7. You will bake at 425 for minutes, then bring the temperature down to 350 and finish baking for 16 to 17 minutes. 

7. Peanut Butter Muffins 

If you are obsessed with peanut butter, try this muffin recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups spelt, white, or oat flour 
• 3/4 cup milk of choice
• 1/4 cup peanut butter 
• 3 tbsp oil or additional milk of choice 
• 1 tbsp white or cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sugar 
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp salt

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350. Then you will want to place the muffin liners onto a baking sheet.
2. Combine all dry ingredients into one large bowl (sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt). 
3. Stir milk, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, peanut butter, and almond extract. Once stirred, add it with dry ingredients and mix until well blended. 
4. Spray the muffin liners with nonstick spray or place the vegetable oil in the liners to avoid sticking. 
5. Fill the liners until they are right below the rim. Let them bake for 20 minutes. 
6. After a time, take it out and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes.

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8. Poppy Seed Muffins 

Here is a simple recipe for poppy seed muffins.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoons salt

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350. Then you will want to place the muffin liners onto a baking sheet.
2. Whisk together milk, sugar, oil, eggs, poppy seeds, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a large bowl. 
3. Stir flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, then add the wet ingredients and blend. 
4. Spray the muffin liners with nonstick spray or place the vegetable oil in the liners to avoid sticking. 
5. Fill the liners until they are right below the rim.
6. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes. 

9. Strawberry Muffins 

If strawberries are your berry of choice, here is a delicious recipe for making strawberry muffins.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 stick or ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
•  granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
•  milk
•  diced strawberries, from 1 pint, divided

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375. Then you will want to place the muffin liners onto a baking sheet.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. Mix the butter and granulated sugar in a medium bowl for about 2 minutes. Then you can add the eggs, vanilla extract almond extract milk before mixing again. 
4. Mix the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients to combine well. 
5. Spray the muffin liners with nonstick spray or place the vegetable oil in the liners to avoid sticking. 
6. Place the batter evenly in the liners above the rim, then evenly disburse the strawberries in each liner however you like. 
7. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes. 

10. Lemon Muffin  

Here is our final recipe selection if you enjoy lemon muffins.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 ½ teaspoons lemon zest 
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• ¼ cup whole milk, room temperature
• 1 stick unsalted butter

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350. Then you will want to place the muffin liners onto a baking sheet.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. 
3. Mix sugar, butter, eggs, zest, juice, and milk separately.
4. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients until well blended.
5. Spray the muffin liners with nonstick spray or place the vegetable oil in the liners to avoid sticking.
6.  Fill the liners until they are right below the rim.
7. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. 
8. You will want to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before enjoying. 

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