If you're out of disposable baking cups or want to give your homemade muffins and cupcakes a bakery-style look, it's easy to make your own using parchment paper. Watch our step-by-step video to see how easy it is to create tulip-shaped muffin liners.
How it works:
Reynolds Kitchens® Parchment Paper is non-stick and oven-safe, making it an easy choice for creating DIY muffin liners—no greasing needed. For most muffin pans, cut the parchment into 5 x 5-inch or 6 x 6-inch squares, adjusting the size as needed for different muffin tins. Homemade tulip-shaped parchment liners give your muffins and cupcakes an elevated bakery-style presentation, while traditional baking cups are always a convenient, ready-to-use option.
Can you use parchment paper to make DIY muffin liners and cupcake baking cups?
Yes! You can easily make your own muffin liners and cupcake baking cups from parchment paper. They give your baked goods a rustic, café-style look for brunches, parties, and table displays. Reynolds Kitchens® Parchment Paper is oven-safe and nonstick, helping muffins release cleanly from both the pan and the liner—even with sticky batters like fruit-filled or chocolate chip muffins. Simply cut the parchment into squares (about 6 x 6 inches for most muffin pans), wrap each square around the bottom of a glass that fits well in your muffin cups, then twist. Squares can be cut to fit standard, jumbo, or mini muffin pans. DIY parchment liners also help keep batter and baked-on residue off your pan, making cleanup easier.
For most muffins and cupcakes, fill the liners about 2/3 to 3/4 full for a nice rise without overflowing. If you're aiming for tall, bakery-style muffins with high domes, fill the cups slightly over the top, with a small dome of batter, and bake using every other cup in the muffin pan to give them more room to rise.1
For the best results with cupcakes, consistency is key. Using an ice cream or cookie scoop is the easiest way to ensure each cup is even and to avoid spills.
Parchment paper vs cupcake liners: How to keep muffins from sticking to liners
Whether you opt for parchment paper or baking cups, both are great for preventing muffins from sticking. Parchment paper lets you get creative with stylish, tulip-shaped liners that give a bakery-quality look, making your muffins even more special. Reynolds Kitchens® Baking Cups are super convenient because they’re ready to use—no fuss involved! Foil Baking Cups are strong enough to stand on their own, so you don’t even need a muffin pan. Whatever you choose, there's no need to grease the pan. To keep your muffins or cupcakes looking perfect and easy to remove, let them cool for a few minutes after baking, then wait until they’re completely cool before peeling away the liner, especially for moist or delicate treats.
Yes! You can absolutely bake muffins without liners. Simply grease the muffin pan well with butter, cooking spray, or oil to help prevent sticking. For extra insurance, especially with delicate recipes, lightly dust the greased pan with flour before adding the batter.
For the best results, let your muffins or cupcakes cool for a few minutes in the pan, then allow them to cool completely before peeling away the liner. This helps prevent sticking and keeps moist or delicate baked goods looking their best.
Yes, you can use aluminum foil as muffin liners. Reynolds Kitchens® Foil Baking Cups are a convenient option, or you can make your own by pressing foil squares into a muffin pan. If you're using regular foil, lightly coat it with cooking spray or oil to help prevent sticking. For even easier release, choose Reynolds Wrap® Non-Stick Foil
Yes, you can freeze muffins with the paper liners still on. Let the muffins cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or foil and place them in an airtight freezer bag. They'll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy one, unwrap it and let it thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours, or warm it in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds.
No, wax paper should not be used as a muffin liner. It's coated with paraffin wax, which can melt in the oven and isn't intended for baking. Instead, use parchment paper, which is heat-safe, oven-safe, and designed to handle baking temperatures without sticking.
