Is there a difference between a "cupcake case" and a "muffin case"?

[Ali Cat]

I realise it's been some time since the original question was asked about the difference between muffin and cupcake sizes, but I've only just discovered the answer and I thought there might be other people who were still wondering...

A cupcake is different from both a muffin and the old-fashioned English fairy cake in size. Here are the sizes (the diameter measure given is the bottom of each case's size):

A baby cupcake case is: 30mm in diameter and 20mm deep;

A fairy cake case is: 45mm in diameter and 22mm deep; and

A cupcake case is: 50mm in diameter and 38mm deep; and

A muffin case is: 50mm in diameter and 50mm deep.

Note that the only difference between a cupcake and a muffin case is the height, so you might initially think you could use the same tin for both. How wrong you'd be! (So was I - I only found out when I tried baking a muffin case in a cupcake tin.) The muffin case will bunch up in the cupcake tin, meaning you get a fold in the case at the side which will catch mixture if you're not careful and it'll bake separately from the cake, resulting in burning because it's such a small amount. Also, the case won't stick to the cupcake so that when your cupcakes cool, the cases will fall off.

To avoid this problem, buy cases that are designed for cupcakes (although interestingly, Dr Oetker muffin cases are the perfect size for cupcakes). Most supermarkets (Sainsbury's and Asda included) only sell muffin cases, which is where the cupcake nightmare begins. Therefore, buy Dr Oetker or go online and look at the specifications the manufacturers give. www.cakecraftshop.co.uk seem to do a variety if you're looking for something other than just white cases.

I noticed one person had the problem that their cupcakes stuck to the liner (i.e. wouldn't come off when an attempt was made to peel them away). There are a number of reasons for this happening:

1. The cupcake hadn't cooled properly.
2. The cupcake mixture had too much liquid in it.
3. The cupcake was overbaked.
4. The wrong tin was used (although I can't confirm that this is definitely the case, it's a theory put forward in an American cupcake book of mine and ever since I've been using the tin they suggested - an aluminium one - my cupcakes have all cooked perfectly, which is a relief after a number of dodgy batches!).

I really hope this helps anyone who's just come onto this website and is stuck when it comes to baking cupcakes!

[LorettaCastorini]

Hmmm.

I use a muffin tin with either fairy or cupcake cases in - gives a nice 'upright' shape to them. I find the traditional fairy cake/bun tins are far too shallow and allow the cakes to spread too wide when baking.

Also, I get the cakes out of the tin as soon as possible after baking - that way the cases remain firmly attached to the cake.

And I buy my cases from Morrisons - own brand. The 'cupcake' size is perfect, and the mad prints and colours are amazing for 99p. Wilkos are even cheaper but only do fairy and muffin sizes.