A 5five silicone baking mould can make baking easier when its material, stability and dimensions suit what you have in mind. Flexible moulds are easy to store and often make it straightforward to release your bakes. However, not every silicone mould is equally suitable for every recipe.
Before you buy, it’s worth checking the actual product specifications rather than relying on general marketing claims such as ‘professional’ or ‘suitable for every use’.
Silicone is flexible. This makes it easier to release cakes and muffins, but can be awkward when carrying the mould to the oven. A soft mould filled with runny batter can easily bend or spill.
For larger cakes, tarts and heavy mixtures, a firm base is a good idea. Some models have a steel frame, while others need to sit on a baking tray for support. With a silicone muffin mould, also check that the individual cups hold their shape when you fill them.
A non-stick silicone mould can make it easier to release your bakes, but it doesn’t replace proper preparation. Mixtures with lots of sugar, caramelised ingredients or a high fat content can still stick to silicone. If you have a new mould, follow the manufacturer’s care and use instructions. Depending on the recipe, a light coating of grease may help.
It’s also important to distinguish between food-grade silicone and a specifically stated coating. The product description should clearly say what the mould is made of and which properties are actually guaranteed.
A round cake mould won’t automatically suit every quantity of batter. With a silicone tart mould, the diameter, depth and shape of the sides all affect the baking time and the height of your bake. For madeleines and canelés, the shape of the individual cups matters too.
Before buying, compare at least the following details:
A suitable baking mould should be labelled as food-grade silicone. For products sold in Germany, it’s also important to be able to identify the manufacturer or responsible person. The 5FIVE muffin mould is listed as being made from ‘Premium Food-Grade Silicone’, with JJA named as the manufacturer. A.I.&E. B.V. is listed as the responsible person for the 26 cm round mould.
It isn’t possible to make a blanket claim about how long a mould will last. This depends, among other things, on temperature, cleaning, sharp objects and storage. Avoid using knives or metal utensils on silicone moulds.
A flexible baking mould should be easy to handle in a controlled way when filling and lifting it. A baking tray can be handy as a base for a round silicone cake mould. A mould with a reinforced frame offers extra stability when you move it.
The dimensions also show whether a model will fit in your kitchen. The 5FIVE muffin mould, for example, measures 35 × 20 × 4 cm, while the deep Manqué mould, at 30 × 30 × 6 cm, is designed for taller cakes and quiches.
A dishwasher-safe baking mould can save time, but you should still follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. After baking, let any leftover mixture cool before cleaning the mould, and avoid leaving strongly coloured foods in it for longer than necessary.
For families, a baking mould for muffins and cupcakes with several cups can be a practical choice. Fans of French baking may prefer specialist shapes, such as a madeleine or canelé mould.
Why it suits this profile: This multi-cup mould is designed for muffins and cupcakes and measures 35 × 20 × 4 cm. It’s suitable for both sweet and savoury individual portions.
The individual cups are designed for even portions, helping to reduce differences in size and baking time.
Food-grade silicone, a flexible design and, according to the product details, dishwasher-safe cleaning.
Why it suits this profile: The madeleine mould has 16 cups and a rigid frame which, according to the product description, helps it retain its rectangular shape during baking and when being carried.
The frame helps address the common problem of a very soft mould when filling and lifting it.
16 cavities, a weight of 0.31 kg and, according to the product details, dishwasher-safe construction.
Why it suits this profile: The deep, fluted cups are designed for canelés. Measuring 31 × 17 × 6 cm, the mould fits in many standard ovens.
Its specialist shape means you won’t have to make do with a general-purpose mould for a distinctive French pastry.
Food-grade silicone, deep fluted cavities and, according to the product description, suitable for use in the oven, microwave and freezer.
Why it suits this profile: Measuring 31 × 31 × 4 cm, this square tart mould is suitable for tarts, quiches, flans and savoury bakes.
Its shallow depth makes it clearly suited to flatter bakes, so you won’t mistake it for a deep sponge cake mould.
A flexible design, compact dimensions and, according to the product details, dishwasher-safe cleaning.
We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations in force in the EU.
It depends on the product. The 5FIVE moulds mentioned here are described as suitable for oven use. Even so, check the manufacturer’s specific instructions on temperature range, oven type and cleaning before using one for the first time.
There’s no reliable way to give a fixed lifespan. Gentle cleaning, correct storage and avoiding sharp objects can help extend its useful life. If the mould becomes misshapen, develops cracks or a sticky surface, or retains unpleasant smells, stop using it.
Not necessarily. Many silicone moulds are described as having natural non-stick properties. However, lightly greasing a new mould, or one being used for delicate or highly caramelised recipes, can make it easier to release your bake. The recipe, mould design and manufacturer’s instructions are all important.