I love excellent packaging on the products I buy. Even when I'm baking up a few nibbles for my family and friends, I want my goodies to look fabulous. You can find a wide variety of colored and patterned disposable baking cups and loaf pans, but here are a few that stand out to us, and where you can pick some up for your next foray in the kitchen.
See also: 5 Tips for Making the Perfect Cake
Teal Tulip Cups
I'm madly in love with these teal-colored tulip baking cups. I use them already for my pastry business, but to have them in such a brilliant color like teal would make my cupcakes stand out against the rest.
My favorite thing about these tulip liners is the sophistication they add compared to plain Jane cupcake liners. I've had a few people ask me how much time it takes to fold them before I bake. "Hours," I reply before letting them in on the secret that they come already folded. These liners do require a standard-size muffin tin for baking.
KitchenKrafts.com offers many color options and patterns. You can also find these at ABC Cake Decorating Supplies here in Phoenix, though they do not offer a large selection of colors.
Wooden Baking Pans
These wooden baking loaf pans add a beautiful touch of rustic beauty to any baked goods you may want to gift. Bake your goodies directly in the wooden pan, with a parchment liner. While a bit more expensive than a paper baking loaf pan, these wooden pans are definitely worth it for special occasions. Pick them up from King Arthur Flour. Side note: Every few months, King Arthur has a free shipping sale for orders over $60. Buy your goodies in bulk when the sale pops up.
Paper Eskimo Baking Cups
Chicly packaged and at the ready to make your baked goods look professional. A sleeve of these baking cups will make an excellent present for the baker in your life. Offered in a variety of colors and designs, purchase through the Paper Eskimo website or from Petite Party Studio in Gilbert, Arizona.
Square Baking Pans
These natural-colored baking pans look sharper than the metal tins you find at the grocery store. Bake your goodies, cover with the lid, then tie with a fabulous colored ribbon. Perfect for gifts or just to take to your next party. Purchase through King Arthur Flour.
Candy Cups
Typically, these are used for what their name implies, portions of candy. However, they are lovely baking vessels as well. With a variety of bright colors, they don't require a muffin tin, making them easy for baking your favorite cupcakes or muffins. Plus, they are an excellent way to bring color to your celebration table or morning brunch. Pick up through Shop Sweet Lulu.
Rachel Miller is a pastry chef and food writer in Phoenix, where she bakes, eats, and single-handedly keeps her local cheese shop in business. You can get more information about her pastry at www.pistolwhippedpastry.com, or on her blog at www.croissantinthecity.com.
