Ice trays have come a long way over the years, haven’t they? We’ve seen them go from old, metal types to plastic ones – even ones that fill up like a hot water bottle. Ice is a staple for most people but those old, metal ice trays are not. More than likely you got rid of them a long time ago, but if you happened to have saved some of them, you have everything you need to make a huge assortment of miniature desserts and other goodies.
When people think about old, metal ice trays they generally don’t think of baking desserts. But, metal can be baked, meaning the metal ice trays can be used as baking pans. The old ice trays have a metal handle that you pull to break up the cubes. This handle is connected to a sectioned grid that creates the individual ice cubes. Most old, metal trays have a handle and grid that can be taken all the way out of the tray. This removable grid will make it very simple to retrieve the baked goods when they’re done.
Mix up cakes, brownies or other goodies and pour them into the ice trays. Fill each ice tray only half way full. Make sure all the handles, with connected grids, are removed before pouring the batter. It’s a good idea to spray the ice tray with non-stick cooking spray. Take care to spray the grid well. Spray each section, where each cube goes, and spray the bottom part of the grid as well. The spraying of the trays and grids is vital so that the mini goodies don’t fall apart while you’re removing them from the trays.
After you’ve poured the batter into the pan set the separate grids into the batter. Placing the grids in first, then pouring in the batter, will cause some batter to land on the top of the grid. This batter will bake and burn while the miniature desserts cook. After the batter and grids are in place bake according to the package instructions. Since you’re making miniatures, they could cook slightly faster, so keep an eye on the baked goods for the last ten minutes. It may be necessary to removed the ice trays before the allotted time is up.
Allow the miniature desserts to cool completely. Pull the handle of the ice tray and remove the grid. Use a fork to remove each individual dessert and place them on a tray. You can then frost or otherwise decorate the goodies. There are many different edibles you can create. Just use ordinary frosting, sprinkle them with powdered sugar or even use tube frosting to write on them. You can sprinkle them with candy sprinkles, or place a large candy right in the center of each creation.
With the metal ice cube trays you can literally make dozens of different desserts and other treats. Make them for holidays, parties, graduations, birthdays and more. The finger desserts are so small yet so delicious! Try using different techniques to create a huge assortment of different foods. Make cubed cookies, brownies, cakes, fudge and other sweets. Layer different flavors to make striped desserts, put tiny candies between the layers or even squirt chocolate syrup all over the finished goodies.
Get creative with the finished miniatures. Arrange three or four of the cubes on a plate and sprinkle on nuts and whipped cream. Or, arrange several of the cubes, position a slice of ice cream on them, then top them with more cubes. It’s easy to make lots and lots of assorted minis since several of the ice cube trays will fit in the oven at the same time.
Want your miniature desserts to be a little larger than an ice cube? Remove the metal grid from the tray and pour in the batter. Insert very thin pieces of cardboard, trimmed to size, which have been covered with wax paper. Do not use tape to secure the paper; just wrap each cardboard piece well. Be sure to spray then with the non-stick cooking spray before cooking. When the cakes are cooled you can easily remove each cardboard separator.
Ordinary people, when trying to make miniatures, generally go out and purchase special pans for the job. Not you, though. You new a good thing when you had it and you saved it to make your own special minis! If you use microwave mixes you can make the miniature desserts in plastic ice cube trays, too. Either way, you’ll be able to easily make many different goodies to impress your friends, your family – and even yourself!
Reference:
- Purchase metal ice trays here: www.ebay.com
