Want to substantially shorten baking times? Use a muffin tin!
One trick for using less propane and putting less heat into the boat is to bake foods in a muffin tin instead of the larger pan that the recipe might call for.
While the obvious candidate for this is to bake quick breads as muffins, there are lots of other foods that can be baked this way:
- Cakes and brownies
- Other baked desserts
- Yeast breads (make them into rolls)
- Meat loaf
- Casseroles
- Baked appetizers
- Baked beans
- Dressing (aka “stuffing”)
For cakes, brownies and yeast breads, don’t fill the muffin cups more than 2/3 full as they will rise as they bake. Other items can be filled fairly full — but not so full that they’ll spill as you’re putting the pans in the oven or if the boat rolls a bit as they’re baking.
I use the same oven temperature as originally called for, unless the depth of the food being baked has changed substantially. If it’s considerably thinner, I raise the temperature by 25 degrees F. so that the outside will be nicely browned but the inside not too dry.
Baking times are cut in half — or more. I generally check first at about one-quarter of the original baking time, and go from there. Usually it ends up somewhere between one-third and one-half the original time.
If you’re watching your weight or trying to eat healthier, an added advantage of using muffin tins is portion control.
Simplify meal prep on board with proven strategies for provisioning, maximizing fridge space, and cooking delicious meals aboard your boat.

Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
Thomas Jensen on Facebook says
I like the ‘Dressing (aka “stuffing”)’ in your article. That should make everyone happy.
John Ahern on Facebook says
Kewl Change….Great tip
Graham MacCannell on Facebook says
I not only love this suggestion but I will also use it !! (I don’t have a boat but I do have to buy fuel !)
David Holbourn says
I presume it will be ready like a ” bat out of hell” 🙂
The Boat Galley says
Yep!
Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor says
Brilliant idea! I’m trying to figure out the Force 10 oven on our new-to-us boat. I made brownies the other day and it was a bit of a disaster. Burned on the edges and undercooked in the center. I’m thinking if I put the batter in muffin tins then they would cook more evenly. Also like you idea of portion control, but when it comes to brownies, there’s no such thing 🙂
Debra Turner says
I had to put a pizza stone in the bottom of my oven to regulate the oven temperature. Before that EVERYTHING was nearly burned on the edges and undercooked in the center!
Carolyn Shearlock says
Yep, a pizza stone (AKA baking stone) works wonders to even out hot spots! Using a Baking Stone
Buying a Baking Stone
Marge Cunningham says
Excellent idea. Also easier to store leftovers
The Boat Galley says
True! Win-win.
Vala says
Meat Muffins! great idea – looks like it might also help with portion control.
Lynne Shapiro says
Also a great idea if your stove is out at home or in emergencies, where you can use the bbq & it’s temp gauge to cook!!
Sailing Tiny Nical says
Simple and efficient tip – thanks
Jan Bogart says
I avoid the oven if I can. On shore power at a dock, so make all kinds of stuff in the microwave. Lasagana from raw noodles in 20 minutes, brownies, 4 minutes. Hate to heat up the boat. Turkeys and chickens and pizzas go in!
The Boat Galley says
If you have a microwave and shore power, that’s definitely an option! No microwave for us and we rarely have shorepower 🙂
Frances Liz Fernandez says
Inspiring. I think I want to try this. While I dont have an oven on our boat I have one in our camper. Much of the same principles apply
Brian Martin says
Fani Haldoupis Budd as you set out on your big sail, I am going to take a 20-30 minute hot shower while I bake things in the oven just for the heck of it…. tee hee hee sorry couldn’t resist.
Fani Haldoupis Budd says
You are too funny! We still love you! Hugs to the fam! xo