- Low stock - 3 items left
- Inventory on the way
- Free Mainland UK delivery over £49 - No Quibble Returns
Le Creuset 12 Cup Star Tray
The Le Creuset 12 Cup Star Tray combines festive design with practical baking performance. Each of the 12 cups is shaped as a five-pointed star, adding visual interest to cupcakes, muffins, mini cakes, or savoury bakes. The heavy-gauge carbon steel construction ensures even heat distribution across all cups, helping to prevent over-browned edges with undercooked centres.
The non-stick coating is certified PFAS-free and designed for easy release, particularly useful given the star shape's multiple points where batter might otherwise catch. Wide rim edges feature heat-resistant silicone inserts on both ends, providing secure grip points that stay cooler than the metal tray and won't slip when wearing oven gloves. This makes lifting a full tray of 12 bakes significantly safer.
Key features include:
- 12 Star-Shaped Cups: Distinctive five-pointed star design for festive or decorative baking
- Heavy-Gauge Carbon Steel: Thicker material distributes heat evenly and resists warping
- PFAS-Free Non-Stick Coating: Easy release without harmful forever chemicals
- Silicone Grip Inserts: Heat-resistant handles built into the rim for safer handling
- Oven Safe to 240°C: Suitable for standard baking temperatures
- Le Creuset Lifetime Guarantee: Covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship
This tray is designed for home bakers who want both professional performance and distinctive presentation, particularly during festive seasons or for children's parties where shaped bakes create extra excitement.
What Customers Ask About the Star Tray
What size are the individual star cups?
The tray measures 30cm x 40cm overall with 12 star-shaped cups. Le Creuset doesn't publish individual cup dimensions, so if you need stars of a specific size for a recipe, measure the tray in-store at our Reigate or Cobham shops, or contact us and we can measure for you.
Can I use this for muffins or cupcakes, or just shaped cakes?
You can use this tray for any batter or mixture that will hold the star shape - cupcakes, muffins, mini cakes, brownies, or even savoury items like cornbread. The non-stick coating helps maintain the star definition. For standard round-topped muffins, a traditional muffin tin would give better results.
Will the stars release cleanly from the non-stick coating?
Le Creuset's non-stick coating is designed for easy release. For best results, lightly grease the cups even though it's non-stick, particularly in the points of the stars where batter can catch. Allow baked items to cool for 2-3 minutes before turning out, as this helps them firm up whilst still releasing easily.
Is this dishwasher safe?
No, Le Creuset specifies hand wash only for this tray. Dishwasher detergents and high heat can degrade non-stick coatings over time. Hand-washing with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth preserves the non-stick properties and extends the tray's lifespan.
What makes this different from cheaper star trays?
The heavy-gauge carbon steel construction provides more even heat distribution than thinner trays, reducing the risk of over-browned edges with undercooked centres. The silicone grip inserts are a practical safety feature absent from most bakeware. Le Creuset also certifies this tray as PFAS-free and backs it with a lifetime guarantee.
What We've Learned About Non-Stick Bakeware Since 1972
Over five decades of selling bakeware, we've seen non-stick coatings evolve considerably. Modern PFAS-free formulations like Le Creuset uses here perform well whilst addressing environmental and health concerns that weren't widely understood when we opened in 1972. The key to longevity remains the same: hand-washing with non-abrasive materials and avoiding metal utensils that scratch the coating.
Heavy-gauge construction matters more than many bakers realise. Thinner trays conduct heat less evenly, often creating hot spots that over-brown portions of your bakes whilst leaving others pale. This is particularly noticeable in shaped tins like this star tray, where the points of the stars can easily over-brown if the metal is too thin. Le Creuset's carbon steel gauge provides the heat mass needed for consistent results across all 12 cups, which is why professional bakers typically invest in heavier bakeware despite the higher initial cost.
Specifications
Why Buy From Art of Living?
Founded in Reigate in 1972, we've spent over five decades helping customers select quality cookware and bakeware. We've been twice nominated for the Excellence in Housewares award for customer care.
Our Guarantees to You
- ✓ No Quibble Returns - Even Used Items
- ✓ Half-Price Accidental Damage Replacement (2 Years)
- ✓ Price Match Guarantee
Read our full guarantee policy →
Questions? Visit our contact page or call us on 01737 222996
Care & Use Instructions
Before first use: Wash the tray in warm, soapy water with a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely. Even though it's non-stick, lightly greasing the cups for the first few uses helps establish the coating's performance.
Preparing for baking: Lightly grease each star cup even though the tray is non-stick, paying particular attention to the points of the stars where batter can catch. You may also use paper cupcake cases, though these will mask the star shape.
During baking: Place the tray on the middle shelf of a preheated oven. Avoid oven temperatures above 240°C. Use oven gloves to grip the silicone inserts when moving the tray. The silicone stays cooler than the metal but the tray itself will be hot.
After baking: Allow baked items to cool in the tray for 2-3 minutes before turning out. This brief cooling period helps them firm up whilst the residual heat keeps them from sticking. Turn the tray upside down over a cooling rack and tap gently if needed.
Cleaning: Always hand-wash with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge. Never use abrasive scourers, steel wool, or harsh cleaning agents that could damage the non-stick coating. If batter has baked onto the surface, soak for 10-15 minutes before washing. Dry thoroughly before storing.
Tool selection: Use Le Creuset silicone tools or wooden/heat-resistant plastic implements. Avoid metal utensils, knives, or anything sharp that could scratch the non-stick surface.
Storage: Store in a dry place. If stacking with other bakeware, place a cloth or paper towel between items to prevent scratching the non-stick coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I've used it and don't like it?
Return it anyway. Our no quibble guarantee covers used items - if it doesn't do what you wanted, we'll refund you. This applies even after you've baked with it.
How does the Half-Price Replacement guarantee work?
Valid for 2 years from purchase date. If you accidentally damage this item, we'll replace it at half price with proof of purchase and evidence of damage. Photos are acceptable.
How long does delivery take?
Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses can take up to 7 working days, but is usually 3-4, and is free for orders over £49. Next day delivery may be available for £9.95 on orders placed before 1pm Monday to Thursday, depending on your location and our stock levels. You can also collect from our shops in Cobham or Reigate, or our warehouse in Redhill.
How should I clean the non-stick coating?
Hand-wash with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge after each use. Avoid abrasive scourers or metal utensils that could scratch the non-stick surface. If batter has stuck in the star points, soak for 10-15 minutes before washing. Dry thoroughly before storing.
Can I use paper cupcake cases in this tray?
Yes, you can use paper cases, but they'll mask the star shape. The cases will conform somewhat to the star cups but won't give you the defined star appearance. If you want the star shape visible, bake directly in the greased non-stick cups without cases.
Does Le Creuset's lifetime guarantee cover non-stick coating wear?
Le Creuset's lifetime guarantee covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. Normal wear of non-stick coatings over time from regular use isn't typically covered, but premature failure or defects in the coating would be. Proper care extends the coating's effectiveness significantly.
Can I use metal utensils on this tray?
Le Creuset recommends their silicone tools or wooden/heat-resistant plastic tools to protect the non-stick coating. Avoid metal utensils and sharp implements that could scratch or damage the coating, as this will reduce its non-stick effectiveness over time.
Why is hand-washing required instead of using the dishwasher?
Dishwasher detergents contain harsh chemicals and the high heat can gradually degrade non-stick coatings, reducing their effectiveness over time. Hand-washing with gentle soap and warm water preserves the coating's properties and extends the tray's useful life considerably.