Tiffany Haney
Baking brownies in a cake pan is possible, but it may require some adjustments to your recipe and technique. Using a cake pan with a tall and narrow shape can result in uneven cooking, with the edges becoming overcooked while the centre remains undercooked. To address this issue, consider reducing the oven temperature and extending the baking time to allow the heat to penetrate the centre of the brownies without burning the edges. Additionally, using bake-even strips or rotating the pan during cooking can promote more even heat distribution. It is also important to use the correct amount of liquid in the batter and to ensure that the pan is properly greased to prevent sticking. By making these adjustments, you can successfully bake brownies in a cake pan, achieving a desirable balance of crisp edges and a soft, gooey centre.
Can you cook brownies in a cake pan?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of pan | Glass baking dish or metal baking pan |
| Batter consistency | Thick |
| Temperature | 350°F |
| Baking time | 23-25 minutes |
| Brownie texture | Rich, fudgy, chewy, soft, crunchy |
| Brownie top | Crinkly |
| Brownie edges | Crispier |
| Brownie centre | Gooey, soft, chocolatey |
| Additional ingredients | Chocolate chips, vanilla |
| Brownie quantity | Large |
| Storage | Room temperature, air-tight container, 2-3 days |
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$15.99
What You'll Learn
Using parchment paper to line the pan
Lining a cake pan with parchment paper is an effective way to prevent brownies from sticking to the pan. It is also a convenient method for removing the brownies from the pan once they are baked and cooled. Using parchment paper eliminates the need for awkward knife-maneuvering in the pan and reduces the risk of damaging the pan.
To line a cake pan with parchment paper, start by greasing the tin. This helps to keep the parchment paper in place. Next, cut the parchment paper to fit the size of your pan, ensuring that there is enough overhang to cover the entire inside of the pan. The parchment paper should be bigger than the pan itself. Place the pan on top of the parchment paper to determine the correct size.
For a round cake pan, cut two long, thin strips of parchment paper and place them in the pan so that the edges overhang. Then, cut a round piece to fit the bottom of the pan. This will result in four tabs that can be used to lift the brownies out of the pan. For a rectangular pan, drape the parchment paper over the long edge and run a knife over the short edge. This will create a perfect rectangle that can be easily lifted after cooling.
Once the parchment paper is cut to size, form it to the contours of the pan. If the pan is upside down, the paper can be fitted into the pan, and then the pan can be turned over. This method helps to ensure that the parchment paper lies flat and settles into the corners of the pan.
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Baking time and temperature
Baking brownies in a cake pan is a great way to make a large batch of brownies, perfect for a crowd. However, the baking time and temperature will depend on the depth of your pan and the amount of batter you have.
For a standard half-sheet pan (13" x 18"), preheat your oven to 350°F and bake your brownies for around 40 minutes. If you're using a 9" x 13" pan, the baking time will be shorter—around 25 minutes. For a thinner brownie, use a smaller pan, such as a 9" x 9" or 8" x 12" pan, and bake for 23-25 minutes.
It's important to note that oven temperatures and baking times may vary, so it's always a good idea to check on your brownies periodically to ensure they don't over-bake. The brownies are done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the centre comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. If the edges are cooked but the centre is still batter-like, lower the temperature and bake for a longer period. Covering the pan with foil can also help to ensure the brownies bake evenly.
If you're making a large batch of brownies in a sheet pan, it's important to let them cool completely before slicing. This will give you cleaner edges and prevent the brownies from breaking. You can even chill them for an even fudgier texture.
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Liquid measurements
Baking is a precise art, and unlike cooking, you can't just "eyeball it". This is because baking relies on chemical reactions and exact measurements to succeed. Scaling a recipe up or down or changing the pan size requires a bit more precision.
If you're using a different pan size to the one specified in the recipe, you'll need to adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly. To do this, you'll need to do a little bit of math. The first step is to calculate the area of the pan the recipe calls for and the area of the pan you want to use. You can then divide the area of the recipe pan by the area of your pan to get a multiplier. Multiply all the ingredient quantities in the recipe by this number to get the new measurements.
For example, if your pan has 1.44 times the area of the recipe pan, multiply all the ingredient quantities by 1.44 (or 1.5 to make your life easier). This will ensure you have enough batter for your pan while keeping the ingredient ratios the same.
It's important to note that the cooking time may also need to be adjusted when using a different pan size. A deeper pan or larger quantity of batter may require a longer cooking time, and vice versa. Always check that the centre of your brownies has reached the recommended temperature and look for visual cues such as "golden brown and bounces back when you press on it".
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Pan size
The size of the pan you use to bake brownies is important as it can affect the cooking time and the overall texture of the brownies. If you are using a cake pan, it is likely to be taller and narrower than a standard brownie pan. This means that the edges may cook faster than the middle, resulting in a brownie that is overcooked on the outside and undercooked in the centre.
To avoid this issue, it is recommended to use a shallower, wider pan. A half-sheet pan (13" x 18") is a good option as it provides more surface area for the batter, resulting in a greater number of crispy edges. The increased surface area also means that the batter is spread thinner, allowing it to cook more evenly and reducing the overall cooking time.
If you only have access to a taller, narrower cake pan, there are a few adjustments you can make to ensure your brownies cook through evenly. Firstly, consider reducing the oven temperature and baking for a longer period. This will give the centre of the brownie more time to cook through without burning the edges. You can also try using bake-even strips around the pan, or covering the pan with foil, to distribute the heat more evenly and prevent over-browning.
Another option is to use a water bath, which involves placing the cake pan in a larger pan of hot water during baking. This method ensures that the heat is transferred more gently and evenly, preventing the edges from cooking too quickly.
It is important to note that the cooking time will vary depending on the size and type of pan you use, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your brownies as they bake and adjust the time as needed.
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Cooling and slicing
Once you have baked your brownies, it is important to let them cool completely before slicing. This will ensure that the brownies have set and will result in cleaner slices with less crumbling. The cooling time will also allow for carry-over cooking, preventing over-baking.
To speed up the cooling process, you can place the brownies in the fridge for a while. However, it is recommended that you let them cool to room temperature first. Once they are completely cool, you can then slice them into squares.
To get the perfect slices, use a plastic knife or a sharp chef's knife. Running the knife under hot water before making the slices will also help to create cleaner edges. Be sure to clean the knife between cuts.
If you have baked your brownies in a pan with parchment paper, you can lift them out of the pan once they are cool. This will make it easier to slice them, and you can avoid the risk of them sticking to the pan.
Finally, store your sliced brownies in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also chill them for an even fudgier texture.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use a cake pan to make brownies. A glass baking dish or metal cake pan can be used to bake your cake mix brownies.
It is recommended to use a 9x9" or 8x12" pan for brownies. For thinner brownies, you can use a 9x13" pan.
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Bake your brownies for 23-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Line your cake pan with parchment paper before pouring in the batter. Let the brownies cool completely, then place in the fridge. They should pop right out.
