Tillie Doyle
Baking pans are a key component of the baking process, but what happens when you don't have one? It is still possible to bake brownies without a traditional baking pan. This can be done using a variety of methods and cookware, such as a slow cooker, pressure cooker, instant pot, or even a simple stovetop method. These alternative methods can produce brownies with a chewy texture and a rich, dense chocolate flavor. The stovetop method, for example, uses steam to cook the brownies, resulting in a moist and chewy treat. Similarly, the pressure cooker and instant pot methods create a moist and chewy brownie without the traditional crunchy top. For those who want a more classic brownie shape, a loaf pan can be used in the oven to create a small batch of thick, fudgy brownies.
Characteristics and their values for making brownies without a baking pan
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cookware | Stove top, slow cooker, pressure cooker, instant pot |
| Type of cookware material | Metal, preferably aluminium |
| Type of brownie | Fudgy, chewy, moist, rich, dense |
| Baking time | 22-45 minutes |
| Storage | Covered in cling wrap at room temperature for 3-4 days, in the freezer for up to 3 weeks |
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What You'll Learn
Using a pressure cooker
Here's a step-by-step guide to making brownies in a pressure cooker:
Step 1: Prepare the Pressure Cooker
First, ensure you have a pan that fits inside your pressure cooker. A 7-inch round cake pan is ideal for most pressure cookers, but you can also use a 6-inch pan if you have a smaller cooker, like a 3-quart Instant Pot. You can find these pans online or at kitchen supply stores.
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter
Prepare your favourite brownie batter. You can use a boxed mix or make it from scratch. If making from scratch, combine room temperature butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer. Then, add eggs and vanilla extract, blending until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. Finally, mix in chocolate chips or chunks.
Step 3: Prepare the Pan
Grease your chosen pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal. If using a disposable aluminium pan, you may want to cover it with aluminium foil to prevent water residue from affecting your brownies.
Step 4: Cook the Brownies
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Create a foil sling by folding a 2-3 foot section of aluminium foil lengthwise and then folding it again to make a long strip. Place the sling under the pan and fold down the sides so the lid will close. Place the pan on a trivet inside the pressure cooker, and pour 1 cup of water into the cooker. Secure the lid, and cook at high pressure for 20-50 minutes, depending on your desired level of gooeyness.
Step 5: Release Pressure and Cool
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes, and then release any remaining pressure. Remove the pan from the cooker and let the brownies cool for about 10 minutes before removing them from the pan. For best results, transfer the brownies to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a serving plate.
Optional: Serve with Toppings
Pressure cooker brownies have a dense, fudgy texture. They are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Enjoy your freshly made, warm brownies!
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Baking in a loaf pan
Baking brownies in a loaf pan is a great way to make a small batch of brownies. This method is perfect for yielding just enough brownies to satisfy your sweet tooth without having a whole pan lying around all week.
The standard loaf pan size for brownies is 9x5 inches, which can be used to halve an 8x8 inch brownie recipe. You can also use an 8x4 inch loaf pan, but the brownies will be thicker and will require a slightly longer bake time.
To make brownies in a loaf pan, simply scrape your brownie batter into a greased or parchment-lined loaf pan. You can also sprinkle chocolate chips or more chopped chocolate on top for an extra indulgent touch. Bake for around 22-24 minutes, but be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking, as this can lead to dry brownies. To check if your brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center of the pan. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your brownies are ready!
The result is a batch of perfectly sized, rich, and fudgy brownies that are sure to be a hit. This method is a fantastic option for those who want to enjoy fresh, homemade brownies without having to bake a large batch.
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Stovetop brownies
To make stovetop brownies, you will need a large saucepan to use as a water bath. Place a plate upside down in the saucepan and add water until it reaches just over the plate. Bring the water to a simmer.
While the water is heating up, prepare your brownie batter. You can use any recipe you like, but a classic brownie batter typically includes flour, butter, eggs, sugar, and cocoa powder or melted chocolate. For stovetop brownies, you may want to add an extra egg yolk to the batter to add moisture and chewiness.
Once the water is simmering, pour the batter into a greased 8x8 pan and place the pan carefully into the saucepan, on top of the upturned plate. The simmering water should come up to just the bottom of the baking pan. Cover the saucepan with foil to prevent water from getting into the brownies and let them cook gently in the water bath.
The brownies are done when they are firm around the edges and slightly wobbly in the center. They may appear undercooked, but they will continue to set as they cool. Remove the pan from the saucepan and let it cool completely before cutting the brownies into squares.
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Slow cooker brownies
Yes, you can make brownies without a baking pan! If you don't have an oven, there are alternative methods for making brownies, such as using a slow cooker, pressure cooker, instant pot, or stovetop. Here is a guide on how to make slow cooker brownies:
Ingredients:
- Flour
- Cocoa
- Baking Powder
- Salt
- Butter
- Chocolate
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Walnuts (optional)
- Chocolate Chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the slow cooker by greasing a 5-quart or 6-quart slow cooker insert with cooking spray.
- Create a foil collar: Take several large sheets of aluminium foil and fold them into a ring that fits snugly against the sides of your slow cooker. This will help prevent the edges of your brownies from burning.
- Line the bottom of the slow cooker inside the foil collar with parchment paper and grease it with cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Place the butter and chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is melted.
- Add the sugar to the chocolate mixture and stir to combine.
- Stir in the eggs.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, along with any desired mix-ins such as walnuts or chocolate chips. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared slow cooker and smooth the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on your slow cooker's settings.
- Uncover and cook for an additional 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Remove the insert from the slow cooker and run a knife around the edge to loosen the brownies.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the insert on a wire rack for about 2 hours.
- Turn the brownies out onto a work surface and cut them into your desired size.
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No-bake brownies
There are several ways to make brownies without an oven or a baking pan. Here are some methods and recipes to achieve this:
Stovetop Brownies
Stovetop brownies use steam to cook the batter. You will need a large saucepan to use as a water bath, slowly steaming the brownies. This method takes longer than baking in an oven. The end result is brownies that are cooked through on the edges while remaining moist and
To make stovetop brownies, first, find a deep and wide saucepan that will fit an 8x8 baking pan. Place a plate upside down into the saucepan and add water until it reaches just over the plate. Bring the water to a simmer. Make your brownie batter and pour it into a greased 8x8 pan. Place the pan into the saucepan, setting it carefully onto the plate – the simmering water should come up to just the bottom of the baking pan.
Slow Cooker Brownies
Slow cooker brownies don't require the use of a pan within the cooker. Line the slow cooker with parchment paper. Mix your brownie batter, being careful not to overmix. To get the edges of the brownie nicely baked without burning, make a liner inside the cooker with a ring of aluminium foil formed into a coil. Spray with cooking spray before lining the bottom and sides of the slow cooker with parchment paper. Now spray the parchment paper with cooking spray. Fold the brownie batter into the cooker, spreading it evenly.
No-Bake Brownie Recipe
This recipe is easy and uses ingredients you probably have on hand. It calls for sweetened condensed milk, unsweetened chocolate, graham cracker crumbs, and walnuts.
First, spray a 9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. You can also use an 8x8 inch square pan. Heat the sweetened condensed milk and unsweetened chocolate in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat until the chocolate is melted and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. You can substitute white chocolate for the unsweetened chocolate, and consider using pistachios for the crunch and an attractive green tint. To make these brownies nut-free, replace the walnuts with toffee bits or other crushed candy.
Line your baking dish or pan with parchment or aluminium paper and grease with baking spray. Mix all the ingredients together and press them into the pan. Then cover and place in the fridge to set for about 30 minutes. When set, cut the brownie into slices and store in the fridge in a covered container.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can make brownies without a baking pan. You can use a slow cooker, a pressure cooker, or an instant pot. You can also make them on a stovetop using a saucepan and a smaller dish that can fit inside.
To make brownies in a slow cooker, you will need to line the slow cooker with parchment paper. First, mix your brownie batter, then prepare the slow cooker by creating a liner inside with a ring of aluminium foil. Spray with cooking spray before lining the bottom and sides of the slow cooker with parchment paper. Spray the parchment paper with cooking spray and fold the brownie batter into the cooker, spreading it evenly.
To make stovetop brownies, you will need a large saucepan to use as a water bath, an 8x8 inch baking pan, and some foil. Place a plate upside down into the saucepan and add water until it reaches just over the plate. Bring the water to a simmer. Make the brownie batter and pour it into the greased 8x8 pan. Place the pan into the saucepan, setting it carefully onto the upturned plate. The simmering water should come up to just the bottom of the baking pan.
