Creative Treats: Baking Beyond Brownies

what can be made in the brownie pan with squares

Brownie pans are incredibly versatile and can be used to make a wide variety of dishes, both sweet and savoury. From the obvious choice of brownies, blondies and cookie bars to more unexpected creations like spinach lasagne, egg sandwiches, and mini apple pies, the options are endless. The square shape of the pan allows for even baking and a variety of textures, from chewy to cakey to fudgy. With its depth, it's perfect for thick treats or adding toppings like frosting or ganache. The standard size of an 8-inch or 9-inch square pan is ideal for creating individual portions or single-serving desserts. Brownie pans can also be made of different materials, like aluminized steel, ceramic, or porcelain, each offering unique advantages in terms of heat conduction, ease of cleaning, and durability. So, whether you're a chocoholic or a culinary adventurer, a brownie pan with squares is a valuable addition to your kitchen.

Things that can be made in a brownie pan with squares

Characteristics Values
Brownies Fudgy, gooey, chewy, cakey
Blondies
Cookie bars
Birthday cake
Lasagna
Burgers
Egg sandwiches
Mini apple pies
Carrot cake bites
Pumpkin spice cake
Cheesecake

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Lasagna

Ingredients:

  • Lasagna noodles
  • Ground beef
  • Marinara sauce
  • Shredded cheese
  • Wonton wrappers (optional, instead of lasagna noodles)

Method:

  • Prepare the lasagna noodles by dipping them in boiling water for about a minute. Drain the excess water and set the noodles aside.
  • Brown the ground beef in a pan, then add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and various seasonings like parsley, oregano, Italian seasonings, garlic powder, and red or white wine vinegar. Stir in sugar and salt to taste, and remember to go easy on the salt as you will be adding parmesan cheese later, which is salty.
  • Simmer the sauce on low heat for 15 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • In a 9x13-inch brownie pan, spread a cup of sauce evenly over the bottom.
  • Arrange one layer of lasagna noodles lengthwise, with about 3 long noodles, allowing for some overlap.
  • Spread a third of the remaining sauce over the noodles.
  • Sprinkle a third of grated mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
  • Add dollops of ricotta cheese, spacing them about two inches apart.
  • Sprinkle half of the grated parmesan cheese over the ricotta.
  • Repeat with another layer of noodles, sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan.
  • Finish with a final layer of noodles, spread the remaining sauce over them, and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella.
  • Cover the pan with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn't touch the noodles or sauce.
  • Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes. For a crustier top, uncover the lasagna for the last 10 minutes of baking.
  • Allow the lasagna to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

This recipe yields 12 servings in a brownie pan, and you can easily double it if you have a larger pan or need more servings. You can also customize the recipe to your taste, such as reducing the amount of meat and adding mushrooms and eggplant for a non-meat option.

The mini lasagnas can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. To reheat, place them in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes.

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Burgers

A brownie pan with squares can be used to make a variety of dishes, including burgers. Here is a recipe for making burgers using a brownie pan:

Ingredients

  • Ground beef
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Butter or oil
  • Burger buns
  • Toppings of your choice (e.g. cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard)

Instructions

  • Shape the ground beef into patties that are about 1-inch thick. Each patty should be slightly larger than the burger buns and have a shallow "dimple" in the middle.
  • Warm a flat pan over medium heat and add butter or oil.
  • Toast the burger buns in the butter or oil until golden brown.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high.
  • Place the burger patties in the pan, leaving a little space between each one. Work in batches if necessary.
  • Season the burgers with salt and pepper.
  • Cook the burgers for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, flipping them when you see a dark golden-brown sear on the underside.
  • Add cheese to the burgers if desired, and cover the pan to help melt the cheese.
  • Transfer the burgers to the toasted buns and add your desired toppings.

Tips

  • To ensure even cooking, create a 1/2-inch hole in the center of each patty.
  • Use a wide, thin spatula to flip the burgers to prevent them from falling apart.
  • For cheeseburgers, add the cheese immediately after removing the burgers from the pan and cover with a plate to help melt the cheese.
  • Cook the burgers to your desired doneness, usually about 8 minutes in total for stovetop burgers.

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Carrot cake bites

If you're looking for a quick and easy dessert, carrot cake bites are a perfect choice. They are packed with shredded carrots, warm spices, and a luscious cream cheese swirl, taking your dessert to the next level. Here is a simple recipe to make these delicious treats in a brownie pan with squares:

Ingredients

  • Carrot cake mix
  • Water
  • Oil
  • Eggs
  • Egg yolk
  • Cream cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Walnuts (optional)
  • Raisins (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 brownie pan with baking spray or butter. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, oil, eggs, and egg yolk using an electric mixer on low speed for about 1 minute. Make sure the batter is smooth and well-combined.

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely.

Once cooled, remove the cake from the pan and place it on a large serving platter or serve directly from the baking pan. Cut the cake into 24 squares using a serrated knife. Frost each square with cream cheese frosting, and if desired, top with chopped walnuts or raisins.

Your carrot cake bites are now ready to be served! These tasty treats combine the rich flavors of carrot cake with a creamy swirl, making every bite a delightful experience. Enjoy them as a cozy afternoon treat or impress your friends at your next gathering.

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Apple pie

Apple slab pie is a terrific contribution to a potluck or picnic. It's a twist on a classic apple pie, with all the flavours baked in a large pan, glazed, and served in square slices. It's perfect for serving a crowd, and it's much easier than making multiple pies.

To make the slab pie, you'll need to combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. Cut in shortening or butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, combine egg yolks and cold water, and then sprinkle this mixture over the dry ingredients, tossing with a fork. If needed, add additional water, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture can be formed into a ball.

Divide the dough in half and roll out one half to fit the bottom of your pan, which should be about 10x15 inches or 15x10 inches. You can also use a 9x13-inch pan, which will give the pie more depth. For the filling, combine apples with lemon juice, sugar, flour, and cinnamon. You can use a variety of apples, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady. Pour the filling into the pie crust and dot with butter.

Roll out the remaining dough to fit the top of the pan and place it over the filling. Seal the edges, brush with milk, and sprinkle with sugar. Cut vents in the top crust. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about an hour, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

You can also make this recipe even easier by using a premade crust and apple pie filling. Simply make the topping and bake. This slab pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days and reheats nicely in the microwave.

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Cheesecake

If you're looking for a dessert that combines the best of both worlds, look no further than cheesecake brownies. This indulgent treat features a fudgy brownie base topped with a rich and tangy cheesecake layer, creating a delicious harmony of flavours and textures.

To make cheesecake brownies, you'll need a square brownie pan, preferably a 9" x 9" or 8" x 8" baking dish. Line your pan with parchment paper, making sure it extends over the sides to form a sling for easy removal later. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

For the brownie layer, you'll need to melt together chocolate and butter. This can be done in a double boiler or simply in the microwave. Add cocoa powder to enhance the chocolate flavour. In a separate bowl, whip together eggs and sugar until thickened, then add vanilla extract. Combine the chocolate and cocoa mixture with the egg mixture, whisking well. Finally, add flour and stir until just combined.

Transfer the brownie layer to your prepared pan. For the cheesecake layer, combine cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then stir in sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Carefully spoon this mixture over the brownie layer, creating a marbled effect if desired.

Bake your cheesecake brownies for about 22 to 28 minutes, checking after 20 minutes. You want the edges and top to be set, and a skewer inserted into the centre should come out with moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing into squares.

With this recipe, you'll impress your taste buds and your guests. The fudgy brownie and creamy cheesecake combination is a match made in dessert heaven, and it's all made possible with your trusty square brownie pan!

Frequently asked questions

Some sweet treats that can be made in a brownie pan with squares include chocolate brownies, carrot cake bites, and mini apple pies.

Some savoury dishes that can be made in a brownie pan with squares include egg sandwiches, spinach lasagna, and burgers.

Here are some tips for making brownies in a brownie pan with squares:

- Use a pan with a ceramic non-stick coating for easy removal and cleaning.

- Line the pan with baking/parchment paper before pouring in the batter.

- Bake at 180°C/350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out almost clean.

- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.

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