Perfect Pan Size For Fudgy Brownies

The best size and type of pan to use for baking brownies depends on your desired brownie texture and consistency.

Metal pans are typically made from aluminum and are great for creating a more even bake with crisp-lined edges. They are also more durable and easier to store than glass pans. However, metal pans have high heat conductivity, which can lead to overbaked brownies. Dark-coloured metal pans, in particular, can cause the brownie to over-brown.

Glass pans are ideal for creating gooey brownies as they have low thermal conductivity, resulting in a slower baking process. However, glass pans can be more prone to breaking and can also cause overbaking as they retain heat for longer.

Ceramic pans are another option, offering even heat distribution and retention. A ceramic 9 square baking dish is a good choice for creating classic brownies with a variety of textures.

Square and rectangular pans are the most common shapes for brownie baking, with 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 pans being suitable for most standard brownie recipes. Larger, shallower pans will create thinner brownies, while smaller pans will result in thicker brownies.

Other options include round cake pans, mini brownie pans, and Bundt brownie pans, which create sculpted brownies with a unique shape.

Glass pans vs metal pans

The type of pan you use for baking brownies can significantly impact the final product. Metal pans and glass pans have different heat conductivities, affecting the baking time and the texture of the brownies. Here is a detailed comparison of the two:

Metal Pans

Metal, especially aluminium, is the preferred choice for baking brownies. Metal pans offer exceptional heat conductivity, resulting in a more even bake. They produce brownies with crisp-lined edges that are fudgy, taller, and thicker. Metal pans are also easier to store and more durable than glass pans. Additionally, it is generally simpler to remove the baked brownies from a metal pan.

However, metal pans require close monitoring to prevent overbaking. Dark-coated aluminium pans, in particular, can cause overbaking due to their aggressive heat transfer.

Glass Pans

Glass pans have low thermal conductivity, resulting in a slower baking process. They are ideal for recipes with longer cooking times as they heat up gradually. Glass pans are less likely to overbake the brownies initially, but they retain heat after being removed from the oven, which can lead to overbaking if not managed properly. Glass pans produce brownies with gooier centres and rounder edges.

One significant drawback of glass pans is the risk of breakage due to sudden temperature changes. They are also heavier and more challenging to wash, store, and care for than metal pans.

Tips for Using Metal and Glass Pans

To ensure the best results when baking brownies, consider the following tips:

• Coat your pan with butter or oil to ensure the brownies release seamlessly.
• Use parchment paper for extra-sharp brownies and a refined look.
• Allow the brownies to cool until they are barely warm before cutting to prevent crumbling.
• For metal pans, lower the oven temperature by 25°F if your recipe calls for a glass pan.
• For glass pans, increase the baking time by 5 to 15 minutes and remove the pan from the oven slightly before the brownies are fully cooked to prevent overbaking.

Both metal and glass pans can be used for baking brownies, but metal pans are generally preferred for achieving the classic brownie texture. Metal pans produce more consistent results, with crisp edges and a fudgy centre. Glass pans can be used for a gooier centre but may require some adjustments to baking time and temperature to prevent overbaking. Ultimately, the choice between a glass or metal pan depends on your preferred brownie texture.

Ceramic pans

If you use a ceramic pan, it is recommended to line your pan with parchment or foil, then lift the brownies out of the pan after removing them from the oven. This will allow them to cool down properly instead of continuing to cook.

Despite not being the go-to option, ceramic pans can deliver excellent results for baking brownies. In a test of nine batches of brownies in nine different pans, a ceramic 9"-square baking dish performed the best overall, beating out its metal (aluminized steel) and glass counterparts. The brownies had edges that were just crisp, with a brief but satisfying chew, before yielding to fudgy centres.

If you're looking for a ceramic pan to bake brownies, consider the Great Jones Hot Dish. It's a versatile and adorable option, though it is quite expensive and much heavier than a standard metal pan.

Non-stick pans

There are a few non-stick brownie pans on the market that are worth considering. The Baker's Edge Brownie Pan is a heavy-gauge cast aluminium construction pan with a premium double non-stick coating. It's a US-patented design that adds two crispy, chewy, and crunchy edges to every brownie. The pan has a single chamber design that allows the batter to spread evenly during baking, so every brownie is baked to perfection at the same time. It's received great reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

Another option is the Brownie Pan with Dividers by Ailelan. This pan has a non-stick backing and is made of food-grade high carbon steel. It comes with a metal divider that pre-slices the brownies as they bake, so you don't need to cut each piece with a knife. The divider also allows you to customise each brownie with nuts, candies, or other toppings. The pan has received positive reviews, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

If you're looking for a non-stick pan that's also dishwasher-safe, the Boxiki Kitchen Non-Stick Silicone 8x8 Square Cake and Brownie Pan might be a good option. It has easy-grip steel frame handles and is oven and dishwasher-safe. This pan also has good reviews, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

When using a non-stick brownie pan, it's important to follow a few tips to ensure the best results. Firstly, it's recommended to use non-stick cooking spray, and a soft cloth and sponge should be enough for cleaning. It's also important to avoid using metal knives or other metal utensils as they can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, opt for vinyl, silicone, or wood utensils.

Foil pans

Lining a brownie pan with foil has many advantages. It can save time and effort, as you don't need to grease the pan, and it makes cleaning up easier. Lining your pan with foil also prevents your brownies from sticking to the pan, and protects the pan from scratches.

However, it's important to note that using foil doesn't aid even heating. If you want to line your brownie pan with foil, you should use two layers of foil to create a foil sling. This will make it easier to lift the brownies out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board. To create a foil sling, you can follow these steps:

• Take two long sheets of aluminium foil and fold them so that they are as wide as your baking pan. If your pan is rectangular, the two sheets will be different sizes.
• Lay the sheets of foil in the pan, perpendicular to one another, with the extra foil hanging over the edges.
• Push the foil into the corners and up the sides of the pan, smoothing out any wrinkles.
• Spray the sides and bottom of the pan with baking spray before adding the batter.

It's worth noting that some people prefer to use parchment paper instead of foil, as it is stronger and provides a sharper edge to the brownies. However, if you do use foil, non-stick foil is easier to detach from the cooled brownies.

Silicone pans

Silicone brownie pans come in a variety of sizes and shapes, including square, rectangular, and mini brownie molds. They are typically sold in packs of two, with one pack containing two different-sized pans. The cavity dimensions vary, but the pans typically have 12 or 24 cavities. The pans are made of 100% food-grade silicone and are safe to use in the oven, microwave, fridge, freezer, and dishwasher.

When using a silicone brownie pan, it is important to note that the baking time may need to be adjusted. Additionally, the pans should not be used at temperatures above 450°F (230°C) as this may damage the silicone.

Some popular brands for silicone brownie pans include SILIVO, Walfos, Wilton, Trudeau, and Webake. Prices for these pans range from $3.00 to $65.00, with most options being very affordable.

Frequently asked questions