Perfect Foil Pan Size For Boxed Brownies

Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, boxed brownies are a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth. But what size foil pan should you use for that perfect batch?

The standard box brownie mix is typically designed for a 9-by-13-inch pan, often labelled as family size. However, some mixes are intended for smaller 8-by-8-inch pans. It's important to follow the pan size specified in the recipe to ensure your brownies turn out just right.

Using a light-coloured, shiny pan made of metal, glass, or ceramic can help prevent over-browning and yield straight edges. Additionally, lining your pan with foil or parchment paper makes lifting and cutting the brownies easier and prevents your pan from getting scratched.

So, the next time you're craving some brownies, remember to check the box for the recommended pan size, and happy baking!

Lining the pan with foil

Lining your brownie pan with foil is a great way to save time and effort. Lining the pan with two layers of foil prevents brownie casualties, protects the pan from scratches, and makes cleanup a cinch.

Step 1: Prepare the Foil

Tear off a square piece of foil slightly larger than your pan. For an 8- or 9-inch square pan, use a 12-inch foil sheet, leaving about 1.5 to 2 inches of foil extending on each side. If your pan is larger, you may need to use two sheets of foil and double-fold them lengthwise to create a larger sheet.

Step 2: Create a Mould

Turn the pan upside down on the counter and centre the foil on it. Fold the excess foil down the sides of the pan, creasing the corners neatly as if you were wrapping a present. This will create a tailor-made liner for your pan.

Step 3: Place the Foil in the Pan

Turn the pan right-side up and carefully place the foil liner into it, smoothing out any wrinkles. Make sure there is some foil overhang on the sides of the pan, which will be useful later for lifting the brownies out.

Step 4: Grease the Foil (Optional)

Unless your recipe states otherwise, you may want to grease the foil lightly with shortening or butter. This will help the brownies lift off the foil more easily once they are baked.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Proceed with your brownie recipe as usual, baking the brownies according to the instructions. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.

Step 6: Lift and Cut

Once the brownies are cooled, use the foil overhang to lift them out of the pan in one batch and place them on a cutting board. Cut the brownies into neat squares, just like you would get from a bakery.

Using this foil-lining method will not only make your life easier but will also ensure that your brownies look and taste perfect!

Use a light-coloured, shiny pan

The type of pan you use to bake your brownies can have a significant impact on the final result. Here are some reasons why using a light-coloured, shiny pan is a good idea:

Even Baking

Light-coloured metal pans, such as aluminium or silver pans, are excellent heat conductors and ensure even baking. They reflect heat away from the batter, preventing the edges and base from burning or browning too quickly. This is especially important for brownies as you want them to have a moist, fudgy texture, and burning can dry them out.

Easy Release

Shiny pans often have a smooth surface that prevents food from sticking to them. This is ideal for brownies as it allows for easy release once they are baked. You can also line your pan with foil or parchment paper for even easier removal.

Neat Presentation

Using a light-coloured, shiny pan can help you achieve a neat presentation for your brownies. The smooth surface of the pan, along with the non-stick properties, will help you lift the brownies out in one piece. This is especially useful if you plan to cut them into precise squares or serve them directly from the pan.

Easy Cleanup

Light-coloured, shiny pans are generally easier to clean than darker, non-stick pans. The smooth surface means that brownie batter is less likely to stick and burn onto the pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Portion Control

Using a light-coloured, shiny pan with a standard size, such as an 8-inch or 9-inch square pan, helps with portion control. These pans typically yield 9 to 16 equal-sized brownies, depending on how you cut them. This ensures that your brownies are neither too thick nor too thin and allows for consistent baking.

Durability

Light-coloured, shiny pans, particularly those made of aluminium, tend to be quite durable. They can withstand repeated use without warping or discolouration, making them a worthwhile investment for your baking endeavours.

So, the next time you're preparing to bake a batch of boxed brownies, consider reaching for that light-coloured, shiny pan in your cupboard. It will make your brownie-baking experience more enjoyable and help you achieve delicious, picture-perfect results!

Grease the pan

Greasing a pan is an important step in baking brownies to ensure that the brownies don't stick to the pan and are easy to remove. There are several ways to grease a pan, and the method you choose may depend on the type of pan you are using and the ingredients you have on hand. Here is a step-by-step guide to greasing your pan for boxed brownies:

Choose Your Greasing Agent:

You can use various agents to grease your pan, including butter, shortening, oil (vegetable, olive, or coconut), or non-stick cooking spray. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that suits your needs and preferences.

Prepare Your Greasing Agent:

If using butter or shortening, you can use the stick directly on the pan or melt a small amount and use a paper towel or pastry brush to apply it to the pan. For oils, it is best to use a pastry brush to apply a thin layer to the pan. If using cooking spray, simply spray an even layer onto the pan, ensuring you get into all the nooks and crannies.

Apply the Greasing Agent to the Pan:

Whether using butter, oil, or cooking spray, it is essential to apply only a light layer to the pan. Greasing too heavily will result in greasy, heavy brownies. Be sure to get into all the corners and up the sides of the pan.

Use Foil or Parchment Paper (Optional):

For easy removal and clean cuts, you can line your greased pan with foil or parchment paper. This is especially useful if you want to lift the entire batch of brownies out of the pan at once. To do this, turn the pan upside down and place a piece of foil or parchment over it, smoothing it into the corners and up the sides. Then, turn the pan right-side up and place the shaped liner into it. Grease the liner with your preferred method, and you're ready to go!

Tips:

• If making a layer cake or particularly sticky treat, you may want to add a light dusting of flour or sugar to the greased pan. This extra step can help ensure your baked goods don't stick.
• Silicone pans may not need greasing, but a light layer of grease can provide extra assurance that your brownies won't stick.
• Always grease your pan, even if it is non-stick, to ensure your brownies don't stick.

By following these steps and choosing the greasing method that works best for you, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, perfectly-shaped brownies!

Use a stoneware baking pan

Stoneware is a great option for baking brownies. It evenly distributes heat and helps create a crispy crust on the edges while keeping the centre moist and fudgy.

If you're using stoneware to bake your brownies, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure to preheat your stoneware before baking. This helps the stoneware to evenly distribute heat and ensures that the brownies will cook properly. Second, lightly grease the stoneware with butter or cooking spray before pouring in the batter. This will create a non-stick surface and make it easier to remove the brownies after baking.

When it comes to temperature, stoneware can be a bit of a wild card. The composition of the clay and the way it's made can affect how your brownies turn out. Hand-thrown stoneware, for example, tends to have more air pockets, which can slow down heat transfer. As a result, brownies baked in hand-thrown stoneware may take longer to cook and could end up with harder edges.

To avoid this, some bakers recommend turning the oven temperature down by 25 degrees Fahrenheit when using stoneware. This is especially important if your oven tends to run hot. Check your brownies frequently towards the end of the baking time to avoid overcooking.

Finally, when it comes to cleaning your stoneware, always let it cool down completely before washing it with warm, soapy water. Avoid using harsh cleaning agents or metal scrubbers, as these can damage the stoneware's surface. You can also use a stoneware cleaner for tougher stains. Be sure to dry the stoneware thoroughly before storing it.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to baking perfect brownies in your stoneware pan!

Use milk or buttermilk instead of water

How to Make Boxed Brownies Better

Using milk or buttermilk instead of water in your boxed brownie mix will result in a richer texture and flavour. The fat content in milk and buttermilk makes brownies more moist and gooey. This is a simple hack to achieve that homemade taste and texture.

Other tips to elevate boxed brownies:

• Use melted butter instead of oil: Butter will add richness in flavour and texture.
• Use extracts or flavourings: Adding a teaspoon of an extract like almond, rum, or vanilla can give your brownies a unique, signature flavour.
• Add mix-ins: Get creative and add cookies, candies, nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit, or a swirl of sauce like caramel or peanut butter.
• Underbake: For gooey, melt-in-your-mouth brownies, remove them from the oven 4-5 minutes earlier than the recommended time.
• Add coffee: Using coffee or espresso powder will enhance the chocolate flavour without making the brownies taste like coffee.
• Add salt: Salt enhances the sweetness in brownies and balances out the sugar.
• Use a foil sling: Lining your brownie pan with a foil sling makes it easier to lift the brownies out of the pan and prevents the pan from getting scratched.

Frequently asked questions