Is it better to cut brownies hot or cold?
The single most important step in cutting brownies cleanly is to be sure they are completely cooled before you attempt to cut them. We have methods that will give you perfect brownies but none of them will work if you're impatient and cut hot or even warm brownies.
Wait until your brownies have completely cooled to room temperature. As brownies cool, they will solidify and set up, so slicing into them too early can result in brownie squares that fall apart or become a mess very quickly.
It is important to understand though, that brownies will get a firmer texture as they cool down, but they shouldn't harden unless you make a sudden temperature change such as from oven warm temperature to fridge cold temperature.
- DO let the brownies cool completely before cutting.
- DO press down firmly then pick up the knife.
- DO clean the knife blade after each cut.
- DO NOT use a serrated knife.
- DO NOT saw back and forth or drag the blade.
Use a plastic knife to cut brownies
Plastic knives are naturally non-stick and won't tear the brownies as you are slicing. When cutting brownies with a metal knife the fudgy center of the brownie clings to the knife.
Overcooking them is often the result of incorrect oven temperature, which causes these sugary treats to harden around the edges. Treating yourself to warm brownies can make your day infinitely better. If you're in the mood to bake, you can skip the store-bought version and prepare something at home.
Pour the batter into the pan, spreading evenly before baking. After baking, I let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing it all with the parchment paper and placing on a wire rack to cool completely.
Pre-heating your oven is of utmost important. Brownies also sink in the middle because they weren't baked for long enough. Even when your toothpick comes out almost clean but you start noticing a dent in your brownies, bake them for 4-5 more minutes. These last few minutes do their magic.
- Cut three long rows into your bars (that's three 3-inch rows).
- Then cut across the other way to form rectangles—they should be between 3 and 4 inches across.
- Cut each rectangle in half diagonally with the bench scraper or a sharp knife.
For cake-like brownies, take them out of the oven when they just begin to pull away from the sides of the pan, or when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. For fudgy brownies, bake within the time range stated in the recipe. For very moist brownies, take them out toward the minimum baking time.
Do you put brownies in the fridge after baking?
Do Brownies Need to Be Refrigerated? Brownies don't need to be refrigerated, but they'll hold up a few more days if they are. Unless your brownies include more perishable ingredients like fresh fruit or cream cheese frosting, they'll be fine at room temperature as long as they're stored in an airtight container.
Note that different pan sizes will affect the way your brownies cook, so if they're hard around the edges, you may be using the wrong bakeware. Grease the pan before you put the batter in. Bake the brownies for 30 to 35 minutes or until they're cooked through.
Yes, it's completely fine to put your brownies in the fridge to cool. Usually, you want to do this for about an hour post-baking, although 30 minutes will be sufficient. Especially if you want soft, gooey brownies, placing yours into the refrigerator to cool after they come out of the oven is a great idea to try.
- Cut three long rows into your bars (that's three 3-inch rows).
- Then cut across the other way to form rectangles—they should be between 3 and 4 inches across.
- Cut each rectangle in half diagonally with the bench scraper or a sharp knife.
Store brownies at room temperature by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or by placing them in an airtight container, such as a lidded tray or Tupperware container. This will prevent your brownies from going stale and keep possible contaminants out.