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What’s the Best Type of Pan for Baking Brownies?
I’ve baked dozens of pans of brownies. In the process, I’ve worked my way through several types of pans. Here’s my thoughts on which type of pan the best type of pan for baking brownies.
Glass and Ceramic Baking Pans
Glass (such as Pyrex) and ceramic have poor heat conduction. Sometimes people think this means that the material doesn’t heat up properly, but this is not exactly correct. Poor heat conduction means that it’s slow to heat up, and it’s also slow to cool down. This can cause brownies to overbake, because the pan is stays so hot for so long after you take it out of the oven that it continues to bake the brownies.
I try to avoid glass and ceramic, but if you do use it, line your pan with parchment or foil, then lift the brownies out of the pan after you remove them from the oven. They will cool down properly rather than continuing to cook.
Dark Colored Aluminum Pans (Usually Nonstick)
This is a very common material. It works fine for baking brownies, but since dark colors absorb more heat than light colors, you may want to keep a close eye on your brownies to prevent overbaking. Read about how to tell when brownies are done.
Light Colored Aluminum Pans (Nonstick or Plain)
This is my favorite kind of pan for baking brownies. Light colored aluminum heats up quickly without overheating, and then cools down quickly once removed from the oven.
Edge Brownie Pans
Another interesting pan is the Baker’s Edge Nonstick Edge Brownie Pan
, which has a serpentine design that allows you to have much more “edge” to your brownies- this is the best pan for baking brownies if you really like brownie edges! Plus, it’s made of light colored aluminum.
Bar Pans
Nope, they’re not for the kind of bar you drink at; bar pans are for brownies and bars, silly. Individual rectangular spaces create individual bars (such as brownies). It’s like a muffin pan but with squares.
Do You Need to Buy a Special Pan to Bake Brownies?
Not necessarily. You just have to adjust your approach to the type of pan that you have. If you find that it doesn’t suit you, get yourself a nice light colored aluminum pan. It shouldn’t cost more than $20.
What do you think is the best type of pan for baking brownies?
Try my amazing deep dish brownies recipe!
Photo by theswedish from FreeImages.com
Manila Spoon
Thanks for this informative post. I sure learned something helpful and will apply this when I make brownies next time. Pinned. 🙂
Sara
Great to know! I always use metal so I test my recipes that way but it was brought to my attention that my glass pans cook differently when a friend made my blondies and they came out underdone
Josie - Eat Thrive Glow
Good to know, I’ve often wondered what was the best pan to use! 🙂
[email protected]
Excellent synopsis! My favorite is the light aluminum pan. To keep the edges from over baking while the center is still raw, I often use cake strips as well.
Jennifer Stewart
Thanks for the great article! I love to bake some brownies and use my le cruset all the time but it’s so heavy I hate cleaning it. I guess I could always just lick it clean:)
Katie
That’s my favorite cleaning method. 🙂
Bad Girl Baking
Personally I use a light colored aluminum pan. I find that they give the brownie a nice crusty edge, and a delectable warm and gooey center.
To be honest I’ve never really thought about the different effects that bakeware can have. I may have to look in to the effects that various pans have on brownies and post and in-depth article over on my blog.
Katie
If you do write one, come on by and drop a link here so I can read & share it! 🙂
felle kings
I love my new aluminum pans. I think they are Ceracraft. I had some Le Creuset years ago but they are just too heavy for comfort. I’m thinking of replacing my bog standard pans with ceramic pans as the lids have metal handles and I’m always burning myself. It would be nice to have a matching set.
Katie
Sounds like a good idea! I’m ready to get some new cake pans with handles. I can’t stand the ones that have no handles at all, because I always end up poking my oven mitt into the batter. 🙂
Ana
What is the avg siz of a brownie if you were selling from a bakery?
Katie
Usually they’re cut square, maybe around 3 inches square? It varies from bakery to bakery.
Ohsnap
Great article, i bought pan from your list/ thank you so muach