These Brownie Pans Are the Secret to Crispy Corners and Gooey Middles (2024)

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This warp-resistant pan can do it all — brownies included. "I've had this pan for years. I received it as part of a set for my wedding in 2009, and it's still going strong," says Senior Commerce Writer Jennifer Zyman. "I have used it to make countless brownies, gingerbread cakes, and quick breads over the years. I love its nonstick capabilities and that I can throw it in the dishwasher. While you could wash it by hand, I like knowing all the cooking fats and sugars are properly cleaned out in the dishwasher."

Despite its dishwasher-friendliness, the pan is somewhat delicate. Metal utensils can damage the nonstick coating, and you shouldn't use temperatures above 450°F. Don't worry; that covers almost any recipe for brownies — and most other baked goods. It's on the pricy side, but if you treat it gently, it'll last a lifetime.

Material: Aluminized steel | Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 2 inches | Weight: 1.2 pounds | Dishwasher-safe: Yes (hand-washing recommended)

Who said you had to break the bank to make delicious brownies? Invest your money in quality ingredients for chocolate chunk brownies and save on your pans with this set from Wilton. You get a pair of nonstick 9-inch square pans, each with a matching plastic travel/storage lid that snaps in place securely. They're perfect to gift homemade baked goods, and if the recipient forgets to return your pan, you're only out ten bucks.

The downside with these cheap pans is that their construction is a little cheap. Reviewers complain about the material getting permanent stains from caramelized sugar and acidic ingredients like tomato, as well as rust forming in the seams and joints. But when the pans do start to deteriorate, they're not expensive to replace.

Material: Steel | Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 2 inches | Dishwasher-safe: Yes (hand-washing recommended)

Hestan Culinary is among our favorite high-end kitchen brands: It makes some of the best copper cookware and stainless steel cookware, as borne out in our extensive testing. Its brownie pan is no different, made from layers of stainless steel surrounding an aluminum core to transfer heat into the food very effectively but also very evenly. You'll get nicely browned edges, corners, and bottoms, without hot spots.

"This pan has even heating and looks good as it cooks!" says News & Deals Editor Daniel Modlin. "Also, I love the curled handles." This pan is heat-safe up to 600°F, a little higher than traditional nonstick models, which means you can use it under the broiler for browning the cheese atop a lasagna.

Materials: Stainless steel, aluminum | Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.8 x 2 inches | Weight: 3.5 pounds | Dishwasher-safe: Yes (hand-washing recommended)

Unfortunately, there's just not a standard size for brownie pans. But if you're baking for a big family or other large crowd, we recommend a 9-by-13-inch pan over an 8- or 9-inch square.

And when it comes to nonstick bakeware, "USA Pan is the GOAT!" says Commerce Writer Kristin Montemarano. "It has good heat retention and circulation, with sharp corners and zero tapering." The lack of rounded edges makes for better crunchy edges on brownies, and USA Pan's silicone coating ensures that everything will slide right out even with 90-degree angles. In our lab testing, the nonstick capability of the brand's muffin pans blew us away, and this pan has the same material and design.

As an extra-large pan, though, this model can't accommodate single batches intended for a square dish. You'll have to double any recipe calling for an 8-by-8 or 9-by-9 square and add a bit of baking time.

Materials: Aluminized steel | Dimensions: 9.5 x 13.62 x 2.25 inches | Weight: 1.6 pounds | Dishwasher-safe: No

Thick, dense ceramic takes longer to heat up than metal, which is why it's not typically the material of choice for quick-cooking baked goods. However, ceramic is also a good insulator. "If you aim to serve your brownies while still warm from the oven, that’s the only reason to consider ceramic,” says Laurel Almerinda, pastry chef & partner at Huckleberry Bakery and Café in Los Angeles.

We named Great Jones' Hot Dish our best overall casserole dish, so it's our obvious pick for a ceramic brownie pan, too. The large looped handles make grabbing and carrying easy — important because it's quite heavy — and the cute design comes in four different colors. It's ideal for going straight from oven to table, and it's perfect for all sorts of dishes, from baked Southern-style mac and cheese to, of course, hot dish. It's also dishwasher-, freezer-, and microwave-safe.

Materials: Ceramic | Dimensions: 16.5 x 9.25 x 3 inches | Weight: 5 pounds | Dishwasher-safe: Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

• What type of pan is best for brownies?

  “This is subjective, of course, and depends on your priorities and preferences in brownie baking," says Almerinda. "I’m partial to a crisp but chewy outer edge paired with a fudgy, possibly even gooey inside. For this, glass or metal are the best.” If you prefer a cake-y brownie with a consistent texture throughout, a heavy ceramic pan could be the right choice.

• Can you make brownies in a muffin pan?

  Yes, you can bake individual-serving brownies in a muffin pan. But if you don't want the rounded, puffy top of a muffin or cupcake, you shouldn't put as much batter in each cup. You shouldn't go more than about half-full, compared to the two-thirds-full that's standard for muffins. Be mindful of the baking time, too, as it will be shorter in a muffin tin than in a standard brownie pan. You can improvise with what you have or buy bakeware to suit your brownie preferences.

• Can you freeze brownies?

  If you just can’t finish eating your whole batch of brownies or want to keep your freezer stocked for a future brownie craving, freezing them is an option. “And you should because there’s no reason not to!” Almerinda says.

  However, there are a few things to keep in mind before tossing your brownies into the depths of your freezer. “Make sure they are in an airtight vessel — freezer funk is real. I recommend no longer than four months and not storing them in the freezer door where they are subject to temperature fluctuations.”

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