To prevent the edges of brownies from overcooking or melting while baking, you can employ a few techniques. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you bake brownies with soft, moist centers and perfectly cooked edges:
Proper pan selection: Choose the right pan for baking brownies. A metal or glass pan will conduct heat more evenly compared to a dark or non-stick pan. Additionally, using a lighter-colored pan can help reduce the risk of overcooking the edges.
Adjust oven temperature: Lower the oven temperature slightly. When you reduce the temperature, the brownies will cook more evenly, reducing the risk of overcooking the edges while waiting for the center to bake.
Use an insulated baking sheet: Placing an insulated baking sheet underneath your brownie pan can help disperse heat more evenly. This helps prevent the edges from becoming too hot and melting while the center bakes.
Line the pan with parchment paper: Line the bottom and sides of the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will create a barrier between the edges of the brownies and the pan, reducing the chances of overcooking.
Avoid overmixing: Mix the brownie batter until just combined. Overmixing can cause the batter to become more liquid, making it easier for the edges to melt before the center is fully baked.
Use a toothpick test: To ensure the brownies are done baking, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, the brownies are ready to be taken out of the oven. Avoid overbaking them.
Cool gradually: Once the brownies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack. The residual heat in the pan will continue cooking the edges slightly, so removing them from the oven promptly will help prevent overcooking.
Slice carefully: When it's time to cut the brownies, use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts. This will help you get clean edges and prevent any extra pressure that could cause the edges to collapse or melt.
By following these tips, you should be able to bake brownies with a fudgy center and nicely cooked edges, without the risk of them melting from the edges.