Are My Brownies Cooked Enough?

Asked by anahi acevedo. Answered on 18th March 2012

Full question

Hello, I just tried your Brownies recipe from your iPhone Quick Collection and I am not sure if they are raw? I live in Mexico so oven times can change a little, so after 25 minutes in the oven they didn't quite look done. I let them bake for 5 more minutes, took them out and let them cool. They taste delicious but are very soft inside. The top is light brown and the inside dark brown. Any suggestions? Thank you!

Our answer

Brownies are generally cooked until they are set but not fully baked as they should be dark, damp and rich - the British would describe them as "squidgy". If they are baked for too long then they will become more cake-like, but then they would not really be a brownie. So from the description it sounds as if the brownies are about right. If you are not sure if the brownies are baked enough then insert a cake tester into the centre of the pan of brownies - it should come out with damp crumbs attached to it, but not uncooked batter. If there is uncooked batter on the tester then bake for another 5 minutes and check again.

It is also worth noting that the brownies will continue to set in the pan as they cool and it is best to let the baked brownies cool completely in the pan before removing and slicing. Just-baked brownies will bevery tender and difficult to cut and ease out of the pan.