Full question
I have made Nigella's Brownies loads of times but I am confused about how long to cook them for. The recipe says 25 mins at gas mark 4. But I do them for 35 at 4 then turn it down to 1 for another hour. I do pre-heat the oven too. They are without a doubt the best brownies ever but odd the timing is out?
Our answer
Nigella's Brownies (from HOW TO BE A DOMESTIC GODDESS) are walnut-studded brownies that have gooey centres. The baking time is approximately 25 minutes at 180C/350F (gas mark 4). The baking time is correct to give the squidgy brownies that Nigella prefers. If you are baking the brownies for longer at a lower temperature then you will get a drier, more cake-like texture but still with a good chocolate flavour.
The texture is a matter of personal preference and ovens can vary a little. However to test for a squidgy brownie you should bake the brownies until the top has formed a crust and the centre no longer looks liquid. Insert a cake tester into the centre and it should come out with damp crumbs attached (though not uncooked brownie batter). The brownies will continue to set as they cool. If the cake tester comes out clean then you will have a more cake-like brownie.
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