Everybody loves brownies, that’s a fact. As a kid, I would hoard slices in my bedroom at the annoyance of my mom. But let me just tell you, brownies may look simple to bake but it’s not an easy recipe especially if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Undercooking brownies leads to frustration and disappointment which often discourage beginners from starting a baking career. With that in mind, we’re here to help you out on all the things you need to know on how to fix undercooked brownies.
How to fix undercooked brownies
The easiest way to fix undercooked brownies is by simply putting them back into the oven. Even if they’ve spent a few hours on the cooling rack, putting them back in the oven should be totally fine. Preheat the oven at 350F and bake your undercooked brownies to your liking.
What causes brownies to be undercooked?
Your brownies may become undercooked if you are using the wrong time and temperature setting on your oven. The brownies tend to flatten or shrink if the baking time is not adequate.
In most cases, the inside will also be very moist. If the temperature is not hot enough, the brownies will cook on the outside but not on the inside. Preheat your oven and put the brownies back to fix this problem.
The size of your pan also contributes to how time and temperature affect your recipe. If you’re using a small pan, the brownies have a high chance of becoming thick. This will cook them slower, and the middle part can end up undercooked.
Using a glass pan also lengthens the time compared to using metal pans so if you’re following a recipe, take the pan size and its model into consideration.
It is also best to avoid using dairy products that are way past their shelf life because it will result in an uncomfortable taste for your brownies. Lastly, it’s recommended to use eggs at room temperature rather than ones that are stored in the fridge.
Using cold eggs in your dough will firm it up resulting in uneven kneading. Taking them out of the fridge an hour before is ideal for the ingredients to mix well.
How can you tell if your brownies are undercooked?
An undercooked brownie is mushy, melty, and will taste raw. Adding a lot of flavors or ingredients tends to do more harm than good in this situation. To check, poke your brownie in several places using a toothpick to see if there is still flour that’ll stick out.
If there’s no toothpick available, use a sharp knife and thrust it in the middle of the brownie. If it’s clean without any moist crumbs, then the brownie is done and ready for consumption. Otherwise, reheat back into the oven and observe until your brownie achieves a darker and matte color.
It’s also important to let your brownies cool once you’ve taken them out of the oven. They need to cool in a cooling rack before being cut because skimping out on this step will make your brownie unappetizing and too moist in the middle. You will know your brownie is done when they smell good so you need to be patient during this step.
If the brownie is still undercooked, it will usually give out a shiny gloss. This will disappear as the brownie bakes. If you’re still unsure if the brownie is ready, using a thermometer can help. Stick the thermometer in the center and check the condition. Adjust accordingly until it’s fully cooked.
How do you make brownies less mushy or gooey?
When using the toothpick test, the toothpick must come out completely clean if you’re looking for a more cake-like experience for your brownies. If there is some brownie mix sticking on the toothpick, then it needs a little more time to cook in the oven.
If you want them mushy or gooey, then the toothpick must come out with a few moist or crumbs. Immediately take the brownies out of the oven and let them cool down in a cooling rack as this is perfect for a fudgy brownie.
Is it safe to eat undercooked brownies?
Even if they look delicious on the outside, it’s recommended to not eat undercooked or raw brownies under any circumstances. Your recipe has to be properly cooked on the inside and out to avoid infection from salmonella or E. coli.
These bacteria can cause serious digestive problems and may even require medical help in cases of severe reactions like vomiting, diarrhea, or fever.
Children are susceptible to trying them out when left unsupervised so be very vigilant when there are kids around. A delicious dessert is great but health and safety should be at the top of your priorities when making brownies especially for children.
Can I put brownies in the refrigerator?
If you like your brownies dry, then sure, put the brownies in the fridge. But to enjoy the taste and flavor of an authentic brownie, it’s best to put them in a sealed container or vacuum.
Brownies last long at room temperature and they maintain their moistness and consistency so long as they’re properly stored.
Is it better to put undercooked brownies in the microwave than in an oven?
You can microwave slices of brownies in 30-second intervals so that they cook evenly. One of the advantages of using a microwave is it can cook brownies inside and out as well as being a timesaver. But again, nothing beats the traditional oven so only use a microwave if you do not have access to an oven.
Conclusion
Brownies are everyone’s favorite dessert. I loved them as a child, and I like them now as an adult. Baking brownies look simple and complicated at the same time.
From food prep to the cooking process, everything has to be precise to prevent issues like undercooking. After reading this fun article, we hope that pastry chefs and home cooks are better prepared the next time they whip up a great dessert for everyone. Enjoy the brownies!
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