Baking brownies to perfection can be tricky, especially when you don’t have a toothpick on hand. But there are plenty of alternative ways to check if brownies are done.
Why It’s Important to Know How to Check Brownies Without a Toothpick
Getting your brownies just right is essential, whether you prefer fudgy or cakey results. Learn how to check brownie doneness without a toothpick for the perfect texture.
Best Methods to Check if Brownies Are Done Without a Toothpick
There are multiple ways to determine brownie doneness without a toothpick, including using visual cues, tools, and texture tests.
Alternative Ways to Check if Brownies are Done
When you don’t have a toothpick, try one of these methods:
1. Visual Cues
The appearance of your brownies can be the first indicator. Look for the top to develop a crackly surface or a matte finish. When the edges of the brownies start pulling away from the sides of the pan, it’s a good sign that they’re almost done(
)(
).
2. The Knife or Skewer Test
Instead of a toothpick, you can use a knife, fork, or bamboo skewer to test the brownies’ center. Insert it into the middle, and look for crumbs rather than wet batter sticking to the utensil. A few moist crumbs mean a fudgy brownie is done, while a clean utensil might indicate a cakey texture(
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3. The Texture and Jiggle Test
Another effective way to check if brownies are done is by assessing the texture. Lightly shake the pan; if the center jiggles slightly, they may still be underbaked. This technique is especially useful for fudgy brownies, which tend to set as they cool(
).
Using a Thermometer
For a more scientific approach, a digital thermometer can help you measure the internal temperature of the brownies. For fudgy brownies, the ideal temperature is around 165°F, while cakey brownies should hit 210°F before removing them from the oven. This method ensures precision and consistency(
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Troubleshooting Brownie Doneness
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are some tips to fix brownies that may not have baked perfectly:
What to Do if Brownies Are Undercooked
If your brownies are too gooey in the middle, place them back in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes at the original baking temperature. Be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking(
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How to Fix Overbaked Brownies
If you’ve overbaked your brownies, you can try salvaging them by serving with ice cream or whipped cream to add moisture. Unfortunately, once overcooked, brownies can become tough, so keeping a close eye during baking is key to avoiding this(
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FAQs
Can undercooked brownies make you sick?
If your brownies contain raw eggs, there’s a slight risk of foodborne illness from undercooking. However, once the center reaches around 144°F, the internal temperature is usually high enough to eliminate most harmful bacteria(
).
Can you put brownies back in the oven if they’re undercooked?
Yes, if the brownies aren’t fully baked, you can return them to the oven and continue baking. Keep the temperature the same to avoid burning the edges(
).
What happens if the center of my brownies is still gooey?
This is common in fudgy brownies. As long as the surface is set and the edges are firm, the center will set after cooling(
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By using these tips, you can confidently check your brownies’ doneness without a toothpick and ensure they come out perfectly every time. If you’re a fan of rich, fudgy textures, check out the science of fudgy brownies for a deeper dive into how ingredients affect your brownie’s final texture.