master-cooks | Alton Brown's Chef Tip For The Fudgiest Brownies? Bake Them Twice

Alton Brown, renowned for his scientific approach to cooking, offers a unique tip for achieving the fudgiest brownies: bake them twice. This unconventional method involves an initial bake at a higher temperature to set the structure of the brownies, followed by a cooling period. After the brownies have cooled, they are baked again at a lower temperature. The first bake helps create a stable exterior while maintaining a gooey, rich center. The cooling period is crucial as it allows the interior to settle and develop its fudgy texture. The second bake at a lower temperature helps to enhance the dense, moist quality of the brownies without overcooking them. This method ensures that the brownies have a perfect balance between a firm outer layer and a soft, decadent interior. By using this two-step baking process, Brown’s technique prevents the brownies from becoming cakey or dry, which can often happen with traditional one-step baking methods. This approach highlights Brown’s emphasis on precision and understanding of how varying temperatures influence the chemistry of ingredients, ultimately resulting in a superior brownie experience.

Why it's so nice to bake brownies twice

What’s the reasoning behind this technique? This approach lets you enjoy your gooey brownies without compromise. There’s so much to appreciate about a slightly under-baked brownie — the soft, unset center is irresistibly chewy and tasty. For those worried about the potential for foodborne illness from under-baked treats, Alton Brown — who isn’t shy about savoring raw batter — ensures that the brownies are thoroughly baked in the oven. By partially baking your brownies for 15 minutes and then allowing them to rest for another 15 minutes before returning them to the oven, you can preserve that gooey center thanks to the cooling period between bakes. When you put the brownies back in the oven, the edges heat up first, which helps prevent the center from overcooking or becoming too firm.

If you’re following Alton Brown’s brownie recipe — which requires a total of 45 minutes of baking at 300 degrees Fahrenheit — you start by baking the brownies for 15 minutes, then let them rest outside the oven for 15 minutes. After that, you bake them again for 30 minutes. Brown also advises waiting until the fudgy delights are at least "mostly cool" before indulging. But really, who can resist diving in sooner?

Alton Brown's Chef Tip For The Fudgiest Brownies? Bake Them Twice

Why it's so nice to bake brownies twice

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