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The Spruce Eats / Amelia Manley
Brownies are one of American's most iconic desserts, and they're so easy to make. Everyone has their own favorite version, from delicious gluten-free flourless brownies to flavorful coffee-infused Texas brownies to rich pumpkin brownies and more.
Having the right pan is vital because the texture of brownies is subject to strong opinions, and the texture depends on the baking pan. So, whether you're in the market for something round, square, glass, ceramic, or even budget-friendly, we curated a great selection for all kinds of brownies, so you can create your best batch ever, every time.
Best Overall
All-Clad Nonstick Pro-Release Square Baking Pan
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Williams Sonoma
Aluminized steel for even baking
Wide handles for easy grabbing
Nonstick coating for easy release
Pricey
Brownie lovers rejoice! The All-Clad Pro-Release Nonstick Bakeware Square Baking Pan is our Best Overall pick for its high-quality material, easy carrying handles, and exceptional nonstick coating. The 8 x 8-inch pan is made of heavy-gauge, commercial-grade, aluminized steel, which conducts heat evenly throughout the pan. The aluminized steel is also warp-resistant and can handle heat up to 450 degrees so you can use this pan to cook more than just perfect brownies. Aluminized steel heats quickly and browns baked goods evenly for consistent results every time.
The two generous handles ensure that brownies aren’t accidentally squished with an errant thumbprint when removing the hot pan from the oven. They also make transferring in and out of the oven stress-free, even when using thick oven mitts. The PFOA-free nonstick coating releases brownies easily from the pan. Plus, the coating is ceramic reinforced and deflects stains and scratches. Once the brownies are out of the pan, wash with soap and water to maintain the nonstick coating.
Price at time of publish: $30
Material: Aluminized steel | Dimensions: 11.5 x 8.75 x 2 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes, but hand-washing is recommended
Best Budget
Wilton Recipe Right 9-Inch Brownie Pans With Lids
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Amazon
Comes in a set of 2
Nonstick coating
Dishwasher-safe
Lids can be difficult to remove
The Wilton Recipe Right Non-Stick 9-Inch Square Baking Pan includes two 9 x 9-inch brownie pans and a fitted plastic lid for each for a budget-friendly price. The low price for the set shouldn’t be mistaken for low quality though. The pans are made of light-colored, cold-rolled steel that cooks the brownies evenly by dispersing the heat, and makes them resistant to dents, warping, and rust. The light color can take some guesswork out of baking since they don’t require lowering oven temperatures to compensate.
Each pan is coated with a silicone polyester nonstick coating that is safe up to 450 degrees. The nonstick coating helps prevent rusting and keeps brownies from sticking to the pan. Spritzing the pan with baking spray is all that is needed for the brownies to easily release. Clean up is a breeze since both the pans and lids are dishwasher safe. Though we love that these pans come with lids, it can be difficult to take off at times. If the lid is stuck, start at the corners and use your fingers to pull the lid off.
Price at time of publish: $18
Material: Steel | Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 1 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Glass
Anchor Hocking TrueFit 8-inch Square Glass Baking Dish
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Amazon
Safe in the freezer and microwave
Made from tempered glass
Lid seals over handles
Lid is not heat-safe
The Anchor Hocking 8 x 8-inch Square Glass Baking Dish with Airtight TrueFit Lid is an ideal glass baking dish for making any dessert from brownies to a fresh plum crumble. Comfortable handles make transporting the pan worry-free without adding extra bulk that can be inconvenient to store. High-quality tempered glass resists stains and odors, which means you can bake brownies one day and lasagna the next.
The baking dish is oven safe up to 425 degrees and can also be used in the microwave or freezer. An ingeniously designed, BPA-free lid fits over the handles and is easy to take on and off. The center of the lid is clear allowing the brownies to be visible on all sides while also keeping brownies fresh for longer. Note that the lid is not heat-safe, so wait to put it on until after the pan has cooled down. Both the pan and the lid are dishwasher-safe.
Price at time of publish: $21
Material: Glass | Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.75 x 2.5 inches︱Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Ceramic
Emile Henry Modern Classics 9-Inch Square Baking Dish
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Amazon
Durable and thermal-shock resistant
Can handle temperatures up to 520 degrees
Beautiful design
Pricey
Emile Henry’s Modern Classics Square Baking Dish is a durable, beautiful, ceramic 9-inch pan. The 9 x 9 x 2-inch ceramic pan has straight, not sloped, sides, and is made in France using Burgundian clay, which diffuses heat evenly while in the oven. The nonporous material resists stains and encourages heat distribution and heat retention. The pan can withstand temperatures of up to 520 degrees, which is higher than most ceramics. Plus, this pan is resistant to thermal shock, so it can safely go from the freezer to the oven.
Emile Henry is known for its craftsmanship and visually attractive bakeware, and this pan is no exception. Available in multiple different colors, the outside of the pan is stamped with the classic EH logo and the inside of the baker is a shiny white. Handles are slightly angled for easy carrying from the oven to the table so you can serve out of the pan or cover and refrigerate for later. The hard glaze resists scratches and won’t crack, discolor, or fade, even when washed in the dishwasher. This does also come in an 8-inch size, and we also highly recommend the 13 x 9-inch baking dish. While this high-quality ceramic pan isn’t exactly budget-friendly, it has a 10-year warranty should the unthinkable happen.
Price at time of publish: $40
Material: Stoneware | Dimensions: 10.6 x 9 x 2.5 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Round
USA Pan 8-Inch Round Cake Pan
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Amazon
Silicone-based nonstick coating
Heavy-duty material
Ribbed pattern for air circulation
Hand wash only
The USA Pan Nonstick Round Cake Pan is an 8 x 2-inch round pan made of aluminized steel coated with a silicone-based, nonstick coating. The high-quality coating ensures that brownies are easily released from the pan. Aluminized steel is a heavy-duty material that distributes heat efficiently and prevents warping or rusting. Essentially, it heats up and cools down quickly, which helps prevent brownies from overbaking. The pan can withstand temperatures of up to 450 degrees.
As well as a nonstick coating, the bottom of the pan has a ribbed pattern that inhibits baked goods from sticking to the pan by increasing air circulation underneath. That added airflow helps the pan bake evenly, as well. This round pan cleans easily with soap and water and can be used for a variety of baked goods. If you are used to putting pans in the dishwasher, be warned! This pan is hand wash only. Also, avoid scratching the nonstick surface with harsh scrub pads.
Price at time of publish: $21
Material: Alloy steel | Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 2 inches | Dishwasher Safe: No
Best Aluminum
Fat Daddio's 8-Inch Square Cake Pan
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Amazon
Made of thick anodized aluminum
Safe up to 550 degrees
Lifetime warranty
Baked goods can stick to the pan
By using thick 14-gauge anodized aluminum, the Fat Daddio’s 8 x 8-inch square baking pan resists dents, warping, and rust. Anodized aluminum makes the pan heat evenly and quickly, and it won’t react to acidic ingredients. Though anodized aluminum is an easy-release material, it’s a good idea to cover in parchment paper to ensure that the brownies come out of the pan cleanly. Additionally, the pan is heat-safe up to 550 degrees and also freezer safe. Being uncoated means that the pan is safe to use if it is scratched and it will never peel or flake.
The straight sides and square corners of the pan will give baked goods a professional appearance and lead to less time and waste from squaring off your favorite peanut butter bars. The seamless, square corners ensure brownie batter will never leak from the pan and the rounded rim is easy to hold. For the best results, hand washing is recommended. The pans will discolor in the dishwasher, though the functionality would not be affected. Lastly, Fat Diddio’s offers a lifetime warranty on the pans should it be needed.
Price at time of publish: $17
Material: Anodized aluminum | Dimensions: 9 x 8 x 2 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes, but hand-washing is recommended
Best Silicone
Trudeau 8 x 8-Inch Square Silicone Cake Pan
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Amazon
Steel-reinforced silicone
Grippy handles
Playful design
Low heat resistance
Silicone is known for its nonstick, easy-release qualities, without worrying about a coating scratching or rusting. This 8 x 8-inch square pan from Trudeau has the added benefit of a steel reinforced structure to help stabilize it, which comes in especially handy for transferring it with unbaked batter inside. The steel runs inside the top of the pan and adds structure when transporting in and out of the oven.
The pan has a large rim that will catch any drips and two of the sides have rubber grips to make it easier to handle. The available confetti pattern adds a fun twist to this hardworking pan. It reminds us to have fun in the kitchen. Trudeau carries multiple kitchen items in the “Confetti” pattern and also has the same high-quality pan in a more standard metal color. This versatile pan can be used in the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher. Keep in mind that this pan is heat safe up to 428 degrees, which is lower than other types of materials. This shouldn’t be a problem when baking, but don’t put it in a very hot oven.
Price at time of publish: $22
Material: Silicone | Dimensions: 9.06 x 10.16 x 2.36 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Set
Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick Oblong and Square Cake Pan Set
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Amazon
Two most common sizes
Sturdy steel
Budget-friendly
Dark color might bake faster
Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick Pan set is a 2-piece steel bakeware set with a 9 x 13-inch pan and a 8 x 8-inch square pan. Each has generous handles and a silicone-based nonstick coating. These are standard sizes for pans and the most common sizes for baking brownie recipes, which makes this set stand out from the rest. Cold-rolled steel is a durable, strong material that resists rusting and dents, and heats evenly in the oven for consistent results.
The silicone-based coating releases brownies easily from the pan, and also makes clean up easier. Though technically dishwasher safe, the pans will last longer if hand washed. It’s hard to argue with a quality two-piece bakeware that costs less than $20, especially when the pans have a limited 10-year warranty. One downside to these pans is that they are dark. Dark pans tend to bake quicker, though the steel material conducts heat slower so it may offset this to some extent. It’s recommended to lower the temperature by 25 degrees when baking in dark pans and to check for doneness sooner.
Price at time of publish: $17
Material: Steel | Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 2 inches, 13 x 9 x 2 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes, but hand-washing is recommended
Best With Dividers
Chicago Metallic Professional Slice Solutions Brownie Pan
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Amazon
Versatile dividers
Makes 18 perfectly cut brownies
Nonstick coating
Thin batter can leak
The Chicago Metallic Professional Slice Solutions Brownie Pan is a 3-piece pan made of stainless steel that’s coated for a nonstick surface. The pan consists of a 9 x 13-inch pan with 1.5-inch sides, lifting tray, and divider. The divider rests inside the pan and is a grid that creates 18 identically sized brownies. The divider can be placed in the pan before the batter is added and baked or used to cut the brownies after they have baked and cooled. Either way, the divider saves time spent cutting perfect brownies. If using the divider before baking, it allows for individually topped brownies as well.
This pan is a great size for a larger gathering and the divider creates a standard-sized brownie instead of smaller “bites.” The included lifting tray makes it easy to get the brownies out of the pan but thin batter can seep underneath it and require extra clean up time.
Price at time of publish: $20
Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 16 x 10 x 1.5 inches | Dishwasher Safe:
The All-Clad Pro-Release Nonstick Bakeware Square Baking Pan is our top pick because it answers most brownie-baking problems before they happen and is great for all levels of bakers. If it’s the brownie pan of a lifetime you’re looking for, consider the Emile Henry Modern Classics 9-Inch Square Baking Dish.
What to Look for in a Brownie Pan
Material
Pans used for baking brownies can be made of steel, aluminum, glass, ceramic, or silicone. They can be finished with nonstick coatings made of different materials, too. Most brownie recipes and mixes are written for metal pans, but you can adapt them for different materials. Glass is slower to heat, and will hold onto heat, so the sides of your brownies might get a little over-baked in the process. With that and ceramic, you'll need to do some experimenting to find the best time and temperature for your brownies.
Brownie pans also are often coated with a nonstick finish, but not always. Again here, some recipes will call for greasing the pan, some won't, and you might need to experiment to find what works best. It's a safe bet to lightly grease uncoated metal pans though.
Chef Lindsay Ray, former pastry chef and owner of Meet Me in Your Kitchen, recommends keeping the following in mind when shopping for brownie pans. "The brownie pan you choose should be a lighter color metal and have a nonstick finish," she says. "Darker metals tend to bake faster and brown the outside and bottom of your brownie too quickly. A nonstick surface will make life easier when removing a brownie from the pan. You should also look for a pan that has some heft to it; not necessarily heavy, but not flimsy either, which leads to uneven baking."
Size
Pans for making brownies are usually square (8 x 8 inches or 9 x 9 inches) or rectangular (9 x 13 inches), so most recipes are written for use in those sizes. Round cake pans can also be used, and pans for individual mini brownies are available too. For round or individual pans, you'll again need to experiment to find what works best.
Michael Zebrowski, associate professor at The Culinary Institute of America and author of "The Pastry Chef’s Little Black Book—Volumes 1 & 2," suggests that it’s important to decide how often you bake brownies when looking to buy a brownie pan. "For the home baker who bakes brownies all the time, I would recommend an 8 x 8-inch or 9 x 9-inch brownie pan," he says. "This will yield you brownies that are a little bit thicker.
"If you only bake brownies once in a while, I would recommend buying a classic glass 9 x 13-inch pan that’s around 3 inches high," Zebrowski continues. "That way, the pan can be used for a myriad of other applications like lasagna, smaller roasts, chicken, mac & cheese, and a myriad of other dishes which makes for a valued and multi-functional piece of bakeware and doesn’t add to one’s collection of infrequently used equipment saving both space and money."
FAQs
Can you make brownies in a muffin pan?
Yes. Brownies are considered to be a “bar cookie” and are very adaptable. Use the right recipe for the size of pan you choose, though. Chef Ray highly recommends making brownies in muffin pans. "Yes, you can absolutely make brownies in a muffin pan!" she says. "This is a great way for everyone to get an ample amount of edge, my personal favorite. Just make sure to watch the time, as they will bake more quickly."
How long do you bake brownies?
Baking times vary, but brownie recipes generally call for 20 to 30 minutes in the oven. For a better idea, check out this article on cake baking times by pan size.
Michael advises, “For brownies, my recommendation is to use your recipe baking time as a guideline only. Check it several minutes prematurely by sticking a paring knife or skewer in the center. If it comes out “wet”, it needs more time. If it comes out “clean” it could be a little over-baked. The best test for doneness for most brownies is your paring knife or skewer when inserted will come out with some crumbs still clinging to it.”
How do you grease a brownie pan?
It depends on the pan and recipe. Some pans do not need to be greased, while others need to be greased or covered with parchment paper. Here’s our useful guide on how to properly grease a pan.
This is how Chef Ray prepares brownie pans: "I prepare the brownie pan by creating a sling out of a wide strip of parchment paper and laying that lengthwise in the bottom of the pan, then spraying the entire pan (bottom, sides, and especially corners) with baking spray," she says. "The spray helps with a smooth release and the sling makes it easy to move a fragile, still-cooling brownie from a hot pan to a cooling rack."
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Rachel Knecht is a food writer located in Seattle and spent the better part of a month developing a brownie recipe and baking batch after batch to the utter delight of her family. She updated this roundup with a few new recommendations, as well as interviewing Chef Lindsay Ray of Meet Me in Your Kitchen and Michael Zebrowski of The Culinary Institute of America and author of "The Pastry Chef’s Little Black Book—Volumes 1 & 2."
Karen Resta is a writer specializing in food culture and history, cooking, pastries, and restaurants. She's a former pastry chef and is always searching for the best authentic pastries wherever she goes. Brownies are a big part of her life. She loves to find the best products within any budget and believes that having the right tools and knowing how to use them (it can take practice, like anything else) makes all the difference, and she curated this list with that in mind.
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