what is the secret to chewy brownies?!
Answers:
For a chewy consistency in baked goods there are several things you can do:
1. decrease the number of eggs used (eggs give that light, spongy texture to baked goods)
2. increase the moisture content of the food
3. substitute vegetable oil for butter
So, for chewy brownies you can reduce the number of eggs used in the mix by 1, while adding a tablespoon or two of water to the mix before baking. Usually, brownie mixes call for vegetable oil anyways.
Do not undercook baked goods that contain eggs. This increases the risk of food borne illness! If you can achieve the same results in a safer way, then do that.
If you are looking for a chewy cookie, use Crisco or some other vegetable-oil based shortening instead of butter. These fats are liquid or close to liquid at room temperature which yields a chewier baked good! Butter is good for crispy/flaky results!
I am a dietitian and have my masters in food science and nutrition.
my mom always taught me to underbake EVERYTHING. seriously,brownies,cookies,bread,cake etc. it literally works every time. my mom is an awesome baker. (and im not the only one who thinks so) its a little tricky to get it right. cause if its too underbaked then its way to doughy over baked is dry. there is a happy medium in there somewhere! goodluck.
the right pan helps. A non stick surface makes a chewy-crisp edge.
the amount of eggs is important. Use the lowest amount the recipe calls for, because eggs make it more like cake.
use a mix. I don't know why, but mix brownies work better than any scratch recipe for brownies
don't over cook it, take it out at the low end of the cook time and cool it completely.
Out of a box, use 2 eggs instead of 3. You want fudge instead of cake-like.
Also, once they cool, cut them into squares and store in ziplock (or whatever) right away to help maintain the moisture. I like ziplocks because they are easy to store/use.
But in the future, chewy = fudge-like.
When I make brownies from a box, I usually do not follow the cooking time provided (my oven is probably incorrectly calibrated). I usually go five minuted less than the cooking time. If the toothpick comes out clean, then I take it out. Brownies continue to cook so it is better to take it out as soon (or before it is done).
Putting it in the oven for less time, is what I have always done. Also, it will say like use two eggs instead of three. Hope this helps!
take them out of the oven a few minutes early