If your brownies are not cooking evenly, and the edges are burning while the middle remains uncooked, there are a few steps you can take to improve the baking process:
Check oven temperature: Make sure your oven is calibrated correctly and is maintaining the right temperature. Use an oven thermometer to verify that the temperature is accurate. Sometimes, ovens can have hot spots, which can cause uneven baking.
Use the right pan: The type of pan you use can affect how your brownies bake. A dark-colored or glass pan tends to absorb more heat and may cause the edges to cook faster. Instead, use a light-colored metal pan, which will help promote more even baking.
Preheat the oven: Always preheat your oven before placing the brownie batter inside. This ensures that the oven is at the desired temperature when you start baking.
Adjust the rack position: Try moving the oven rack to a position slightly lower than the center of the oven. Placing the pan closer to the heat source can help the center cook more evenly with the edges.
Use a different baking method: You can try using the convection setting on your oven if available. Convection baking uses a fan to circulate hot air, leading to more even heat distribution and consistent baking.
Reduce baking temperature and time: If the edges are still cooking too quickly, you can lower the oven temperature slightly and increase the baking time. This approach will allow the heat to distribute more evenly throughout the brownies.
Use a foil tent: If the edges continue to cook faster, you can create a tent with aluminum foil to cover the edges of the pan, allowing the center to catch up without burning the edges.
Check for doneness with a toothpick: To avoid overcooking or undercooking, check the brownies for doneness using a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the brownies, and if it comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, the brownies are done.
By following these steps, you should be able to achieve more even baking, and your brownies should turn out deliciously cooked throughout.