When you’re in the mood for a decadent fudgy treat, nothing satisfies quite like a brownie. And the best part is that brownies are relatively easy to make, so even beginners can easily bake them. Yet, one prying question many brownie bakers ask is, how long do they take to bake?
How long brownies take to bake depends mainly on the temperature of your oven. Most recipes call for 350F, in which case brownies will be done in about 25 to 30 minutes. If the recipe calls for lower heat, 325F, you’ll need to bake for up to 45 minutes. For 400F, 20 minutes will do the trick.
Howdy, y’all! My name is Michelle, and brownies are one of my favorite desserts (second to fudge, of course). Needless to say, I’ve baked my fair share of brownies throughout my ten-plus-year baking journey, and I’ve figured out how long brownies actually take to bake.
Mmm, I can smell the brownies already!
Contents
How Long Do Brownies Take to Bake?
Brownies can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 45 minutes to bake. It all depends on the temperature the brownies are baking at.
Here’s a rough breakdown of how long they will take according to the temperature of your oven.
Psst, before we dive in – I recommend purchasing an oven thermometer to make sure your oven’s temperature is accurate. Otherwise, these baking times will be off.
How long to bake brownies at 325F – Up to 45 Minutes
Some brownie recipes say to bake at 325 F. This is mainly because brownies will take on a chewier texture that many find enjoyable. Of course, at this low of a temp, it will take a bit longer to bake your precious pan of brownie batter.
At 325F, brownies will typically take 40 to 45 minutes.
How long to bake brownies at 350F – 25 to 30 Minutes
Most brownie recipes call for 350F. At this temp, brownies will have a beautiful texture, appearance, and taste. That said, 350F is the most common temperature to bake yummy brownie treats.
At 350F, brownies will take anywhere from 25 to 30 minutes.
How long to bake brownies at 400F – 20 Minutes
Sometimes I prefer to bake my brownies at 400F. At a higher temp like this, brownies become ridiculously fudgy with a subtle crunch that I find truly enjoyable. The other perk? Brownies bake the fastest at 400F.
When you bake brownies at 400F, they will usually be done in as little as 20 minutes (or less).
How to Tell If Brownies Are Done (4 Ways)
The bake times listed above are general guidelines. Many factors can alter the total baking time, such as the size of your pan or the altitude at which you’re baking.
While these circumstances shouldn’t alter the bake time too much, it’s still best to keep an eye on your brownies and know the signs that your brownies are done baking.
1. Hardened Appearance
When you put your brownie batter in the brownie pan, it will be nice and jiggly. As it bakes, the batter will harden up and begin to pull away from the edges of the pan.
With that in mind, the first step is to take a peek at your baking brownies. Has it developed hardened edges that are pulling away from the pan? Does the top of the brownie have a matte-like appearance with cracking and no jiggling? Then they’re good to go!
2. Correct Temperature
Another easy way to know whether your brownies are done or not is to use a digital thermometer. Simply stick the thermometer into the center of your brownies. If the temp reads 165F to 210F, they’re ready to be cooled and eaten!
3. Clean Toothpick
Still trying to figure out if your brownies are done? Then use the toothpick test – otherwise known as ole reliable.
To perform the toothpick test, simply slide a toothpick into the center of your brownies and pull it out. You’re looking for a relatively clean toothpick with a few crumbs. Some chocolate gooeyness is also OK if you want your brownies to be extra fudgy and delicious.
Note: If you don’t have any toothpicks on hand, you can use another object, such as a fork. Yes, it will leave a bit more apparent markings on your brownies, but hey – you do what you have to!
4. Smell
OK, so this isn’t one of the best ways to tell if your brownies are done or not. But I have to mention it anyway. Why? Because, in my opinion, the smell of perfectly baked brownies is simply unbeatable.
Basically, when your entire home smells like a brownie factory, you can almost rest assured your brownies are done. Yes, you should use other methods of checking for brownie doneness, but I like to think that one can always trust their nose.
FAQs
Now you know precisely how long it takes brownies to bake! If you want to keep learning more about brownie bake times, I’ve included a few frequently asked questions to check out. Let’s dive in!
What temperature is best for brownies?
Everyone will have their own idea of the “best” temp for baking brownies, which is why recipes share different temperatures. Personally, I like the results of baking brownies at 350F. They’re the perfect combination of thick, fudgy, and decadent without being overly gooey or cake-like.
Can I bake brownies at 350 instead of 325?
If your recipe calls for 325F, you can opt for 350F instead. However, you’ll need to adjust the baking time. Remember – brownies baked at 350 F take anywhere from 25 to 30 minutes, so check on your brownies around the 25-minute mark.
What do undercooked brownies look like?
Undercooked brownies will have a noticeable shiny/glossy appearance. The batter will also jiggle when you shake the pan.
Brownies Take Anywhere from 20 to 45 Minutes to Bake!
When it comes to baking brownies, the bake time depends on the oven’s temperature. The quickest way to bake brownies is at 400F for 20 minutes, although most recipes state to bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 350F. For chewier brownies, bake at 325 F for 45 minutes.
How long do your brownies take to bake?
About Michelle