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The Best Brownie Pans for Baking the Timeless Treat

Center or edge?

A spatula picking up a swirly brownie from the Wilton square cake pan, with an empty pan to the right

The Spruce Eats / Rachel Knecht

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.

What We Like
  • Aluminized steel for even baking

  • Wide handles for easy grabbing

  • Nonstick coating for easy release

What We Don't Like
  • 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.

Material: Aluminized steel | Dimensions: 11.5 x 8.75 x 2 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes, but hand-washing is recommended

What We Like
  • Great for box brownies

  • Wide handles

  • Great heat conduction

What We Don't Like
  • Dark nonstick

Don’t be fooled by the price tag:—this is a quality pan worth adding to your baking collection! Made of carbon steel and coated in a silicone nonstick coating, the Chicago Metallic Everyday Square Pan moves easily from oven to table.

The nonstick does a great job at keeping the brownies from sticking to the pan and wipes out incredibly easily. Brownies are notoriously easy to overbake, and the darker pan does mean that you have to keep an extra eye on the timing since they hold heat more than a light-colored pan. Our brownies had delightfully chewy edges with a fudgy middle that we wer very pleased with.

Though many recipes for brownies are for 8 x 8-inch or 9 x 13-inch pans, box brownies often include baking instructions for 9 x 9-inch square pans. But don’t stop at brownies, this pan can be used for bars, cakes, and casseroles. The ample handles were comfortable to carry and we liked the basket-weave design that makes the pan worthy of serving right out of. You do need to hand wash this pan and avoid using metal utensils to keep the nonstick coating intact.

Material: Carbon steel | Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 2.4 inches | Dishwasher Safe: No

What We Like
  • Safe in the freezer and microwave

  • Made from tempered glass

  • Lid seals over handles

What We Don't Like
  • 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.

Material: Glass | Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.75 x 2.5 inches︱Dishwasher Safe: Yes

What We Like
  • Durable and thermal-shock resistant

  • Can handle temperatures up to 520 degrees

  • Beautiful design

What We Don't Like
  • 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.

Material: Stoneware | Dimensions: 10.6 x 9 x 2.5 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

What We Like
  • Made of thick anodized aluminum

  • Safe up to 550 degrees

  • Thick lip around the edge

  • Square corners

What We Don't Like
  • Metal utensils can scratch pan

Fat Daddio’s pans are used in both commercial and home kitchens, and after using the square 8 x 2-inch pan, we can see why. This high-quality pan is built to last for years. The aluminum is thick and won’t warp or bend when heated like thinner pans might. Though sturdy, it still heats and cools quickly, which kept our brownies from overcooking.

The brownie pan is made of thick 14-gauge anodized aluminum. This process gives the pans their signature matte appearance and ensures that it won’t chip, rust, or interact with acids, such as citrus. Metal utensils will scratch the surface, but this won’t affect the performance of the pan. Instead of handles, the pan has a thick lip around the top, which makes it easy getting in and out of the oven. The slimmer profile also makes it easy to store. Lastly, the Sstraight sides and square corners give the finished brownies a professional look right out of the oven. Afterward, we hand-washed the pan and it came out looking like new.

Material: Anodized aluminum | Dimensions: 9 x 8 x 2 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes, but hand-washing is recommended

What We Like
  • Efficient heating from the aluminum

  • Long-lasting

  • Versatile

What We Don't Like
  • No handles

Baking perfect brownies and cakes has the same requirements, so it makes sense to use the same pan for both. A round pan will result in larger triangle-shaped brownies, but sometimes that's more fun. When that time arises, the Parrish Magic Line round cake pan is a sturdy pan that heats evenly and transfers heat effectively. The heavy aluminum won’t warp or rust but conducts heat efficiently across the pan. And it cools down quickly which cuts down on holdover baking. The pan isn’t coated in nonstick so be sure to grease well.

Besides brownies, the Parrish round pan can be used for baking tender cakes, cornbread, or large cookies. The outer rim has a lip that makes it easy to grasp but it’s not as foolproof as handles and it's too easy to put a thumb in a brownie from time to time if you're not careful. On the upside, these pans store easily without handles taking up space. Even without a nonstick coating the pan is easy to clean. Hand wash in warm, soapy water and avoid harsh abrasives to keep the pan looking like new.

Material: Aluminum | Dimensions: 8 x 2 inches | Dishwasher Safe: No

What We Like
  • 2-pan set in convenient sizes

  • Nonstick coating

  • Convenient handles

What We Don't Like
  • Doesn’t come with lids

Wilton is known for its high-quality bakeware and this 2-pan set is no exception. It includes one 9 x 13-inch rectangular pan and one 8 x 8-inch square baking pan, which are both very convenient sizes for brownies.

Each pan has a nonstick coating that keeps brownies from sticking, while the comfortable handles and rolled edge on each made getting the pans in and out of the oven a breeze. The interior steel helps the pans heat evenly, and resist denting and warping. The dark color of the pan cooked the edges a little more quickly then the middle, but that isn’t a problem when it comes to brownies and bars. It makes the edges slightly chewier than the middle pieces.

The pans are also easy to store because the small pan fits inside the larger one. We do wish the set came with lids so that we could store the brownies in the pan. When it comes to cleaning, these pans are dishwasher-safe but wipe out so easily that we think it’s easier to hand wash.

Material: Steel | Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 2 inches, 13 x 9 x 2 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes, but hand-washing is recommended

What We Like
  •  Innovative design

  • Professional-looking slices

  • Can be used without tray and divider

What We Don't Like
  • Tedious to clean

Do you need a pan with dividers? Not really, but once you have one, you won't be giving it up. The Chicago Metallic Professional Slice Solutions Brownie Pan is a 3-piece set: pan, tray, and divider. The nonstick stainless-steel pan feels substantial, without being too heavy. The serving tray rests in the pan and has handles for easily removing the brownies from the pan. The removable divider creates 18 brownies that are about 3 x 2 inches each.

We were impressed by how perfect the brownies looked right out of the pan. The divider creates nice and clean lines and can be used while baking or afterwards as a slicer. We liked the versatility of the three pieces and that the pan can be used alone without the tray or divider for other recipes. The divider doesn’t reach all the way to the edge of the pan requiring some additional cutting but we didn’t find this to be a problem. It is slightly tedious to clean the divider because it’s sharp with multiple edges but the little bit of brownie that stuck to it cleaned up easily. 

Material: Aluminized steel | Dimensions: 16 x 10 x 1.5 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes, but not recommended

What We Like
  • Steel-reinforced silicone

  • Grippy handles

  • Playful design

What We Don't Like
  • 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.

Material: Silicone | Dimensions: 9.06 x 10.16 x 2.36 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Final Verdict

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.

Article Sources
The Spruce Eats uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Technical Fact Sheet - Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA).

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