Frequently asked questions
Why do you recommend a light metal cake pan instead of a ceramic, glass, or dark metal pan?
Using a light metal pan helps distribute heat more evenly and consistently, which results in a perfectly crispy outside and a moist, fudgy inside. Darker pans can promote the brownie recipe to cook too quickly on the edges, making them drier.
Why do you add espresso to brownie recipes?
The brewed espresso enhances the depth of the chocolate flavour, without making the squares taste like coffee. It’s a secret ingredient that really brings out the richness of the chocolate, making the final result even more decadent! Using strong pour-over coffee works as well.
Why do you recommend using a mix of white and brown sugar?
We use a mix of white and brown sugar to get the best texture. White sugar helps form the classic shiny, crinkly top, whereas brown sugar adds chewiness and a richer flavour to create fudgy brownies.
Can I use whole flaxseeds in baking?
We don’t recommend it – make sure the flaxseeds are finely ground! Well-ground flaxseeds help it gel and create a vegan “flax” egg in the mixture with water. If the seeds aren’t ground well, you might end up with small chunks in the dessert, affecting their smoothness and leaving an undesirable texture.
Can I make the brownie recipe with less sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly if you’d like, but keep in mind that sugar sweetens the dessert while improving its texture and moistness. Reducing sugar too much will make a drier, less fudgy brownie.
Can I use a different type of cocoa powder or cacao?
We highly recommend Dutch-processed cocoa powder, also known as alkalized cocoa. It’s a processed form of cocoa powder that’s sweeter in taste and dissolves more easily in liquid compared to natural cocoa powder which is more bitter. You’re welcome to make the brownies with general cocoa or cacao powder, but the taste and texture will likely change. If you experiment with any substitutions we’d love to hear how it goes in the comments!
Why did my brownies turn out dry?
It could be due to overbaking or using the wrong oven setting. Make sure you’re not using a fan-assisted or convection setting, as this can cause them to cook faster and dry out. If you prefer to use a fan or convection heating, the baking time will be less, so keep an eye out!
