To know that brownies are done without a toothpick choose a butter knife, fork or popsicle stick to poke into the batter. The brownies are done when soft crumbs are stuck on the knife or stick. You can also use chopsticks to test the brownies. When they are done they will come away from the edge of the pan and will no longer wobble.
7 Ways to know if brownies are done without a toothpick
Check out these easy ways to test if brownies are done without a toothpick.
1. Butter knife
My favorite way to test brownies is to grab a butter knife. Poke the butter knife in the center of the brownies and pull it out. The brownies are done when there are a few crumbs stuck to the knife.
You might also notice melted chocolate on the knife if there are chocolate chunks in the brownie mix.
2. Fork
You can also use a fork to test if brownies are done. Just poke it in the center. I find that a fork will make a bigger hole than a skewer but it will still work. Check that moist crumbs are stuck to the fork and you brownies are ready.
Let the brownies cool in the tray for 5-10 minutes. This will slowly finish the cooking process. After this you can take the brownies out of the tray and pop them onto a cooling rack.
3. Popsicle stick
A popsicle stick is a good way to test brownies. You can use it the same way that you would a skewer and poke it in the center. Make sure the popsicle stick is clean before poking it into your brownies.
4. Bamboo skewers
Bamboo skewers are a great alter native to a toothpick to test brownies. They are small and sharp on the end so will make less of a hole than a fork or knife.
Look out for moist crumbs and your brownies are ready.
5. Chopsticks
Chopsticks are another great option for testing to see if brownies are done. Just poke the narrow end into the center of the brownies. You will end up with a small hole in your brownies but at least you will know if they are done.
6. The wobble test
Another great way to know if brownies are done without a skewer is the wobble test. Take the brownies out of the oven 5 minutes before the expected baking time. Grab the tray on both sides with oven gloves and gently wobble the tray.
If the brownie batter does not move in the center then it has cooked through. If it needs more time in the in the oven it will move. Pop it back in the oven for another 5 minutes and test it again.
7. The edges will pull away
Another easy way to tell if the brownies are done is to wait until the edges pull away from the sides of the baking tray. Once you see this happen then the brownies will be ready.
How to cool brownies once they have cooked
After you have tested your brownies with a fork, knife, chopstick or the wobble test then it is time to let it cool properly.
1. Leave the brownies to cool in the tray for 5-10 minutes
After taking the brownies out of the oven leave them to cool in the baking tray for 5-10 minutes. Over this time they will start to harden and it will make them easier to lift out of the tray.
2. Move the brownies to a cooling tray
The next step is to move the brownies onto a cooling tray. If you have covered the base with parchment paper then it will be easy to lift the whole tray up and move it across. You can then remove the parchment paper to help them to cool quicker.
Make sure you grease the parchment paper before you bake your brownies to avoid them sticking. I often like to leave the parchment paper to avoid dropping crumbs everywhere.
3. Cut the brownies and put them in an airtight container
After the brownies have cooled it is time to cut them and pop them in an airtight container. I like to layer parchment paper on the bottom to avoid them sticking to the container.
Make sure you let the brownies cool completely before covering them in a container. I like to wait for at least 1 hour before storing them.
Check out the fudgy brownie recipe below.
How to know if brownies are done without a toothpick | Summary
It is easy to know that brownies are done without a toothpick by poking a butter knife in the center. You can also wobble the tray to see if the brownies have set in the center. Let them cool in the tray to continue the cooking process and to let them set completely.
Happy cooking.
I am an accredited practicing dietitian, experienced gardener and a dedicated cook. I love writing and sharing my experience so you can learn from my successes and mistakes.