FAQS

Where do brownies originally come from?

Brownies came about as a result of a need to produce a transportable dessert for the world's fair held in Chicago in 1893 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival. Socialite and philanthropist Bertha Palmer instructed Palmer House pastry chefs to come up with a recipe for a dessert that could be boxed and transported. Even now, it is still being made, from that same 1893 recipe, at the Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel. The desserts went down a storm but the name came much later via  American cookbooks.

Why do Brownie edges get hard?

This is one of the best things about a brownie! The combination of a gooey middle and crisp edges is one of the reasons they are so loved!  There are 2 reasons for this. Firstly, the batters proximity to the sides of the tin means that the edges will cook quicker. Like most cakes, the edges are generally more cooked then the middle. The other reason is that caster sugar is not as moist as brown sugar and we use it here because the creme eggs already add lots of moisture. However if the edges are hard, it means that the brownie was over cooked. 

How long do you bake Brownies for?

25 minutes makes for a gooey brownie with some wobble. They will need cooling time to let them set a little. 30 minutes makes for a fudgy brownie with less wobble. Any longer means that you will get a cakey brownie.

Can you freeze Creme Egg Brownies?

Yes they freeze well for up to 3 months. See further instructions below.

Can these Chocolate Brownies be left out?

Yes they can be left out  in an air tight container or metal tin for up to a week. However if you live in a hot country, I would suggest that you keep them in the fridge.

Can Creme Egg Brownies go in the fridge?

Yes, but keeping them for too long in the fridge for extended periods will dry them out.  As these brownies are so gooey once baked, I often place them in the fridge for 1 hour to allow them to set fully. Bring them to room temperature before serving. Or you can enjoy them fridge cold!

When are Brownies done?

Brownies are ready to eat once baked for 25 minutes.

When are Creme Egg Brownies undercooked?

Brownies are under cooked when their internal temperature is lower than 73 C/165 F.

Why are my Creme Egg Brownies cakey?

Over baked brownies are often cakey. Baking longer than 30 minutes makes Brownies cakey.

Why are my Brownies dry?

This is almost always down to over baking which results in dry, crumbly brownies.  Incorrect storage also dries them out.  If you do overbake them, it is best to slightly reheat them before serving.  You can also serve them with your favourite chocolate spread.

Can Brownies be made in a mini muffin pan?

Yes they can. Grease muffin holes well. Halve the quantity of the batter. Add spoonfuls of batter into the muffin rounds. Bake for 10 – 15 minutes or until slightly set. Then push creme eggs into the cooked brownies.

What do Eggs do in Brownies?

Eggs help to bind ingredients together, they add moisture, structure and help the mixture to rise.

When baking Brownies, what is a substitute for Eggs?

For each egg you can substitute: 1/2 Mashed Banana 1 tbsp flaxseed ground, then mixed with 3 tbsp Water (needs to rest first till it becomes gel like). 4 tbsp Yoghurt 4 tbsp Buttermilk 4 tbsp Condensed Milk (but this is incredibly sweet) 4 tbsp Silken Tofu 

Can you make Creme Egg Brownies with milk instead of eggs?

Yes you can substitute Milk for Eggs in brownie recipes. Normal Milk, Yoghurt, Buttermilk or Sour Cream work well.

Why is the middle of my Brownie not cooking?

The middle of the brownie is meant to be gooey and they will need cooling time to set.

What tin should I use for Creme Egg Brownies?

I make these brownies in an 8 inch square tin - You can make them in a larger 9 x 13 inch tin but you will need to double the recipe. The brownies will be slightly thicker.  It is best to use light coloured tins - These help brownies and any baked good to cook more evenly. Dark tins cook quicker so reduce times if need be.  If your tin size is different, you will need to adjust baking times - 17 cm x 27 cm (40 - 43 minutes), 20 x 30 cm (23 minutes), 23 cm x 33 cm (18 minutes).

How do I know they are done?

It is more difficult to tell when brownies are done because the skewer test doesn't apply when the middle is meant to be gooey. Here are some tips that can help you check if they are done: FIRST test the temperature of your even by using an oven thermometer - Many ovens are running at a different temperature to what they say they are which means under baked/over baked goods. Make sure you take them out at 20 - 25 minutes - They will continue to cook when they are out of the oven. Perfectly baked brownies will look a little underbaked in the middle - Take them out when the edges look cooked and the middle looks slightly underdone.

How to store Brownies

Fridge 

These brownies keep well in an airtight container or metal tin in the fridge or on the counter top for a week. If it is particularly hot where you are, I suggest that you keep them in the fridge.

Freezer 

Brownies freeze well up to 3 months in a good airtight container or wrapped in 2 layers of cling film followed by one layer of tin foil. I would then add them to a ziplock bag before freezing. Don’t forget to add a label with the date you froze them! Defrost It is best to do this at room temperature for 2 – 3 hours before serving.

Variations

There are endless variations for Brownies: Adding 3 tsp of Instant Coffee to the Brownie. This helps to being out the chocolate flavour. Add your favourite Chocolates into the mix – Anything you love will most likely work! Add your favourite Biscuits into the batter – Digestives, Bourbons, Oreos. Add Chocolate Chips into the batter. Dark, Milk or WhiteAnythign with some crunch and bite will work.   Stir in some Nuts such as Walnuts, Macademia, Pecans. I would not recommend Pistachios. Add some tea some as Matcha or Darjeeling into the batter. Add Spices such as Cardamom, Cinnaon, Ginger. Add some zest such as Grapefruit, Orange, Lime or Lemon. Add a swirl of Caramel or Cream Cheese in at the end. Add a Biscoff or Nutella spread and swirl it through the batter at the end. Try adding your favouite snacks such as Pretzels, M&Ms.