Cutting Brownies neatly?? How do you do it??

I know I have read some tips on here about neat ways to cut brownies, mine always seem to end up very messy and torn apart.  they are baked and cooloing - unfortuately I didn't think to line the pan with foil - I tried searching but no luck.  TIA

I use a pizza cutter.  It rolls through the brownie nicely.

Foil is the way to go. Either spray or butter it, OR, even better, use the Reynolds Release stuff, and then leave enough on the ends so that you can scrunch it up and  "lift" the whole thing out. I do that for any kind of bar or brownie or fudge now....it's just so easy. Then the pizza cutter thing works well, or even a knife if you have it on a flat surface.

 Good Luck!

Star

I love the pizza cutter. Cuts neat, with no crumbs.  It's also wonderful for cutting fudge or any kind of candy and bar cookies.

Carolyn

Possibly you have a great recipe you really like but I have made brownies that cut quite easily and others that are terrible to cut dependant on the recipe

.Are yours extra soft and moist or the kind that have a sort of crusty, crumbly top ?   I personally don't like the latter type recipe and quit making that sort. Just a personal preference.

I also purchased a flexible very small Pancake type turner that is only 2 inches or so across- Inexpensive (Walmart) and great for getting out that first  and subsequent pieces.

Using a plastic knife is a good tip.

Alliea

Do you have pans with the removable sides? I have a 9x13 and the bigger cheesecake pans. I put parchment on the bottom~usually brownies are just greased on the bottom anyway. Loosen the baked brownies from the side, remove the sides of the cheesecake pan and slide the parchment off. Then I can run the pizza cutter completely from side to side. My pizza cutter has a large wheel so it is easy wheeling with no catches in the center.

Linda

I've found the biggest help is t make sure they are completely cooled---  several hours out of the oven is best.  It's hard to wait but the pieces are much nicer.

I use disposable foil pans a lot, and I prefer to cut them with plastic knives.    There seems to be less drag and stickage that way.

:)
Jolene

Thank you for all your help!!!!

I cooled the brownies in the garage overnight and then used a plastic knife - it worked great. I was even able to do small squares! I will remember to line the pan next time and use the pizza cutter - mine doesn't get close enough to the sides. 

In my book, the plastic knife used like a "saw", wins hands down.  You can get all the way to the edges of the pan without cutting through it and they look nice to boot!

Paulette

http://order.radakitchenstore.com/storefrontB2CWEB/simplesearch.do?action=process_simple_search

I love the little  "mini spatula server"  for brownies and bars....I cut with something else , usually a Rada knife...(made in America and at a decent price!) I have not seen these in stores , any brand....They are worth their price...I actually have 2 of them....I noticed others here, grab it right away when they get a brownie or bar.....It is just so handy....

but for any bars or brownies, this little gadget is just the perfect size and gets that very first piece out of the pan , in one piece....Wish I would of found this years ago...

I like this so well , I buy them for little gifts for people and teachers,,,,the little granny fork from Rada, I use almost every day in some way....

Chilling or cooling the brownies completely really is the key - and - the plastic knife works great.   I like it to use it because many times I am transporting brownies in the foil pans and the sharp knives cut through the foil pans.    Whenever I am cutting and placing in a serving container or platter - I try and line the pans with foil - cool or chill overnite - then lift the foil out and turn the brownies over onto a cutting board or heavy cookie sheet.   Then it is really easy to slice with the pizza cutter, sharp knife or plastic knife.   I like to place the small squares in the miniature muffin liners.  They look especially nice and they are neat for people to pick up.   If you make the miniature brownie treats - recipe on here - you can bake them in the miniature muffin tins  (lined) and then you don't have to worry about getting them out.   Press a chocolate kiss in them (unwrapped) or a Rolo or   miniature peanut butter cup - when they are hot out of the oven.   You have a really cute and tasty treat.   I also find that if I chill the brownie batter for a few hours or overnite - the batter is easier to manage - especially into those tiny muffin tins - and also - the finished brownie seems to be a bit fudgier.    People love these and they look great on a dessert tray.

The plastic knife works well, but only if the pan has cooled a little.  I rounded the tip on a great lettuce knife doing that once.   I'm short and have found that if I cut them on a lower surface, rather than at counter level, that they aren't nearly as ragged.  So, cutting down, rather than pulling through works better for me.  On a really humid day, they just look ragged no matter what I do. 

Years ago when I lived in Battlecreek, Mich. a lady told me she used fishing line to cut her brownies.  I tried it, and it works great.  I clean it off, stick it in a sandwich bag, and its ready to go again.  I have also been told that teeth floss works well but I never tried it.     Vi