How do brownies go wrong in the oven?

Brownies can go wrong in the oven in a few ways, resulting in different undesirable textures and appearances:

Overcooked:

* Dry and crumbly: This is the most common issue. Overbaking dries out the brownie, making it tough and difficult to cut.

* Hard and chewy: If the brownies are overbaked even further, they become incredibly hard and lose all their fudgy texture.

* Burnt edges and top: The edges and top might be dark brown or even black, indicating that they've been overcooked and could have a burnt flavor.

Undercooked:

* Gooey and raw in the center: This is the opposite of overcooked brownies. The center will be soft and runny, not set.

* Moist but undercooked: The brownies might be moist, but the center still feels soft and doughy, indicating that they need more time in the oven.

Other Issues:

* Uneven baking: This can occur if the batter isn't evenly distributed in the pan or if the oven heat is uneven. Some areas of the brownie might be overcooked, while others are still undercooked.

* Cracking on the top: This can happen due to overmixing the batter, excessive baking time, or even using a pan that's too small.

* Sinkage: This happens when the brownies deflate in the center while baking, resulting in a sunken appearance. This can be caused by undermixing the batter, using too much leavening agent, or opening the oven door too often during baking.

To prevent these issues:

* Follow the recipe carefully: Pay attention to baking times, oven temperatures, and ingredient ratios.

* Use a good quality pan: A dark pan absorbs more heat and can cause brownies to overcook. Consider using a light-colored pan or lining the pan with parchment paper.

* Check for doneness: Use a toothpick or cake tester to check the center of the brownie. It should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. If it comes out clean, the brownies are done.

* Avoid opening the oven door too often: This can cause the brownies to cool down and bake unevenly.

* Let the brownies cool completely: Brownies will continue to set and firm up as they cool.

Remember that everyone has their own brownie preference. Some people prefer a fudgy brownie with a soft center, while others prefer a slightly more cakey brownie. Don't be afraid to experiment and adjust the baking time to achieve your desired texture.