How do you keep brownies from getting hard on the sides of pan?

There are a few ways to prevent brownies from getting hard on the sides of the pan:

Before Baking:

* Grease and flour the pan thoroughly. This creates a barrier between the brownie batter and the pan, preventing sticking.

* Use parchment paper. Line the pan with parchment paper that extends over the edges. You can then easily lift the brownies out of the pan without them sticking.

* Use a silicone pan. Silicone baking pans are naturally nonstick, so brownies won't harden on the sides.

During Baking:

* Bake at the correct temperature. Overbaking is a common cause of hard brownies. Check the brownies early and bake them until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.

* Use a baking sheet. Placing the brownie pan on a baking sheet helps distribute heat more evenly and prevents the brownies from getting too brown on the sides.

* Avoid opening the oven door too often. Each time you open the oven door, the temperature drops and the brownies may cook unevenly.

After Baking:

* Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This allows the brownies to set properly and prevents them from cracking.

* Store brownies in an airtight container. This helps keep them moist and prevents them from drying out.

Other Tips:

* Add a little extra fat. You can add a tablespoon or two of extra melted butter or oil to the brownie batter to make them more moist.

* Use a good quality cocoa powder. Cocoa powder that's been treated with Dutch-processed alkali can lead to drier brownies. Choose a natural cocoa powder for a moister brownie.

* Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, which can make the brownies tough and chewy.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your brownies are perfectly soft and chewy, even on the sides!