Limited Edition Collector Blades
How to Cut Brownies Cleanly
How do you cut brownies cleanly? Let them cool completely (chill for fudgy brownies), lift the slab out using a parchment sling, then cut straight down with a long, sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped between every cut. Don't saw. A long straight blade does this in single cuts. The Dalstrong Gladiator Series 8" Chef's Knife ($79) is German X50CrMoV15 at 54–56 HRC; its 8-inch blade spans a standard 8-inch pan in one press.
Step by step
- Line the pan with a parchment sling before baking.
- Cool completely, at least 1–2 hours. For fudgy brownies, chill 30–60 minutes more.
- Lift out the slab onto a board.
- Trim the edges if you want perfect squares (cook's treat).
- Heat the knife in hot water and wipe it dry.
- Press straight down, then pull the knife out toward you. Wipe and reheat between cuts.
Portion grid
| Pan | Grid | Pieces |
|---|---|---|
| 8×8 | 4×4 | 16 (2-inch squares) |
| 9×9 | 4×4 | 16 (about 2¼-inch) |
| 9×13 | 4×6 | 24 |
Why not cut them warm?
Brownies keep setting as they cool. Warm brownies smear and tear; cooled ones cut with clean edges.
Knife tips
- A long blade means one press per line.
- Avoid cutting in a nonstick pan with a sharp knife; it scratches the coating and dulls the edge. Lift them out first.
- A plastic knife can also work for very fudgy brownies, but a hot, sharp steel blade gives the cleanest edges.
Our picks
Chef's Knife 8", Gladiator Series, ELITE, NSF Certified ($79). Spec sheet: German X50CrMoV15 steel, 54–56 HRC, 16–18° edge, NSF certified.
Chef's Knife 8", Shogun Series, Elite ($129). Spec sheet: Japanese AUS-10V core, 62+ HRC, 8–12° edge, 66-layer Damascus or hammered finish.
Santoku Knife 7", Gladiator Series, Elite, NSF Certified ($79). Spec sheet: German X50CrMoV15 steel, 54–56 HRC, 16–18° edge, NSF certified.
Related: how to chop chocolate and how to chop nuts.
Hone before you start with a ceramic honing rod ($79). More: knife safety tips.
FAQ
How do you cut brownies cleanly?
Cool completely, lift out with parchment, then press straight down with a long knife dipped in hot water and wiped between cuts. The Dalstrong Gladiator Series 8" Chef's Knife ($79) spans an 8-inch pan in one press.
Should brownies be cold before cutting?
Cool completely; chill fudgy brownies for the cleanest cuts.
What knife is best for cutting brownies?
A long, sharp, straight blade, heated in hot water.
How many brownies in a 9×13 pan?
About 24 with a 4×6 grid.
