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Set 2 Timers
Here's the good news: Fudgy brownies are more forgiving than cakey ones if you leave them in the oven too long. The bad news: Underbaked brownies can have an overly goopy texture and be hard to cut. So, set your timer (or timers, if you really want to be diligent) and start testing with a wooden toothpick a couple of minutes before you think they're done, advises Bittman. Patricia Helding, author of Fat Witch Bake Sale, says to look for some crumbs on the pick, but that it shouldn't be dripping batter. Crumbs mean the dessert is almost ready, so pull the pan out; the brownies will continue to cook as they cool. One more note about testing from baking teacher Alice Medrich: Always use a wooden toothpick or skewer, because batter and crumbs tend to slide off metal cake testers.