11 Essential Dessert Tools for Baking Brownies and Bars
Updated: Jul. 17, 2024
Love to make the best brownies or tasty dessert bars? We've rounded up our favorite dessert tools for making these simple (yet delicious) treats.
Looking for an easy bake that’ll please everyone? You can’t go wrong with good dessert bars and brownie recipes. These treats are simple to make, but it never hurts to have a few specialty dessert bar and brownie baking tools on hand (in addition to the must-have baking supplies) to make these bars their best yet.
Mixing Bowls
Pros:
- Dishwasher safe
- Can be stored in the fridge or freezer
- Comes with lids
- Nesting for easy storage
- Affordable
Cons:
- Lids are not as high-quality as the bowls
- Can scratch
Whether you’re whipping or storing, a good set of mixing bowls is a must, and stainless steel will be the best bang for your buck in terms of durability. Whip up a batch of dessert bars or brownies of any size with these nesting bowls ($40). These stainless steel bowls are dishwasher and freezer-safe, plus they come with lids for easy food storage. Use them to make these ooey-gooey layered dessert bars.
13×9 Pan with Cover
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Comes with a lid
- Oven, microwave and freezer safe
- Can be washed in the dishwasher
Cons:
- Lid isn't airtight
We know your 13×9 pan is a kitchen go-to. When you bake bars, use a pan with a well-fitting cover like this oblong baking dish ($15). A good lid makes packing this pan easy and it keeps your best cookie bars fresh in case they aren’t all eaten at once. Plus, you can store it in the freezer or reheat your desert in the microwave or oven.
Serving Spatula
Pros:
- Conveniently compact size
- Easy to store
- Cuts and serves
Cons:
- Handle can come loose with repeated use
- Can't be used on nonstick surfaces
Don’t scoop your super fudgy brownies with an oversized spatula or a butter knife! Instead, grab a small serving spatula to slice and scoop your best bakes. This small spatula ($9) is a favorite in our Test Kitchen, thanks to its small size and precise cutting.
Flour Sifter
Pros:
- Has measurements
- Hand cranks
- More than 11,600 Amazon reviews and 4.6 stars
- 3-cup capacity
Cons:
- Some reviewers say it was smaller than expected
Get light and fluffy brownies with a flour sifter ($28). This one even has cup measurements on the sides and uses a hand crank so you don’t have to worry about hand cramps. You can also use this tool to aerate your cocoa powder to ensure it mixes evenly in the batter. Score! Here are some more tips for making the best brownies ever.
Nonstick Baking Pan
Pros:
- Dishwasher-safe
- Nonstick surface
- Easy-to-grip handles
Cons:
- Can't use metal utensils
A nonstick baking pan, like this one from our line of Taste of Home bakeware ($19), is a must in any kitchen. It makes baking and serving up gooey bars, like these caramel brownies, a snap. Plus, it has a cute serve-worthy pattern on the bottom. Try it in a smaller, 8×8″ size, too.
Scraper
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- More than 16,700 Amazon reviews and a 4.8-star rating
- Comfortable handle
Cons:
- Sharp blade can be a hazard
Kiss the days of messy brownies and bars away with this handy scraper ($12). The stainless steel edge on the scraper is great for making clean and even cuts for all your favorite dessert bars. It also has handy quarter-inch measurements on it, if you’re attempting a more ambitious baking project. Meanwhile, learn how to properly cut brownies and dessert bars.
Baking Chocolate
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Widely available
- Great taste
Cons:
- Best for milk chocolate lovers
Let’s be honest, the most important thing when it comes to brownies (and most desserts) is the chocolate! Make sure you’re getting the best of the best by picking up a pack of Baker’s unsweetened baking chocolate ($3). It’s so good, it was awarded the top spot in our baking chocolate taste test.
8×8 Pan
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Comes with a lid
- Available in multiple sizes
- More than 6,100 Amazon reviews and 4.8-star rating
Cons:
- Lid doesn't fit very well
Be sure to stock your kitchen with an 8×8 pan—a must for when you want to make those smaller 8×8 dessert recipes. This glass pan from Pyrex ($16) will last for years to come, though you can check out some of our other favorite 8×8 pans, too.
Powdered Sugar Duster
A pan of brownies or lemon bars is never complete without a good dusting of confectioner’s sugar. Be sure to have a small dusting wand ($12), like this easy-to-use one from Oxo, on hand to give all your bars that finishing touch. These are the amazing brownie recipes you’re not making (yet!).
Brownie Bar Pan
Pros:
- Makes individual portions
- Inexpensive
- More than 5,800 Amazon ratings and 4.7 stars
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- May need to adjust bake time
Okay, we know it’s another pan but if your family fights over the corner pieces, this is a must. The Brownie Bar Pan ($16) from Wilton makes 12 crispy, crunchy brownie squares that your kids won’t be able to keep their hands off of. If you’re short on time, check out our favorite brand of boxed brownie mix.
Compact Food Chopper
Pros:
- Dishwasher-safe
- More than 13,700 ratings on Amazon
- Compact
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Food can get stuck in blades
So many of our favorite bar recipes include handfuls of chopped nuts—especially these nut bar recipes. Chopping nuts, chocolate or dried fruits by hand can be a bit fussy, but the job doesn’t seem to require a hefty food processor. That’s where a compact food chopper ($25) comes in especially handy. This one from Oxo will make quick work of chopping up all your favorite mix-ins, and it’s conveniently dishwasher-safe.
Now that you’ve got all the right supplies, get the insider tips & tricks from our brownie baking guide!
