I was initially skeptical, but the Nordic Ware Brownie Buddy won over this home baker's heart
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We Tried the Brownie Buddy—And It Makes Cutting, Storing and Serving Bars a Breeze
Updated on Aug. 18, 2025
If you’ve ever made boxed brownies, you know that they can be a pain to cut. The soft, fudgy, chocolate-studded texture we know and love tends to crumble when it encounters a knife. Which, sure, is no big deal if you’re hacking off a square for yourself fresh out of the oven. But if you’re bringing bars to a potluck or bake sale, you likely want cleaner cuts.
Enter: the Brownie Buddy. This genius solution lets you bake, cut and store bars right in the pan—and it actually works. I tested it on multiple rounds of treats, and each batch yielded picture-perfect squares. Here’s everything you need to know.
On Sale
We Tried It
Nordic Ware Brownie Buddy
For picture-perfect cuts and easy storage, give the new Brownie Buddy a try. It's a must-have for any home baker.
What is the Brownie Buddy?
The Brownie Buddy comes from one of our favorite bakeware brands, Nordic Ware. It features three pieces: a 9-inch square aluminum pan, a cutter tool and a lid. The pan is oven-safe up to 500 degrees and comes with a lifetime warranty.
To use, simply prep and bake your brownies or bars according to the recipe instructions, then let them cool for 30 minutes. Next, grab the cutter tool, place it in the pan and firmly press until it touches the bottom of the pan. Lift it out, and voila! Sixteen perfectly cut bars. To store, snap the lid directly on top of the pan.
How We Tested It
I tested the Brownie Buddy in March 2025.
Zucchini Brownies
First, I whipped up a batch of zucchini brownies. The extra moisture in these cake-like bars tends to make them extra sticky, so I was eager to see if the Brownie Buddy would cut through.
I started by removing the pan from its packaging and washing it thoroughly. Then, I prepped my batter and lined the pan with parchment paper. This is an optional step, but it makes clean-up a breeze. I sprinkled in chocolate chips for even more melty deliciousness and placed the pan in my preheated oven.
Once done, Nordic Ware recommends waiting 30 minutes before slicing. A tough task! I set a timer, and once it went off, grabbed the slicer tool. I lined it up over the pan, letting it gently rest atop the baked bars. Then, I applied firm pressure until I felt the cutter make contact with the bottom of the pan.
Now for the moment of truth—would the bars cling to the cutter, making a major mess? No! In fact, the cutter lifted away effortlessly. A few of the cut squares needed to be gently pressed back down, but I was left with a perfectly cut pan of brownies. Even better, I didn’t need to grab foil or transfer them to a container. With a snap of the lid, I was good to go.
Boxed Brownies
After a successful test with homemade brownies, I also had to try a boxed version. I picked up my go-to Bob’s Red Mill brownie mix, prepped the pan and followed the instructions for the batter. (Pro tip: Substitute the water for coffee or espresso—it enhances the chocolate flavor.)
After baking, this batch had that signature crackly (and sticky!) brownie top. I let them cool for 30 minutes, then pressed in and lifted up the cutter. Another success! I was once again shocked that it worked so well. Seriously, there were no crumbs or jagged edges in sight.
The brownie cutter did have some chocolaty goo residue, which was a little annoying to wash off, but my overall experience with the Brownie Buddy was a complete success. I’m eager to try even more treats, like lemon bars or magic bars. You can also use it for savory items, like cornbread or baked egg dishes.
6-Month Update
Since my initial tests, the Brownie Buddy has become a mainstay in my kitchen. I reach for it often because, even if I’m not using the cutter tool, the included lid is super convenient.
To date, I’ve made lemon bars, mini sheet cake, buckeye bars, snickerdoodle bars and more brownies. No matter if my treats are thick or thin, fluffy or dense, the cutter tool does a great job slicing through.
So far, I’ve only had one fail. I made a gluten-free bar mix and overbaked it. The end result was incredibly stuck-on, requiring us to chisel out slices with a butter knife. The pan earned some nicks and scratches in the process, but it still functions just fine.
Like most bakeware with moderate use, it’s also showing some stains. I haven’t tried too hard to get them out because it doesn’t affect the pan’s performance; it’s just less aesthetic than it was brand new.
Pros
- All-in-one solution for baking, cutting and storing bars
- Easy to use
- Lifetime warranty
- Made in the U.S.
Cons
- Divider is a little tricky to clean
Final Verdict
Whether you have a bake sale coming up or just like to serve perfectly cut bars, the Nordic Ware Brownie Buddy is any home baker’s BFF. It’s simple to use, made with quality materials and works as advertised. I was initially skeptical that the cutter would slice through gooey brownies, but it did—and with ease. I plan on ordering a few to give as housewarming gifts or to send to friends in need of a sweet pick-me-up.
Where To Buy the Brownie Buddy
On Sale
We Tried It
Nordic Ware Brownie Buddy
If you take bars and brownies to gatherings, potlucks or bake sales, this all-in-one Brownie Buddy makes cutting and serving a breeze.
Pick up the Brownie Buddy at major retailers, including Walmart, Target, Amazon and HSN. It retails for $30, which, in my opinion, is a steal for a 3-piece set with a lifetime warranty.
FAQ
How do you use a brownie cutter pan?
To use the Brownie Buddy, simply bake up your favorite brownies in the included pan, then wait 30 minutes after pulling them from the oven. Place the brownie cutter tool over the baked treats and evenly press down until you engage with the bottom of the pan. Lift the cutter up, being mindful of any clinging crumbs or chocolate chips. Voila! Perfectly cut brownies.
Is Nordic Ware dishwasher-safe?
The Brownie Buddy cutter and lid are top rack dishwasher-safe. The pan itself should be hand-washed.
Where is Nordic Ware made?
Nordic Ware makes its products, including the Brownie Buddy, in Minnesota. The brand uses a mix of domestic and imported materials.
Why You Should Trust Us
The Taste of Home team has tested hundreds of cooking and baking products. Our goal is to find and recommend the best gear on the market. To date, we’ve conducted mass tests of items like sheet pans and stand mixers. We also evaluate specific bakeware brands, like Caraway or Made In.
The tester of this piece, Katie Bandurski, has nearly a decade of editorial experience. As an avid home baker, she is a great resource for trying things like baking subscription boxes, the Cuisinart stand mixer and Levain cookie delivery.
Elise Jesse
Elise is a home cook and recipe developer known for family-friendly dishes, trendy bakes and entertaining ideas.
