Brownie Petit Fours
Make Brownie Petit Fours with chocolate ganache in two delicious ways! These delightful mini desserts are perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to elegant holiday gatherings. Their rich chocolate flavor and beautiful presentation make them a standout treat that everyone will love. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to prepare, letting you impress your guests without the stress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Chocolate Flavor: Each bite is packed with rich, chocolaty goodness that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Versatile Presentation: These petit fours can be dressed up for formal events or enjoyed casually at home.
- Simple Steps: Even novice bakers can create these impressive treats with straightforward instructions.
- Perfect for Sharing: Their mini size makes them ideal for gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy a sweet bite without overindulging.
- Customizable Toppings: You can add various toppings like nuts or sprinkles to personalize each petit four.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your brownie petit fours, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking pan: A good-quality baking pan ensures even cooking and helps achieve the perfect texture for your brownies.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple mixing bowls allows you to organize ingredients and keep your workspace tidy during preparation.
- Whisk: A whisk is essential for blending ingredients smoothly, ensuring no lumps in your brownie batter.
Ingredients
Make brownie petit fours with chocolate ganache in two ways!
Ingredients:
– 4 ounces (about ¾ cup of chips) semisweet chocolate, chopped
– ¾ cup (12 T or 165 gm) unsalted butter
– ¾ cup (150 gm) sugar
– ½ cup (100 gm) light brown sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup (140 gm) all-purpose flour
– ¾ cup (65 gm) cocoa powder
– ¾ teaspoon salt
– 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped or in morsels
– ¾ cup (6 ounces) heavy whipping cream
– Fleur de sel, for sprinkling
Instructions:
Servings: Depends on Size of Brownies
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Brownies
How to Make Brownie Petit Fours
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolates and Butter
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate and unsalted butter. Heat in short bursts, stirring frequently until melted and smooth.
Step 3: Mix the Sugars and Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, light brown sugar, and eggs until well combined. Add the melted chocolate mixture and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
Step 6: Prepare Ganache
While brownies are cooling, heat heavy whipping cream in a small saucepan until simmering. Pour over chopped semisweet chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for a few minutes before stirring until smooth.
Step 7: Assemble Your Petit Fours
Once brownies are cool, cut them into squares or desired shapes. Dip each piece into the ganache, then place on a wire rack to set. Finish with a sprinkle of fleur de sel for an elegant touch.
Now you have beautifully crafted brownie petit fours ready to serve! Enjoy these delectable bites at your next gathering or special occasion.
How to Serve Brownie Petit Fours
Brownie petit fours are delightful little treats that can be served in various ways to impress your guests. Their rich chocolate flavor makes them a versatile dessert choice for any occasion.
Elegant Platter
- Arrange the brownie petit fours on a beautiful platter. Use decorative garnishes like edible flowers or fresh mint leaves for an elegant touch.
Individual Boxes
- Package each petit four in a small box tied with a ribbon. This makes for a charming party favor or gift for friends and family.
Dessert Table Display
- Create a stunning dessert table featuring brownie petit fours alongside other mini desserts. This adds visual appeal and variety to your dessert offerings.
Coffee Pairing
- Serve brownie petit fours with freshly brewed coffee or espresso. The combination of chocolate and coffee enhances the flavors, making it a perfect after-dinner treat.
Ice Cream Accompaniment
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla or mint ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, fudgy brownie.
Themed Events
- Customize the presentation based on the theme of your event. Use themed decorations or colors to make your brownie petit fours stand out even more.
How to Perfect Brownie Petit Fours
To ensure your brownie petit fours turn out perfectly every time, consider these essential tips.
- Use Quality Chocolate: Choose high-quality semisweet chocolate chips for rich flavor and smooth texture.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Precision is key in baking; use a kitchen scale for best results.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your brownies while baking. They should be fudgy but set in the middle.
- Cool Before Cutting: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting them into petits fours for clean edges.
- Add Flavors: Experiment with different extracts like almond or orange zest for unique flavor profiles.
- Garnish Thoughtfully: A sprinkle of fleur de sel on top enhances the sweetness and adds a gourmet touch.
Best Side Dishes for Brownie Petit Fours
Pairing sides with brownie petit fours can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful suggestions:
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add freshness and complement the richness of chocolate.
- Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream provides a fluffy contrast to the dense brownies.
- Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce can enhance the chocolate flavor and create an indulgent experience.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzling caramel adds a sweet, buttery element that pairs wonderfully with rich chocolate.
- Fruit Sorbet: A refreshing fruit sorbet offers a light and fruity balance to the richness of brownie petit fours.
- Espresso Shots: Serving shots of espresso alongside adds a bold coffee flavor that enhances relaxation after dessert.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic vanilla ice cream is always a crowd-pleaser when served alongside these chocolaty treats.
- Cheese Plate: A selection of cheeses can surprise guests; try pairing with creamy brie or sharp cheddar for an unexpected twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Brownie Petit Fours can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to dense brownie petit fours. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a lighter texture.
- Using the wrong chocolate type: Not all chocolates work the same. Stick to semisweet chocolate as specified for the best flavor.
- Not measuring accurately: Without precise measurements, your brownies may not turn out as intended. Use a kitchen scale for better accuracy.
- Skipping the cooling time: Cutting brownies too soon can cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool completely before slicing.
- Neglecting the ganache temperature: If the ganache is too hot, it may not set properly on the brownies. Let it cool slightly before pouring.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing Brownie Petit Fours
- Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Brownie Petit Fours
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place brownies on a baking sheet, and heat for 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat with a lid for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Brownie Petit Fours.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet?
You can substitute dark chocolate, but it may change the sweetness level. Adjust sugar accordingly if you prefer less sweetness.
How do I know when my brownie petit fours are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter, indicating they are ready.
Can I customize my brownie petit fours?
Absolutely! Add nuts, dried fruit, or flavored extracts to create your unique version of brownie petit fours.
What should I serve with brownie petit fours?
These pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for a delightful dessert experience.
Final Thoughts
Brownie petit fours offer a mix of rich flavors and elegant presentation, making them perfect for any occasion. Their versatility allows you to customize them according to your tastes. Try making these delightful treats today!
Brownie Petit Fours
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful world of Brownie Petit Fours, where rich chocolate meets elegant presentation. These mini desserts are perfect for any occasion, from festive gatherings to cozy family get-togethers. With their fudgy texture and luscious chocolate ganache, each bite promises an explosion of flavor that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Surprisingly easy to make, these brownie bites allow even novice bakers to create a show-stopping treat without the stress. Customize them with your favorite toppings or serve them on a beautiful platter for an eye-catching dessert display!
Ingredients
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1–1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 6 ounces semisweet chocolate (for ganache), chopped or in morsels
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- Fleur de sel (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking pan.
- Melt the semisweet chocolate and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the sugars and eggs together, then stir in the melted chocolate mixture and vanilla.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, and salt; fold into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour batter into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- For the ganache, heat heavy cream until simmering; pour over chopped chocolate and stir until smooth.
- Once brownies are cool, cut them into squares or desired shapes, dip in ganache, and let set on a wire rack. Finish with fleur de sel.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 petit four (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
