Brownie Petit Fours
Brownie petit fours are a delightful twist on traditional brownies, making them perfect for any occasion. These mini desserts combine rich brownie flavors with a luxurious chocolate ganache. Their bite-sized portions allow for easy serving and sharing, making them a hit at parties, celebrations, or even as an indulgent treat at home. With their elegant appearance and decadent taste, brownie petit fours are sure to impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of semisweet chocolate and cocoa powder creates a deep, rich flavor that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for events like weddings, birthdays, or holidays—these petite desserts fit in at any gathering.
- Simple to Make: Despite their fancy appearance, brownie petit fours are straightforward to prepare with easily accessible ingredients.
- Decadent Ganache Finish: A smooth and glossy chocolate ganache elevates the brownies to a new level of indulgence.
- Customizable Sizes: You can adjust the size of each petit four to suit your serving needs, whether for a large crowd or an intimate gathering.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools is essential for making brownie petit fours successfully. Below is a list of necessary equipment to ensure your baking experience goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Baking pan (9×9 inches or similar)
- Parchment paper
- Saucepan
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl allows for thorough mixing of the ingredients without spills.
- Rubber spatula: This tool helps in folding the batter gently to maintain its airy texture.
- Baking pan: An appropriately sized pan ensures even cooking and helps achieve perfect edges on your brownie petit fours.
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
How to Make Brownie Petit Fours
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter
In a saucepan over low heat:
Combine the chopped semisweet chocolate and unsalted butter.
Stir until both are fully melted and well combined. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix Sugars and Eggs
In a mixing bowl:
1. Add the melted chocolate mixture.
2. Whisk in both the sugar and light brown sugar until smooth.
3. Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Add the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl:
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula until just combined.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan:
Spread it evenly using your spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
Step 6: Prepare Chocolate Ganache
While brownies cool:
1. In a saucepan, heat the heavy whipping cream over medium heat until just simmering.
2. Pour it over the chopped semisweet chocolate. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before whisking until smooth.
Step 7: Assemble Brownie Petit Fours
- Once brownies have cooled completely, cut them into small squares or rectangles.
- Dip each piece into the ganache or drizzle it on top.
- Finish with a sprinkle of Fleur de sel.
How to Serve Brownie Petit Fours
Brownie petit fours are delightful bite-sized treats that can elevate any dessert table. Their rich chocolate flavor makes them perfect for various occasions, from formal gatherings to casual get-togethers.
With Fresh Berries
- Serve brownie petit fours with a side of fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, to add a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.
Accompanied by Ice Cream
- Pair these petit fours with a scoop of vanilla or mint chocolate chip ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Dusted with Powdered Sugar
- Lightly dust the top of each brownie petit four with powdered sugar for an elegant touch that enhances their appearance.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- Add a drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the brownie petit fours for an added layer of sweetness and flavor.
Served on a Dessert Platter
- Arrange brownie petit fours on a beautiful dessert platter alongside other mini desserts for a stunning presentation at parties.
How to Perfect Brownie Petit Fours
Creating flawless brownie petit fours is easy when you follow these simple tips. Here are some ways to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly every time.
- Use high-quality chocolate: For the best flavor, choose premium semisweet chocolate when making brownies and ganache.
- Chill before cutting: Allow the brownies to cool completely and chill in the fridge before cutting them into smaller squares for cleaner edges.
- Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife will make it easier to cut through the brownies without tearing them apart.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding different extracts or spices, like almond extract or espresso powder, to enhance the taste of your brownies.
- Keep ganache smooth: Stir the ganache until it’s glossy and shiny for a professional-looking finish on your brownie petit fours.
- Add toppings wisely: Consider garnishing with sea salt or nuts after drizzling with ganache for added texture and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Brownie Petit Fours
Brownie petit fours pair well with various side dishes that complement their rich chocolate flavor. Here are some delicious options to consider serving alongside them:
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a lovely contrast to the dense brownies.
- Chocolate Mousse: A rich chocolate mousse can enhance the overall chocolate experience when served together.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing balance against the decadence of brownie petit fours.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer a creamy texture that pairs nicely with chocolate flavors.
- Panna Cotta: This Italian dessert has a silky texture that complements the richness of brownie petit fours beautifully.
- Coffee or Espresso: Serving coffee or espresso creates an excellent pairing that brings out the chocolate’s depth in flavor.
- Nut Brittle: Crunchy nut brittle adds an exciting crunch and contrasts wonderfully with the soft brownie texture.
- Custard Cups: Individual custard cups filled with vanilla or chocolate custard provide an elegant side dish option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Brownie Petit Fours can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using stale ingredients – Fresh ingredients are key for tasty brownie petit fours. Always check the dates on your baking items.
- Overmixing the batter – Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture.
- Not letting them cool – Allow your brownies to cool completely before cutting. This helps them hold their shape and makes decorating easier.
- Ignoring measurements – Accurate measurements ensure consistency. Use a kitchen scale for precise amounts, especially with flour and cocoa powder.
- Skipping the ganache – Ganache adds richness and moisture. Don’t skip it! Prepare it as directed for the best flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover brownie petit fours in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Brownie Petit Fours
- Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe container; they will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating Brownie Petit Fours
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place on a baking sheet and reheat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Check and repeat if needed, but don’t overdo it!
- Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Brownie Petit Fours.
How do I know when my brownie petit fours are done?
To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Can I customize brownie petit fours?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, dried fruits, or different flavors of extracts to create your unique version.
What is the best chocolate for ganache?
Use high-quality semisweet chocolate for the ganache. This ensures rich flavor and smooth texture in your brownie petit fours.
How can I make my brownie petit fours more decorative?
Try adding colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or fresh berries on top of the ganache for an appealing finish.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.
Final Thoughts
Brownie Petit Fours are not only visually stunning but also deliciously rich. Their versatility makes them perfect for various occasions, from casual gatherings to fancy celebrations. Feel free to customize these delightful treats with toppings or flavors that you love!
Brownie Petit Fours
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Brownie Petit Fours are an exquisite treat that merges the rich taste of traditional brownies with the elegance of bite-sized desserts. These mini chocolate delights are enrobed in a luxurious chocolate ganache, making them not only delicious but also visually appealing. Perfect for any occasion—be it a wedding, birthday, or a casual get-together—these petite treats are sure to impress your guests. With their easy-to-serve portions and decadent flavor profile, Brownie Petit Fours elevate dessert time to a whole new level.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped or in morsels (for ganache)
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the semisweet chocolate and butter together until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted mixture with sugars and whisk until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then gradually fold into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
- For the ganache, heat heavy cream in a saucepan until simmering, then pour over chopped chocolate and let sit before whisking until smooth.
- Once brownies have cooled completely, cut into small squares or rectangles and dip or drizzle with ganache. Finish with Fleur de sel on top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
