Brownie Petit Fours
Make brownie petit fours with chocolate ganache in two ways! These delightful mini desserts are perfect for any occasion—from elegant parties to casual get-togethers. Their rich chocolate flavor and beautiful presentation make them a standout treat that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly with simple steps, making it ideal for bakers of all levels.
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: The combination of semisweet chocolate and cocoa powder creates an indulgent taste that chocolate lovers crave.
- Versatile Presentation: You can serve these petit fours in various ways, whether as a fancy dessert at a dinner party or as a sweet treat at family gatherings.
- Perfect Portion Sizes: These mini desserts are just the right size for satisfying your sweet tooth without overindulging.
- Delicious Ganache Topping: The chocolate ganache adds a silky finish, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal.
Tools and Preparation
To create your brownie petit fours, having the right tools will make the process smoother. Here are some essential items you’ll need to prepare and bake your treats.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A good quality baking dish ensures even cooking for consistent texture in your brownies.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to mix ingredients without mess and makes the process more efficient.
- Whisk: A whisk helps incorporate air into your batter, creating lighter brownies that melt in your mouth.
- Spatula: Useful for scraping down sides of bowls and ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
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: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your brownies cook evenly from the moment they go in.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the brownies from sticking and make it easier to remove them once baked.
Step 3: Melt Chocolate and Butter
In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate and unsalted butter.
If using a double boiler, stir until melted.
If using a microwave, heat in short bursts of about 20 seconds, stirring in between until smooth.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of dry ingredients throughout the batter.
Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, beat together the melted chocolate mixture, sugar, light brown sugar, and eggs until creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 7: Bake Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cooling before cutting into squares.
Continue with additional steps for ganache preparation if desired!
How to Serve Brownie Petit Fours
Brownie petit fours are delightful mini treats that are perfect for any occasion. Their rich chocolate flavor and elegant presentation make them a hit at parties, gatherings, or even as a special dessert at home.
With Fresh Berries
- Serve your brownie petit fours alongside a mix of fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a burst of freshness that complements the chocolate.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange the brownie petit fours on a beautiful dessert platter with other mini desserts such as macarons or fruit tarts for an impressive display.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the brownie petit fours to add a sweet touch and enhance the chocolate flavor.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream can elevate your brownie petit fours, making them even more indulgent and creamy.
Paired with Ice Cream
- Serve these brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
How to Perfect Brownie Petit Fours
To achieve the ideal brownie petit fours, follow these simple tips that will elevate your baking game.
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Use high-quality chocolate: Opt for good semisweet chocolate for both the brownies and ganache; it makes a significant difference in flavor.
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Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your brownies while baking. They should be fudgy in the center, so take them out when they are just set.
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Chill before cutting: Allow your brownies to cool completely, then refrigerate them before cutting into petite squares. This helps in achieving clean cuts.
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Experiment with flavors: Add spices like cinnamon or espresso powder to enhance the chocolate taste in your brownie mixture.
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Use a sharp knife: When cutting the brownies into petit fours, use a sharp knife to ensure clean edges without crumbling.
Best Side Dishes for Brownie Petit Fours
When serving brownie petit fours, consider pairing them with some delightful side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some great options:
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that balances the richness of chocolate with creamy sweetness.
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Chocolate Mousse: For the ultimate chocolate experience, serve these brownies with light and airy chocolate mousse.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and contrast to the dense chocolate flavor of the brownies.
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Coffee or Espresso: The bitter notes of coffee enhance the sweetness of the brownies, making it an excellent drink option.
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Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites provide a tangy contrast that pairs beautifully with chocolate desserts.
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Pecan Pie Bars: These sweet bars add another layer of texture and flavor while maintaining that comforting dessert vibe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Brownie Petit Fours can be tricky if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Ingredients: Failing to accurately measure the ingredients can lead to dry or overly moist brownies. Use a kitchen scale for precision.
- Overmixing: Overmixing the batter results in tough brownies. Mix just until combined for a fudgy texture.
- Wrong Baking Time: Baking for too long can dry out your brownies. Check for doneness a few minutes early—look for a slight jiggle in the center.
- Skipping Ganache: Neglecting the chocolate ganache means missing out on an extra layer of flavor. Don’t skip it for that rich finish!
- Improper Cooling: Cutting into brownies while still warm can cause them to crumble. Let them cool completely before slicing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover brownie petit fours in an airtight container.
- They keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing Brownie Petit Fours
- Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe container; they last up to 3 months.
Reheating Brownie Petit Fours
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat brownies for about 10 minutes, covered with foil.
- Microwave: Warm individual pieces for 15-20 seconds on medium power.
- Stovetop: Place a brownie in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently, checking frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Brownie Petit Fours.
How do I decorate my Brownie Petit Fours?
You can use various toppings such as sprinkles, nuts, or edible glitter to elevate their appearance!
Can I make Brownie Petit Fours ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare them a day or two in advance and store them properly as mentioned above.
What is the best way to serve Brownie Petit Fours?
Serve them on a beautiful platter at room temperature, perhaps with fresh berries or whipped cream on the side.
Are there variations for Brownie Petit Fours?
Absolutely! Consider adding flavors like peppermint or orange zest to customize your brownies.
Final Thoughts
These Brownie Petit Fours are not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize them with different toppings or flavors to suit any occasion. Perfect for parties or as a cozy treat at home, they are sure to impress anyone who tries them!
Brownie Petit Fours
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful world of Brownie Petit Fours, exquisite mini desserts that are perfect for any gathering, from elegant soirées to casual get-togethers. These rich chocolate treats, topped with silky chocolate ganache, are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. With a simple recipe that caters to bakers of all skill levels, you can whip up these delectable bites in no time. Each petite square offers a perfect balance of fudgy brownie goodness and a luxurious finish, making them an irresistible addition to your dessert menu.
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
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Melt semisweet chocolate and butter together using a double boiler or microwave until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Combine melted chocolate mixture with sugars and eggs; stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares and topping with ganache.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 petit four (approx. 30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
