Brownie Petit Fours
Make brownie petit fours with chocolate ganache in two ways! These delightful mini desserts are perfect for parties, celebrations, or just a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings. With their rich chocolate flavor and elegant presentation, brownie petit fours will impress your guests and elevate any occasion. Plus, they’re versatile enough to be served at weddings, holidays, or casual get-togethers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Even novice bakers can create these decadent treats with simple steps.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of semisweet chocolate and cocoa powder delivers a deep, satisfying chocolate taste.
- Versatile Presentation: These petit fours can be decorated in countless ways for any occasion.
- Perfect for Sharing: Their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for parties or potlucks.
- Customizable Options: Feel free to add different toppings or fillings for a unique twist!
Tools and Preparation
To make these brownie petit fours perfectly, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your baking process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Knife or cake cutter
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 inch baking pan: Provides the perfect size for even baking and easy cutting of brownies into petit fours.
- Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients smoothly without spills.
- Double boiler: Ideal for melting chocolate gently without burning it.
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 bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease the 9×13 inch baking pan using butter or cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking when you remove the brownies later.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
In a double boiler, combine the semisweet chocolate and unsalted butter. Stir occasionally until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, beat together the melted chocolate mixture, sugar, light brown sugar, and eggs until well blended. Add in the vanilla extract.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 7: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly, then bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Cool and Cut Brownies
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use a knife or cake cutter to slice them into small squares suitable for petit fours.
Step 9: Prepare Chocolate Ganache
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the heavy whipping cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour it over chopped semisweet chocolate and let it sit for about five minutes before stirring until smooth.
Step 10: Assemble Petit Fours
Dip each brownie square into the ganache, allowing excess to drip off. Place them on parchment paper to set. Finish by sprinkling each piece with fleur de sel for an extra touch of flavor.
Now you’re ready to serve these delightful brownie petit fours at your next gathering! Enjoy your baking adventure!
How to Serve Brownie Petit Fours
Brownie petit fours are versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether for a special occasion or a casual gathering, these mini desserts can impress your guests and satisfy their sweet cravings.
Individual Dessert Plates
- Present each brownie petit four on a small dessert plate for an elegant touch. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Gift Boxes
- Package brownie petit fours in decorative boxes as thoughtful gifts. This is especially great for holidays or celebrations, allowing friends and family to enjoy these treats at home.
Dessert Table Display
- Arrange brownie petit fours on a tiered stand for an eye-catching dessert table. Complement with other desserts like macarons or cupcakes for variety.
Coffee Pairing
- Serve brownie petit fours alongside coffee or espresso. The rich chocolate flavors pair beautifully with the boldness of coffee, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
Afternoon Tea Treats
- Include brownie petit fours in your afternoon tea spread. They add a sweet touch to the assortment of finger sandwiches and scones.
Birthday Party Favors
- Use brownie petit fours as fun party favors at birthday celebrations. Wrap them in clear bags tied with ribbon for a charming presentation.
How to Perfect Brownie Petit Fours
Perfecting brownie petit fours requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your petite desserts are top-notch:
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Choose high-quality chocolate: Using good-quality semisweet chocolate enhances the flavor and texture of your brownies.
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Measure ingredients accurately: Precision is key when baking. Use weight measurements if possible for consistency.
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Avoid overbaking: Keep an eye on your brownies while they bake to maintain that fudgy texture we all love.
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Let them cool completely: Allow the brownies to cool before cutting them into petite squares; this helps maintain clean edges.
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Experiment with toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different toppings like sprinkles or chopped nuts for added flair and flavor.
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Use sharp knives: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife when slicing your brownies into petit fours.
Best Side Dishes for Brownie Petit Fours
Pairing side dishes with brownie petit fours can elevate your dessert experience. Consider these options to complement your sweet treats beautifully.
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Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries adds freshness and tartness that balances the richness of the brownies.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that melts deliciously over warm brownie petit fours, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor.
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Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream provides a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with chocolate desserts.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the brownies for an indulgent touch that enhances their chocolatey goodness.
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Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel adds sweetness and complexity, making each bite even more decadent.
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Coffee or Espresso: Serving these alongside coffee enhances the flavors of the chocolate, making it perfect for after-dinner enjoyment.
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Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of nutty granola offers crunchiness and complements the softness of the brownie without overwhelming it.
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Mint Leaves: Fresh mint leaves add a refreshing contrast that brightens up each bite, making it a lovely garnish choice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Brownie Petit Fours can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.
- Using the wrong chocolate: Opt for high-quality semisweet chocolate. Lower quality can affect flavor and texture.
- Overmixing the batter: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies rather than light and fluffy ones.
- Skipping the ganache: Ganache adds a rich layer of flavor. Don’t skip it, as it enhances the overall dessert experience.
- Not greasing the pan properly: Ensure your baking pan is well-greased or lined with parchment. This prevents sticking and makes removal easier.
- Ignoring cooling times: Allow brownies to cool completely before cutting them into petit fours. Cutting too soon can cause them to crumble.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep layers separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing Brownie Petit Fours
- Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
- Brownie petit fours can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Brownie Petit Fours
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes for a warm treat.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding Brownie Petit Fours that might help you.
What are Brownie Petit Fours?
Brownie petit fours are small, elegant brownie squares often topped with chocolate ganache. They make great bite-sized desserts for any occasion.
Can I customize my Brownie Petit Fours?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, fruit, or flavored extracts to change up the taste. Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra flavor boost!
How long do Brownie Petit Fours last?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, they can last up to 5 days. If frozen, they’ll stay fresh for about 3 months.
What’s the best way to serve Brownie Petit Fours?
Serve them chilled or at room temperature alongside coffee or tea. They also make an attractive addition to dessert platters at gatherings.
Final Thoughts
These Brownie Petit Fours are not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. Their versatility allows you to customize them according to your preferences or occasions. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual get-together, these delightful treats will surely impress your guests!
Brownie Petit Fours
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful world of Brownie Petit Fours, where rich chocolate meets elegant presentation. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a birthday party, a wedding reception, or just a cozy get-together. Topped with luscious chocolate ganache and sprinkled with fleur de sel, these mini desserts are sure to impress your guests while satisfying your sweet cravings.
Ingredients
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- ¾ tsp salt
- 6 oz semisweet chocolate (for ganache)
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- Fleur de sel (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Melt semisweet chocolate and butter together in a double boiler until smooth.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Combine melted chocolate mixture with sugars and eggs; mix in vanilla.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares.
- For ganache, heat cream until simmering, pour over chopped chocolate, stir until smooth.
- Dip brownie squares into ganache; sprinkle with fleur de sel.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 petit four (40g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
