Brownie Petit Fours
Brownie petit fours are a delightful twist on the classic brownie, making them perfect for any occasion. These mini desserts are not only visually appealing but also offer a rich chocolate flavor that will impress your guests. Whether for a birthday party, holiday gathering, or an elegant dinner, brownie petit fours with chocolate ganache add a touch of sophistication to your dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe simplifies the traditional brownie-making process while delivering amazing results.
- Decadent Flavor: Rich chocolate combined with creamy ganache creates an indulgent treat that satisfies any sweet tooth.
- Versatile Presentation: Brownie petit fours can be cut into various shapes, making them fun and customizable for different events.
- Perfect for Sharing: These mini treats are easy to serve at gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy without the mess of larger desserts.
- Impressive Appearance: The glossy ganache and finishing touch of fleur de sel make these petit fours look as good as they taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
- Spatula
- Knife or pastry cutter
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking pan: Ensures even baking and easy removal of brownies.
- Mixing bowls: Allows for proper mixing of ingredients without spills.
- Spatula: Helps in spreading batter evenly and scraping the bowl clean.
- Knife or pastry cutter: Essential for cutting brownies into neat, bite-sized pieces.
Ingredients
Make brownie petit fours with chocolate ganache in two ways!
For the Brownies
- 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
For the Ganache
- 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). Grease and line a baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter
In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate and unsalted butter. Stir until smooth.
Step 3: Mix Sugars and Eggs
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted chocolate mixture with the sugar, light brown sugar, and eggs. Whisk until well combined. Add the vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 5: Bake Brownies
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cooling completely in the pan.
Step 6: Prepare Ganache
While brownies cool, make ganache by heating the heavy whipping cream. Pour it over the chopped semisweet chocolate. Let it sit for a few minutes before stirring until smooth.
Step 7: Assemble Petit Fours
Once cooled, cut brownies into desired shapes. Dip each piece in ganache; allow excess to drip off. Place on a wire rack to set.
Step 8: Finish with Fleur de Sel
Sprinkle each brownie petit four with a touch of fleur de sel before serving. Enjoy these beautiful treats at your next event!
How to Serve Brownie Petit Fours
Brownie petit fours are delightful mini desserts that can be served in various creative ways. They are perfect for parties, gatherings, or even a cozy night in. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your brownie petit fours experience.
Elegant Platter Display
- Arrange your brownie petit fours on a beautiful platter. Use cake stands at different heights for an eye-catching presentation.
Individual Boxes
- Place individual brownie petit fours in small treat boxes tied with ribbons. This makes for charming gifts or party favors.
Dessert Table Feature
- Add brownie petit fours to a dessert table alongside other sweets. Their rich chocolate flavor will complement cakes and pastries beautifully.
Coffee Pairing
- Serve brownie petit fours with coffee or espresso. The bitterness of the drink balances the sweetness of the brownies perfectly.
Ice Cream Accompaniment
- Pair each brownie petit four with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This adds creaminess and contrasts the rich chocolate.
Seasonal Toppings
- Top your brownie petit fours with seasonal fruits or edible flowers. This adds color and freshness to the presentation.
How to Perfect Brownie Petit Fours
To make your brownie petit fours truly exceptional, follow these helpful tips that ensure they turn out perfectly every time.
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Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semisweet chocolate for a richer flavor that enhances your brownies.
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Chill Before Cutting: Let the brownies cool completely and even chill them briefly before cutting. This makes slicing easier and cleaner.
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Control Ganache Consistency: Adjust the ganache thickness by varying the amount of cream added. A thicker ganache holds shape better on top of the brownies.
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Experiment with Flavors: Add extracts like almond or mint to your batter for a unique twist on classic brownie flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Brownie Petit Fours
Brownie petit fours can be complemented with various side dishes that enhance their enjoyment. Consider these tasty options when planning your dessert spread.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a refreshing contrast to the rich brownies.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream provides a delightful texture that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over your brownie petit fours for an extra indulgent treat.
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Caramel Sauce: A touch of caramel sauce adds sweetness and depth, making each bite even more enjoyable.
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Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans offer a crunchy element that complements the soft brownies beautifully.
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Mint Leaves: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and a hint of freshness that brightens the dessert plate.
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Ice Cream Floats: Create fun ice cream floats using soda or sparkling water—perfectly refreshing alongside sweet treats.
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Cheese Plate: A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory balance to the sweetness of brownie petit fours.
These side dishes not only enhance the flavors but also create an appealing dessert experience!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Brownie Petit Fours can be a delightful experience, but it’s essential to avoid common mistakes.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense brownies. Mix just until combined for a lighter texture.
- Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can ruin your dessert. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
- Not Greasing the Pan: A sticky pan can cause your brownies to break apart. Use butter or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: Cutting brownies too soon can make them fall apart. Let them cool completely before slicing for clean edges.
- Using Low-Quality Chocolate: The chocolate’s flavor greatly impacts the final result. Invest in good-quality chocolate for rich, delicious brownies.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Brownie Petit Fours
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating Brownie Petit Fours
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds at a time until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Brownie Petit Fours.
What is the best chocolate for Brownie Petit Fours?
Use high-quality semisweet chocolate chips or bars for the best flavor and texture.
Can I customize my Brownie Petit Fours?
Yes! You can add nuts, dried fruits, or flavored extracts to enhance taste.
How do I know when my Brownie Petit Fours are done?
Insert a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend for delicious results.
Final Thoughts
These Brownie Petit Fours are perfect for any occasion, offering delightful flavors and versatility. You can easily customize them with various toppings or flavors to suit your preference. Try making them today and impress your friends and family!
Brownie Petit Fours
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Brownie Petit Fours are the ultimate chocolate indulgence, combining the rich flavors of classic brownies with a sophisticated twist. These bite-sized treats are draped in velvety chocolate ganache and topped with a sprinkle of fleur de sel, making them an impressive addition to any dessert table. Perfect for celebrations or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, Brownie Petit Fours are easily customizable and sure to delight guests of all ages.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 6 ounces semisweet chocolate (for ganache)
- ¾ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking pan by greasing it and lining with parchment paper.
- Melt the semisweet chocolate and butter together until smooth.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted chocolate mixture with granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt; fold into wet ingredients.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cooling completely.
- For the ganache, heat heavy cream and pour it over chopped chocolate; stir until smooth.
- Cut cooled brownies into desired shapes, dip in ganache, place on a rack to set, and finish with fleur de sel.
- 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: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
