Brownie Petit Fours
Make Brownie Petit Fours with chocolate ganache in two delicious ways! These bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion, from elegant gatherings to casual family dinners. Their rich chocolate flavor and stunning presentation make them a standout dessert choice. Plus, they can be customized with different toppings or served alongside coffee or tea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Taste: These brownie petit fours deliver a decadent chocolate experience that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for events like parties, weddings, or holiday gatherings. They’re great as a dessert buffet item!
- Simple to Make: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can create these delightful treats effortlessly.
- Beautiful Presentation: These mini desserts are visually appealing, making them an impressive addition to any dessert table.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or change the ganache flavors to suit your preferences.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making these brownie petit fours, gather your essential tools for a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking pan (9×9 inches)
- Parchment paper
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: A variety of sizes helps in efficiently mixing wet and dry ingredients separately.
- Spatula: A sturdy spatula ensures you scrape every bit of the batter out, preventing waste and assuring even mixing.
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 your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter
- In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate and butter together until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in both sugars until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread evenly with a spatula. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely before cutting.
Step 4: Make the Ganache
- Heat heavy whipping cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Pour hot cream over chopped semisweet chocolate in a bowl; let sit for 5 minutes.
- Stir until smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Assemble Your Petit Fours
Once brownies are cooled and cut into squares:
1. Dip each square into the ganache to coat fully.
2. Place on a cooling rack to set slightly.
3. Sprinkle with Fleur de sel before serving for an extra touch of flavor.
Enjoy your elegant Brownie Petit Fours!
How to Serve Brownie Petit Fours
Brownie petit fours are delightful little treats that can be served in various creative ways. Their rich chocolate flavor and elegant presentation make them perfect for any occasion.
Individual Servings
- Serve each brownie petit four on a decorative dessert plate for an elegant touch.
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream to add lightness to the rich chocolate.
With Fresh Berries
- Garnish with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a fruity contrast.
- The tartness of the berries complements the sweetness of the brownies perfectly.
Chocolate Drizzle
- Drizzle extra chocolate ganache over the top for an indulgent look and taste.
- This adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness that guests will love.
Mini Dessert Platters
- Create a mini dessert platter with assorted petit fours and other bite-sized desserts.
- Include macarons, truffles, or mini cheesecakes to offer variety.
Coffee Pairing
- Serve alongside a small cup of espresso or coffee for a sophisticated pairing.
- The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the brownies beautifully.
How to Perfect Brownie Petit Fours
To achieve the best brownie petit fours, consider these helpful tips that enhance both flavor and presentation.
- Use quality chocolate: Opt for high-quality semisweet chocolate to ensure a rich flavor in your brownies.
- Cool completely before cutting: Allow your brownies to cool entirely before slicing. This helps maintain their shape and prevents crumbling.
- Chill before frosting: Chilling the brownies prior to applying ganache makes spreading easier and results in a smoother finish.
- Experiment with flavors: Don’t hesitate to add extracts like almond or orange for a unique twist on classic brownie flavors.
- Use sharp knives: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean after each slice. This keeps your edges neat and appealing.
- Sprinkle fleur de sel: Adding fleur de sel on top enhances flavor by providing a delightful salty contrast.
Best Side Dishes for Brownie Petit Fours
Pairing side dishes with brownie petit fours can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the richness of the brownies.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings freshness and acidity, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Chocolate Mousse: For true chocolate lovers, serving mousse alongside creates an indulgent chocolate experience.
- Custard Sauce: A smooth custard sauce offers a sweet contrast and adds sophistication to your presentation.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over brownie petit fours provides an additional layer of sweetness and texture.
- Cheesecake Bites: Light cheesecake bites add creaminess without overwhelming sweetness, making them an excellent complement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Brownie Petit Fours can be an enjoyable experience, but some common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the ganache: Ganache adds a rich layer of flavor. Don’t skip it; ensure you follow the instructions for a creamy texture.
- Overbaking the brownies: Brownies should be fudgy. Keep an eye on them and use a toothpick to check for doneness.
- Not cooling properly: Allowing the brownies to cool completely is essential for cutting into neat petit fours. Patience is key!
- Using the wrong chocolate: Quality matters! Use semisweet chocolate as specified; it significantly affects taste.
- Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Ensure ingredients like butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best mixing and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover brownie petit fours in an airtight container.
- They will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing Brownie Petit Fours
- Wrap each petit four individually in plastic wrap.
- Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Brownie Petit Fours
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes. This keeps them moist.
- Microwave: Heat for 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up. Be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place in a pan on low heat, covered with a lid, checking frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Brownie Petit Fours that might help you during your baking journey.
What are Brownie Petit Fours?
Brownie petit fours are small, bite-sized brownies often topped with ganache or icing, making them perfect mini desserts.
Can I customize my Brownie Petit Fours?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, different chocolates, or flavor extracts to suit your taste preferences.
How do I ensure my Brownie Petit Fours are fudgy?
Make sure not to overbake your brownies. The center should be slightly undercooked, enabling that fudgy texture after cooling.
Are Brownie Petit Fours suitable for special occasions?
Yes! Their elegant size and presentation make them ideal for parties, weddings, or any celebration that calls for dessert.
Final Thoughts
These Brownie Petit Fours are delightful treats that combine rich flavors with an elegant presentation. Perfect for various occasions, they can easily be customized with different toppings and flavors. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these charming desserts with family and friends!
Brownie Petit Fours
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful world of Brownie Petit Fours, where rich chocolate meets elegant presentation. These mini brownie treats are perfect for any occasion, from sophisticated gatherings to cozy family dinners. Topped with velvety chocolate ganache and customizable with your favorite toppings, they offer a decadent bite-sized experience that is both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 6 oz semisweet chocolate (for ganache)
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper.
- Melt semisweet chocolate and butter in a double boiler or microwave until smooth. Remove from heat, stir in sugars, then add eggs one at a time and mix well.
- Incorporate vanilla extract, followed by folding in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan, spread evenly, and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
- For the ganache, heat cream until simmering, pour over chopped chocolate, let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth. Dip brownie squares in ganache to coat and 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 (30g)
- Calories: 143
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 34mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
