Brownie Petit Fours
Brownie Petit Fours are a delightful twist on traditional brownies, offering a mini dessert that is perfect for any occasion. These bite-sized treats feature rich chocolate flavor and can be elegantly topped with a smooth chocolate ganache. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just indulging in a sweet craving, these petit fours will impress your guests with their charm and taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these delicious brownie petit fours.
- Versatile Presentation – Perfect for parties, holidays, or casual gatherings, you can customize the toppings to fit any theme.
- Decadent Flavor – Rich chocolate and buttery goodness come together for an indulgent dessert experience that chocolate lovers adore.
- Perfectly Sized – These mini desserts are ideal for those who want just a taste without committing to a full-size brownie.
- Impressive Finish – The chocolate ganache adds sophistication, making these petit fours look as good as they taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Knife or pastry cutter
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking pan – A good quality baking pan ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect brownie texture.
- Mixing bowls – Using various sizes helps keep your ingredients organized and simplifies the mixing process.
- Whisk – Achieves a smooth batter by effectively combining wet and dry ingredients together.
Ingredients
Make brownie petit fours with chocolate ganache in two ways!
Ingredients:
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 your baking pan lightly to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the chopped semisweet chocolate and unsalted butter. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Mix Sugars and Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted chocolate mixture with the sugar, light brown sugar, and eggs. Add in the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula until just combined.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread evenly and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow cooling completely before cutting into squares.
Step 6: Prepare Chocolate Ganache
While brownies cool, heat the heavy whipping cream in a small saucepan until it simmers. Pour over the chopped semisweet chocolate, letting it sit for a couple of minutes before stirring until smooth.
Step 7: Assemble Petit Fours
Cut cooled brownies into small squares. Dip each square into ganache or drizzle over top. Sprinkle with Fleur de sel for an added touch of elegance!
Enjoy your delicious Brownie Petit Fours!
How to Serve Brownie Petit Fours
Brownie petit fours are delightful mini desserts that can be served in various ways. Their rich chocolate flavor and elegant presentation make them perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to formal celebrations.
Individual Servings
- Use small dessert plates for an elegant touch.
- Place each brownie petit four on a decorative doily for added charm.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve alongside fresh berries or slices of kiwi for a refreshing contrast.
- The acidity of the fruit complements the sweetness of the brownies perfectly.
Dusted with Powdered Sugar
- Lightly dust each brownie petit four with powdered sugar before serving.
- This simple touch enhances their visual appeal and adds a subtle sweetness.
Accompanied by Ice Cream
- Offer a scoop of vanilla or mint chocolate chip ice cream beside each piece.
- The creaminess of the ice cream pairs wonderfully with the dense brownie texture.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange multiple brownie petit fours on a large platter for a stunning display.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for an impressive presentation.
How to Perfect Brownie Petit Fours
Perfecting brownie petit fours involves attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.
- Use quality chocolate – High-quality semisweet chocolate enhances the flavor of your brownies significantly.
- Let them cool completely – Allow the brownies to cool fully before cutting; this helps maintain clean edges.
- Use a sharp knife – A sharp knife ensures neat cuts, making your petit fours look more professional.
- Chill before serving – Refrigerate the brownie petit fours for at least an hour after cutting; this firms them up and makes them easier to handle.
Best Side Dishes for Brownie Petit Fours
Brownie petit fours can be complemented beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some ideas that will enhance your dessert table.
- Fresh Berries – Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries provide a juicy burst of flavor.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that balances the richness of the brownies.
- Chocolate Sauce – Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the brownie petit fours for extra indulgence.
- Whipped Cream – Light and fluffy, whipped cream adds a lovely texture contrast.
- Caramel Sauce – A drizzle of caramel brings sweetness and depth to your dessert experience.
- Coffee or Espresso – A cup of coffee serves as a perfect accompaniment to rich chocolate desserts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Brownie Petit Fours can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.
- Overmixing the batter – This can lead to tough brownies. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
- Ignoring ingredient temperatures – Using cold eggs or butter can affect how the batter comes together. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature.
- Not measuring accurately – Baking is precise. Always use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy.
- Skipping the cooling time – Cutting brownies too early results in a messy presentation. Allow them to cool completely before slicing.
- Neglecting to line your pan – Not using parchment paper can make it difficult to remove the brownies. Always line your baking dish for easy removal.
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 each piece individually in plastic wrap and then place in an airtight container.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Brownie Petit Fours
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat with a lid for even warming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Brownie Petit Fours?
Brownie petit fours are small, bite-sized brownies often topped with chocolate ganache or icing, making them perfect for parties and celebrations.
How do I know when my Brownie Petit Fours are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Can I customize my Brownie Petit Fours?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or flavored extracts to suit your taste.
What is the best way to serve Brownie Petit Fours?
Serve them on a decorative platter with fresh fruit or ice cream for an elegant dessert display.
How long do Brownie Petit Fours last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh for about 5 days.
Final Thoughts
These Brownie Petit Fours are not only fun to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different toppings and fillings, making them suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a sweet treat, these mini desserts will surely impress your guests!
Brownie Petit Fours
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful world of Brownie Petit Fours, where classic brownies meet elegant presentation. These bite-sized chocolate treats are perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to formal celebrations. Topped with a smooth chocolate ganache and a sprinkle of Fleur de sel, they offer a rich and luxurious dessert experience that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. Easy to make and visually stunning, these mini brownies are also highly customizable, allowing you to tailor them to suit your event’s theme or your personal preference. Get ready to enjoy a decadent dessert that combines charm with irresistible flavor!
Ingredients
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- For Ganache: 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, ¾ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan.
- Melt the semisweet chocolate and butter together in a saucepan over low heat until smooth.
- In a large bowl, whisk melted chocolate mixture with sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well blended.
- Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt in another bowl; fold into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Allow cooling completely before cutting into squares.
- For the ganache, heat heavy cream until it simmers; pour over chopped chocolate and stir until smooth.
- Cut brownies into squares, dip in ganache or drizzle on top, and sprinkle with Fleur de sel.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (30g)
- Calories: 138
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
