Brownie Petit Fours
Make Brownie Petit Fours with chocolate ganache in two ways! These delightful mini desserts are perfect for any occasion, combining the rich flavors of brownies with the elegance of petit fours. Their bite-sized portions make them a hit at parties, weddings, or even just as a sweet treat at home. Plus, their versatility allows you to customize the toppings and decorations to suit your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can create these decadent treats.
- Versatile Flavors: You can easily swap out chocolate for other flavors or add different toppings to match your occasion.
- Impressive Presentation: These petit fours look stunning on any dessert table, making them perfect for celebrations.
- Perfectly Portion-Controlled: Their small size allows you to satisfy your sweet tooth without overindulging.
- Deliciously Rich: The combination of brownie and chocolate ganache creates a luxurious dessert experience.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the delicious world of brownie petit fours, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the process and ensure perfect results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Knife or pastry cutter
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13-inch baking pan: This size ensures even baking for perfect brownie texture.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows for efficient mixing without spills.
- Rubber spatula: Great for folding ingredients together smoothly without overmixing.
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 is essential for ensuring that your brownies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan lightly with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make removing the brownies easier.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
In a heatproof bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate and unsalted butter. Melt them together over a simmering pot of water or in the microwave until smooth. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Mix Sugars and Eggs
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted chocolate mixture with both sugars until well combined. Then add in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula until just combined.
Step 6: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs. Allow cooling completely on a cooling rack.
Step 7: Prepare Chocolate Ganache
In a saucepan, heat the heavy whipping cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour it over the chopped semisweet chocolate. Let it sit for a few minutes before stirring until smooth and shiny.
Step 8: Assemble Petit Fours
Once cooled, cut your brownies into small squares or rectangles. Dip each piece into the ganache, allowing excess to drip off. Place on a wire rack to set up. Sprinkle with Fleur de sel before serving!
Now you’re ready to enjoy these delicious brownie petit fours! Perfectly crafted for any gathering or simply as an indulgent treat at home!
How to Serve Brownie Petit Fours
Brownie petit fours are delightful, bite-sized treats perfect for any occasion. They can be served in various ways to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Elegant Platter
- Arrange brownie petit fours on a beautiful serving platter for a stunning presentation at parties.
- Garnish with fresh berries or edible flowers to enhance the visual appeal.
Individual Boxes
- Place each brownie petit four in small decorative boxes as take-home favors for guests.
- Include a thank you note or a recipe card for a personal touch.
Dessert Table Display
- Create a dessert table featuring brownie petit fours alongside other mini desserts.
- Use tiered stands to add height and variety to your display.
Afternoon Tea
- Serve brownie petit fours during an afternoon tea gathering with various teas.
- Pair them with light snacks like scones or finger sandwiches for a balanced menu.
How to Perfect Brownie Petit Fours
To create the ultimate brownie petit fours, consider these helpful tips:
- Use quality chocolate: High-quality semisweet chocolate enhances flavor and texture.
- Let them cool completely: Ensure brownies are fully cooled before cutting to maintain clean edges.
- Chill before frosting: Refrigerate brownies before adding ganache for easier spreading.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding different extracts or spices to customize your brownies.
- Use sharp knives: A sharp knife makes cutting neat squares easier, preventing crumbling.
- Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Brownie Petit Fours
Pairing side dishes with brownie petit fours can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy ice cream complements the rich chocolate flavor of brownie petit fours perfectly.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the brownies.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the brownie pieces for an extra indulgent treat.
- Coffee or Espresso: Serve with coffee or espresso to enhance the chocolate flavors and provide balance.
- Whipped Cream: Light whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that pairs beautifully with dense brownies.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can offer a savory counterpoint, making dessert more complex and satisfying.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Brownie Petit Fours can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are key mistakes to watch out for:
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to dense brownies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for light and fluffy petit fours.
- Wrong baking temperature: Baking at too high or too low a temperature can ruin the texture. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
- Skipping the ganache cooling: Pouring warm ganache over hot brownies can cause it to melt into the cake. Allow it to cool slightly before pouring.
- Not using parchment paper: This can make removing the brownies difficult. Line your pan with parchment for easy removal and clean-up.
- Ignoring cooling time: Cutting into brownies while they’re still warm can lead to crumbling. Let them cool completely before slicing into petit fours.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store brownie petit fours in an airtight container.
- They will last about 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Brownie Petit Fours
- Wrap each petit four individually in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Brownie Petit Fours
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place brownie petit fours on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Brownie Petit Fours that you might find helpful:
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Yes, you can experiment with dark or white chocolate for the ganache to change the flavor profile.
How do I know when my brownies 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, fruits, or flavor extracts to create unique variations.
What’s the best way to slice brownie petit fours?
Use a hot knife dipped in water for cleaner cuts. Wipe it between slices for perfect edges.
Final Thoughts
These Brownie Petit Fours are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a sweet treat, these mini desserts will surely impress. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or flavors!
Brownie Petit Fours
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 petit fours 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich decadence of Brownie Petit Fours, small yet spectacular desserts that combine the classic flavors of brownies with elegant presentation. Perfect for parties, weddings, or simply as a sweet treat at home, these bite-sized delights are easy to make and versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings. Each petit four is enveloped in a luxurious chocolate ganache, offering an irresistible experience that will impress your guests. Not only do they look stunning on dessert tables, but their portion-controlled size means you can enjoy a satisfying treat without overindulging. Get ready to create these delectable mini desserts that are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1½ 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) and prepare a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Melt semisweet chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl over simmering water; stir until smooth.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk melted mixture with sugars, then add eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, and salt; fold into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely.
- For ganache, heat heavy cream until simmering; pour over chopped chocolate and stir until smooth.
- Cut cooled brownies into squares or rectangles, dip in ganache, set on wire rack to cool, then sprinkle with Fleur de sel.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 petit four (40g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
