Brownie Petit Fours
Brownie petit fours are a delightful treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the elegance of mini desserts. These bite-sized confections are perfect for various occasions, from holiday gatherings to afternoon tea. With their layered textures and chocolate ganache, they offer a unique flavor experience that is sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as an indulgent snack, brownie petit fours are a standout choice for any dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe simplifies the process of making elegant desserts at home.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of semisweet chocolate and cocoa powder ensures a deep chocolate flavor.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for parties, weddings, or as a special treat for yourself.
- Impressive Presentation: These petit fours look beautiful and sophisticated, making them ideal for any occasion.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the toppings or fillings to suit your taste preferences.
Tools and Preparation
To create your brownie petit fours, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Double boiler (or microwave-safe bowl)
- Knife or pastry cutter
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking Pan: A 9×13 inch pan is ideal for evenly baking your brownies, ensuring they have the right texture.
- Mixing Bowls: Using multiple bowls helps keep ingredients organized while mixing different components.
- Double Boiler: This tool allows you to melt chocolate gently without burning it, preserving its rich flavor.
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
For Topping
- 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 from start to finish.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the brownies from sticking and make it easier to remove them later.
Step 3: Melt Chocolate and Butter
In a double boiler, combine the semisweet chocolate and unsalted butter. Stir until both are melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt them in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 5: Combine Sugars and Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together both sugars with eggs until well combined. Add in vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.
Step 6: Combine Mixtures
Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and stir until fully incorporated. Slowly add in the dry ingredients while mixing gently until just combined.
Step 7: Bake Your Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
Step 8: Prepare Ganache
While brownies cool, heat heavy whipping cream in a saucepan over medium heat until just simmering. Pour it over semisweet chocolate morsels in a bowl; let sit for a few minutes before stirring until smooth.
Step 9: Assemble Petit Fours
Once brownies are completely cool, cut them into small squares or rectangles. Dip each piece into ganache, allowing excess to drip off. Place on a cooling rack and sprinkle with fleur de sel before setting.
Now you have delectable brownie petit fours ready to impress! Enjoy every bite of these charming treats.
How to Serve Brownie Petit Fours
Brownie petit fours are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various creative ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.
Elegant Platter Display
- Arrange brownie petit fours on a beautiful platter for a stunning presentation at parties or gatherings.
Individual Boxes
- Place each brownie petit four in a small, decorative box. This makes for an adorable gift or party favor.
Coffee Pairing
- Serve brownie petit fours alongside a rich espresso or cappuccino. The combination enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a cozy touch.
Ice Cream Accompaniment
- Pair brownie petit fours with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of temperatures and textures creates a delightful experience.
Seasonal Garnishes
- Top with seasonal fruits like raspberries or strawberries for a fresh twist. This adds color and flavor, making them even more appealing.
Chocolate Drizzle
- Drizzle extra chocolate ganache over each petit four before serving. This adds an indulgent finish that chocolate lovers will adore.
How to Perfect Brownie Petit Fours
Perfecting your brownie petit fours can take your baking to the next level. Here are some helpful tips.
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Use room temperature ingredients: Let eggs and butter sit out for about 30 minutes. This ensures better mixing and fluffier brownies.
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Sift dry ingredients: Sifting flour and cocoa powder removes lumps and helps combine ingredients evenly, resulting in smoother batter.
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Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on baking time; underbaking slightly allows the brownies to remain fudgy, which is perfect for petit fours.
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Cool completely before cutting: Allow brownies to cool fully in the pan before cutting into squares. This prevents crumbling and keeps edges clean.
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Use quality chocolate: Higher-quality chocolate makes a significant difference in flavor. Opt for semisweet chocolate chips or bars you enjoy eating.
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Experiment with flavors: Add extracts like almond or orange zest to the batter for unique taste variations that complement the chocolate beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Brownie Petit Fours
Pairing side dishes with brownie petit fours can enhance your dessert spread. Here are some fantastic options:
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Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream adds a creamy texture that balances the richness of the brownies.
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Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add freshness and acidity, which contrast nicely with the sweet chocolate.
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Chocolate Sauce: Serve warm chocolate sauce on the side for drizzling or dipping, amplifying that decadent chocolate experience.
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Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce introduces a rich sweetness that complements the cocoa flavors perfectly.
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Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up an ice cream bar where guests can choose their favorite flavors and toppings to pair with their brownie treats.
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Nut Mix: A bowl of lightly salted nuts provides a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft brownie petit fours.
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Coffee or Tea: Offering coffee or tea gives guests a warm beverage option, enhancing their dessert experience while providing balance to sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Brownie Petit Fours can be tricky if you don’t know what to look out for. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Skipping the chilling step: Not allowing the brownies to cool properly can lead to messy cutting and uneven layers.
- Using the wrong pan size: Using a pan that is too small or too large can affect baking time and texture. Stick to the recommended size for best results.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make brownies tough. Mix until just combined for a fudgy texture.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science! Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure your proportions are correct.
- Ignoring oven temperature accuracy: Make sure your oven is calibrated correctly. An inaccurate oven can lead to undercooked or burnt brownies.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store brownie petit fours in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Brownie Petit Fours
- Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag; they can last up to 3 months.
Reheating Brownie Petit Fours
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on low power for about 10-15 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Brownie Petit Fours:
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Yes! You can use dark chocolate or even white chocolate for variations in flavor.
How do I make my brownie petit fours more festive?
Add colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the ganache for a fun touch!
What is the best way to cut brownie petit fours?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water. This helps achieve clean, smooth cuts.
Can I customize the flavors of my brownie petit fours?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, dried fruit, or flavored extracts to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
Brownie Petit Fours are a delightful treat that impresses at any gathering. Their versatility allows you to tailor them with different flavors and toppings. Try this recipe today and enjoy these charming mini desserts at your next event!
Brownie Petit Fours
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 petit fours 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Brownie Petit Fours are the perfect blend of decadence and elegance, making them a delightful addition to any dessert table. These bite-sized chocolate confections are layered with rich brownie goodness and topped with smooth chocolate ganache, creating an unforgettable experience for your taste buds. Ideal for celebrations, afternoon tea, or simply indulging yourself, these mini desserts are sure to impress your guests with their stunning presentation and luxurious flavor. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be able to whip up these delightful treats in no time.
Ingredients
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup granulated 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
- For ganache: 6 oz semisweet chocolate and ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Melt the semisweet chocolate and butter together using a double boiler or microwave until smooth.
- In another bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk sugars and eggs until combined, then add melted chocolate mixture and vanilla.
- Gradually stir in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Pour batter into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- While cooling, prepare the ganache by heating cream until simmering; pour over chopped chocolate and stir until smooth.
- Cut cooled brownies into small squares, dip in ganache, sprinkle with fleur de sel, and allow to set.
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
