Brownie Petit Fours

Make Brownie Petit Fours with chocolate ganache in two delightful ways! These mini treats are perfect for celebrations, parties, or simply indulging yourself. Their rich chocolate flavor and elegant presentation make them a standout dessert. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying an afternoon treat, these petit fours will impress everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, these brownie petit fours are accessible for any home baker.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of semisweet chocolate and rich ganache creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that chocolate lovers crave.
• Versatile Presentation: These petite desserts can be dressed up with various toppings, making them suitable for any occasion, from casual gatherings to fancy events.
• Mini Portions: Perfectly sized for a sweet bite, these petit fours satisfy your cravings without overindulging.
• Customizable: You can experiment with different flavors of ganache or toppings to suit your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your brownie petit fours, having the right tools is essential. This will ensure smooth baking and easy assembly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Knife or pastry cutter
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking for perfectly cooked brownies.
• Mixing bowls: Using multiple bowls helps in organizing ingredients and makes mixing easier.
• Cooling rack: Allows brownies to cool evenly, preventing sogginess.

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). Greasing or lining your baking pan will prevent sticking.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the semisweet chocolate and unsalted butter. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Sugars and Eggs

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted chocolate mixture with the sugar, light brown sugar, and eggs. Ensure it’s well combined before adding the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cooling completely on a wire rack.

Step 6: Prepare Chocolate Ganache

While brownies cool, heat the heavy whipping cream until just simmering. Pour it over the chopped semisweet chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for a few minutes before stirring until smooth.

Step 7: Assemble Your Petit Fours

Once cooled, cut brownies into small squares or rectangles. Dip each piece into warm ganache allowing excess to drip off. Place on a cooling rack.

Step 8: Final Touches

Sprinkle with Fleur de sel while still wet. Allow ganache to set before serving your delicious brownie petit fours!

How to Serve Brownie Petit Fours

Brownie petit fours are a delightful treat that can be served in various creative ways. Whether it’s for a festive occasion or a casual gathering, these mini desserts can impress your guests and satisfy their sweet cravings.

On a Dessert Platter

• Create an eye-catching display by arranging brownie petit fours on a beautiful platter. You can mix and match different flavors for visual appeal.

With Fresh Berries

• Pair brownie petit fours with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The tartness of the berries complements the rich chocolate perfectly.

Dusted with Powdered Sugar

• Lightly dust the tops of your brownie petit fours with powdered sugar right before serving for an elegant touch. This adds sweetness without overpowering the chocolate flavor.

Accompanied by Ice Cream

• Serve brownie petit fours alongside a scoop of vanilla or mint chocolate chip ice cream. The cold contrast enhances the warm, fudgy texture of the brownies.

Garnished with Chocolate Shavings

• Top each petit four with chocolate shavings or curls for added texture and an indulgent look. This simple addition elevates the dessert’s presentation.

Pin for later!

How to Perfect Brownie Petit Fours

To create perfect brownie petit fours, attention to detail is key. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out beautifully.

• Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semisweet chocolate to enhance the flavor of your brownies.
• Chill Before Cutting: Allow the brownies to cool completely and chill them in the fridge before cutting. This helps achieve clean edges.
• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to add nuts, espresso powder, or flavored extracts to customize your brownie batter.
• Keep Ganache Smooth: When making ganache, ensure that you stir it well until it’s shiny and smooth before pouring it over the brownies.
• Be Mindful of Portion Size: Cut brownies into smaller squares for easy serving and a more appealing bite-sized treat.
• Let Them Set: After adding ganache, let the petits fours set in the refrigerator so they hold their shape when served.

Best Side Dishes for Brownie Petit Fours

Pairing side dishes with brownie petit fours can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fresh Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream balances the richness of the brownies beautifully.
2. Fruit Salad: A colorful medley of seasonal fruits provides freshness and contrasts nicely with chocolate.
3. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the brownies for an extra indulgent touch.
4. Caramel Sauce: Sweet caramel adds another layer of flavor that complements chocolate perfectly.
5. Coffee or Espresso: Serving coffee alongside brownie petit fours enhances their depth while providing a warm beverage option.
6. Mint Tea: A refreshing mint tea serves as a palate cleanser after enjoying these rich desserts.
7. Cheese Plate: A small assortment of cheeses can offer a savory balance against the sweet flavors of brownie petit fours.
8. Mini Fruit Tarts: These provide a light dessert option that pairs well with rich chocolate flavors while adding variety to your spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Brownie Petit Fours can be fun, but there are common pitfalls that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the Measurements: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can make brownies tough. Mix until just combined for a fudgy texture.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in a cold oven can lead to uneven cooking. Preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
• Ignoring Cooling Time: Cutting brownies too soon can ruin their texture. Allow them to cool completely before slicing.
• Using Low-Quality Chocolate: The quality of chocolate affects flavor. Use high-quality semisweet chocolate for the best taste.

Pin for later!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store brownie petit fours in an airtight container.
• They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Brownie Petit Fours

• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Brownie Petit Fours

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place brownies on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat for 15-20 seconds on medium power for a warm treat.
• Stovetop: Place them in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Brownie Petit Fours that may help you with your baking journey.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

You can use dark or milk chocolate instead of semisweet. Just adjust the sweetness accordingly.

How do I customize my brownie petit fours?

Feel free to add nuts, caramel, or different flavor extracts for a unique twist!

What if my brownies are too dry?

Overbaking is often the cause of dry brownies. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for delicious gluten-free brownie petit fours.

Final Thoughts

These Brownie Petit Fours are not only delightful but also versatile! You can customize them with various toppings or flavors to suit any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy gathering or a festive celebration, these petite desserts will surely impress your guests. Try making them today!