There’s a certain joy in crafting something exquisite out of simple ingredients, and these Brownie Petit Fours present the perfect opportunity to do just that. Imagine the moment you bite into a glossy, ganache-covered square—rich, fudgy chocolate dances on your palate, elegantly balanced by a hint of fleur de sel. It’s a luxury you can whip up in your own kitchen!
As fall evenings draw closer and gatherings with friends and family become more frequent, I find myself reaching for this decadent recipe. These petite delights are not only a feast for the eyes, but they also satisfy that sweet craving without overwhelming your taste buds. Whether adorned for a special occasion or simply treated as an indulgent pick-me-up after a long week, these Brownie Petit Fours are sure to impress and spread joy with every delicious bite. Let’s dive into the recipe that will elevate your dessert game and spark smiles around your table.
Why are Brownie Petit Fours a Must-Try?
Irresistible Bite-Sized Treats: These petit fours provide the perfect indulgence for any occasion, combining elegance and rich flavor in one delightful square.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can impress their guests!
A Touch of Class: The glossy ganache and fleur de sel elevate your dessert presentation, making it suitable for celebrations or gifting.
Fudgy Delight: Each bite offers a soft, chocolatey interior that’s perfectly complemented by the smooth ganache, creating a memorable taste experience.
Versatile Options: Feel free to mix in nuts or experiment with different chocolate types, tailoring the recipe to your preference.
Indulge in these delectable Brownie Petit Fours and watch them disappear from your dessert table, leaving no doubt of their crowd-pleasing charm!
Brownie Petit Fours Ingredients
For the Brownies
- Semisweet Chocolate (4 ounces) – Provides rich chocolate flavor and moisture; substitute with milk chocolate for a sweeter taste.
- Unsalted Butter (¾ cup or 165g) – Adds richness and moisture; ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Granulated Sugar (¾ cup or 150g) – Sweetens the brownies and helps achieve the desired fudgy texture.
- Light Brown Sugar (½ cup or 100g) – Adds depth of flavor and moisture thanks to its molasses content.
- Eggs (3 large) – Binds ingredients and contributes to the fudgy texture; room temperature eggs mix better.
- Vanilla Extract (1½ teaspoons) – Enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup or 140g) – Provides structure; can be replaced with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
- Cocoa Powder (¾ cup or 65g) – Intensifies the chocolate flavor to make your Brownie Petit Fours decadent.
- Salt (¾ teaspoon) – Balances sweetness and enhances all the delightful flavors.
For the Ganache
- Heavy Whipping Cream (¾ cup) – Used to create a creamy ganache; can be omitted for a different ganache texture.
- Semisweet Chocolate for Ganache (6 ounces) – The main ingredient for a silky smooth finish in your ganache.
For the Garnish
- Fleur de Sel – Adds a sophisticated touch and enhances flavor contrasts; omit if you prefer a sweeter treat.
How to Make Brownie Petit Fours
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C), and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
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Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a double boiler or microwave, melt the semisweet chocolate and unsalted butter together until smooth and glossy. Stir gently to combine the two perfectly.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: Remove the melted mixture from heat, and whisk in the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and fluffy.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Then, gently fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until smooth and uniform.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth it out evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs, ensuring they’re not overbaked.
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Cool Brownies: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut them into small squares or rectangles for that perfect petit four size.
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Make Ganache: Heat the heavy whipping cream in a small pot until just simmering. Pour it over the chopped semisweet chocolate, let it sit for a minute, and then stir until it’s shiny and well blended.
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Coat Brownies: Dip each brownie square into the ganache, ensuring each one is fully covered. Set them on a wire rack to let the ganache set properly.
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Finish: Once the ganache is set, sprinkle fleur de sel on top of each brownie for that elegant finish, and they’re ready to serve!
Optional: Drizzle some additional ganache on top for an extra touch of elegance.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Brownie Petit Fours
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Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality semisweet chocolate for the best flavor. It makes a noticeable difference in your Brownie Petit Fours.
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Cool Before Cutting: Ensure brownies are completely cool before cutting. This prevents messy edges and keeps the petit fours looking pristine.
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Ganache Consistency: Allow ganache to cool slightly before dipping; too hot ganache can slide off the brownies. If needed, refrigerate for faster setting.
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Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add flavored extracts like almond or espresso to the brownie batter for a unique twist on your Brownie Petit Fours.
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Storage Savvy: Store leftover petit fours in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week to maintain freshness.
Storage Tips for Brownie Petit Fours
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Room Temperature: Keep the Brownie Petit Fours in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their fudgy texture and flavor.
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Fridge: If you want to extend their life, refrigerate the petit fours in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
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Freezer: For longer storage, wrap each petit four individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer without losing flavor or texture.
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Reheating: To enjoy them warm, simply thaw the petit fours in the fridge overnight, then allow them to come to room temperature before serving. A quick 10-15 second microwave hit will warm them nicely, but avoid overheating!
Make Ahead Options
These Brownie Petit Fours are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the brownies and the ganache separately up to 24 hours in advance. First, bake the brownies and allow them to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Store the cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. For the ganache, make it fresh or refrigerate it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the ganache gently until smooth, dip each square into the ganache, and finish with a sprinkle of fleur de sel. This ensures your elegant Brownie Petit Fours are just as delicious and impressive even when prepped ahead!
Brownie Petit Fours Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to personalize these delectable treats and make them uniquely yours with these delightful twists!
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Flavored Ganache: Swap out semisweet chocolate for dark chocolate or mint chocolate for a refreshing twist in your ganache.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to gluten-sensitive guests without compromising taste.
- Healthy Swap: Use coconut oil instead of unsalted butter for a lighter, dairy-free version that still retains richness.
- Spicy Kick: Introduce a pinch of cayenne pepper to the brownie batter for a surprising warm undertone that enhances the chocolate.
- Dairy-Free Ganache: Use full-fat coconut milk in place of heavy whipping cream for a luscious dairy-free ganache.
- Fruit Fusion: Incorporate ½ cup of dried cherries or raspberries into the batter for a fruity burst of flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- Citrus Zest: Add zest from one orange or lemon to the brownie batter for a bright, zesty element that brightens up the rich chocolate flavor.
What to Serve with Brownie Petit Fours?
Imagine a feast for all your senses when these stunning, bite-sized brownies grace your dessert table—deliciously paired delights await!
- Rich Coffee: A steaming cup of rich coffee balances the sweetness of the brownies and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Flavored Tea: A fragrant herbal or chai tea adds warmth and spiciness, creating a comforting atmosphere for a cozy gathering.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the fudgy brownies, making each bite a luxurious experience.
- Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries offers a refreshing burst of acidity that perfectly complements the rich chocolate.
- Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: For the ultimate indulgence, drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the petit fours, creating an even more decadent dessert.
- Nutty Port Wine: A glass of nutty port wine elevates your dessert experience, melding beautifully with the brownie’s deep flavors while offering a sophisticated twist.
- Mini Fruit Tartlets: A light mini fruit tart adds a delightful crunch and freshness, providing contrast to the rich and fudgy petit fours.
- Coconut Macaroons: These chewy delights add a layer of texture and flavor, creating an engaging dessert platter for your guests.
- Dark Chocolate Mousse: Serve alongside a light dark chocolate mousse, so each bite is a mix of airy and fudgy textures that wow the taste buds.
Brownie Petit Fours Recipe FAQs
What type of chocolate is best for Brownie Petit Fours?
Absolutely, choosing high-quality semisweet chocolate is key to achieving that rich chocolate flavor! This type of chocolate melts smoothly and enhances the overall taste of your petit fours. If you prefer a sweeter treat, you can substitute with milk chocolate, but be aware that this will alter the dessert’s depth and richness.
How should I store leftover Brownie Petit Fours?
Store your Brownie Petit Fours in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I freeze Brownie Petit Fours?
Yes! To freeze, wrap each Petit Four individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw in the fridge overnight, and they’ll taste just as delightful as the day they were made!
What should I do if my brownies are too dry?
If you find that your brownies are dry, it’s likely that they were overbaked. Make sure to pull them out of the oven as soon as the toothpick comes out with moist crumbs, not clean. You can also improve moisture by adding an additional egg or reducing baking time slightly during your next attempt.
Are Brownie Petit Fours suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
These petit fours can definitely be modified! For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. If there are egg allergies, you can try using flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg) as a binding agent. Just keep in mind that the texture may alter slightly with these substitutes.
Can I make Brownie Petit Fours in advance?
Very much so! You can prepare the brownies and ganache separately a day in advance. Store the brownies at room temperature and the ganache in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply coat the brownies with ganache and let them set—this ensures your Brownie Petit Fours are fresh and ready to impress!
Decadent Brownie Petit Fours for Your Next Celebration
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C), and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a double boiler or microwave, melt the semisweet chocolate and unsalted butter together until smooth and glossy. Stir gently to combine the two perfectly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Remove the melted mixture from heat, and whisk in the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and fluffy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Then, gently fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until smooth and uniform.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth it out evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs, ensuring they’re not overbaked.
- Cool Brownies: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut them into small squares or rectangles for that perfect petit four size.
- Make Ganache: Heat the heavy whipping cream in a small pot until just simmering. Pour it over the chopped semisweet chocolate, let it sit for a minute, and then stir until it’s shiny and well blended.
- Coat Brownies: Dip each brownie square into the ganache, ensuring each one is fully covered. Set them on a wire rack to let the ganache set properly.
- Finish: Once the ganache is set, sprinkle fleur de sel on top of each brownie for that elegant finish, and they’re ready to serve!