There’s something utterly enchanting about the moment you lift the lid from a box of homemade Brownie Petit Fours. The rich, fudgy aroma fills the air, promising a delightful indulgence. Just imagining cutting into those dainty squares reveals a glossy ganache coat that gleams like a nighttime sky—inviting and irresistible. I stumbled upon this recipe during a casual afternoon baking session, eager to elevate my dessert game. With layers of velvety chocolate and a sprinkle of fleur de sel to balance the sweetness, these petite delights are the ultimate treat for both special occasions and everyday cravings.
Whether you’re planning a gathering, treating yourself after a long day, or searching for a thoughtful homemade gift, these brownie petit fours are an elegant solution. Beyond their irresistible flavor, their simple preparation allows even the busiest home cooks to enjoy a touch of gourmet luxury. So, preheat that oven, grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into the world of Brownie Petit Fours—where each bite is a moment of bliss.
Why will you adore Brownie Petit Fours?
Indulgent Flavor: Each bite offers a rich chocolate experience, topped with a velvety ganache.
Elegant Presentation: These petit fours elevate any dessert table, perfect for impressing guests at gatherings.
Quick Preparation: You only need basic baking skills, making it easy for anyone to enjoy gourmet treats.
Versatile Options: Personalize them with your favorite toppings or chocolate types for unique flavor combinations.
Perfect for Gift-Giving: Packaged beautifully, they make thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
These scrumptious Brownie Petit Fours blend convenience and sophistication, ensuring you’ll relish every moment of making and sharing them!
Brownie Petit Fours Ingredients
For the Brownie Base
• Semisweet Chocolate (4 ounces) – Provides rich chocolate flavor; can substitute with milk chocolate, but will alter sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter (¾ cup or 165g) – Adds moisture and richness; use salted butter if unsalted is unavailable, but reduce additional salt.
• Granulated Sugar (¾ cup or 150g) – Sweetens the brownie base; brown sugar can replace it for a deeper flavor.
• Light Brown Sugar (½ cup or 100g) – Adds moisture and caramel notes for a fudgier texture.
• Large Eggs (3) – Binds ingredients and contributes to the brownies’ structure; ensure they are at room temperature for proper mixing.
• Vanilla Extract (1½ teaspoons) – Enhances overall flavor; a high-quality extract offers the best taste.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 cup or 140g) – Provides structure to the brownies; gluten-free flour mix can be substituted for a gluten-free version.
• Cocoa Powder (¾ cup or 65g) – Intensifies chocolate flavor; use unsweetened cocoa for the best results.
• Salt (¾ teaspoon) – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor; can reduce or omit if using salted butter.
For the Ganache
• Heavy Whipping Cream (¾ cup or 6 ounces) – Used to make the ganache; can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
For Topping
• Fleur de Sel – Adds a sophisticated salty contrast to the sweetness; just a sprinkle elevates the flavor in each Brownie Petit Four!
How to Make Brownie Petit Fours
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Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there’s enough overhang for easy removal later.
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Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a heatproof bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate and unsalted butter over a double boiler or microwave until smooth. Stir occasionally to achieve a silky texture.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in granulated sugar, then brown sugar, adding the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until fully blended.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gently fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix!
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Bake: Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs—perfect for fudginess.
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Cool and Cut: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment and cut into small squares or rectangles on a cutting board.
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Make Ganache: Heat the heavy whipping cream in a saucepan until it starts to simmer. Remove from heat and pour it over chopped chocolate; let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
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Coat Brownies: Dip each brownie piece into the ganache, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Let any excess drip off, then set them aside on a rack to allow the ganache to set and harden.
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Garnish: Sprinkle fleur de sel on top of each petit four as a finishing touch, enhancing the flavor beautifully and adding a gourmet flair.
Optional: For an extra touch, drizzle additional ganache or garnish with crushed nuts.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Brownie Petit Fours Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and customize these delightful treats, ensuring every bite is uniquely yours.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy whipping cream with coconut cream for a rich, dairy-free ganache that maintains flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a delicious gluten-free version.
- Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter for an added crunch and depth of flavor.
- Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter for a deeper chocolate flavor that coffee lovers will adore.
- Fruit Infusion: Fold in mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries into the batter for a sweet surprise in each bite.
- Alternative Frosting: Opt for a cream cheese frosting instead of ganache for a tangy twist that pairs beautifully with the brownies.
- Topping Twist: Instead of fleur de sel, sprinkle with toasted coconut or crushed pistachios for a unique, crunchy garnish.
- Spiced Delights: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a hint of chili powder to the batter for subtle warmth that elevates the chocolate experience.
What to Serve with Brownie Petit Fours?
Indulge in a delightful feast by pairing these sweet morsels with tasty sides that enhance their rich chocolate flavor.
- Espresso Coffee: The bold coffee flavor complements the sweetness of the brownies, creating a satisfying contrast.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing, tart balance—perfect to cut through the richness.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream enhances each bite with a creamy touch.
- Gelato: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate gelato creates a luxurious dessert experience, melting beautifully with the brownie’s ganache.
- Dessert Wine: A rich port or a sweet dessert wine brings out the deep chocolate notes and makes for an elegant pairing.
- Chocolate Fondue: For chocolate lovers, dipping bites into warm chocolate fondue elevates the decadent experience to new heights.
No matter which options you choose, these pairings will undoubtedly create a memorable tasting journey with your Brownie Petit Fours!
Expert Tips for Brownie Petit Fours
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Cool Completely: Allow brownies to cool fully before cutting. This prevents crumbling and ensures clean edges for your petit fours.
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Check Baked Goodness: Use a toothpick to test for doneness; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating the brownies are perfect.
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Mind the Ganache: Cool the ganache slightly before dipping to ensure a nice, thick coat on your Brownie Petit Fours without the runniness.
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Mix, Don’t Overmix: When folding dry ingredients into the wet mixture, do so gently. Overmixing can result in a tougher texture.
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Experiment with Toppings: Elevate your petit fours by incorporating different toppings like crushed nuts or flakes for added flavor and texture.
How to Store and Freeze Brownie Petit Fours
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their fudgy texture and flavor.
Fridge: If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. Just ensure they’re covered to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze brownie petit fours. Lay them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Allow to thaw in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste experience!
Make Ahead Options
These Brownie Petit Fours are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy gourmet sweets without time stress! You can bake the brownie base up to 24 hours in advance; simply cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and store at room temperature. The ganache can also be prepared up to 3 days ahead—just refrigerate it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, dip the cooled brownie pieces into the ganache and sprinkle with fleur de sel. This way, you can have rich, delicious treats ready to impress at a moment’s notice, all while preserving their delightful flavors and textures!
Brownie Petit Fours Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select chocolate for Brownie Petit Fours?
Absolutely! When choosing chocolate, look for high-quality semisweet chocolate, as it provides the richest flavor. You might be tempted to use milk chocolate for a sweeter taste, but that will change the overall balance of the dessert. Always read the label and aim for chocolate that is at least 60% cocoa for the most decadent result.
How should I store leftover Brownie Petit Fours?
Very simple! Store your Brownie Petit Fours in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure they are well covered to avoid drying out. I often find that they taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld!
Can I freeze Brownie Petit Fours, and how?
Certainly! To freeze your Brownie Petit Fours, first, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
What if my brownies crumble when I cut them?
Don’t worry! If your brownies crumble, it might be because they were not allowed to cool completely before cutting. Make sure to let them cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before lifting them out and cutting. Additionally, a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, which indicates they are perfectly baked. If you still face issues, consider adding an extra egg to the mix for added binding.
Are there any allergies I need to consider when making Brownie Petit Fours?
Yes, it’s important to be mindful of food allergies. These brownie petit fours contain dairy (butter and cream) and eggs, which are common allergens. If you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, consider substituting with dairy-free butter and coconut cream for the ganache. Additionally, ensure all chocolate used is free from allergens, as some brands may contain traces of nuts or other common allergens.
Decadent Brownie Petit Fours Perfect for Sweet Celebrations
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there’s enough overhang for easy removal later.
- In a heatproof bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate and unsalted butter over a double boiler or microwave until smooth. Stir occasionally.
- Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in granulated sugar, then brown sugar, adding the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gently fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment and cut into small squares or rectangles.
- Heat the heavy whipping cream in a saucepan until it starts to simmer. Pour it over chopped chocolate; let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth.
- Dip each brownie piece into the ganache, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Let any excess drip off, then set them aside on a rack.
- Sprinkle fleur de sel on top of each petit four as a finishing touch, enhancing the flavor beautifully.