Brownie Petit Fours

Brownie Petit Fours are a refined, bite-sized treat that brings together the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with the elegance of ganache and a sprinkle of fleur de sel. These delicate little desserts are perfect for special occasions, elegant parties, or when you simply want to indulge in a luxurious chocolate treat. The brownies are moist and dense, with a deep, intense chocolate flavor, while the smooth, velvety ganache on top adds the perfect finishing touch. The fleur de sel adds a sophisticated twist with a hint of saltiness, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Whether you’re serving them at a wedding, a holiday gathering, or as a sweet gift, these brownie petit fours are sure to impress your guests with their stunning appearance and exceptional taste. Their individual size makes them perfect for portion control, while their rich flavors make them a memorable treat that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Balanced Flavors

The combination of semisweet chocolate brownies, creamy ganache, and a touch of fleur de sel creates a delightful mix of sweet and savory, giving each bite a luxurious and balanced taste.

Elegant Presentation

These bite-sized brownies are perfect for elegant events and gatherings, offering a refined touch to any dessert table. Their petit size makes them easy to serve and enjoy.

Rich and Decadent

The dense, fudgy brownie base is rich in chocolate flavor, complemented by the velvety ganache, making this treat indulgent yet not overwhelming.

Versatile for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a wedding, a birthday, or a holiday celebration, these brownie petit fours are the perfect dessert to suit any occasion with their sophisticated appearance.

Easy to Make Ahead

These petit fours can be made ahead of time, making them ideal for preparing in advance for a party or gathering. Simply refrigerate until ready to serve.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

• Semisweet chocolate, chopped
• Unsalted butter
• Sugar
• Light brown sugar
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Salt

For the Ganache

• Semisweet chocolate, chopped or in morsels
• Heavy whipping cream
• Fleur de sel (for sprinkling)

Variations

• Flavor Add-ins: Add a handful of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit like cranberries or cherries to the brownie batter for an added layer of texture and flavor.
• Ganache Flavor: Enhance the ganache by adding a splash of flavored liqueur like Grand Marnier or Baileys for a more complex taste.
• Frosting Alternative: Instead of ganache, try a thick layer of whipped cream or buttercream frosting for a lighter version.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the brownies gluten-free while maintaining their fudgy texture.
• Mini Brownie Petit Fours: For even smaller portions, bake the brownie batter in mini muffin tins and cut them into smaller pieces.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a square 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a heatproof bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate and butter together over a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in the sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Stir in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until the batter is smooth and well-mixed.

Step 2: Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 3: Prepare the Ganache

Once the brownies have cooled, make the ganache by placing the chopped semisweet chocolate into a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy whipping cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for a few minutes before stirring until smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Cut the Brownies

Once the ganache has cooled slightly and thickened, remove the brownies from the pan and cut them into small, bite-sized squares or rectangular pieces.

Step 5: Assemble the Petit Fours

Dip each brownie into the ganache, ensuring it is completely coated. Place the coated brownies on a wire rack or parchment paper to allow the ganache to set. Sprinkle a small pinch of fleur de sel on top of each petit four for a touch of elegance and balance.

Step 6: Serve

Once the ganache has hardened, your brownie petit fours are ready to be served. Arrange them on a serving platter and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Be careful not to over-bake the brownies to maintain their fudgy texture. They should be slightly soft in the center when done baking.
• Let the ganache cool slightly before dipping the brownies so that it doesn’t drip excessively.
• Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache to ensure the best flavor and texture.
• Make sure the brownies are completely cooled before cutting them to prevent them from falling apart during the process.
• If the ganache is too thick, gently reheat it and add a bit more cream to reach your desired consistency.

How to Serve

Serve these brownie petit fours as part of a dessert buffet or individually on a platter for a sophisticated treat. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of dessert wine for an extra indulgent experience. They’re also perfect for packing into dessert boxes as gifts for friends or family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover brownie petit fours in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for longer storage, lasting up to a week.

Freezing

To freeze, place the petit fours on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They will keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Allow the brownie petit fours to come to room temperature before serving. If you want them slightly warm, microwave them for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate?

Yes, milk chocolate will work, but it will give the ganache a sweeter flavor. Semisweet chocolate is preferred for a more balanced taste.

Can I skip the fleur de sel?

You can omit the fleur de sel if you prefer, but it adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the ganache and enhances the overall flavor.

Can I make the brownies in advance?

Yes, you can bake the brownies and make the ganache ahead of time. Just store the brownies and ganache separately and assemble them before serving.

Can I add nuts to the brownies?

Yes, feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds to the brownie batter for added texture.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.

Can I use a different type of ganache?

Yes, you can use a white chocolate ganache or even a caramel ganache for a different flavor profile.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Can I use a different topping instead of fleur de sel?

Yes, you could try topping the petit fours with chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even a dusting of cocoa powder.

How do I store leftover petit fours?

Store leftover petit fours in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for up to a week.

Can I freeze the petit fours?

Yes, you can freeze them. Just ensure they are tightly wrapped or placed in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

Conclusion

Brownie Petit Fours are a delicious and sophisticated dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion. With their dense, fudgy brownie base, smooth ganache coating, and a pinch of fleur de sel, these mini treats offer a perfect balance of flavors. They are elegant, indulgent, and sure to impress guests with their refined appearance and irresistible taste. Whether you’re serving them at a wedding, a holiday gathering, or just indulging yourself, these petit fours are a delightful way to satisfy your chocolate cravings in a bite-sized package.

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