Plate of decadent brownie petit fours topped with chocolate glaze and sprinkles

Decadent Brownie Petit Fours

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A Whimsical Discovery

There’s a certain magic that comes from baking with someone you love, and that’s exactly how I stumbled upon this delightful Decadent Brownie Petit Fours recipe. I remember the first time my niece and I decided to whip up something sweet for a family gathering. We wanted to create something that would not only satisfy our sweet teeth but also dazzle our family. As we mixed, poured, and watched the brownies rise in the oven, the warmth of the kitchen filled our hearts with joy, and a tradition was born.

These petit fours have since become my go-to treat for celebrations, and they hold a special place in our family’s heart. The layering, the chocolate, and the delightful bites encapsulate everything I love about baking sharing love, warmth, and deliciousness.

What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets this recipe apart from other brownie desserts is its elegant transformation from classic brownies to stunning petit fours. The decadence of the chocolate, paired with a velvety ganache and a touch of creative decoration, makes it not just a dessert but a centerpiece for any celebration. They’re surprisingly easy to make, yet they impress everyone who tries them.

Not only is this recipe a crowd-pleaser, but it also offers the flexibility of flavors. You can customize it with your favorite fillings or toppings, making it a perfect canvas for creativity. Moreover, they can be made ahead of time, freeing up your schedule on the day of the event, allowing you to enjoy those precious moments with your loved ones.

Decadent Brownie Petit Fours for Your Next Celebration

Everything You’ll Need for This Recipe

For the Brownie Base:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (quality is key)
  • 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped (choose a good-quality chocolate)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt

For the Chocolate Ganache:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped

For the Decoration:

  • Edible glitter or sprinkles (optional, for that extra festive touch)
  • Fresh berries or edible flowers (for presentation)

How to Make Decadent Brownie Petit Fours for Your Next Celebration

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Melt the butter and chocolate.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and chopped dark chocolate over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix in sugar and eggs.

Transfer the chocolate mixture into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Incorporate dry ingredients.

Sift the flour and salt together, then fold them gently into the chocolate batter until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 5: Bake the brownies.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let them cool completely in the pan.

Step 6: Prepare the chocolate ganache.

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it’s just about to simmer. Pour over the finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a bowl. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth and shiny.

Step 7: Assemble the petit fours.

Once the brownies are cooled, carefully lift them from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut them into small squares or rectangles. Dip the tops of the brownie pieces into the ganache and let the excess drip off.

Step 8: Decorate your petit fours.

Place the ganache-coated brownies on a wire rack, and while the ganache is still soft, sprinkle with edible glitter or top with fresh berries/flowers. Allow the ganache to set before serving.

Cooking Tips & Substitutions

  • Quality Ingredients: Always choose the best quality chocolate; it makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
  • Keep it Moist: To prevent the brownies from drying out, be careful not to overbake them.
  • Flour Substitutions: For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
  • Storage: Store leftover petit fours in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for a week.
  • Try Different Toppings: Challenge your creativity! Substitute the chocolate ganache with cream cheese frosting or a layer of caramel sauce for a different twist.

Best Ways to Serve

Serve these decadent brownie petit fours at your next celebration layed out on a beautiful platter garnished with fresh berries or edible flowers. Pair them with a rich coffee or creamy vanilla ice cream to elevate the experience. For a festive touch, you can arrange them in tiers or use decorative cupcake liners for individual servings. They not only taste heavenly but make for a stunning presentation, perfect for birthdays, weddings, or any festive occasion.

Common Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake the brownies a day in advance and prepare the ganache on the day you plan to serve.

Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, these petit fours freeze beautifully. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container.

What can I use instead of butter? You can substitute butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, but it may alter the flavor slightly.

How do I prevent the brownies from becoming dry? Ensure you do not overbake the brownies. Check them a few minutes early for doneness.

Can I make this vegetarian or dairy-free? Yes! Use dairy-free chocolate and substitute coconut cream for the ganache.

A Sweet Ending

Creating these Decadent Brownie Petit Fours is more than just a baking activity; it’s an opportunity to share love and sweetness with those around you. Each bite reminds me of the joy of gathering and the smiles of my loved ones as they savor these delightful treats. I encourage you to try this recipe at your next celebration and create your own memories. Whether it’s a simple family get-together or a grand party, these petit fours are sure to bring joy to your table.

“These petit fours were the highlight of our celebration! They stole the show and had everyone asking for the recipe. The perfect decadent treat!”

Decadent Brownie Petit Fours

Delightful brownie petit fours layered with velvety ganache, perfect for celebrations and custom flavors.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Brownie Base
  • 1 cup unsalted butter Quality is key
  • 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped Choose a good-quality chocolate
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
For the Chocolate Ganache
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
For the Decoration
  • edible glitter or sprinkles Optional, for that extra festive touch
  • fresh berries or edible flowers For presentation

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and chopped dark chocolate over low heat until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Transfer the chocolate mixture into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Sift the flour and salt together, then fold them gently into the chocolate batter until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Baking
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely in the pan.
Making the Ganache
  1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it’s just about to simmer. Pour over the finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a bowl. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth and shiny.
Assembling the Petit Fours
  1. Once the brownies are cooled, carefully lift them from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut them into small squares or rectangles.
  2. Dip the tops of the brownie pieces into the ganache and let the excess drip off.
  3. Place the ganache-coated brownies on a wire rack, and while the ganache is still soft, sprinkle with edible glitter or top with fresh berries/flowers. Allow the ganache to set before serving.

Notes

Quality ingredients make a noticeable difference. For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Anika Bloom
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