If you’re looking for a unique and indulgent dessert idea for summer, these brownie bites and chocolate ganache cups are a sure crowd pleaser. We love adding raspberries, strawberries and blueberries on top during the warmer months for a little sprinkle of patriotic color. This dessert is fun for Memorial Day, 4th of July, or really just for any party or gathering. Serving the dessert in a clear pedestal glass or even disposable cup makes it a beautiful grab and go treat for your guests. The best part? You can prep it all ahead for quick assembly!
Made From Scratch
Let’s talk about these homemade brownies. They are the perfect mix of fudgey and cakey texture, and I think I might even love them more the next day! If you are a frosting lover, you can make the regular recipe HERE, but for today’s recipe we are going to skip the frosting and top our little cut brownie bites with silky chocolate ganache.
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Silky Chocolate Ganache Topping
Don’t be intimidated if you have never made ganache. It’s quick, easy and only contains 2 ingredients. You will love having it on hand for this recipe, or to use as an ice cream topper, for layering on a cake or as a dip for fruit. You can make any amount that you’d like using a 1:1 ratio of chocolate and heavy cream. Ganache will thicken as it cools, and solidify after chilling.
Ingredient list needed for Brownie Bites and Chocolate Ganache
- Granulated sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Salted butter
- Eggs
- Salt
- Baking powder
- Vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder
- Instant espresso (for baking)
- Heavy Cream
- Milk Chocolate Chips
Steps for assembling Brownie Bites and Chocolate Ganache cups
Step 1. Make brownies and allow to cool to room temperature. You can make them a day ahead to help this process go even faster.
Step2. Remove brownies from pan (this is extra quick if you bake the brownies with parchment sheet under them so you can lift them out for easier cutting).
Step 3. Cut brownies into bite sized pieces. Add them to mini trifle bowls or clear disposable cups.
Step 4. Add your cooled and thickened ganache as a topping to your brownie bites.
Step 5. Garnish with fresh fruit if desired. We love adding raspberries, strawberries and blueberries which also adds a festive touch for Memorial Day or 4th of July.
Step 5. Add a little whipped cream and mint leaf if desired.
Storing leftover brownie bites and chocolate ganache
If you end up with any leftovers, you can store brownie bites that are not topped with ganache in a ziplock bag for several days in your pantry or put them in the freezer for 3 weeks.
Store ganache in a jar with a lid in your refrigerator and use within 2 weeks. Reheat to soften and whip with a whisk to use for desserts, as frosting, fruit dip or ice cream topping.
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Delicious variations for this recipe
- Top brownie bites and ganache with mini m&m’s or crushed Oreos.
- For a more elegant event, top brownie bites with ganache, add a few pieces of fresh fruit, a dollop of cream and a mint to garnish.
- Top brownie bites with chocolate ganache and a small spray of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry on top.
- Top brownie bites with ganache, crushed oreos and gummy worms for a “dirt n worms” theme for a birthday or garden party!
- Top brownie bites with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and add ganache on top.
- Skip the ganache topping and top brownie bites with a scoop of ice cream and this simple homemade caramel sauce.
Brownie Bites and Chocolate Ganache
Ingredients
From Scratch Brownie Bites
- 1 Cup Salted butter (melted) 8 tablespoons
- 2 Cups Granualted sugar
- 1/2 Cup Cocoa Powder
- 4 Large Eggs
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
- 4 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 Teaspoon Instant Espresso powder (for baking) This is optional but gives the brownies the best depth of flavor!
- 2 Cups All purpose flour
Silky Chocolate Ganache
- 8 Ounces Heavy Cream
- 8 Ounces Milk chocolate chips
Instructions
From Scratch Brownie Bites
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper or prepare with non-stick spray.2. In a bowl or stand mixer, add the melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, salt, vanilla and espresso powder. 3. Mix in flour and baking powder, but just until it's all incorporated, do not over mix or the brownies won't be as fluffy. The batter will be thick!4. Pour the batter into prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake 25-30 minutes or until toothpick tests clean. Don't over bake or the brownies will be dry. 5. Allow brownies to fully cool. Remove from pan and cut into bite-sized cubes. 6. Add to dessert cups and top with ganache sauce. See recipe variations for other topping ideas and options for serving!
Silky Chocolate Ganache
- Chop chocolate into small pieces and add to a heat-proof glass bowl. Heat heavy cream in a sauce pan or microwave until it starts to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over chopped chocolate pieces Allow to sit for 5 minutes to melt the chocoalte. Use a whisk to carefully mix chocolate and cream until a smooth chocolate sauce forms. Use immediately or allow to cool for desired consistency. The chocolate sauce will thicken as it cools and sets, and then solidify in the fridge when chilled.
Notes
Dessert cups for this recipe:
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