Brownie Bites with Whipped Chocolate Ganache

Introduction

There’s something incredibly special about bite-sized desserts. Maybe it’s the fact that they’re perfect for sharing, or perhaps it’s because you can indulge without feeling guilty (okay, maybe just a little). But let’s talk about Brownie Bites with Whipped Chocolate Ganache—they’re everything you love about brownies, but in a cute, mini form, and topped with an ultra-creamy, whipped ganache that feels like a cloud of chocolate.

I first made these little brownie bites for a friend’s birthday party a few years ago, and they were an instant hit. I wanted something small and decadent, but not overly heavy. Brownies are already a family favorite in our house, but I knew I could take them up a notch with a ganache topping. The results were even better than I imagined—rich, fudgy brownie bites with a light and airy chocolate ganache. It was like a bite-sized slice of heaven.

What makes these brownie bites even better? They’re easy to make, and you don’t need any special equipment or skills. The brownie base is quick to prepare, and the whipped ganache comes together in no time. Whether you’re serving them at a party, bringing them to a potluck, or just indulging for yourself (no judgment here!), these brownie bites will never disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Okay, let’s break down the reasons why you need these brownie bites in your life:

• Easy to Make: Even if you’re a beginner baker, you’ll feel like a pro with this recipe. There are only a few simple steps, and most of the ingredients are ones you probably already have in your kitchen.
• Perfectly Balanced: These brownie bites have the perfect balance of dense, fudgy texture and light, whipped chocolate ganache on top. You get that rich chocolate flavor without the heaviness of a full-sized brownie.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Because they’re bite-sized, these brownies are great for sharing! They’re perfect for parties, picnics, or even a casual weekend treat at home. The ganache topping is so indulgent that you’ll find yourself going back for just one more bite.
• Customizable: If you want to get creative, you can add mix-ins to the brownies, like walnuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of caramel. The ganache is also easy to tweak with a dash of espresso or a pinch of sea salt for an extra twist.

Trust me, once you make these brownie bites, they’ll quickly become your go-to dessert recipe. They’re rich enough to satisfy your sweet tooth but not so overwhelming that you’ll feel like you’ve eaten a whole cake. Plus, the whipped ganache? It’s like frosting, but lighter and dreamier. You’ll see why these brownie bites are the dessert everyone’s going to love.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 45 minutes (15 minutes prep, 30 minutes cooking)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 24 brownie bites (depending on the size of your mini muffin tin).

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 20g
• Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for these decadent brownie bites and whipped ganache topping:

For the Brownie Bites:

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted: The base of your brownie batter, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth fudgy texture.
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownie bites just right.
• 2 large eggs: These help bind everything together while keeping the texture light.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a bit of warm flavor that complements the chocolate.
• 1/3 cup (40g) all-purpose flour: The foundation of the batter.
• 1/3 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder: This is what gives your brownie bites that rich chocolate flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the brownie bites rise slightly for the perfect texture.

For the Whipped Chocolate Ganache:

• 6 oz (170g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped: The key to a smooth, velvety ganache.
• 3/4 cup (180ml) heavy cream: This makes the ganache creamy and rich.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds extra smoothness and richness to the ganache.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Just a touch of vanilla rounds out the flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Bites Batter

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray or line it with paper liners.
• In a large mixing bowl, melt 1/2 cup of butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Let it cool slightly.
• To the melted butter, add 1 cup of granulated sugar and whisk until smooth.
• Add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Whisk everything together until it’s fully combined and the mixture looks smooth and glossy.
• Now, sift 1/3 cup of flour and 1/3 cup of cocoa powder into the bowl. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder. Stir until everything is just combined—don’t overmix!
• The batter should be thick and glossy. If you’d like to mix in any extras like chocolate chips or nuts, now’s the time to do so!

Step 2: Bake the Brownie Bites

• Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin. You’ll want to fill each cup about 3/4 of the way full.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake them—you want these to stay fudgy!
• Once baked, allow the brownie bites to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Chocolate Ganache

• While the brownie bites are cooling, make the whipped ganache. Chop 6 oz of semi-sweet chocolate into small pieces and place it in a heatproof bowl.
• In a small saucepan, heat 3/4 cup heavy cream over medium heat until it’s just about to simmer (don’t let it boil). Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for about 1 minute to melt the chocolate.
• After 1 minute, stir the cream and chocolate together until smooth. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and stir until everything is combined and the ganache is silky.
• Let the ganache cool at room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing it in the fridge to chill for about 20 minutes. This will help it firm up enough to whip.

Step 4: Whip the Ganache

• Once the ganache is chilled, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip it on high speed for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy.
• The whipped ganache should form soft peaks, making it easy to spread or pipe onto the brownie bites.

Step 5: Assemble the Brownie Bites

• Once the brownie bites are completely cool, use a spoon or a piping bag to top each brownie bite with a generous dollop of whipped ganache.
• You can add a sprinkle of shaved chocolate, a few sprinkles, or even a drizzle of caramel on top for a little extra flair if you’d like!

How to Serve

• These brownie bites are perfect on their own for a quick treat, but they’re also great when served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of milk.
• For a fun party dessert, arrange the brownie bites on a platter and let everyone enjoy these mini treats. They’re also great for potlucks or holiday gatherings.
• If you want to get a little fancy, serve them with a drizzle of raspberry sauce or fresh berries on the side. The tartness of the berries balances out the richness of the chocolate and ganache.

Additional Tips

Here are five tips to ensure your brownie bites come out perfectly:

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter: When you mix the brownie batter, stop once everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, cakey brownies instead of the rich, fudgy texture we’re after.
2. Check for Doneness Early: Because the brownie bites are so small, they bake quickly. Start checking them around the 10-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
3. Cool the Brownie Bites Completely: Let the brownie bites cool before adding the ganache. If they’re still warm, the ganache might melt too much and slide off.
4. Chill the Ganache Before Whipping: The ganache needs to chill before whipping so that it firms up enough to create a light, fluffy texture. Don’t skip this step!
5. Customize the Ganache: For a unique flavor, try adding a bit of espresso powder, almond extract, or even orange zest to the ganache. It’ll give your brownie bites a fun twist.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can I use regular-sized muffin tins instead of mini muffin tins?

While you can use regular-sized muffin tins, the cooking time will be longer. I recommend filling each cup about halfway and baking for around 20-25 minutes, but make sure to check with a toothpick for doneness. The texture will be a bit different since the brownies will be thicker, so expect a slightly different outcome. If you prefer a larger portion, this could be a fun alternative!

2. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can bake the brownie bites a day or two in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to top them with ganache. For the ganache, it’s best to prepare it fresh, but you can make it the day before and refrigerate it. Just allow it to come to room temperature before whipping it. This way, you can assemble everything on the day you plan to serve them.

3. How do I store leftover brownie bites?

If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for a longer shelf life—up to a week. Just be aware that refrigeration might cause the whipped ganache to firm up a bit, but it will still taste amazing!

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Conclusion

These Brownie Bites with Whipped Chocolate Ganache are the perfect balance of rich, fudgy chocolate goodness and light, creamy ganache. They’re so easy to make and even easier to eat. Whether you’re looking for a fun party dessert or a small indulgence to satisfy your sweet tooth, these brownie bites are sure to become a favorite. They’re simple, yet decadent, and guaranteed to please anyone who loves a good chocolate treat. So go ahead, make a batch (or two), and enjoy every bite of this chocolatey, whipped goodness. Your friends and family will thank you!