Deb Pankey’s brownie bites are a simple treat that can be endlessly adapted and will add sparkle to any holiday dessert lineup.
You can use your favorite from-scratch brownie recipe that makes a 9-by-13-inch pan or simply use a boxed mix. To create the bites, scoop the batter into greased mini muffin pans and bake them 20-plus minutes at 350.
Once they come out of the oven, use the bottom of a shot glass and gently press down and fill with your choice of fillings (dark or white chocolate mousses, caramel) and toppings (Heath Bar bits, chocolate jimmies, strawberries, candied fruit peels…)
Deb offers four delicious variations.
Peppermint Mousse Brownie Bites
- 1 box (18.3-19.5 ounces/family size) milk chocolate brownie mix
- 1 egg
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup water
- 8 ounces good-quality white chocolate (such as Lindt, finely chopped, or Baker's morsels)
- 1 2/3 cups chilled whipping cream, divided
- 1 t. clear peppermint extract
- 3 candy canes, crushed
- For the brownie bites: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat two mini muffin tins with nonstick spray.
- Prepare the brownie batter with eggs, oil and water as directed on the box (quantities of these ingredients may vary slightly). Scoop the batter into prepared tins, filling each cup about halfway. Depending on the size of the muffin tin, you'll get 36 to 48 mini brownie bites. Bake 20-24 minutes. The brownie should be crisp around the edges.
- Once pans are out of the oven, use the rounded end of a wooden spoon (or similar tool) to indent each mini muffin making a cup shape.
- For the mousse: Stir white chocolate and 2/3 cup cream in heavy medium saucepan over low heat until chocolate is melted. Transfer chocolate mixture to large bowl and let it cool, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes. It should look thicker now.
- In a medium bowl beat remaining cream and peppermint extract until stiff peaks form. Fold into cooled chocolate mixture in 2 additions. Cover; chill mousse at least 2 hours.
- Spoon or pipe onto cooled brownie bites. Garnish with candy cane bits.
- For White Chocolate Raspberry Bites: Omit the peppermint extract. Spoon or pipe mousse into brownie bites and garnish with a fresh raspberry.