Mini Dessert Brownies with Raspberries Recipe

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cups white sugar
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• teaspoon baking powder
• teaspoon salt

For Ganache:

• cup heavy cream
• 3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

For Topping:

• 28 fresh raspberries

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Grease and flour a 12-cup mini muffin tin and an 8-inch square baking pan with 1 teaspoon butter and 1 teaspoon flour for each pan.

Step 2: In a large saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove the pan from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Gently fold in 1 cup of flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Using a small ice cream scoop, spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about full. Pour the remaining batter into the prepared 8-inch square pan.

Step 5: Bake both pans in the preheated oven. Mini muffins should bake for about 12 minutes, while the square pan will need around 20 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a brownie; it should come out with only a few crumbs attached.

Step 6: Remove the pans from the oven. Let the mini brownies cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Let the brownies in the square pan cool for about 2 hours in the pan, then cut them into 16 small squares.

Step 7: To make the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it nearly boils (about 3 minutes). Place the chopped bittersweet chocolate in a bowl and pour the hot cream over it. Whisk until smooth.

Step 8: Allow the ganache to cool at room temperature for about 2 hours, or until it thickens.

Step 9: Once the brownies have cooled, top each piece with a dollop of ganache and place one fresh raspberry on top.

Cook's Notes:

If you only have one mini muffin tin, like I do, you can bake the batter in both a mini muffin tin and an 8-inch square baking pan, which will yield 12 round mini brownies and 16 square ones. If the ganache becomes too thick after being stored in the fridge, simply heat a couple of tablespoons in the microwave for a few seconds until it softens, then use it to glue the raspberries on top of the brownies.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 163
• Total Fat: 10g (13% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 6g (30% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 49mg (16% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 90mg (4% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 18g (6% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 2g (4% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 1mg (1% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 17mg (1% Daily Value)
• Iron: 1mg (4% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 67mg (1% Daily Value)

History of Origin

Brownies, as we know them today, have an intriguing history. While the exact origin of the brownie is debated, many food historians believe the dessert was first created in the United States in the late 19th century. It is thought that the brownie evolved from a failed attempt to make a cake. The most popular theory is that it was accidentally created when a chef at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago forgot to add baking powder to a batch of cake batter. The result was a dense, chewy dessert that quickly gained popularity. Over the years, the brownie has seen various versions, and mini brownies are a modern twist on the classic treat. The addition of raspberries brings a fresh, tart balance to the rich chocolate, making it a delightful mini dessert perfect for all occasions.

Regional Variations

While brownies are an iconic American dessert, they have taken on different regional characteristics in various parts of the world. In the United States, they are often served as a decadent dessert or snack at any time of day. The incorporation of raspberries, however, is not universal. In some regions, brownies are more traditionally served without fruit or with other additions like nuts or caramel. In the UK, brownies are sometimes made with a slightly more cake-like texture, and while raspberries are occasionally used in the British version, they are often paired with ingredients like walnuts or hazelnuts. The mini dessert brownies with raspberries recipe here takes inspiration from both the classic American brownie and the European fondness for pairing berries with chocolate.

Distinguishing Features

What sets mini dessert brownies with raspberries apart from other similar brownie recipes is the combination of the rich chocolatey brownie base with the addition of fresh raspberries and chocolate ganache. While most brownies are served in larger portions, mini brownies offer the advantage of bite-sized convenience, making them perfect for parties, snacks, or as an elegant addition to a dessert platter. The use of raspberries adds a fresh tartness that complements the richness of the chocolate, a twist that distinguishes these brownies from traditional recipes that may rely on nuts or caramel for added texture and flavor. Additionally, the smooth ganache topping offers a luxurious finish, further elevating the bite-sized treats.

Where They Are Usually Served

Mini dessert brownies with raspberries are ideal for a variety of settings. They are often served at parties, weddings, or holiday gatherings where guests can enjoy small, individually portioned treats. Their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for buffet-style dessert tables, or they can be offered as part of a larger assortment of pastries and cakes. These brownies are also great for picnics or potlucks, as they can easily be transported and served without the need for cutting or additional preparation. The combination of fresh fruit and decadent chocolate makes these mini brownies especially popular during the summer months when raspberries are in season, though they are a welcome treat at any time of year.

Interesting Facts

• The brownie was initially a dessert meant to serve as a portable and more convenient alternative to a cake, making it ideal for boxed lunches or picnic baskets.
• The pairing of chocolate and raspberries has been a popular culinary combination for centuries. The natural tartness of raspberries balances the sweetness and richness of chocolate, a dynamic flavor contrast that has been used in a variety of desserts.
• Mini desserts, like these brownie bites, have become a popular trend in recent years as people seek smaller, more controlled portion sizes, often for special events or as an alternative to full-sized desserts.
• The texture of a brownie can vary widely depending on ingredients and baking methods, ranging from cakey to fudgy. This recipe, in particular, offers a fudgy texture that melts in your mouth.

FAQ about Mini Dessert Brownies with Raspberries Recipe

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