Oh, the pure magic of a homemade dessert, right? It just wraps you up like a warm hug. And when it comes to something truly special, these Brownie Bites with Ganache are an absolute showstopper! They’re so incredibly rich, perfectly fudgy, and then topped with this dreamy, decadent ganache that just melts in your mouth. Trust me, they’re ideal for any gathering or even just a Tuesday. My Nonna’s fudgy brownies were legendary, and I poured all those cherished memories into creating a gluten-free version that tastes *exactly* like tradition. It’s a little piece of my culinary past, and as a Gluten-Free Culinary Storyteller, I promise you, these embody exactly that joy. You can learn more about my baking journey here!
Why You’ll Love These Brownie Bites with Ganache
Seriously, why wouldn’t you love these? They’re:
- Super Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, you can whip these up without a hitch!
- Incredibly Rich & Fudgy: Forget dry brownies – these are pure chocolatey bliss.
- Perfectly Portioned: Brownie bites are just begging to be popped into your mouth!
- Decadent & Homemade: Nothing beats the taste of something made with love.
- Great for Any Occasion: Birthdays, holidays, or just because – they’re always a hit!
Gather Your Ingredients for Brownie Bites with Ganache
Alright, let’s get our mise en place ready! Having everything measured out beforehand makes all the difference, trust me. This recipe uses some of my favorite go-to ingredients to get that perfect fudgy bite.
For the Brownie Bites
Here’s what you’ll need for the brownie base:
- 12 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into Tablespoon-sized pieces (this makes it super easy to melt!)
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (plus extra for the ganache, but we’ll get there!)
- 1/2 cup natural cocoa powder (for that deep chocolate flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee grounds (this is optional, but wow, it really makes the chocolate sing!)
- 1 cup light or dark brown sugar, tightly packed (this is key for fudginess, so don’t skimp!)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, plus 1 extra large egg yolk (that extra yolk adds richness and helps with that gooey texture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour + 2 Tablespoons (if you’re baking gluten-free, you’ll want your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend here!)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Ganache Filling (optional, but highly recommended!)
And for that luscious topping:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon bourbon (this adds a lovely depth, but totally skip it if you prefer!)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Essential Equipment for Making Brownie Bites with Ganache
Before we dive into the gooey goodness, let’s make sure you’ve got the right tools! Having these on hand makes the whole process a breeze. You’ll definitely want:
- A reliable mini muffin tin – this is key for those perfect bite-sized shapes!
- A microwave-safe bowl because melting chocolate and butter is so much easier that way.
- A small saucepan for whipping up that luscious ganache.
- And of course, a trusty whisk to get everything beautifully combined.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Brownie Bites with Ganache
Alright, bakers, let’s get down to business! Turning simple ingredients into these little bombs of chocolatey joy is easier than you think. Just follow along, and we’ll have these amazing Brownie Bites with Ganache ready in no time. You can check out more of my recipes here!
Preparing the Brownie Batter
- First things first, get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). And don’t forget to give your 24-count mini muffin tin a good spray with baking spray – we want these gems to pop right out!
- In a big, microwave-safe bowl, toss in your butter and those semisweet chocolate chips. Pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Give it a good stir. Then, another 15 seconds, stir again. Keep going in those short bursts until it’s all melted and smooth as silk.
- Now, stir in your cocoa powder and that optional instant coffee. It really deepens the chocolate flavor, trust me!
- Next, add both your sugars – the brown sugar and granulated sugar – and stir until everything’s combined. You’re building that fudgy magic right now!
- Time for the eggs! Crack in your two large eggs and that extra egg yolk, stirring really well after each addition. Finish it off with the vanilla extract.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed.
- Now, gently fold those dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Just stir until it’s *just* combined. We don’t want to overmix!
- Spoon about 1 ½ Tablespoons of batter into each cup of your prepared mini muffin tin. Don’t fill them too full – we want them to bake up nicely!
Baking and Filling Your Brownie Bites
- Pop that tin into your preheated oven. Bake for about 18 minutes. You’re looking for a toothpick inserted into the center to come out either clean or with just a few moist, fudgy crumbs – definitely no wet batter!
- Here’s a super important step if you’re adding the ganache: as soon as they come out of the oven, grab a rounded teaspoon or Tablespoon and gently press into the top of each warm brownie bite to create a little well for that glorious ganache. If you’re skipping the ganache, you can totally enjoy them just like this!
- Now, let those beautiful brownie bites cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes. This is crucial! It lets them set up a bit. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they’re cooling, we’ll make that dreamy ganache.
Making the Decadent Ganache
- In a small saucepan, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, heavy cream, and that half tablespoon of butter.
- Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently. You want to keep stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and the whole thing is perfectly smooth and luscious.
- Once it’s smooth, take it off the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, that optional bourbon (it adds such a lovely note!), and the pinch of salt. Give it one last good stir.
- Let this ganache cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes. It needs to be thick enough to spoon but still pourable.
- Now, grab a small spoon and carefully fill the wells you made in your cooled brownie bites with the ganache.
- The hardest part: waiting for the ganache to firm up! This usually takes about 1-2 hours at room temperature. If you can’t wait, go ahead and enjoy them warm, but be prepared for a little extra delicious mess!
Tips for the Best Brownie Bites with Ganache
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but sometimes a little nudge can make these brownie bites absolutely divine, right? A few little tricks up my sleeve guarantee you the fudgiest, most chocolatey little bites ever. First off, quality really does matter! Use good quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips – it makes all the difference in the final flavor. And please, please, please, don’t overbake them! That’s the quickest way to dry brownies, and we want fudgy perfection. A toothpick with moist crumbs is your goal, not a bone-dry one.
Also, if you’re feeling adventurous, try using dark chocolate for the ganache – it adds a wonderful depth that balances the sweetness. Remember, these wonderful bites are best enjoyed at room temperature where all those flavors can really shine. For more gluten-free baking inspiration, browse on over!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Brownie Bites
Let’s chat about some of these star ingredients and what makes them so special! That mix of brown sugar and granulated sugar? It’s crucial! The brown sugar, with its molasses kick, is what gives these brownie bites that signature fudgy texture we all crave. Granulated sugar lightens it up just a tad. If you ever find yourself out of brown sugar, you can use all granulated, but they just won’t be *quite* as fudgy, you know?
And for the flour, I’ve noted using a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend since this is a gluten-free hub, but if you’re not going gluten-free, regular all-purpose flour works beautifully. Just make sure your gluten-free blend already contains xanthan gum, or you might want to add a pinch. For more ideas on gluten-free muffins and cupcakes, you know where to look!
Serving and Storing Your Brownie Bites with Ganache
Okay, so you’ve made these little chocolate miracles – now what? For the absolute best experience, I love serving these Brownie Bites with Ganache at room temperature. That’s when the fudgy texture and the rich ganache really sing together. If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house, I’ll admit!), they store like a dream. Just pop them into an airtight container and they’ll stay deliciously fresh on the counter for up to 3 days. Easy peasy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Brownie Bites
Got questions about these little chocolate wonders? I get it! Baking is all about the details, and sometimes you just need a quick answer. Here are a few common ones I get asked about these scrumptious Brownie Bites.
Can I make these brownie bites without the ganache?
Absolutely! These brownie bites are delicious all on their own. The ganache is like the cherry on top, but the fudgy brownie base is fantastic by itself. Just bake as directed, let them cool, and enjoy that pure chocolatey goodness!
How do I store leftover brownie bites?
For the best fudgy texture, store your brownie bites in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay perfectly delicious for up to 3–4 days. If you’ve added ganache, just make sure it’s firmed up before sealing the container.
Are these brownie bites gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe as written (or with a good 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend substituted for the all-purpose flour) makes these brownie bites wonderfully gluten-free. It’s one of my favorite gluten-free dessert recipes because you really can’t tell the difference!
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
You sure can! While I love the semi-sweet for a perfect balance, feel free to experiment with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips. Just be aware that milk chocolate chips will make them a bit sweeter, and dark chocolate will add a more intense, less sweet chocolate flavor. They’ll all be delicious, though!
Estimated Nutritional Information
We all want to know what we’re putting into our bodies, right? So, here’s a little peek at the estimated nutritional info for these divine Brownie Bites with Ganache per serving. Keep in mind these are just approximations and can totally vary based on the specific ingredients you use!
Calories: Around 207 kcal
Fat: About 12g
Protein: Roughly 2g
Carbohydrates: Approximately 24g
Sugar: About 17g
Share Your Brownie Bites with Ganache Creations!
I just LOVE seeing your creations! Did you whip up these amazing Brownie Bites with Ganache? Please, please share your photos and experiences in the comments below! I’m always so excited to hear how they turned out in your kitchen. Tag me on social media too – I can’t wait to see your fudgy, ganache-topped masterpieces!
Brownie Bites with Ganache
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350F and spray a 24-count mini muffin tin with baking spray.
- Combine butter and chocolate chips in a large, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir well, microwave for another 15 seconds and then stir well again. Repeat for 15 seconds until chocolate and butter are completely melted and well-combined.
- Stir in cocoa powder and instant coffee (if using).
- Add sugars and stir again until combined.
- Add eggs and egg yolk, one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to wet and stir until well-combined.
- Drop batter by about 1 ½ Tablespoon into prepared mini muffin tin.
- Transfer to 350F (175C) oven and bake for 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few fudgy crumbs (not wet batter!).
- If filling with ganache, immediately take a rounded teaspoon or Tablespoon and press into each brownie bite to make a well. If not filling, then simply allow brownie bites to cool and then enjoy!
- Allow brownies to cool for about 10 minutes before removing from muffin tin and placing on cooling rack. Prepare ganache.
- Combine chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter in a small saucepan over medium-heat.
- Stir frequently until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, bourbon (if using), and salt. Stir well.
- Allow mixture to cool slightly at room temperature, about 10 minutes.
- Use a small spoon to pour ganache into the indent of each brownie.
- Allow ganache to firm up before eating (about 1-2 hours — or you can enjoy them warm, it’ll just be a bit messier).
Nutrition
Notes
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Gluten-Free Culinary Storyteller & Recipe Heritage Specialist
Getting diagnosed with non-celiac gluten sensitivity in my late twenties felt like losing my Italian identity. Growing up in nonna’s Brooklyn kitchen, learning traditional techniques that suddenly became off-limits—I decided to fight for those family food traditions instead of giving up.
With my food journalism background and European baking training, I became obsessed with recreating authentic flavors in gluten-free formats. I’ve adapted 400+ traditional recipes from various cultures, with my gnocchi recipe winning “Recipe of the Year” from the National Gluten-Free Living Awards in 2022.
I collaborate with the Italian-American Cultural Center to document traditional family recipes and volunteer with the Westchester Celiac Support Group, teaching monthly pasta-making classes.
Food is the heart of family storytelling. No one should sacrifice their cultural heritage due to dietary restrictions.