Oh, my goodness, friends! If you’re looking to impress someone special—or just treat yourself to something delightfully luxurious—then you’ve stumbled upon the right recipe! Today, I’m sharing my favorite treat: **Strawberry Chocolate Petit Fours**.
There’s something so magical about mini desserts. They’re dainty, bite-sized, and utterly delicious! I remember the first time I made these for a gathering with friends. I was nervous—they seemed so fancy! But as soon as I took my first bite, I was enveloped in a blissful mix of rich chocolate cake, luscious strawberry cream, and silky ganache. My friends couldn’t believe I made them, and I’m telling you, the compliments kept pouring in! So, let’s whip up these sweet little beauties together!
What’s in Strawberry Chocolate Petit Fours?
– All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our cake! I love using all-purpose for its versatility; it creates a tender crumb that’s just right for these petit fours.
– Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: We’ll use this to add that rich chocolate flavor. I prefer a high-quality brand, as it makes a noticeable difference in taste (hello, chocolate lovers!).
– Granulated Sugar: This will sweeten our cake without overpowering the delicate flavors.
– Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Our trusted leavening agents will work together to give our cake just the right lift, keeping it light and fluffy.
– Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness—it’s a baker’s secret!
– Unsalted Butter: Softened to create a rich, moist cake. I suggest using high-fat butter for the best flavor.
– Eggs: Two large eggs to bind everything together and lend moisture.
– Whole Milk: This adds richness; feel free to use whole or even 2% if that’s what you have on hand.
– Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the flavors beautifully!
– Heavy Cream: A key ingredient for the strawberry cream filling and ganache—because we all need more cream in our lives!
– Powdered Sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to our strawberry cream.
– Fresh Strawberries: These juicy gems will burst with flavor in our filling—go for the ripest ones!
– Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: They’ll melt into the perfect ganache for coating our petit fours.
Is Strawberry Chocolate Petit Fours Good for You?
While these petit fours are undeniably delectable, let’s talk about health for a moment. In moderation, they can bring a smile without completely derailing your diet!
– Heavy Cream: This adds a significant richness to our filling and coating. It’s indulgent but contains healthy fats that can actually keep you full longer.
– Fresh Strawberries: These little berries are packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants! They bring a refreshing tartness to balance the sweetness of the dessert.
– Chocolate: Oh yes, chocolate! Especially dark chocolate (which you could use instead), is known for its antioxidant properties. Just remember, it’s all about balance—so enjoy these delicious bites occasionally rather than daily!
Ingredients List
This recipe makes about 24 petit fours.
For the Chocolate Cake:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Cream Filling:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed (about 5-6 strawberries)
For the Chocolate Ganache:
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
For Garnish:
– Fresh strawberries, sliced
– Strawberry powder (optional, for decoration)
How to Make Strawberry Chocolate Petit Fours?
1. **Prepare the Chocolate Cake**:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
– In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
– Add softened butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until well combined.
– Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
– Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
2. **Make the Strawberry Cream Filling**:
– In a mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
– Gently fold in the strawberry puree until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.
3. **Assemble the Petit Fours**:
– Once the cake has cooled, slice it into 2 equal layers horizontally.
– Spread the strawberry cream filling over the bottom layer and then carefully place the second layer on top. Press down gently.
4. **Chill**:
– Place the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up the filling.
5. **Prepare the Chocolate Ganache**:
– In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over low heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add chocolate chips, stirring until melted and smooth.
6. **Cut and Dip**:
– Once the cake is firm, cut it into small squares or rectangles.
– Dip each piece into the chocolate ganache to coat. Allow excess chocolate to drip off.
7. **Garnish and Serve**:
– Place the dipped petit fours on a serving plate. Top each with a slice of fresh strawberry and sprinkle with strawberry powder if desired.
– Serve immediately or chill until ready to enjoy!
Sweet Secrets for Perfect Petit Fours
– If you’d like to add a twist, why not experiment with different fruit purees for the filling? Raspberries or blueberries would work beautifully!
– These petit fours are a showstopper for parties! Just be prepared for everyone to ask for the recipe (and don’t worry, I won’t tell them how easy they are to make).
– For a fancier look, you can use a fork to create a pattern in the ganache once it’s dipped. It adds that extra touch of elegance!
Well, there you have it, my dear friends: a splendid way to indulge in a little chocolate-strawberry magic! I hope you’ll gather your ingredients and create these delightful petit fours to share with friends, family, or—let’s be honest—just for your own enjoyment! Let me know how yours turn out; I can’t wait to hear your stories! Happy baking!
