If you’re a fan of combining sweet, salty, and chocolatey flavors, then you’re in for a real treat! Introducing the Snickers Brownie Bites – a dessert that’s not just a delight to your taste buds but also incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re looking for the perfect party snack, a delicious dessert to end your meal, or simply a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, these brownie bites are sure to impress. Let’s dive into how you can create these mouthwatering morsels in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 box brownie mix (and the ingredients called for on the box)
- 24 mini Snickers bars
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
Directions:
- Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect gooey and chocolatey base for your bites.
- Assemble the Bites: Take mini muffin tins and fill them about halfway with the brownie batter. The size of the tins is perfect for bite-sized treats that are easy to share and enjoy. Next, press a mini Snickers bar into the center of each filled cup, ensuring it’s snugly nestled within the batter.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the bites for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the brownie is cooked through but still soft and gooey – the ideal texture for a decadent treat. Once baked, allow them to cool for a few moments.
- Add the Finishing Touches: While the bites are cooling, take a small bowl and microwave the peanut butter and chocolate chips for 30 seconds, or until melted. Stir this mixture to combine the two flavors seamlessly. Then, drizzle the peanut butter-chocolate goodness and caramel sauce over the cooled brownie bites. Finally, a sprinkle of sea salt will not only enhance the flavors but also add a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
Nutrition & Serving:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 bites
- Calories: 150 kcal per bite
These Snickers Brownie Bites encapsulate a perfect blend of flavors and textures. From the gooey brownie base and the chewy Snickers center to the salty-sweet finish of sea salt, peanut butter, and caramel – every bite is a little piece of heaven.
Serving and Storage Tips for Snickers Brownie Bites
Once you’ve mastered making these delicious Snickers Brownie Bites, knowing how to serve and store them will ensure they’re enjoyed to the fullest. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, a family dessert, or a treat for yourself, these tips will help you get the most out of every bite.
Serving Tips:
- Serve at Room Temperature: For the best taste and texture, serve the Snickers Brownie Bites at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly and makes the brownie soft and the caramel gooey.
- Pair with Beverages: These bites pair wonderfully with a range of beverages. For a cozy evening, try them with hot coffee or a glass of milk. If you’re serving them at a dinner party, a dessert wine or a cup of espresso makes an elegant pairing.
- Plating: For a more sophisticated presentation, you can plate these bites on a serving dish and garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce and melted chocolate. A sprig of mint can add a pop of color.
Storage Tips:
- Cool Completely Before Storing: Ensure the brownie bites are completely cool before you store them. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which could make the bites soggy.
- Airtight Container: Store the bites in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you’re stacking them, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Room Temperature or Refrigerated: You can keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, and they can last up to a week. However, remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
- Freezing for Longevity: If you’d like to keep them for an extended period, Snickers Brownie Bites freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Quick Refresh Tip:
If you find your brownie bites have become a little less than fresh, a quick trick is to microwave them for a few seconds before serving. This can help revive the gooey texture and warm them up slightly, making them almost as good as when they were first baked.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Snickers Brownie Bites remain a delightful treat that’s ready to impress at any moment. Whether you’re making them ahead of time for a party or saving leftovers for later, these tips will help you maintain their deliciousness.
variations:
Exploring variations of the original Snickers Brownie Bites recipe can bring a whole new level of excitement and flavor to your baking adventures. Whether you’re looking to cater to different dietary needs or simply want to experiment with new tastes and textures, here are some creative twists on the classic recipe:
1. Nut-Free Snickers Brownie Bites
For those with nut allergies or preferences, replace the peanut butter with a nut-free alternative like sunflower seed butter. Use nut-free chocolate bars in place of Snickers to ensure the recipe is safe for everyone to enjoy.
2. Vegan Snickers Brownie Bites
Make this treat vegan-friendly by using a vegan brownie mix and substituting the Snickers bars with a vegan chocolate caramel candy. Vegan chocolate chips and caramel sauce are readily available at health food stores. For the peanut butter, ensure it’s 100% natural and doesn’t contain any added animal products.
3. Gluten-Free Snickers Brownie Bites
For those avoiding gluten, start with a gluten-free brownie mix and ensure your mini Snickers bars or alternative candy bars are gluten-free as well. This simple swap allows everyone to indulge in these delightful bites without worry.
4. Double Chocolate Snickers Brownie Bites
For the chocolate lovers, enhance the chocolatey goodness by adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the brownie mix. You can also mix in some extra chocolate chips into the batter before baking for that double chocolate experience.
5. Salted Caramel Snickers Brownie Bites
Amplify the salted caramel aspect by incorporating a layer of salted caramel sauce directly on top of the baked brownie, before pressing the Snickers bar into it. This addition creates an extra gooey layer and enhances the salty-sweet contrast.
6. Peanut Butter Lover’s Snickers Brownie Bites
For an even more pronounced peanut butter flavor, mix a quarter cup of peanut butter into the brownie batter. Additionally, you can top each bite with a small dollop of peanut butter before adding the final drizzle of melted chocolate and caramel.
7. Spicy Snickers Brownie Bites
Add a surprising twist with a pinch of cayenne pepper mixed into the brownie batter. The subtle heat pairs unexpectedly well with the sweetness of the chocolate and caramel, offering a unique taste experience.
8. Boozy Snickers Brownie Bites
For an adult version, add a tablespoon of bourbon or your favorite liqueur to the brownie batter. This will give the brownie bites a sophisticated flavor that’s perfect for dinner parties or as an adult indulgence.
9. Espresso Snickers Brownie Bites
Enhance the chocolate flavor with a shot of espresso or a tablespoon of instant coffee granules added to the brownie batter. The coffee flavor complements the chocolate beautifully, making it a hit among coffee and chocolate lovers alike.
10. Marshmallow Snickers Brownie Bites
For a s’mores twist, top each brownie bite with a small square of marshmallow before the final bake time is up. Return them to the oven just long enough for the marshmallow to slightly melt and brown. This gives a gooey, toasted marshmallow topping that’s irresistible.
Each variation offers a unique take on the classic Snickers Brownie Bites, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy, regardless of their dietary preferences or taste. Experimenting with these variations can not only broaden your baking repertoire but also introduce you to new flavor combinations you might not have considered before.