If you’re on the hunt for a fun, festive, and ridiculously easy dessert idea, these Brownie Bite Gnomes are exactly what you need! They’re as adorable as they are delicious, and they’re perfect for holiday parties, birthdays, or even just a fun baking activity with kids. With only four ingredients, you’ll have a batch of these whimsical treats ready in no time.
These little gnomes are built on the base of rich, fudgy brownie bites, topped with creamy frosting, a fresh strawberry “hat,” and an oh-so-cute Reese’s Puffs cereal “nose.” They’re the kind of dessert that’ll make everyone at the table smile, and the best part is, they’re super simple to assemble. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to whip up these sweet little treats!
Why You’ll Love These Brownie Bite Gnomes
- Easy to Make: No baking from scratch required! Store-bought brownie bites and a handful of other simple ingredients make this recipe a breeze.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: These gnomes are an absolute joy to make, especially if you’ve got little helpers in the kitchen. Kids will love assembling and decorating their own gnome treats.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These adorable brownie bites work for Christmas, birthdays, or just a random day when you need a sweet pick-me-up.
- Light and Fresh: The juicy strawberries add a refreshing twist to the rich brownies, balancing sweetness with a hint of tartness.
- Adorable Presentation: With their tiny strawberry hats and cereal noses, these gnomes are guaranteed to steal the spotlight on your dessert table.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Refrigeration Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 12 brownie bite gnomes
Ingredients
You’ll only need four simple ingredients to make these festive treats.
- Brownie Bites: Use store-bought brownie bites for ease, or bake a batch of mini brownies from your favorite recipe if you prefer.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: This acts as the glue to hold everything together while adding a creamy, tangy flavor. Store-bought or homemade frosting works great.
- Strawberries: Fresh strawberries serve as the gnome hats. Look for small-to-medium-sized berries for the perfect fit.
- Reese’s Puffs Cereal: These little puffs make the cutest noses.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have your adorable gnome treats ready to chill in the fridge before you know it.
1. Prepare the Strawberries
- Start by thoroughly washing the strawberries. This step is super important to ensure they’re clean and ready for eating.
- After washing, let the strawberries dry completely on a paper towel. Any moisture left on the strawberries can make them slippery, which makes them harder to assemble.
- Pull off the green leaves (calyx) at the top of each strawberry. Using a small knife, carefully cut out the stem to create a small hole. Be careful not to cut straight across the top—this will ruin the pointed hat shape that makes these gnomes so charming.
2. Prep the Frosting
- Place your cream cheese frosting into a piping bag for easy application. Don’t have a piping bag? No problem! Just grab a sandwich bag, fill it with frosting, and snip off a tiny corner.
3. Assemble the Gnomes
- Take a brownie bite and pipe a generous swirl of frosting onto the top. Let the frosting drape slightly down one side to mimic the gnome’s beard. Don’t worry about being perfect—gnomes are supposed to look whimsical and fun!
- Gently place a strawberry on top of the frosting, with the pointed end facing up to create the gnome’s hat. Press it lightly to secure it in place.
- For the finishing touch, add a Reese’s Puff cereal right in the middle of the frosting beard. This acts as the gnome’s adorable button nose.
4. Chill the Gnomes
- Once all your gnomes are assembled, carefully place them on a tray or plate and pop them into the fridge. Refrigerate for at least an hour to let the frosting set and hold everything together.
Tips for Perfect Brownie Bite Gnomes
- Dry the Strawberries Completely: Any excess moisture on the strawberries can cause them to slide off the frosting. Pat them dry thoroughly before assembling.
- Work in a Cool Room: If your kitchen is warm, the frosting may become too soft and runny. If needed, refrigerate the frosting for a few minutes to firm it up before piping.
- Secure the Hats: If your strawberries aren’t sticking well, try adding a small dollop of frosting inside the hollowed-out part of the strawberry for extra grip.
- Keep Them Chilled: These gnomes look their best when they’re cold. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
- Use the Right Frosting: Cream cheese frosting works perfectly because it’s thick and holds its shape well. Avoid using thin or runny frosting.
How to Serve
These brownie bite gnomes are adorable on their own, but here are a few fun ways to present them:
- On a Festive Platter: Arrange them on a decorative plate or tray for a charming holiday centerpiece.
- With a Side of Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on the side for extra indulgence.
- Paired with Hot Chocolate: These gnomes make the perfect companion to a warm mug of hot cocoa.
- As Party Favors: Wrap each gnome in a clear treat bag tied with a ribbon for an adorable take-home dessert.
Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few creative twists on the classic brownie bite gnome recipe:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free brownie bites to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Different Hats: Swap the strawberries for mini marshmallows or raspberries for a fun variation.
- Candy Noses: Use mini chocolate chips, red M&Ms, or pearl sprinkles instead of Reese’s Puffs for a different look.
- Flavored Frosting: Try using vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry frosting for a unique flavor twist.
- Add Sprinkles: Decorate the hats or beards with sprinkles to make the gnomes even more festive.
Freezing and Storage
If you have leftovers (unlikely, but it could happen!), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerate: Place the assembled gnomes in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, so don’t wait too long!
- Freezing: While freezing isn’t ideal because of the fresh strawberries, you can freeze the brownie bites and frosting separately. When ready to serve, assemble the gnomes with fresh strawberries and cereal.
Special Equipment
You don’t need any fancy tools to make these gnomes, but here are a few things that can help:
- Piping Bag or Sandwich Bag: For neatly applying the frosting.
- Sharp Knife: To easily hollow out the strawberries.
- Tray or Plate: For chilling the assembled gnomes in the fridge.
FAQ
Can I make these gnomes ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge. Just be sure to keep them chilled until serving.
What if I don’t have cream cheese frosting?
You can use any thick frosting you have on hand. Buttercream or store-bought vanilla frosting works well.
Can I use homemade brownie bites?
Absolutely! If you’ve got the time and want to bake your own brownies, go for it. Just make sure to bake them in a mini muffin tin for the right size.
What if I can’t find Reese’s Puffs cereal?
You can substitute with other small round candies or cereal pieces, like Cocoa Puffs or even mini marshmallows.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe. Frozen ones will release too much moisture as they thaw, making the gnomes soggy.
Conclusion
These Easy Brownie Bite Gnomes are the perfect combination of cute, creative, and delicious. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun holiday project, or just want a quick treat to brighten your day, these little gnomes deliver on all fronts. I can’t wait to see how yours turn out!
If you try this recipe, be sure to let me know in the comments or tag me on social media. Seeing your adorable creations always makes my day!
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Easy Brownie Bite Gnomes – Perfect for Any Holiday
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownie bite gnomes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive Brownie Bite Gnomes are the perfect dessert for any celebration! Made with brownie bites, cream cheese frosting, strawberries, and Reese’s Puffs cereal, they’re fun to make and adorable to serve.
Ingredients
Brownie bites, cream cheese frosting, fresh strawberries, Reese’s Puffs cereal.
Instructions
Wash and dry strawberries. Pipe frosting onto brownie bites to form beards. Top with strawberries and Reese’s Puffs noses. Refrigerate.
Notes
Ensure strawberries are dry before assembling. Keep chilled for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American