If you’re on the hunt for an adorable, fun, and utterly delicious dessert to wow your friends and family, then you’re in the right place! This Brownie Bite Gnome Treats Recipe is exactly what you need — little brownie bites transformed into whimsical gnome faces with just a few clever touches. I absolutely love how this turns out every time; it’s playful, tasty, and surprisingly simple to put together. Whether you’re hosting a party, treating the kids, or just want a sweet pick-me-up, these gnome treats will steal the show!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Cute Presentation: These gnome treats bring instant smiles with their charming strawberry hats and fluffy frosting beards.
- Easy To Make: No baking required if you use store-bought brownie bites and frosting – perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Customizable Fun: You can switch up toppings or frosting flavors to match your mood or season.
- Kid-Friendly Activity: Great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen, making memories and delicious treats at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a small but important role to create these delightful brownie gnome treats. I recommend using fresh strawberries and a rich cream cheese frosting for the best taste and texture.
- Brownie Bites: Store-bought brownie bites work great if you’re short on time, but homemade ones add that fresh-baked charm.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Opt for a smooth, creamy frosting that pipes easily; I sometimes make mine from scratch for a personal touch.
- Strawberries: Fresh and firm berries are a must to keep those adorable gnome hats looking just right and to avoid sogginess.
- Reese’s Puffs Cereal: These little round cereal pieces make perfect “noses” — small, cute, and slightly crunchy.
Variations
One of the things I adore about this Brownie Bite Gnome Treats Recipe is how much room there is for personalization! I love mixing it up depending on the occasion or what I have on hand.
- Frosting Variations: I’ve swapped the cream cheese frosting for a fluffy vanilla buttercream or even chocolate ganache, and it changes the vibe completely — both are delicious!
- Seasonal Fruit Hats: In the fall, I switch strawberries out for mini pumpkin-shaped candies or raspberries for a pop of color.
- Nut-Free Option: For allergy-conscious friends, try using fruity cereal pieces instead of Reese’s Puffs to keep the nose element safe and fun.
- Mini Brownie Bites: When I want bite-sized party snacks, I use smaller brownie bites to make these treats even more snackable.
How to Make Brownie Bite Gnome Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prep Those Strawberries Like a Pro
Wash your strawberries thoroughly and let them dry completely — trust me, this step makes all the difference so your brownies don’t get soggy. Next, carefully remove the green leaves and use a small knife to carve out a tiny hole where the stem was. This creates a cozy spot for the “nose” to sit. Just be gentle and avoid slicing straight across the top, or the strawberry won’t keep its adorable hat shape.
Step 2: Get That Frosting Ready for Piping
Fill a piping bag with cream cheese frosting — but don’t have one? No worries! I use a small sandwich bag and clip a tiny corner off to create a makeshift piping nozzle. This frosting will be the fluffy beard of your gnome, so make sure it’s runny enough to pipe smoothly but thick enough to hold its shape.
Step 3: Pipe the Frosting Beard
Gently pipe frosting over the top of each brownie bite and let it cascade down one side to mimic a beard. Don’t worry about perfection here; in fact, a little rustic charm adds to their personality. I’ve found piping slowly and with a steady hand yields the nicest results, but it’s really about having fun and making each gnome unique.
Step 4: Top with Strawberry Hat and Cereal Nose
Place a strawberry on top of each frosted brownie bite like a jaunty gnome hat. Then press a single piece of Reese’s Puffs cereal into the frosting just under the strawberry — that’s your cute little gnome nose! I love how that extra crunch adds texture and makes these treats feel so special.
Step 5: Chill and Enjoy
Immediately pop your finished brownie bite gnomes into the refrigerator for at least an hour. This chilling time lets the frosting set up perfectly and keeps your gnomes standing tall. These treats look best the day you make them, but you can store them in the fridge for a day or two if needed. Just be aware the strawberries might soften slightly but will still taste amazing.
Pro Tips for Making Brownie Bite Gnome Treats Recipe
- Dry Strawberries Thoroughly: Any leftover moisture can turn your brownie base soggy, so patting dry is crucial.
- Perfect Piping Pressure: I learned to apply gentle, steady pressure to get the beard’s shape just right without frosting spurting out.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh strawberries and quality brownie bites make all the difference in taste and appearance.
- Keep Them Chilled: Refrigerate immediately — this locks in the frosting firmness and flavors beautifully.
How to Serve Brownie Bite Gnome Treats Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep garnishes simple here — the strawberry hat and cereal nose do all the talking. But if I’m feeling fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top adds a magical snowy effect that’s simply enchanting during the holidays.
Side Dishes
These brownie gnome treats are perfect on their own, but if you want to create a festive dessert spread, I love pairing them with fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Evening tea and cozy hot cocoa are also dreamy companions.
Creative Ways to Present
One fun idea I tried was arranging the gnome bites on a rustic wooden board surrounded by sprigs of fresh mint and edible flowers — it looks stunning and adds a bit of whimsy for parties or holiday gatherings. Another time, I placed them in mini cupcake liners for an easy grab-and-go dessert option that guests loved.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your guests have enjoyed the party, store any leftover brownie bite gnomes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I find they stay fresh and tasty for up to two days, but the strawberries might start to soften, so try to enjoy them sooner rather than later.
Freezing
I don’t typically freeze these treats because of the fresh strawberries and frosting — they don’t thaw well and can become watery. However, if you want to prep the brownie bites ahead of time, those freeze beautifully on their own before assembly.
Reheating
No reheating needed here — these are best served chilled. Just take them out from the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to let the frosting soften slightly for the perfect bite.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade brownies for this Brownie Bite Gnome Treats Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade brownies add that warm, fresh-baked flavor that’s hard to beat. Just make sure to cut them into small, bite-sized squares or shapes to match the size of the gnome treats.
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What if I don’t have cream cheese frosting—can I use something else?
You can swap cream cheese frosting with vanilla buttercream, chocolate frosting, or even whipped cream for a lighter option. Keep in mind the frosting’s consistency should be thick enough to hold its shape once piped.
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How do I keep the strawberries from making the brownies soggy?
The key is to make sure your strawberries are completely dry before assembling the treats. I like to wash them early and pat them down with a clean towel, then let them air dry fully to avoid any wetness seeping into the brownies.
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Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can assemble these about an hour before serving and chill them to set the frosting. However, I recommend not making them too far in advance because the strawberries will lose their freshness and the frosting might soften too much.
Final Thoughts
This Brownie Bite Gnome Treats Recipe has become one of my favorite little desserts to whip up when I want something charming, quick, and utterly delightful. Their sweet, rich flavors and playful design never fail to bring delight—and honestly, they’re just plain fun to make! I hope you give these cute gnome treats a try and share the joy with your loved ones as much as I do. You’re going to love the smiles they inspire!
Print
Brownie Bite Gnome Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownie bite gnomes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These adorable Brownie Bite Gnomes are a fun and festive treat featuring rich brownie bites topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, fresh strawberry hats, and a cute Reese’s Puffs cereal nose. Perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you want a whimsical dessert that requires no baking if using store-bought brownies.
Ingredients
Brownie Bites
- 24 brownie bites, store-bought or homemade
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting, store-bought or homemade
Fruit
- 24 fresh strawberries, washed and dried
Toppings
- 24 Reese’s Puffs cereal pieces
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Wash the strawberries thoroughly and allow them to dry completely. Remove the green leaves and carefully cut out the stem with a small knife to create a small hole without cutting straight across the top of the berries to maintain their conical shape.
- Prepare Frosting Bag: Spoon the cream cheese frosting into a piping bag or a small plastic sandwich bag with one small corner snipped off to create a piping nozzle for easy frosting application.
- Pipe Frosting Beard: Pipe the cream cheese frosting over the top of each brownie bite and down one side to resemble a beard on a gnome’s face, creating a charming snowy effect.
- Add Strawberry Hat and Nose: Place a strawberry on top of each frosted brownie bite to serve as the gnome’s hat. Press a single Reese’s Puffs cereal piece onto the frosting to form the gnome’s nose.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the completed brownie bite gnomes immediately for at least one hour to set the frosting and firm up the treats. They look best the day they are made but can be stored in the refrigerator for one to two days.
Notes
- Ensure strawberries are completely dry before assembly to avoid sogginess in the treats.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, use a small plastic sandwich bag with a corner cut off as an effective alternative for piping frosting.
- Use fresh strawberries and consume the brownie gnomes within two days for optimal taste and appearance.
- Brownie bites can be either homemade or store-bought depending on your preference and convenience.
- Refrigerate immediately after assembly to keep the frosting firm and maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie bite gnome
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
