If you’re on the lookout for a delightfully festive treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, these No-Bake Brownie Bite Gnomes (Cute Holiday Treats) Recipe will quickly become your new holiday favorite. Combining luscious brownie bites, fluffy cream cheese frosting shaped into whimsical beards, fresh strawberry hats, and a quirky cereal nose, these adorable gnome-shaped treats bring both charm and deliciousness to any holiday gathering. Perfectly sized for sharing, they require no baking, making them a stress-free way to wow your friends and family with joyful sweetness and a touch of magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each element plays an essential role in creating that perfect balance of textures and festive appeal. From rich brownie bases to the fresh pop of strawberry color and the creamy frosting that ties it all together, every component adds something special.
- Brownie Bites: Choose either store-bought or homemade, ensuring a fudgy and chewy base that’s perfectly bite-sized.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Use your favorite homemade or store-bought frosting for a creamy, tangy “beard” that’s easy to pipe.
- Fresh Strawberries: Washed and dried thoroughly, these form the bright red “hats” of your gnomes, adding freshness and visual pop.
- Reese’s Puffs cereal: Just one piece per gnome acts as the cute little nose, giving an unexpected crunchy detail that’s irresistible.
How to Make No-Bake Brownie Bite Gnomes (Cute Holiday Treats) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Strawberries
First, make sure your strawberries are thoroughly washed and completely dry to prevent any sogginess in the final treat. Carefully remove the green leaves and use a small knife to hollow out the stem end just enough to create a small cavity, but keep the strawberry’s shape intact. These will become the iconic hats on your brownie gnomes, so handling them gently is key.
Step 2: Get Your Frosting Ready
Fill a piping bag with cream cheese frosting. If you don’t have a piping bag handy, no worries — a small sandwich bag with a tiny corner snipped off works like a charm. This frosting will form the fluffy, inviting beard that gives your brownie bites their gnome character.
Step 3: Pipe the Frosting Beards
Pipe the cream cheese frosting generously over the top of each brownie bite, guiding it gently down one side to mimic a full and charming beard. The thickness of your piping can vary depending on how playful or classic you want your gnomes to look, but don’t be shy — a well-piped beard is part of the magic here!
Step 4: Add the Strawberry Hats and Cereal Noses
Carefully place a prepared strawberry on top of each frosted brownie bite, acting as the cute and festive hat. Then, press a single Reese’s Puffs cereal piece into the frosting right under the strawberry to create the gnome’s nose. This simple detail brings the little faces to life in a way that’s absolutely delightful.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Once assembled, pop the gnomes into the refrigerator for at least one hour. This chilling time allows the frosting to firm up nicely, ensuring each bite is perfectly set and ready to serve. Your No-Bake Brownie Bite Gnomes (Cute Holiday Treats) Recipe is truly at its best fresh but can last in the fridge for a day or two if needed.
How to Serve No-Bake Brownie Bite Gnomes (Cute Holiday Treats) Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance the festive vibe, sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar lightly over your assembled brownie gnomes just before serving. A touch of edible glitter or tiny silver dragees can also add a magical sparkle that makes these treats shine even more on your holiday table.
Side Dishes
Serve these charming brownie bites alongside a bowl of whipped cream or a warm mulled cider to complement the richness of the brownies. Fresh fruit platters also pair beautifully, adding brightness and balance to this indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your No-Bake Brownie Bite Gnomes (Cute Holiday Treats) Recipe on a decorative platter surrounded by pine sprigs or holly for a rustic holiday feel. Alternatively, present them in a clear glass jar layered with festive red and green tissue paper for a delightful edible gift idea that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, keep them stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and maintain their texture for up to two days, but best enjoyed sooner to preserve the strawberry’s freshness and frosting firmness.
Freezing
While these brownie bite gnomes aren’t ideal candidates for freezing due to the fresh strawberries and creamy frosting, you can freeze the brownie bites themselves ahead of time. Thaw completely before assembly to ensure your No-Bake Brownie Bite Gnomes (Cute Holiday Treats) Recipe turns out just right.
Reheating
Since this recipe is designed to be enjoyed chilled and there’s no baking involved, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Keep them cool and serve straight from the refrigerator for the best fudge-to-frosting contrast.
FAQs
Can I use other berries instead of strawberries for the hats?
Absolutely! Raspberries or halved cherries can work nicely as alternative “hats,” offering a different flavor twist while maintaining the adorable look of your brownie gnomes.
What if I don’t have Reese’s Puffs cereal for the noses?
No worries! Small round candies, chocolate chips, or even mini marshmallows make excellent substitutes to create the cute nose detail on your gnomes.
Can I use gluten-free brownie bites?
Yes! As long as the brownie bites maintain a sturdy texture for assembly, gluten-free versions will work perfectly in this No-Bake Brownie Bite Gnomes (Cute Holiday Treats) Recipe.
How far ahead can I prepare these treats?
For the best appearance and texture, prepare and assemble these gnomes the same day or up to a day in advance. Keep them refrigerated to preserve freshness.
Is this recipe kid-friendly to make?
Definitely! Kids love the hands-on assembling process, especially piping the frosting and placing the hats and noses. Just supervise knife use when preparing the strawberries.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about sharing sweet, charming treats like the No-Bake Brownie Bite Gnomes (Cute Holiday Treats) Recipe with loved ones during the holiday season. Their playful presentation combined with simple, delicious ingredients makes them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a joyful addition to your festive dessert spread. Give them a try and watch everyone’s faces light up with delight while enjoying these magically cute bites!
Print
No-Bake Brownie Bite Gnomes (Cute Holiday Treats) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownie bite gnomes 1x
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Treat
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These adorable No-Bake Brownie Bite Gnomes are festive and delicious holiday treats featuring rich brownie bites topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, fresh strawberries, and Reese’s Puffs cereal accents. Perfect for parties and gatherings, these charming bite-sized desserts resemble cute gnome faces sure to delight kids and adults alike.
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 let them dry completely. Remove the green leaves and carefully cut out the stem with a small knife to create a small hole, ensuring you do not cut straight across the tops of the berries to maintain their shape.
- Prepare Frosting Bag: Place the cream cheese frosting into a piping bag, or alternatively into a small plastic sandwich bag with one corner snipped off to create a piping nozzle.
- Pipe Frosting Beard: Pipe the frosting over the top of each brownie bite and down one side to resemble a beard, crafting the gnome’s face.
- Add Strawberry Hat and Nose: Place a strawberry on top of each brownie bite to serve as the gnome’s hat, then press one Reese’s Puffs cereal piece onto the frosting as the nose.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the completed brownie bite gnomes immediately for at least one hour to allow the frosting to set. These treats are best eaten the day they are made but can be stored in the refrigerator for one to two additional days.
Notes
- Ensure strawberries are completely dry before assembling to prevent sogginess.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, use a small plastic sandwich bag with a corner cut for piping frosting.
- Use fresh strawberries and consume within 2 days for best taste and appearance.
- Brownie bites can be homemade or store-bought depending on convenience and preference.
- Refrigerate immediately after preparing to keep frosting firm and fresh.
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