If you’re craving a dessert that delivers rich, fudgy texture, creamy sweetness, and irresistible crunch, the Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream Sundae is the ultimate indulgence. This crowd-pleasing treat layers warm homemade brownies, velvety vanilla or chocolate ice cream, luscious fudge sauce, and crunchy toppings for a multi-textured experience that’s both nostalgic and gourmet.
Perfect for family gatherings, date nights, or weekend treats, this sundae combines comfort and elegance in every spoonful. Best of all, you can make it with pantry basics and customize it endlessly with toppings to suit your cravings.
Ingredients
Serves 4 generous sundaes
For the Brownies
- Half cup unsalted butter (melted)
- One cup granulated sugar
- Two large eggs
- One teaspoon vanilla extract
- One third cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- Half cup all-purpose flour
- One quarter teaspoon salt
- One quarter teaspoon baking powder
For the Sundae Assembly
- One pint of vanilla or chocolate ice cream
- Half cup hot fudge sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- One quarter cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
- Whipped cream, as desired
- Chocolate shavings or sprinkles for garnish
- Optional: maraschino cherries
Preparation Time
- Brownie preparation and baking: 30 minutes
- Sundae assembly: 5 to 10 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 40 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Brownies
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an eight-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter and sugar. Stir until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla, beating until the mixture is glossy and well blended.
- Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting into squares.
Step 2: Assemble the Sundaes
- Place one warm brownie square at the bottom of a dessert bowl or sundae glass.
- Top with one or two scoops of ice cream.
- Drizzle generously with hot fudge sauce.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles.
- Garnish with a cherry if desired and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
- For a richer twist, use double chocolate chip brownies or brownie edges for extra chew.
- Pair with salted caramel or peanut butter ice cream for flavor contrast.
- For a party-friendly option, serve the components in a sundae bar layout so guests can build their own.
- Serve in chilled glasses to keep the ice cream from melting too quickly.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 Sundae with toppings) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Total Fat | 28 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 15 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 62 grams |
| Sugars | 45 grams |
| Protein | 6 grams |
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Sodium | 180 milligrams |
Key Benefits and Considerations:
- Cocoa and dark chocolate in the brownie provide antioxidants and mood-boosting compounds.
- Nuts add healthy fats and texture, enhancing satiety.
- Protein from eggs and dairy contributes to a more balanced treat.
- While indulgent, the dessert can be portioned for smaller servings or adjusted with lighter toppings.
Variations to Try
- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the brownie base.
- Swap the hot fudge for raspberry or salted caramel sauce for a fruit-forward twist.
- Add crushed cookies, toffee bits, or peanut butter drizzle for extra layers of flavor.
- Turn it into a milkshake by blending the brownie, ice cream, and milk together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking the brownies results in a dry base — keep them moist for that perfect chewy bite.
- Serving the ice cream too early can cause it to melt too fast. Assemble just before serving.
- Skipping cooling time can cause the ice cream to melt instantly. Let brownies cool to warm, not hot.
- Using too many wet toppings can overwhelm the structure. Keep a balance between creamy and crunchy elements.
The Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream Sundae is more than just dessert — it’s a celebration in a bowl. With rich chocolate flavor, creamy ice cream, and endless topping options, it satisfies the sweet tooth while leaving room for creativity.