The Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae is a decadent dessert that combines rich, chocolatey brownies with creamy ice cream and a luscious hot fudge sauce. This indulgent treat is perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth and is sure to impress at gatherings or as a special after-dinner delight.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips, divided
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
For the Sundae Assembly:
- Ice cream of your choice (vanilla recommended)
- Hot fudge sauce
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Chopped nuts (optional)
- Maraschino cherries (optional)
Directions
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Prepare the Brownies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin pan or line it with paper liners. In a small saucepan, melt ¾ cup of the semisweet chocolate chips over low heat, stirring until smooth; set aside to cool slightly.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy.
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Add Eggs and Chocolate: Add eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in the melted chocolate.
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Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the chocolate mixture, mixing just until combined. Stir in the remaining ¾ cup of semisweet chocolate chips.
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Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling each cup about ⅔ full. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Assemble the Sundae: Place a brownie on a serving plate. Top with a scoop of your chosen ice cream. Drizzle hot fudge sauce over the ice cream. Add whipped cream, chopped nuts, and a maraschino cherry if desired.
Nutrients
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
The Magic of Brownies
Brownies are a classic treat that has been loved by generations for their perfect balance of rich chocolate flavor and moist, dense texture. The Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae takes this beloved dessert and elevates it by combining it with the creaminess of ice cream and the warmth of hot fudge sauce. The brownies form the base layer of this dessert, providing a satisfying and fudgy consistency that complements the smoothness of the ice cream.
What makes this particular brownie recipe stand out is the use of semisweet chocolate chips, which are melted into the batter to create a deep, rich chocolate flavor. This indulgent brownie batter is made with both granulated sugar and brown sugar, which adds a subtle caramel undertone, enhancing the chocolatey richness. These brownies are the perfect foundation for any sundae, as their texture holds up well to the addition of melting ice cream and warm fudge, while maintaining their moisture and density.
The brownies are baked in muffin tins, which not only makes them easier to serve in individual portions but also gives them a slightly crisp edge, which contrasts perfectly with the softness of the inside. This small detail adds a little extra texture to the final dessert, making every bite a delightful combination of soft and slightly crispy.
Creating the Perfect Sundae
The concept of a sundae is simple: layer your favorite ice cream with toppings and sauces to create a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae brings together three core elements that take this concept to the next level.
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Ice Cream: The choice of ice cream is crucial to the success of this dessert. While vanilla is often the go-to flavor for sundaes, feel free to experiment with other varieties. Chocolate or coffee-flavored ice cream would complement the richness of the brownie and fudge, while fruit-based flavors like strawberry or raspberry could offer a refreshing contrast. No matter which flavor you choose, the ice cream should be rich and creamy to balance the warmth and heaviness of the brownie.
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Hot Fudge Sauce: The star of this sundae is the hot fudge sauce, which, when poured over the cold ice cream, creates a delightful contrast of temperatures. The richness and sweetness of the hot fudge complement the chocolatey brownie and the creamy ice cream. Making your own hot fudge sauce allows you to adjust the consistency and sweetness, but you can also use store-bought versions for a quicker preparation. A drizzle of this velvety fudge sauce is all it takes to elevate the sundae from good to spectacular.
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Toppings: The fun part of assembling a sundae is customizing it with various toppings. Whipped cream, for example, adds a light and airy texture that balances the dense brownie and creamy ice cream. Chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, offer a crunchy texture that contrasts with the smoothness of the other elements. And of course, no sundae is complete without a maraschino cherry on top, which not only adds a pop of color but also a touch of sweetness.
The Versatility of the Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae
What makes the Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae so appealing is its versatility. While it can be enjoyed as a simple yet decadent dessert, it can also be adapted for various occasions. For example:
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Family Gatherings: Serve the Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae as a special dessert at your next family get-together. You can easily scale up the recipe to serve a crowd, using a larger baking dish to make a tray of brownies and then cutting them into squares to serve individually. Top each square with a scoop of ice cream and hot fudge sauce for a customizable treat that everyone will love.
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Celebrations: The Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae is perfect for birthday parties, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a celebratory dessert. The layers of ice cream, hot fudge, and brownies create a rich, indulgent treat that feels extra special. Add colorful sprinkles or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a festive touch.
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Indulgent Snack: Sometimes, all you need is a small indulgence to brighten your day. You can easily enjoy a single serving of this dessert for a snack, satisfying your sweet tooth without the need for a large, elaborate dessert. This treat can also serve as a perfect after-dinner delight when you want something indulgent yet easy to prepare.
Make It Your Own
While the basic components of the Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae are already delicious, there’s plenty of room for customization. Some ideas to consider include:
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Flavored Ice Cream: Try different flavors of ice cream to give your sundae a unique twist. Pair chocolate brownies with coffee ice cream for an extra layer of richness, or use caramel ice cream for a sweet and buttery contrast to the chocolate and brownie flavors.
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Additional Toppings: Add extra toppings like chocolate shavings, caramel sauce, or fresh fruit to further elevate the sundae. A sprinkle of sea salt can also bring out the richness of the fudge and brownies, creating a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
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Alternative Sauces: If you’re looking for something different, you could substitute the hot fudge sauce with a warm caramel sauce or a rich peanut butter drizzle. These alternatives can completely change the flavor profile of the sundae while still maintaining its indulgent nature.
Conclusion: A Dessert for Every Occasion
The Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae is a dessert that combines some of the best elements of classic sweets: rich brownies, creamy ice cream, and luscious hot fudge. Its simplicity in preparation belies the decadent indulgence it offers, making it the perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself, impress your guests, or create a memorable dessert for a special celebration, this sundae is guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.
With its versatility, customization options, and perfect balance of textures and flavors, the Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae remains a timeless favorite that continues to delight people of all ages. Enjoy it at your next gathering, or make it for a cozy night in—it’s the perfect dessert to elevate any occasion.