Brownie Sundaes are the ultimate indulgence when you’re craving something rich, warm, and chocolatey with a cool, creamy twist. Combining a fudgy brownie, cold vanilla ice cream, warm chocolate sauce, and your favorite toppings, this dessert is pure comfort in a bowl.
This dessert takes me back to summers spent with my cousins at my grandma’s house.
After long, hot days of running around barefoot in the backyard, we’d gather around the kitchen table for brownie sundaes, still warm from the oven, topped with a scoop of ice cream that melted just enough to create magic.
That nostalgic combination of warmth and chill, fudgy and creamy, always brings a smile to my face—and now, it’s a favorite in my home too.
Why you’ll love this
- Quick & Easy Treat – With minimal prep and easy ingredients, you can whip up this dessert in no time.
- Customizable – Change the brownie flavor, ice cream variety, and toppings to make it your own.
- Crowd Favorite – Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s a go-to for gatherings and parties.
- Decadent and Satisfying – The combination of warm brownies and cold ice cream is pure dessert bliss.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Cuisines: American
Servings: 6
Estimated Cost: $8-$10
Equipment:
- 8×8 baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Ice cream scoop
- Small saucepan (optional for hot fudge)
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
For the Sundaes:
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream (or any flavor you love)
- Chocolate syrup or hot fudge
- Whipped cream
- Chopped nuts, sprinkles, maraschino cherries (optional toppings)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the brownie batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just mixed. Do not overmix.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool slightly.
- Assemble your sundaes: Cut the brownie into squares. Place one brownie piece in a bowl. Top with a generous scoop of ice cream.
- Add your favorite toppings: Drizzle chocolate syrup or hot fudge over the top. Add whipped cream, nuts, sprinkles, and a cherry if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the warm-cold contrast that makes this dessert unforgettable.
Nutrition Facts
(Approximate per serving – without toppings)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 120mg
Tips for Success
- Don’t overbake the brownies – Slightly underbaked makes them extra fudgy and perfect for sundaes.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder – It deepens the chocolate flavor and makes your brownies taste gourmet.
- Warm the brownies before serving – A 10-second microwave zap brings back that just-baked feel.
- Have a sundae bar setup – Great for parties; let guests customize their own with various toppings.
Brownie Sundaes
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp baking powder
For the Sundaes
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream or any flavor you love
- Chocolate syrup or hot fudge
- Whipped cream
- Chopped nuts sprinkles, maraschino cherries (optional toppings)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the brownie batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just mixed. Do not overmix.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool slightly.
- Assemble your sundaes: Cut the brownie into squares. Place one brownie piece in a bowl. Top with a generous scoop of ice cream.
- Add your favorite toppings: Drizzle chocolate syrup or hot fudge over the top. Add whipped cream, nuts, sprinkles, and a cherry if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the warm-cold contrast that makes this dessert unforgettable.
Notes
- Don’t overbake the brownies – Slightly underbaked makes them extra fudgy and perfect for sundaes.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder – It deepens the chocolate flavor and makes your brownies taste gourmet.
- Warm the brownies before serving – A 10-second microwave zap brings back that just-baked feel.
- Have a sundae bar setup – Great for parties; let guests customize their own with various toppings.
Common Questions
Can I use store-bought brownies?
Yes! If you’re short on time, grab your favorite store-bought brownies and just focus on the assembly.
What’s the best ice cream flavor for brownie sundaes?
Vanilla is classic, but chocolate, cookies & cream, or salted caramel are all delicious choices.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
You can bake the brownies a day ahead. Just warm them slightly before serving and assemble fresh.
How do I store leftover brownies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a brownie sundae.
It’s the kind of dessert that turns an ordinary day into a celebration.
Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying a solo indulgence, this sweet treat never fails to delight.
Wishing you joy and lots of chocolate—happy baking!
