This Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae is the quintessential American dessert, combining warm, fudgy brownies with cold, creamy vanilla ice cream. Drenched in rich chocolate sauce and sticky caramel, it is an indulgent treat that satisfies every sweet craving.
Topped with fluffy whipped cream, crunchy nuts, and that iconic cherry on top, this classic sundae is perfect for parties, movie nights, or whenever you need a little comfort in a bowl.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: A decadent mix of rich chocolate and vanilla, enhanced by the buttery sweetness of caramel and the nutty crunch of walnuts.
- Texture: The contrast of the warm, chewy brownie against the cold, melting ice cream is pure magic, finished with the crunch of sprinkles and nuts.
- Time: 5 minutes assembly (assuming brownies are made).
- Difficulty: Very Easy. It is all about the assembly!
What You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you will need dessert plates or classic tulip sundae glasses. If warming the sauce, a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan is helpful. The ingredients are flexible based on your preference for store-bought convenience or homemade quality.
Ingredient Notes
- Brownies – You can use store-bought bakery brownies for speed or make your favorite homemade recipe. Fudgy brownies work best as they hold up to the ice cream.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Premium vanilla bean ice cream offers the best flavor contrast to the rich toppings.
- Hot Fudge – This is thicker and richer than chocolate syrup. Warming it up makes it pour easily and creates that signature hot/cold contrast.
- Caramel Sauce – Adds a buttery, salty-sweet dimension that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
- Whipped Cream – Homemade whipped cream is luxurious, but store-bought (canned) is convenient and holds its shape well.
- Walnuts – Chopped walnuts add a necessary crunch and earthy flavor. Pecans or peanuts are great substitutes.
- Maraschino Cherries – The classic red cherry is the non-negotiable finishing touch for a retro sundae look.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Ice Cream Flavors – While vanilla is classic, coffee, strawberry, or mint chocolate chip ice cream creates a fun variation.
- Toppings – Crushed Oreos, toffee bits, or sliced bananas can be added for extra texture.
- Sauces – Peanut butter sauce or marshmallow fluff can replace or join the caramel and fudge.
How to Make Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae
- Prep Brownies: Purchase or make your brownies. If they are cool, you can warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to get that soft, fresh-baked texture.
- Base: Place one brownie on each of four dessert plates or in the bottom of sundae glasses.
- Ice Cream: Top each brownie with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Sauce: Drizzle the hot fudge (warmed slightly) and caramel sauce over the ice cream, dividing the sauces evenly among each plate.
- Toppings: Dollop whipped cream on top of the ice cream. Sprinkle with the chopped walnuts and rainbow sprinkles.
- Garnish: Finish each sundae with a bright red maraschino cherry on top.
- Serve: Serve immediately before the ice cream melts!
Pro Tip: Warm your brownies slightly before assembling! The heat from the brownie softens the bottom of the ice cream scoop, creating a delicious pool of creamy sauce that mixes with the fudge.
Recipe Tips
- Sauce Temperature: Be careful not to make the hot fudge too hot, or it will melt the ice cream instantly into soup. It should be warm and pourable, not boiling.
- Glassware: If using sundae glasses, you can cut the brownie into cubes and layer them with the ice cream for a parfait-style sundae.
- Mise en Place: Have all your toppings open and ready before you scoop the ice cream. Speed is key to a perfect sundae presentation.
FAQs
- Can I make a giant version? Absolutely. Arrange all the brownies in a skillet or large bowl, top with multiple scoops of ice cream, and let everyone dig in with spoons.
- What if I don’t have hot fudge? You can make a quick ganache by melting chocolate chips with a little heavy cream, or just use chocolate syrup (though it will be thinner).
- Can I serve this cold? You can, but the contrast of the warm brownie and sauce is what defines a “hot fudge” sundae.
Serving Suggestions
- Waffle Bowl: Serve the entire creation inside a waffle bowl for an edible dish.
- Banana Split: Slice a banana lengthwise and place it alongside the brownie for a mega-dessert.
- Party Bar: Set out bowls of different toppings and let guests build their own sundaes.
Make This Recipe in Advance
- Prep: You can chop the nuts and bake the brownies a day ahead.
- Assembly: Do not assemble until the very last second. Sundaes wait for no one!
Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 Sundaes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae is the quintessential American dessert, combining warm, fudgy brownies with cold, creamy vanilla ice cream. Drenched in rich chocolate sauce and sticky caramel, it is an indulgent treat that satisfies every sweet craving. Topped with fluffy whipped cream, crunchy nuts, and that iconic cherry on top, this classic sundae is perfect for parties, movie nights, or whenever you need a little comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients
The Base
- 4 brownies (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
- 4 large scoops vanilla bean ice cream
The Sauces
- 1/4 cup hot fudge sauce, warmed
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce, warmed
The Toppings
- 1/2 cup whipped cream (freshly whipped or canned)
- 1/4 cup walnuts (or pecans/peanuts), roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles
- 4 maraschino cherries
Instructions
Prep Brownies
If your brownies are cool, warm them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. Why? Getting the brownie soft and warm creates the signature hot/cold contrast that makes this dessert special.
Base
Place one warm brownie in the center of each dessert plate or at the bottom of a sundae glass.
Ice Cream
Top each brownie immediately with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Sauce
Drizzle the hot fudge and caramel sauce over the ice cream, allowing it to pool around the brownie base. Tip: Ensure sauces are pourable but not boiling hot, or they will melt the ice cream too fast.
Top
Dollop a swirl of whipped cream on top of the ice cream. Sprinkle generously with chopped walnuts and rainbow sprinkles.
Garnish
Finish each sundae with a bright red maraschino cherry on the very top.
Serve
Serve immediately before the ice cream melts!
Notes
The “Parfait” Method: If using tall tulip sundae glasses, cut the brownies into cubes and layer them between scoops of ice cream for a better distribution of flavor in every bite.
Sauce Temperature: Be careful not to overheat the hot fudge. It should be warm and viscous, not boiling liquid.
DIY Bar: This is the ultimate party dessert. Set out a tray of warm brownies, a slow cooker with hot fudge, and bowls of various toppings (crushed Oreos, toffee bits, sliced bananas) and let guests build their own.
Substitution: If you don’t have hot fudge, you can make a quick ganache by melting chocolate chips with a splash of heavy cream in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Sundae
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 55g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 82g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: brownie sundae recipe, hot fudge sundae, ice cream desserts, classic american desserts, party dessert ideas, indulgent treats, semi-homemade recipes
