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