If you are on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly combines rich chocolatey goodness with creamy, dreamy ice cream toppings, look no further than the Ultimate English Brownie Sundae Recipe. This delightful treat is all about warm, fudgy brownies layered under scoops of smooth vanilla ice cream and crowned with luscious caramel and chocolate sauces. Every bite is a heavenly mix of textures and flavors that feels like a warm hug on a plate, making it an absolute must-try for fans of indulgent desserts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Ultimate English Brownie Sundae Recipe lies in simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create a rich, decadent dessert. Each one is essential, whether it’s the buttery base that guarantees moist brownies or the sweet sauces that give the sundae its signature shine.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides a rich, creamy fat base that makes the brownies ultra moist.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the perfect brownie crust.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Offers a subtle molasses flavor and chewiness to the brownie texture.
- 3 large eggs: Bind everything together and give the brownies structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: The heart of your brownie’s chocolate intensity.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Builds the structure without making the brownies tough.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and heightens chocolate flavor.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Lightens the brownie just enough for a pleasant texture.
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream: The creamy counterpoint to the rich brownies.
- ¼ cup caramel sauce: Adds buttery sweetness and luxurious texture.
- ¼ cup chocolate sauce: Pours velvety decadence over the ice cream.
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional): Introduces a crunchy contrast to the soft layers.
- ½ cup whipped cream: Adds airy lightness topping the sundae.
- 4 maraschino cherries: Classic, cheerful garnishes that finish off each serving perfectly.
How to Make Ultimate English Brownie Sundae Recipe
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper so your brownies will lift out effortlessly without sticking or crumbling. This simple but key step ensures clean squares that look as good as they taste.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your melted butter with granulated and brown sugar until smooth and well combined. This creamy, sugary mixture begins building that luscious fudgy texture. Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking again until everything is fully incorporated and silky.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Sift the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder into the wet mixture. Sifting helps avoid lumps and keeps the batter smooth. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet just until you have a thick, rich batter. Don’t overmix here; you want tender brownies with a perfect crumb.
Step 4: Bake Your Brownies
Pour the batter evenly into your lined pan, spreading it out so it’s flat and uniform. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for moist crumbs on a toothpick test, which guarantees fudgy, not dry, brownies. Let the pan cool completely before moving on.
Step 5: Assemble the Sundaes
Once cooled, cut your brownies into squares that will serve as the base for each sundae. In a bowl, place one brownie square, then top it with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Drizzle with rich chocolate and caramel sauces, sprinkle on chopped nuts if you like, then crown with fluffy whipped cream and a bright maraschino cherry. Serve immediately and prepare for compliments!
How to Serve Ultimate English Brownie Sundae Recipe
Garnishes
While a maraschino cherry and whipped cream are classic, feel free to get creative. Fresh berries, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or even a dusting of cocoa powder can elevate the presentation and add an extra flavor burst. Each garnish complements the layers, enhancing both texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This sundae is a showstopper on its own, but pairing it with a simple espresso or a scoop of fresh fruit sorbet can balance the richness and cleanse the palate. Light bites like biscotti or shortbread cookies also make delightful companions if you want to serve more at a gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
For an unforgettable presentation, try layering brownie chunks, ice cream, and sauces in clear glass parfait cups. Or serve it in mini cast iron skillets straight from the oven for a rustic, cozy vibe. Using edible flowers or gold leaf can instantly glam up your Ultimate English Brownie Sundae Recipe for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover brownies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This maintains their moist, fudgy texture perfectly so they’re ready for a quick sundae fix whenever you need a sweet treat.
Freezing
Brownies freeze wonderfully! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a sealed freezer bag for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature and assemble your sundae fresh to keep the ice cream silky and sauces flowing.
Reheating
To bring your brownies back to warm perfection, microwave each square for about 15-20 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. Warm brownies paired with cold ice cream truly make this ultimate dessert sing.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought brownie mix instead of making from scratch?
Absolutely! While the homemade touch in the Ultimate English Brownie Sundae Recipe is special, a quality store-bought brownie mix can save time and still produce delicious results. Just warm them slightly before assembling for the best experience.
What’s the best ice cream flavor for this recipe?
Vanilla is a classic choice because it beautifully balances the rich chocolate of the brownies and the sweetness of the sauces. However, for a twist, try salted caramel or coffee ice cream to add new layers of flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use dairy-free ice cream, and swap out the eggs for flax eggs or applesauce to accommodate dietary preferences while still enjoying the Ultimate English Brownie Sundae Recipe.
How can I add more crunch to the sundae?
Chopped nuts are a great option, but you can also sprinkle crushed cookies, toasted coconut flakes, or even crispy cereal. These extras bring a satisfying texture contrast that complements the soft brownies and creamy ice cream beautifully.
Is there a way to make this dessert less sweet?
Balancing sweetness can be done by reducing the sugar slightly in the brownie batter or choosing ice cream and sauces with less sugar. Adding a sprinkle of sea salt or using bittersweet chocolate sauce can also help bring out depth without overwhelming sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re impressing friends or simply treating yourself, the Ultimate English Brownie Sundae Recipe is a dessert that never fails to delight. Its combination of fudgy brownies and creamy ice cream topped with luscious sauces is pure comfort on a plate. So go ahead, dive in, and enjoy every indulgent spoonful of this timeless favorite.
Print
Ultimate English Brownie Sundae Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: English
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the Ultimate English Brownie Sundae, a decadent dessert combining rich, fudgy brownies with creamy vanilla ice cream, drizzled with luscious chocolate and caramel sauces, topped with whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry for the perfect sweet treat.
Ingredients
Brownie Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
Sundae Toppings
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
- ¼ cup caramel sauce
- ¼ cup chocolate sauce
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional)
- ½ cup whipped cream
- 4 maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent the brownies from sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Crack in the eggs and add the vanilla extract, whisking thoroughly until fully incorporated and the batter is uniform.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Gently fold them into the wet mixture until a thick, consistent batter forms without overmixing.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool & Cut Brownies: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan to set. Once cool, cut into squares to form the base of the sundae.
- Assemble Sundae: Place a brownie square into each serving bowl. Top each with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle Sauces: Generously drizzle caramel sauce and chocolate sauce over the ice cream for a rich, sweet flavor contrast.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle chopped nuts on top for crunch, if desired. Then add a dollop of whipped cream and finish each sundae with a maraschino cherry.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the brownie sundaes right away for the best taste and texture experience, savoring the warm brownie with cold ice cream and toppings.
Notes
- Ensure brownies are completely cooled before assembling to prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly.
- Chopped nuts are optional but add a pleasant crunchy texture to the sundae.
- You can substitute caramel and chocolate sauces with homemade versions for enhanced freshness.
- For a fudgier brownie, reduce flour by 1-2 tablespoons.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; assemble sundaes just before serving.
