The Ultimate English Brownie Sundae Recipe is the perfect way to indulge your sweet tooth with an irresistible combination of rich, fudgy brownies and creamy vanilla ice cream, all topped with luscious caramel and chocolate sauces. This dessert is a celebration of classic flavors coming together in one heavenly bowl, guaranteed to delight anyone lucky enough to have a taste. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or impressing guests at a cozy gathering, this dessert will quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors. From the buttery richness of the brownies to the creamy coolness of the ice cream and the shiny drizzle of sauces, each item is simple but indispensable.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a moist, rich base for the brownies while keeping the flavor pure and buttery.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that classic brownie crust.
- Brown sugar: Brings a touch of caramel depth to the brownies’ flavor.
- Large eggs: Bind the brownie batter for structure and tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that rich chocolate punch we all crave.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure without weighing down the brownies.
- Salt: Elevates and balances the sweetness of the dessert.
- Baking powder: Gives the brownies a slight lift for the perfect soft but firm texture.
- Vanilla ice cream: The creamy, cooling contrast to warm brownies.
- Caramel sauce: Adds buttery sweetness and gorgeous glossy texture.
- Chocolate sauce: Intensifies the chocolate experience with a silky finish.
- Chopped nuts (optional): Introduce delightful crunch and nutty richness.
- Whipped cream: Provides light, fluffy topping to balance richness.
- Maraschino cherries: Bring a pop of bright color and subtle fruity sweetness.
How to Make Ultimate English Brownie Sundae Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper to ensure the brownies come out easily without sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is glossy and smooth. This blend of sugars and butter is what gives your brownies that perfect chewy texture and rich flavor. Next, whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract fully, making sure everything is combined beautifully for a smooth batter.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to prevent lumps and distribute ingredients evenly. Gently fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture until a thick, luscious batter forms. Be careful not to overmix — you want the brownies tender, not tough.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly to ensure even baking. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The brownies are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it — perfect for that fudgy finish.
Step 5: Cool and Cut Brownies
Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. This cooling time helps them set perfectly, making them easier to cut into neat squares that will serve as the delicious base for your sundae.
Step 6: Build the Ultimate English Brownie Sundae Recipe
Ready to assemble? Place one brownie square into a dessert bowl, then top it generously with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Pour caramel sauce and chocolate sauce artfully over the ice cream, creating a mouthwatering swirl of flavors. If you love a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts over the top. Finish with a fluffy dollop of whipped cream and crown each sundae with a bright maraschino cherry. Serve immediately and watch the magic happen as warm brownie meets melting ice cream.
How to Serve Ultimate English Brownie Sundae Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes aren’t just for show—they add texture, flavor, and that wow factor. Chopped nuts provide a satisfying crunch contrasting the soft brownie and smooth ice cream. Fresh mint leaves can add a refreshing aroma and a splash of green that elevates your presentation. Don’t forget the classic maraschino cherries, which bring a burst of color and a subtle fruity sweetness to each serving.
Side Dishes
Because the Ultimate English Brownie Sundae Recipe is quite decadent, lighter side dishes work best. Consider serving it alongside fresh fruit slices like strawberries or a tangy berry compote to cut through the richness. A hot cup of strong coffee or a bold tea rounds out this dessert experience perfectly, balancing sweet with a touch of bitterness.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your sundae presentation by layering brownie chunks, ice cream, and sauces in clear glasses for a striking parfait look. For a fun twist, try serving mini brownie sundaes in small ramekins or mason jars for portion-controlled decadence. You can also experiment with adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for that irresistible sweet-salty bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of the Ultimate English Brownie Sundae Recipe components, store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Ice cream and sauces should be refrigerated or frozen depending on timing. Keep nuts and whipped cream separately to maintain their texture and freshness.
Freezing
Brownies freeze beautifully — wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw brownies at room temperature. Ice cream can be kept frozen as usual, but assembled sundaes do not freeze well because of texture changes in ice cream and toppings.
Reheating
Warm leftover brownies briefly in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to recapture that fresh-baked warmth. Avoid overheating to keep brownies moist. Then assemble your sundae right before serving for the best contrast of temperatures.
FAQs
Can I use different types of ice cream in the Ultimate English Brownie Sundae Recipe?
Absolutely! While vanilla is classic for balancing the rich brownies, feel free to experiment with flavors like salted caramel, coffee, or even mint chocolate chip to add a unique twist.
Are the nuts necessary in this recipe?
Nuts are completely optional in this recipe. They add a lovely crunch and texture contrast, but if you have allergies or prefer a smoother sundae, simply skip them.
How do I get the brownies extra fudgy?
To make the brownies extra fudgy, be careful not to overbake and ensure you use the specified amounts of butter and sugar. You can also slightly reduce the flour or add an extra egg yolk for more moisture.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can bake brownies up to a day ahead and store them airtight. Sauces can often be made or bought in advance. Assemble the sundaes just before serving to keep ice cream from melting prematurely.
What is the best way to serve the Ultimate English Brownie Sundae Recipe for a party?
For parties, consider assembling mini sundaes in small cups or jars and offer a toppings bar with extra nuts, sauces, and cherries so guests can customize their own creations easily.
Final Thoughts
This recipe for the Ultimate English Brownie Sundae Recipe is a true winner in every way — rich, creamy, crunchy, and bursting with all the comforting flavors you love. I highly encourage you to try it soon and see how fast it becomes a favorite in your home. Once you do, there’s no turning back from this delectable, joyous treat that feels like a warm hug in dessert form.
Print
Ultimate English Brownie Sundae Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: English
Description
Indulge in the Ultimate English Brownie Sundae, a decadent dessert combining rich, fudgy brownies with creamy vanilla ice cream, drizzled caramel and chocolate sauces, and topped with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Perfect for a special treat or an impressive dessert for guests.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 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 sticking and ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined, creating a rich base for the brownies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to avoid lumps, then gently fold them into the wet ingredients until a thick and even batter forms.
- Bake: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan to set properly, then lift out using the parchment paper and cut into squares to form the base for your sundaes.
- Assemble Sundae: Place a brownie square in each serving bowl. Top each brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle with Sauces: Generously drizzle caramel sauce and chocolate sauce over the ice cream, adding rich and gooey layers to your sundae.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle chopped nuts over the sundae for an optional crunchy texture, then top with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Garnish & Serve: Place a maraschino cherry atop each sundae for the classic finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect contrast of warm brownie and cold ice cream.
Notes
- Ensure the brownies are completely cooled before adding ice cream to prevent melting.
- Chopped nuts are optional but add great texture and flavor.
- You can substitute vanilla ice cream with your favorite flavor for variety.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
