Ultimate Hot Chocolate Brownie Sundae Delight

When it comes to indulgent desserts, this one takes the cake—or should I say the sundae? Hot Chocolate Brownie Sundaes are the ultimate treat for cozy gatherings, weekend splurges, or those days when you just need a little chocolate therapy. Inspired by classic fudge brownie sundaes, this recipe adds a luxurious twist with a homemade hot cocoa drizzle that makes every bite pure bliss.

If you’re a fan of warm brownies, melty ice cream, and gooey chocolate sauce, this dessert was made for you!

### Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, perfect for last-minute dessert cravings!
• Customizable: Swap out toppings to make it your own—a dessert bar dream come true.
• Decadent and Comforting: A warm brownie topped with cold ice cream and hot cocoa sauce hits all the right notes.
• Great for Entertaining: Impress your guests with minimal effort. It’s an instant crowd-pleaser!

### Ingredients Breakdown

For the Brownies:

• Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for the richest brownies.
• Dutch Process Cocoa Powder: Adds a deep chocolate flavor—you can substitute with regular cocoa powder if needed.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the perfect fudgy-yet-structured brownie.
• Eggs: For a rich, dense texture. Use room temperature eggs for the best results.
• Sugar: A mix of white and brown sugar keeps these brownies moist with a slight caramel note.
• Salt and Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor—don’t skip these!

For the Hot Chocolate Sauce:

• Milk: Regular or whole milk works best for an ultra-creamy sauce.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Go for a good brand; the better the chocolate, the better the sauce!
• Marshmallows: Melt right into the sauce for a kitschy hot cocoa vibe.
• Whipped Cream (Optional): Because more is more.

### Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Brownies:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in cocoa powder until smooth.
3. Stir in the sugars, followed by the eggs one at a time. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
4. Sift in the flour and fold gently until combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool slightly.

Prepare the Hot Chocolate Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat just until steaming (don’t let it boil).
2. Add the chocolate chips and stir until melted. Toss in a few marshmallows and let them melt for extra creaminess.
3. Transfer to a serving bowl or pour directly into a small pitcher for drizzling.

Assemble the Sundaes:

1. Cut the brownies into squares and place one on a serving plate or bowl.
2. Add a scoop (or two!) of your favorite ice cream—vanilla is classic, but anything goes here.
3. Drizzle generously with warm hot chocolate sauce, then top with whipped cream, sprinkles, nuts, or more marshmallows.

### Chef’s Tips and Tricks

• Don’t Overbake: The brownies should be slightly underdone for that gooey, fudgy texture.
• Warm the Brownie Before Serving: A quick zap in the microwave will make them extra decadent.
• Pre-Make the Sauce: The hot chocolate sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated gently over low heat.

### Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Flavor Swap: Try peppermint chocolate sauce for a festive spin or peanut butter sauce for a nutty twist.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of milk and vegan chocolate chips for a lactose-free dessert.
• Pair It Up: Serve alongside a rich espresso drink or a tall glass of chilled milk for a perfect pairing.

### FAQs

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keep the chocolate sauce in the fridge for up to a week—just reheat it on the stovetop or microwave before serving.

Can I Freeze This?

Absolutely! Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave before serving.

Can I Use Store-Bought Brownies?

Yes! Store-bought brownies save time and still taste fantastic when paired with the homemade hot chocolate sauce and toppings.

I can’t wait to see your Sundae masterpieces! If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments, and don’t forget to tag your creations with #TheKitchensAid on social media. Happy indulging!