Chunks of soft gooey brownie layered with velvety hot fudge sauce, creamy vanilla ice cream, fluffy whipped cream, and topped with a cherry – this hot fudge brownie sundae is the ultimate indulgence I reach for when I want comfort in a glass. It’s rich, decadent, and so simple to put together that I can make it anytime I crave something special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this hot fudge brownie sundae because it’s both nostalgic and luxurious. The homemade fudge sauce comes together in minutes and tastes far better than anything I could ever buy at the store. I also like how flexible it is – I can pile on more brownies if I want something extra indulgent, or go heavy on the ice cream for that perfect hot-and-cold contrast. Every bite feels like a little celebration, and it’s the kind of dessert that instantly brightens my mood on a rainy day.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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brown sugar
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cocoa powder
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whipping or heavy cream
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chocolate liqueur
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semi-sweet chocolate, divided use
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golden syrup or light corn syrup
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unsalted butter
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vanilla extract
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dash of salt
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one batch of soft gooey brownies
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vanilla ice cream
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whipped cream
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cherries for topping
Directions
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In a pan, I stir together the brown sugar, cocoa powder, cream, chocolate liqueur, half the chocolate, syrup, and salt.
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I cook over medium heat until the chocolate melts, bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often.
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Off the heat, I add the remaining chocolate, butter, and vanilla, stirring until smooth. I let the sauce cool for about 30 minutes.
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To assemble, I place chunks of brownies into glasses, drizzle with hot fudge sauce, and add scoops of ice cream.
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I layer on more brownies and fudge, then finish with whipped cream, a final drizzle of fudge, and a cherry on top.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings. The hot fudge sauce takes around 15 minutes total to prepare, and assembling the sundaes takes just 5 minutes. It’s a quick dessert that delivers a big wow factor.
Variations
I sometimes swap vanilla ice cream for coffee or chocolate ice cream when I want a richer flavor. I also like to add crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of caramel alongside the fudge sauce. For an adult twist, I’ve added a splash of Baileys in the fudge or over the ice cream. If I want something lighter, I use banana “ice cream” made from frozen blended bananas instead of traditional ice cream.
storage/reheating
I store leftover hot fudge sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. When I’m ready to use it again, I reheat it in the microwave for 30–60 seconds until smooth and pourable. Brownies keep well for up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature, and I assemble sundaes fresh just before serving.
FAQs
Can I make the fudge sauce ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare it in advance. It stores well in the fridge for 2 weeks, and a quick reheat brings it back to life.
Do I need to use chocolate liqueur?
Not necessarily. If I want a non-alcoholic version, I replace it with extra cream or milk for a similar texture.
What type of brownies work best for this sundae?
I prefer soft, gooey brownies because they create that indulgent texture, but any style of brownie will work.
Can I use store-bought fudge sauce instead of homemade?
I can, but I find the homemade sauce is richer, creamier, and more satisfying. It only takes 15 minutes to make, so I usually stick to homemade.
How do I prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly?
I like to chill the serving glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before assembling. It helps keep everything colder for longer.
Conclusion
This hot fudge brownie sundae is one of my favorite desserts to make when I want something quick, decadent, and comforting. I like how easy it is to customize with different flavors or toppings, and I always come back to it for celebrations or just cozy nights in. Once I tried it with homemade fudge sauce, I never looked back – it’s the kind of recipe I’ll keep making again and again.
