Chocolate Thunder From Down Under from Outback Steakhouse features a warm chocolate pecan brownie topped with rich vanilla ice cream, creamy chocolate sauce, and freshly whipped cream, creating an indulgent dessert with a perfect harmony of warm, cold, and crunchy textures.
Equipments
- Oven
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Baking pan
- Cooling rack
- Ice cream scoop
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Serving plates
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (175g) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (110g) chopped pecans
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
- 1 cup (180g) semisweet chocolate chips (for sauce)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream (for sauce)
Unsalted butter should be softened to room temperature for easier mixing, ensuring a smooth batter for the Chocolate Thunder From Down Under. Use high-quality semisweet chocolate chips to enhance the rich chocolate flavor throughout the brownie and sauce. Chopped pecans add a crunchy texture, so make sure they are evenly distributed in the batter for balance. Heavy whipping cream must be cold before whipping to achieve fluffy, stable whipped cream topping. Your copycat menu for the Chocolate Thunder From Down Under from Outback Steakhouse promises a decadent dessert experience with layers of warm brownie, cold ice cream, and creamy chocolate sauce.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease baking pan.
- Melt butter and allow to cool slightly.
- In mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter; beat with electric mixer until combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
- In separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
- Fold in semisweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans with spatula.
- Spread batter evenly into prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool brownie in pan on cooling rack.
- Cut brownie into squares with knife.
- Make whipped cream: In clean mixing bowl, beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Prepare chocolate sauce: In saucepan, heat heavy cream over low heat until just simmering.
- Remove from heat; add semisweet chocolate chips for sauce; whisk until smooth.
- Scoop vanilla ice cream onto each brownie square on serving plates.
- Drizzle with warm chocolate sauce.
- Top with freshly whipped cream.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Chocolate Thunder From Down Under from Outback Steakhouse copycat menu can be customized by substituting pecans with walnuts or almonds if you have a nut allergy or prefer a different flavor. If you don't have semisweet chocolate chips, dark or milk chocolate chips work well for both the brownie and chocolate sauce. Your whipped cream can be prepared in advance and kept chilled, ensuring it remains fresh and fluffy when ready to serve. Using store-bought vanilla ice cream is a convenient option if you're short on time, though homemade ice cream enhances the dessert's richness. Be mindful to cool the brownie completely on the rack before adding the ice cream and sauce to maintain the contrast of warm and cold textures.
Tips
Ensure the butter is cooled slightly before mixing to prevent curdling when combined with eggs. When folding in chocolate chips and pecans, use a spatula gently to maintain the batter's light texture. Test the brownie doneness by inserting a toothpick; a few moist crumbs indicate perfect baking without drying out. Your whipped cream will hold better if the mixing bowl and beaters are chilled before whipping.
Nutritions
Chocolate Thunder From Down Under from Outback Steakhouse provides a rich combination of calories, fats, and sugars primarily from butter, sugar, chocolate chips, and ice cream, making it a high-calorie indulgence. The dessert offers protein and healthy fats from chopped pecans and eggs, contributing to a slight nutritional balance. Each serving can contain significant saturated fat and added sugars, impacting daily intake if consumed frequently. You should enjoy this treat occasionally, considering its dense energy and nutrient profile.
Storage
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their moist texture. Keep your vanilla ice cream in the freezer, tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn and preserve its creamy consistency. Whipped cream should be refrigerated in a covered bowl and used within 24 hours for best freshness.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute chopped walnuts or toasted almonds for the pecans to add a different nutty flavor and crunch to the brownie. For a richer chocolate sauce, try adding a tablespoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate's depth. If you prefer a fudgier texture, slightly reduce the baking time by 3-5 minutes, monitoring with a toothpick for moist crumbs but not wet batter. Experiment with flavored ice cream like caramel or coffee to complement the warm brownie and chocolate sauce.
Allergies
Your enjoyment of Chocolate Thunder From Down Under may be affected if you have allergies to common ingredients like pecans, eggs, dairy (from butter, ice cream, and heavy cream), gluten (from all-purpose flour), or chocolate. Cross-contamination with nuts or gluten-containing products is also possible due to shared preparation areas. Always check with Outback Steakhouse staff about your allergies before ordering to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
People rave about the Chocolate Thunder From Down Under at Outback Steakhouse for its rich layers of decadent chocolate, creamy vanilla ice cream, and crispy pecans, all topped with a luscious chocolate sauce that creates an unforgettable dessert experience. The blend of textures and flavors provides a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch that satisfies every craving. You'll find making a copycat version worth the effort because it allows you to recreate this indulgent treat at home, customizing ingredients to suit your taste and saving on restaurant costs. Replicating this iconic dessert also offers the joy of sharing a beloved classic with friends and family anytime you desire.