Brownie Sundae from Swensen's features a warm, fudgy chocolate brownie topped with creamy vanilla ice cream, rich chocolate sauce, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts, creating a delightful blend of gooey, smooth, and crunchy textures.
Equipments
- Oven
- Baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Ice cream scoop
- Saucepan
- Knife
- Chopping board
- Spoon
- Serving bowls/cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
Ensure your unsalted butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother brownie texture. Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder to enhance the rich chocolate flavor without added sweetness. When selecting nuts, opt for fresh walnuts or pecans to add a crunchy contrast and deepen the flavor profile. Vanilla ice cream should be slightly softened before scooping to create the perfect melting effect on the warm brownie. Your Brownie Sundae from Swensen's copycat menu combines these carefully chosen ingredients to replicate the indulgent, gooey, and creamy dessert experience.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease baking pan.
- Melt unsalted butter in mixing bowl.
- Whisk in granulated sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract; whisk until combined.
- Sift in all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Mix batter with spatula until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes; cool slightly.
- Heat heavy cream in saucepan over medium heat.
- Add semisweet chocolate chips; stir until smooth to make chocolate sauce.
- Slice brownies with knife on chopping board.
- Scoop vanilla ice cream onto brownie pieces.
- Spoon chocolate sauce over brownies and ice cream.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts on top.
- Serve in bowls or cups with spoon.
Substitution
Brownie Sundae from Swensen's copycat menu combines a warm, fudgy chocolate brownie base with creamy vanilla ice cream, drizzled with rich chocolate sauce and topped with crunchy chopped nuts for an irresistible dessert experience. If you don't have unsalted butter, salted butter can be used by reducing added salt slightly in the batter. Vanilla ice cream may be swapped for other creamy flavors like caramel or coffee to suit your taste preferences. When chopping nuts, toasting them lightly in a dry pan enhances flavor and crunch. You can prepare the chocolate sauce by melting semisweet chips with heavy cream on low heat, ensuring a smooth consistency without burning.
Tips
Make sure not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients, as this can result in a dense brownie texture rather than a fudgy one. Check the brownie's doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. When melting the butter, avoid overheating to prevent burning, which can affect the flavor. You'll find the dessert best enjoyed warm, so assemble your sundae shortly after baking to keep the brownie soft beneath the cold ice cream topping.
Nutritions
The Brownie Sundae from Swensen's provides a combination of macronutrients from its rich ingredients, including carbohydrates from all-purpose flour and sugar, fats from unsalted butter, heavy cream, and nuts, and proteins from eggs and nuts. Each serving also delivers antioxidants from unsweetened cocoa powder and semisweet chocolate chips. Vanilla ice cream boosts calcium content while adding creaminess to the dessert. You can enjoy this treat mindfully by balancing portion size to manage calorie and sugar intake.
Storage
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain moisture and flavor. Your vanilla ice cream should be kept in a tightly sealed container in the freezer to prevent ice crystals and preserve creaminess. For the chocolate sauce, refrigerate in a sealed jar and gently reheat before serving to restore its smooth texture.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, you can substitute the vanilla ice cream with a coffee or caramel-flavored ice cream to add a rich depth of flavor. Use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a more intense chocolate sauce, or add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder to the sauce for a spicy kick. To create a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. When baking, slightly undercook the brownies for a gooier texture that pairs wonderfully with the cold ice cream topping.
Allergies
The Brownie Sundae from Swensen's contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy (unsalted butter, heavy cream, vanilla ice cream), and tree nuts (walnuts or pecans), which may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The presence of wheat flour also poses a risk for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. You should always check with the restaurant for possible cross-contamination or ingredient substitutions to avoid any adverse allergic reactions.
Why this recipe?
Swensen's Brownie Sundae menu offers a rich combination of warm, fudgy brownies topped with creamy vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce, creating an irresistible balance of textures and flavors. The dessert's freshness and high-quality ingredients make each bite indulgent and satisfying. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy this iconic treat at home, customizing sweetness and portions to your preference. Your homemade Brownie Sundae can capture the same delightful experience while saving time and money.