The delightful combination of a warm brownie topped with a scoop of creamy ice cream is one of life’s simplest pleasures. This dessert goes by various names, depending on how it is served. You might recognize it as a Brownie Sundae, a Sizzling Brownie, or simply as Brownie à la Mode. Whatever you call it, the blend of warm and cold, fudgy and creamy, makes this dessert unforgettable. Let’s explore everything about this beloved treat, including its different names, history, and how to make your own.
The Origins of Ice Cream on a Brownie
The combination of a brownie and ice cream has a fascinating background that intertwines two beloved desserts. Brownies have their origin in late 19th-century America, and over time, creative dessert lovers began adding various toppings. Eventually, the classic sundae evolved to incorporate brownies as a base, leading to the birth of the brownie sundae.
The sizzling version of this dessert, known as a Sizzling Brownie, adds another twist by being served on a hot plate that creates a “sizzle” effect when the ice cream and chocolate sauce are added. It is popular not only in the United States but also in places like India, where sizzling desserts have become a crowd favorite.
Brownie Sundae vs. Sizzling Brownie vs. Brownie à la Mode
Brownie Sundae
A brownie sundae features a warm brownie as the base, topped with it, hot fudge sauce, and sometimes whipped cream and cherries. It’s essentially a traditional sundae with a chocolatey brownie twist. Toppings like caramel sauce, nuts, or even crushed candy bars can also be added for extra indulgence.
Sizzling Brownie
The Sizzling Brownie adds an element of drama. The brownie is served on a hot sizzler plate, and the magic happens when chocolate sauce is poured over it. The sizzler plate, which is heated beforehand, creates a sizzling effect that releases steam and aroma, making the dessert even more appealing. The combination of a hot, steaming brownie with cold, creamy ice cream is a sensory delight.
Brownie à la Mode
Brownie à la Mode is a simple, classic dessert where a warm brownie is topped with a scoop of ice cream, typically vanilla. This version tends to have fewer toppings compared to a brownie sundae, making it a minimalist yet delicious treat. It’s perfect for when you want a quick dessert without a lot of fuss.
How to Make a Classic Brownie Sundae
The classic brownie sundae consists of three main components: the brownie, the ice cream, and the toppings. Here’s a simple guide to making your own brownie sundae:
Ingredients:
- Brownie: Homemade or store-bought.
- Ice Cream: Vanilla, or any flavor you love.
- Toppings:
- Hot fudge sauce or caramel sauce
- Whipped cream
- Chopped nuts
- Cherries
- Sprinkles
Instructions:
- Prepare the Brownie: If you’re making brownies from scratch, bake them and let them cool. Cut a square of the fudgy brownie for your sundae.
- Warm the Brownie: Microwave the brownie for about 10-15 seconds to make it warm and soft.
- Add Ice Cream: Place the warm brownie at the bottom of a bowl or sundae dish, and scoop vanilla ice cream on top.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle hot fudge or caramel sauce over the ice cream. Add whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.
- Pro Tip: You can also add crushed cookies or nuts for some extra crunch!
Variations on Ice Cream and Brownie Combinations
One of the reasons that ice cream on a brownie is so popular is the sheer versatility of this dessert. Here are some unique variations to try:
1. Gourmet Brownie Sundae
- Ice Cream Flavors: Go beyond vanilla! Try flavors like cookie dough, mint chocolate chip, or peanut butter. You can even mix two or more flavors for a unique combination that matches your personal preference.
- Toppings: Experiment with sauces like bourbon caramel or Nutella, and add toppings such as crushed pretzels or cereal. For extra crunch, you could also use toasted coconut flakes, crushed nuts, or even chopped toffee pieces.
- Special Add-ons: Add a splash of coffee liqueur for an adult twist, or sprinkle some sea salt on top for a sweet-and-salty flavor balance.
2. Sizzling Brownie with a Twist
- Substitute the chocolate sauce with white chocolate for a different take. White chocolate pairs well with fruits, adding a layer of sweetness without overwhelming the brownie flavor.
- Add fruit like strawberries or blueberries before pouring the hot sauce. You could also add other fruits like bananas or raspberries for more variety. Consider using fruit compote or poached pears to add an elegant touch to your sizzling brownie.
- Sauce Variations: Experiment with other sauces like salted caramel, raspberry coulis, or even hazelnut chocolate sauce to enhance the flavor.
3. Brownie à la Mode with a Seasonal Touch
- Use a pumpkin spice brownie base in the fall, or a peppermint-flavored brownie in winter to give this classic treat a seasonal update. You can also try a gingerbread brownie during the holiday season or a lemon zest brownie in the spring.
- Seasonal Ice Cream Flavors: Pair your brownie with egg nog ice cream during the winter holidays, or strawberry basil ice cream in the summer. The seasonal flavors can add a fresh and delightful twist.
- Festive Toppings: Decorate your brownie à la mode with festive toppings like candy canes, edible glitter, or spiced nuts. This can make your dessert even more special and visually appealing during celebrations.
4. Decadent Brownie Ice Cream Cake
- Layered Delight: Create a layered dessert using brownies and different flavors of ice cream. Start with a layer of fudgy brownie, add a thick layer of vanilla or chocolate ice cream, and then repeat. Finish with a topping of whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and caramel drizzle.
- Customizable Layers: Each layer can be customized with different mix-ins like cookie crumbles, fruit puree, or chopped candy bars.
5. Brownie Parfait Sundae
- Layered in a Glass: Serve your brownie sundae parfait-style in a tall glass. Alternate layers of brownie chunks, ice cream, whipped cream, and fresh fruit for an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
- Textural Elements: Add layers of granola, crushed graham crackers, or crushed meringue for additional texture.
6. Ice Cream Brownie Sandwiches
- Sandwich Style: Use two thin brownie slices to sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream. Press gently to create a delightful, handheld dessert.
- Roll in Toppings: Roll the edges of the sandwich in mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or crushed nuts for a finishing touch.
Hosting a DIY Brownie Sundae Bar
Hosting a party? A DIY brownie sundae bar is a fun and interactive way to entertain guests. Here’s how to set one up:
Ingredients for a Sundae Bar
- Brownies: Cut into squares for easy serving.
- Ice Cream: Offer a few different flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.
- Toppings:
- Crushed cookies (Oreos, graham crackers)
- Candy pieces (M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces)
- Sauces (hot fudge, caramel, marshmallow fluff)
- Fresh fruit (bananas, strawberries, blueberries)
Setting Up the Bar
- Presentation: Set out small bowls or mason jars for guests to assemble their sundaes.
- Instructions: Provide a small sign with step-by-step instructions to help guests build their perfect sundae.
Tips for Making the Perfect Ice Cream Brownie Dessert
- Warm Brownie, Cold Ice Cream: The contrast between the hot brownie and cold ice cream is what makes this dessert so enjoyable.
- Balance of Toppings: Don’t overwhelm the brownie with too many toppings. The brownie itself is the star, so use toppings to enhance, not overshadow.
- Presentation Matters: Serve in a clear glass bowl or sundae dish to show off the layers of brownie, ice cream, and sauce.
Ice Cream on a Brownie in Popular Culture
The concept of ice cream on a brownie has been featured in various TV shows, movies, and restaurant menus, often portrayed as the ultimate indulgent dessert. Its presence in popular media has cemented its status as a symbol of comfort and luxury. The pairing of a rich brownie with cold ice cream encapsulates a nostalgic yet celebratory treat.
Whether enjoyed on a cozy night in or shared with loved ones, this dessert has universal appeal. It’s not just the flavors but also the emotions tied to it—the comfort of familiar tastes, the joy of indulging, and the memories of sharing it. Its timeless appeal ensures that the brownie sundae or brownie à la mode remains a beloved dessert, evolving with new variations.
Leftover Brownies? No Problem!
If you have leftover brownies, consider these creative ways to repurpose them:
- Brownie Milkshake: Blend brownies with ice cream and milk for a thick, decadent shake.
- Brownie Trifle: Layer brownies, whipped cream, and pudding for a quick and impressive dessert.
- Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches: Slice brownies in half and sandwich a scoop of ice cream between them.
FAQs
What is ice cream on a brownie called?
It is commonly called a Brownie Sundae or Brownie à la Mode. When served on a hot plate with sizzling effects, it is known as a Sizzling Brownie.
Can I make a sizzling brownie without a sizzler plate?
Yes! Simply warm the brownie in the microwave or oven, add ice cream on top, and pour hot chocolate sauce over it. Although you won’t get the sizzle effect, it will still be delicious.
What is the difference between a brownie sundae and brownie à la mode?
A brownie sundae typically has more toppings, such as whipped cream, nuts, and cherries, while brownie à la mode is simpler, featuring just the brownie and ice cream.
What are the best toppings for ice cream on a brownie?
- Hot fudge sauce or caramel sauce
- Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans
- Fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries
- Candy pieces or crushed cookies
Can I use other desserts instead of brownies?
Definitely! You can use blondies, cookie bars, or even a slice of cake as the base for this dessert.
Conclusion
Whether you call it a Brownie Sundae, Sizzling Brownie, or Brownie à la Mode, the combination of warm brownie and ice cream is a dessert that brings joy with every bite. Its versatility allows for endless creativity—try different ice cream flavors, add unique toppings, or create a DIY sundae bar for friends and family.
The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity and the delightful contrast between warm and cold, fudgy and creamy. So why not make your own version today and see why it remains one of the most beloved desserts around the world?