Reese's Brownie Sundae Delight
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I absolutely love dessert, and this Reese's Brownie Sundae Delight truly hits the mark for a decadent treat. With rich, fudgy brownies layered with creamy vanilla ice cream and topped with chunks of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, it’s a dream for any chocolate and peanut butter lover. The combination of warm brownies and cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast that I can't resist. Plus, it's easy to make for gatherings or a special night in! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this one.
When I first made this Reese's Brownie Sundae Delight, I was amazed by how simple yet impressive it turned out. I decided to experiment by combining my favorite brownie recipe with ice cream, and then I added crushed Reese's to elevate the flavors. It's a recipe that never fails to delight guests, and they always ask for the secret!
I discovered that heating the brownies slightly before serving enhances the melting of ice cream, making the overall experience more delicious. I recommend preparing the brownies in advance so you can assemble the sundae moments before serving for the best effect.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh peanut butter
- Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
- Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence
Understanding the Brownie Base
The success of your Reese's Brownie Sundae Delight largely relies on the brownies themselves. Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor; I recommend Dutch-processed cocoa for its deep, dark notes. Ensure your butter is fully melted before mixing it with the sugar, as this helps achieve a beautifully fudgy texture. Watch the baking time closely; brownies are ready when the edges look set, but the middle still appears slightly underbaked, giving them that gooey bite.
Don't skip letting your brownies cool completely before cutting; this prevents them from crumbling and makes for cleaner squares. If you find they are sticking to the pan, run a sharp knife along the edges before flipping it upside down. For a slightly denser brownie, consider substituting some of the all-purpose flour with almond flour, providing a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the peanut butter.
Perfecting the Sundae Assembly
Layering your brownie sundae properly is key to a harmonious dessert experience. Start with a warm brownie so that the ice cream gently melts, creating a delightful fusion of textures. If your brownies have cooled, you can pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm them up. Using a standard ice cream scoop will give you perfectly rounded scoops of ice cream that nestle nicely on top of the brownie.
When adding the Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, chop them into various sizes—some smaller pieces for sprinkling and some larger chunks for bold bites. This adds not only visual appeal but also a nice textural contrast. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of sea salt on top can amplify the chocolate and peanut butter flavors, making each bite an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to prepare your Reese's Brownie Sundae Delight:
Brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Sundae Assembly
- 4 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
- Chocolate sauce, for drizzling
- Whipped cream, for garnish
Ensure all ingredients are prepared before proceeding to assembly.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious sundae:
Make the Brownies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter. Add sugar and mix well. Blend in eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
Assemble the Sundae
In a serving bowl, place a warm brownie square at the bottom. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Sprinkle generous chunks of chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups over the ice cream.
Enjoy your delicious Reese's Brownie Sundae Delight while it’s still warm!
Pro Tips
- For a gourmet touch, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt over the sundae to enhance the flavors.
Make-Ahead and Storage
For those planning ahead, the brownies can be baked a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. Once cooled, cut them into squares but do not layer them with ice cream until just before serving to maintain their texture. The assembled sundae should be enjoyed right away, as the warm brownie and cold ice cream create a beautiful contrast that diminishes if left to sit.
If you have leftovers, store the brownie squares separately from the ice cream and toppings. Freeze the brownies in an airtight container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before reassembling your sundae delights.
Variations and Dietary Swaps
Feel free to customize your Reese's Brownie Sundae Delight! For a gourmet twist, consider adding crushed pretzels for a salty crunch or drizzling with caramel sauce in addition to chocolate. You could use different flavors of ice cream like chocolate fudge or peanut butter swirl for an even more intense flavor profile.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. If you're looking to reduce sugar, opt for sugar-free chocolate and peanut butter candy options, keeping in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly. Always taste as you go to ensure delicious results even with modifications.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the brownies in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the brownies a day ahead and store them in an airtight container.
→ What other toppings can I use?
You can customize this sundae with toppings like crushed nuts, sprinkles, or different ice cream flavors.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover brownies in a cool, dry place, and you can keep the assembled sundae for a short time in the freezer but ideally serve fresh.
→ Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
You can make this dish gluten-free by using a gluten-free brownie mix or flour substitute.
Reese's Brownie Sundae Delight
I absolutely love dessert, and this Reese's Brownie Sundae Delight truly hits the mark for a decadent treat. With rich, fudgy brownies layered with creamy vanilla ice cream and topped with chunks of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, it’s a dream for any chocolate and peanut butter lover. The combination of warm brownies and cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast that I can't resist. Plus, it's easy to make for gatherings or a special night in! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this one.
What You'll Need
Brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Sundae Assembly
- 4 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
- Chocolate sauce, for drizzling
- Whipped cream, for garnish
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter. Add sugar and mix well. Blend in eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet mixture until well combined. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes. Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
In a serving bowl, place a warm brownie square at the bottom. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Sprinkle generous chunks of chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups over the ice cream. Drizzle with chocolate sauce and add a dollop of whipped cream on top for that extra indulgent touch!
Extra Tips
- For a gourmet touch, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt over the sundae to enhance the flavors.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g