Reese's Brownie Sundae Delight
Highlighted under: Sweet Treats & Homemade Desserts
I can’t get enough of this Reese's Brownie Sundae Delight! Every bite is a decadent mix of rich chocolate brownies, creamy ice cream, and chunks of Reese's peanut butter cups. It's become our go-to dessert for family gatherings and special occasions, as it combines all the flavors we love in a fun and indulgent way. Balancing the warm brownies with the cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast, while the peanut butter adds an irresistible twist. Trust me, this dessert will leave everyone asking for seconds!
When I first created this Reese's Brownie Sundae Delight, I wanted to combine my love for brownies with the creamy goodness of ice cream. I experimented with different brownie recipes and discovered that using a fudgy brownie base complements the cold ice cream perfectly. The key is to let the brownies cool slightly before layering them, so they don’t melt the ice cream too quickly.
I also found that breaking up the Reese's cups into chunks rather than blending them into the brownie batter preserved their texture and flavor. It’s those little bits of peanut butter chocolate that really make this sundae an unforgettable treat!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible combination of rich brownies and creamy ice cream
- Generous chunks of Reese's peanut butter cups in every bite
- Perfect for sharing during parties or family gatherings
The Perfect Brownie Base
Crafting the ultimate brownie base is key to this dessert. Start by melting the butter and allowing it to cool slightly before mixing in the sugar and eggs. This ensures a glossy batter that results in fudgy, moist brownies with a rich depth of flavor. When mixing in the dry ingredients, aim for a 'just combined' texture; overmixing can lead to cakier brownies instead of that dense fudginess we crave.
Using high-quality cocoa powder makes a significant difference in flavor and richness. Look for unsweetened cocoa powder and sift it prior to mixing to prevent any lumps in your batter. Additionally, if you prefer a bit of coffee flavor, substitute 1/4 cup of hot brewed coffee for part of the butter; it intensifies the chocolate taste.
Perfect Pairing Techniques
Assembling your sundae correctly is just as important as baking the brownies. Once your brownies have cooled, ensure they are cut into uniform squares to create a visually appealing presentation. I like to let them cool for about 10 minutes before cutting, which allows them to set and makes slicing cleaner without crumbling.
For the ice cream, using a quality vanilla bean or artisanal scoop can elevate the dessert. Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to soften just enough for easy scooping. This slight melting creates a delightful blend of textures as the creamy ice cream mingles with the warm brownie.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create your Reese's Brownie Sundae Delight:
Brownie Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped Reese's peanut butter cups
Sundae Toppings
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Chocolate syrup
- Additional Reese's peanut butter cups for garnishing
Make sure to have everything ready before you start making the brownies.
Instructions
Follow these steps to assemble your delightful dessert:
Prepare the Brownies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Melt the butter in a saucepan, remove from heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined.
Assemble the Sundae
Once the brownies are baked and slightly cooled, cut them into squares. Place a brownie square in a serving bowl, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, then add a generous dollop of whipped cream. Drizzle with chocolate syrup and sprinkle more chopped Reese's butter cups on top.
Enjoy your wonderfully rich and indulgent sundae right away!
Pro Tips
- For an extra indulgent treat, warm the brownies slightly before serving so the ice cream begins to melt into the warm chocolate.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
You can easily prepare the brownies ahead of time. Once they are completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container, where they will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the brownies; just remember to cut them into squares first for easier thawing later.
Reheating the brownies is simple – place a square in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or until warm. This makes for a decadent treat when you pair it freshly with ice cream and toppings. Just be sure not to overheat, or you might dry them out.
Variations to Try
To switch things up, consider making a peanut butter swirl brownie by adding 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter to the batter before baking. This will create pockets of peanut butter goodness throughout the brownies, enhancing the overall flavor profile and adding a wonderful creamy texture.
If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with other ice cream flavors. Try chocolate or even salted caramel to add another layer of flavor to your sundae. You can also mix in other candies or nuts along with the Reese's, allowing you to customize the dessert to your preferences.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the brownies in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the brownies up to two days ahead. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
→ What can I substitute for the butter?
You can use coconut oil or a vegan butter replacement if you'd like a dairy-free option.
→ Is there a way to make this sundae lower in calories?
You can switch to a lower-calorie ice cream or use smaller portions to enjoy it without overdoing it.
→ Can I use other candy instead of Reese's?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite chocolate or candy mix-ins.
Reese's Brownie Sundae Delight
I can’t get enough of this Reese's Brownie Sundae Delight! Every bite is a decadent mix of rich chocolate brownies, creamy ice cream, and chunks of Reese's peanut butter cups. It's become our go-to dessert for family gatherings and special occasions, as it combines all the flavors we love in a fun and indulgent way. Balancing the warm brownies with the cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast, while the peanut butter adds an irresistible twist. Trust me, this dessert will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Created by: Lena
Recipe Type: Sweet Treats & Homemade Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
Brownie Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped Reese's peanut butter cups
Sundae Toppings
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Chocolate syrup
- Additional Reese's peanut butter cups for garnishing
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Melt the butter in a saucepan, remove from heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined. Fold in the chopped Reese's peanut butter cups. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Once the brownies are baked and slightly cooled, cut them into squares. Place a brownie square in a serving bowl, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, then add a generous dollop of whipped cream. Drizzle with chocolate syrup and sprinkle more chopped Reese's butter cups on top.
Extra Tips
- For an extra indulgent treat, warm the brownies slightly before serving so the ice cream begins to melt into the warm chocolate.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
- Sodium: 95mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 54g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 7g