If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a warm hug and a pure celebration of chocolate, the Decadent Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe combines rich, homemade brownies drenched in luscious hot fudge sauce, crowned with cool, creamy vanilla ice cream and a bright maraschino cherry on top. It’s an indulgence that feels fancy but comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself on any day that calls for a bit of happiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a flat lay of various baking ingredients arranged in different white bowls and spoons on a white marbled surface. There are several layers of items: at the top, small white bowls hold white cubed butter and a clear liquid. Below them, small white bowls contain dark chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, and chopped milk chocolate, arranged in a neat cluster. A large white bowl with white powder, likely flour, is near the top left. In the middle, there are three brown eggs in a white bowl, surrounded by small white spoons holding baking powder, vanilla extract, bright red cherries, and an amber liquid. A light blue cloth is partly visible under some bowls. At the bottom, smaller white bowls and spoons hold butter pats, cocoa powder, sugar, cream, chocolate chips, honey, and white sugar crystals. The setup is clean, organized, and brightly lit. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating the magic of this Decadent Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae Recipe. Each element—from the rich cocoa powders to the creamy butter and glossy chocolate chips—plays a vital role in layering flavor, texture, and that irresistible classic chocolate allure.

3/4 cup salted butter: Adds richness and keeps the brownies moist and tender.
1/4 cup canola oil: Helps create a soft crumb with a silky texture inside the brownies.
4 oz. milk chocolate (chopped): Adds a smooth, sweet chocolate dimension.
4 oz. dark chocolate (chopped): Brings deep, intense cocoa flavor for balance.
3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder: Concentrates the chocolate taste and deepens the color.
2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps form the fudgy texture.
4 eggs: Provides structure and moisture, binding ingredients perfectly.
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with rich, aromatic notes.
1/4 tsp baking powder: Gives just a touch of lift without sacrificing density.
1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavors.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Creates the base, giving the brownies body and chewy texture.
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Pockets of melty chocolate for extra indulgence.
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Adds crunch and a nutty contrast to the fudginess.
2/3 cup heavy cream: Essential for the luscious, silky hot fudge sauce.
1/2 cup light corn syrup: Gives the hot fudge a perfect glossy sheen and smooth texture.
1/3 cup brown sugar: Brings depth and a touch of caramel flavor to the sauce.
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Powers up the chocolate richness in the fudge.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and chocolate notes in the fudge sauce.
3/4 cup chocolate chips (divided): Half melts into the sauce for creaminess; half added at the end for sheen and richness.
1 1/2 tablespoons butter: Makes the hot fudge smooth and silky.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting aroma to the sauce.
Vanilla ice cream: The perfect cold and creamy contrast to the warm, gooey brownies and fudge.
Maraschino cherries (for garnish): A classic finish that also adds a pop of color and sweetness.

How to Make Decadent Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350° F and lining a 9 x 13-inch pan with nonstick spray and parchment paper for easy removal later. These small preparation steps ensure that your brownies will bake evenly and come out perfectly clean when sliced—a crucial start for any brownie masterpiece.

Step 2: Melt Your Chocolates and Fats

Next, gently melt the butter, oil, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and cocoa powder over medium-low heat. Stir patiently until everything is smooth and glossy, then remove from heat. This combination of melted ingredients sets the foundation for the fudgy, rich base of your brownies, melding all the flavors together beautifully.

Step 3: Incorporate Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla

Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract to your chocolate mixture, then whisk in the eggs one at a time. Stirring vigorously between each addition is key to creating a thick, silky batter that isn’t grainy. The eggs provide structure while keeping the brownie dense enough to hold all that gooey goodness.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients and Mix Gently

Now fold in the baking powder, salt, and flour carefully until just combined—avoid over-mixing to keep your brownies tender. Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and walnuts if you like a bit of crunch. Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface for an even bake.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan into your oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges pull away slightly and the center is just set but still soft. Let them cool for 5 to 10 minutes—this brief rest helps the brownies stay fudgy.

Step 6: Make the Hot Fudge Sauce

While the brownies are baking, whisk together the heavy cream, corn syrup, brown sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and half of your chocolate chips in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and whisk in the remaining chocolate chips, butter, and vanilla until silky smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 7: Combine and Finish

Once the brownies have cooled for a bit, poke holes with a skewer or fork into the surface to let the hot fudge soak in deep. Drizzle about 3/4 cup of the warm fudge sauce evenly over the brownies and spread it gently to saturate every bit. Let it stand for 10 more minutes before cutting into squares to serve.

How to Serve Decadent Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae Recipe

The image shows two plates of chocolate cake on a white marbled surface. The first plate, white with a subtle blue rim, holds a single square piece of chocolate cake topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a bright red cherry, with a small drizzle of chocolate sauce artistically placed on the side. The second plate has a detailed beige and gray pattern and holds a larger chocolate cake slice covered in glossy chocolate sauce that is slightly dripping over the edges. Nearby, there are two small white bowls: one filled with bright red cherries and the other with walnut pieces, both placed on light gray cloth napkins over wooden boards; another small white bowl holds dark chocolate sauce with a black spoon inside. A black fork rests on one of the napkins. The whole setting is clean and bright, with soft natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream atop each warm brownie piece is essential for that classic sundae vibe. Finish with a glossy maraschino cherry for color and a hint of brightness, creating a gorgeous presentation that wows every time.

Side Dishes

While the brownie sundae is truly a stand-alone star dessert, you can serve it alongside freshly brewed coffee or a rich espresso to balance the sweetness. Alternatively, fresh berries or a small bowl of whipped cream make delightful complements.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering brownie chunks, vanilla ice cream, and generous spoonfuls of hot fudge sauce in individual glass parfait cups for a stunning visual effect. You could also sprinkle crushed nuts or sea salt flakes on top for an extra punch of texture and flavor. No matter how you serve it, the Decadent Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae Recipe always impresses!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover brownies covered tightly at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and delicious. For longer freshness, refrigerate wrapped brownies for up to a week, though bring them to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze brownies by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Freeze the hot fudge sauce separately in a jar or container with a tight lid.

Reheating

Reheat brownies gently in a microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a warm oven to bring back that melt-in-your-mouth softness. Warm the hot fudge sauce in a small saucepan or microwave until pourable before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the Decadent Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. The texture might be slightly different but still wonderfully delicious.

Is it necessary to use both milk and dark chocolate?

Using both adds a delightful balance of sweetness and bitterness, enhancing complexity, but you can adjust according to your preference or whichever you have on hand.

Can I omit the walnuts if I have allergies?

Yes, the walnuts are optional. Simply leave them out or swap them for a nut-free crunchy topping like toasted coconut or crispy cereal.

How long does the hot fudge sauce keep?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, the hot fudge sauce will last about a week. Just warm it gently when you’re ready to use it again.

Can I prepare this dessert ahead for a party?

Definitely. You can bake the brownies and make the hot fudge sauce in advance, then assemble the sundae just before serving to ensure the ice cream stays nice and cold.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Decadent Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae Recipe that brings a smile with every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a well-deserved treat, this dessert offers the perfect combination of warmth, richness, and cool creaminess that everyone loves. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too!