📝 About This Recipe
This recipe recreates the iconic fast-food dessert experience with a gourmet upgrade, featuring a fudgy, chewy brownie base that serves as the perfect foundation for melting vanilla bean cream. Inspired by the classic American diner culture, it combines contrasting temperatures and textures—warm chocolate, freezing ice cream, and crunchy nuts—to create a nostalgic masterpiece. It is the ultimate indulgence for anyone seeking that quintessential 'Desserts & Shakes' satisfaction right at home.
🥗 Ingredients
Fudgy Brownie Base
- 3/4 cups Unsalted Butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs (at room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (pure extract preferred)
- 3/4 cups Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Dutch-processed for richness)
- 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1/4 teaspoons Salt
- 1/2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (for extra gooeyness)
Warm Hot Fudge Sauce
- 1/2 cups Heavy Cream
- 4 ounces Dark Chocolate (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Light Corn Syrup (for a glossy fast-food finish)
Assembly and Toppings
- 1 quart Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (high-quality, slow-churned)
- 1 can Whipped Cream (aerosol style for that authentic look)
- 6 Maraschino Cherries (with stems)
- 1/4 cups Salted Peanuts (roughly chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Rainbow Sprinkles (optional for festive touch)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch square baking pan with butter or cooking spray and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
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2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar vigorously for about 2 minutes until the mixture is pale and well-combined.
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3
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and glossy.
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4
Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined—do not overmix or the brownie will become cakey rather than fudgy.
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5
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
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6
Bake for 25-30 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
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7
While the brownies cool, prepare the hot fudge. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, bring the heavy cream and corn syrup to a gentle simmer.
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8
Remove the cream from the heat and add the chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for 1 minute, then whisk until the sauce is completely smooth and velvety.
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9
Lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into 6 large, generous squares.
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10
To assemble, place one warm brownie square at the bottom of a wide sundae glass or shallow bowl.
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11
Place two large scoops of vanilla bean ice cream directly on top of the warm brownie.
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12
Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of the warm hot fudge sauce over the ice cream, allowing it to pool in the crevices.
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13
Add a massive swirl of whipped cream on top, followed by a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and rainbow sprinkles.
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14
Top with a single maraschino cherry and serve immediately while the brownie is still warm and the ice cream is just starting to melt.
💡 Chef's Tips
For the chewiest edges, use a metal baking pan instead of glass. If your brownies have cooled completely, microwave individual squares for 15 seconds before assembly to regain that 'fresh-baked' warmth. To get perfect ice cream scoops, dip your scoop in a glass of hot water between every serving. Substitute the peanuts with toasted pecans or walnuts for a more 'premium' sundae feel. Avoid over-baking the brownies; they continue to set as they cool, so pulling them out slightly early ensures a fudgy center.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a cold glass of whole milk to balance the intense chocolate sweetness. Serve alongside a salty side of French fries for the ultimate sweet-and-salty fast food experience. A double shot of espresso poured over the top (Affogato style) makes for a sophisticated adult version. Great as a shared dessert after a backyard burger BBQ. Serve with a thick malted vanilla milkshake on the side for a true 'shake shop' feast.