Name: Hot Cocoa Brownie Sundae Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, melted; 1 ½ cups sugar; 3 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¾ cup cocoa powder; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ tsp salt; Ice cream (chocolate, vanilla, or peppermint); Hot fudge or chocolate syrup; Whipped cream; Mini marshmallows; Crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings (optional)

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If you adore the cozy warmth of a steaming cup of hot cocoa and the indulgent richness of a decadent brownie, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Hot Cocoa Brownie Sundae Recipe. Imagine fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth brownies served warm and topped generously with creamy ice cream, drizzled hot fudge, fluffy mini marshmallows, and a cloud of whipped cream. This dessert perfectly captures all the sweetness and comfort of hot cocoa in a fun, irresistible sundae form that’s perfect for any occasion, especially when you want to treat yourself or impress friends with something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Top-down view of various baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface: in the center, a clear glass bowl filled with large, dark chocolate chunks, surrounded by smaller white bowls containing different powders and liquids — powdered sugar, cocoa powder, flour, and melted yellow butter, alongside a small wooden bowl with white salt and a small white bowl of granulated sugar. There is one glass measuring cup with creamy light liquid, a rectangular white egg tray holding six white eggs, a wrapped stick of butter, a dark bottle with a red cap, a small white bowl of chocolate syrup or melted chocolate, and a smaller container of vanilla extract. The setup is tidy, well-lit, and all containers are white except the clear glass and the dark bottle. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with this Hot Cocoa Brownie Sundae Recipe means pulling together some simple but absolutely essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that classic rich flavor and satisfying texture you crave—whether it’s the butter that brings moistness to the brownies or the mini marshmallows that add a fun, gooey touch on top.

Butter (1 cup, melted): Provides rich moisture and depth for the fudgy brownie base.
Sugar (1 ½ cups): Sweetens and balances the cocoa’s natural bitterness perfectly.
Eggs (3): Bind the batter while adding softness and a delicate structure.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the chocolate flavors with a warm, fragrant note.
Cocoa powder (¾ cup): Infuses the brownies with that deep, chocolatey color and intensity.
Flour (1 cup): Gives the brownies body and the perfect cakey-but-fudgy balance.
Salt (½ tsp): Elevates the chocolate taste and balances the sweetness.
Ice cream (various flavors): Choose vanilla, chocolate, or peppermint to complement the warm brownies beautifully.
Hot fudge or chocolate syrup: Adds luscious, gooey chocolate decadence as a topping.
Whipped cream: Light and airy, it’s the perfect contrast to rich chocolate.
Mini marshmallows: A playful nod to classic hot cocoa, offering gooey bites of sweetness.
Optional crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings: For an extra festive flair and textural pop.

How to Make Hot Cocoa Brownie Sundae Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your baking pan so the brownies don’t stick. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until combined, then add in the cocoa powder. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This careful mixing ensures the brownies come out moist and rich.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Next, stir the flour and salt together and gradually add them to your wet batter. Be gentle but thorough—overmixing can lead to tougher brownies, so just mix until everything is evenly incorporated for the ideal fudgy texture.

Step 3: Bake Until Fudgy

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You want to pull the brownies out just as they start to set but are still soft in the middle—this timing locks in that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth feeling that makes the Hot Cocoa Brownie Sundae Recipe so crave-worthy.

Step 4: Let Brownies Cool Slightly

Allow the brownies to cool for a few minutes so they firm up just enough to cut but remain warm enough to melt your toppings. This small step significantly improves the sundae’s final consistency and flavor experience.

Step 5: Assemble Your Sundae

Slice up your warm brownies, place a generous scoop or two of your favorite ice cream on top, drizzle with hot fudge or chocolate syrup, scatter mini marshmallows over everything, and crown your creation with a fluffy swirl of whipped cream. The contrast between warm, fudgy brownie and cold, creamy ice cream with melty marshmallows is pure magic.

How to Serve Hot Cocoa Brownie Sundae Recipe

Two pieces of rich brown brownies are stacked unevenly on a white plate with a scalloped edge. On top, there is a round scoop of creamy white ice cream with smooth texture. Dark chocolate sauce is dripping down from the ice cream onto the brownies, with some small chocolate shavings scattered over the sauce and ice cream. To the right side of the plate, a silver spoon lies on the white marbled surface. A blurred light blue cup is in the background. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t be shy about getting creative with garnishes. Add crushed candy canes for a peppermint kick, chocolate shavings for extra richness, or even a sprinkling of cinnamon to evoke cozy winter vibes. These little touches elevate your Hot Cocoa Brownie Sundae Recipe from delicious to show-stopping.

Side Dishes

Pair your sundae with fresh berries or a small cup of espresso to add brightness and balance to this indulgent treat. Light finger foods like biscotti or simple shortbread cookies also complement the intense chocolatey goodness without overwhelming it.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant twist, serve your Hot Cocoa Brownie Sundae Recipe in individual ramekins or glass parfait dishes so everyone gets their own perfectly layered treat. You can even stack the brownie, ice cream, and toppings in a tall sundae glass for a dramatic presentation that’s as much fun to look at as it is to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover brownies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them moist and fresh, ready for a quick reheat or a next-day sundae.

Freezing

You can freeze baked brownie slabs by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature before slicing and assembling your Hot Cocoa Brownie Sundae Recipe.

Reheating

To get that perfect warm brownie texture, pop slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm them quickly in a low oven. Then add your cold ice cream and toppings for that signature hot and cold contrast this recipe celebrates.

FAQs

Can I use boxed brownie mix instead of making from scratch?

Absolutely! Boxed brownie mixes are a convenient shortcut and still work beautifully for the Hot Cocoa Brownie Sundae Recipe. Just follow the mix instructions and top as per the recipe for that classic sundae experience.

What type of ice cream works best?

Vanilla is a classic favorite because it balances the chocolate perfectly, but chocolate or peppermint ice cream also add exciting flavor twists. Peppermint is especially festive for the holiday season.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes, swap the regular flour with a gluten-free baking mix or almond flour to keep the brownies moist and delicious while making them safe for gluten-sensitive folks.

Is it possible to prepare this dessert for a crowd?

Definitely! Bake a larger pan of brownies and keep everything ready for assembly. You can serve sundaes family-style in one big platter, or offer pre-portioned brownies and a toppings bar so everyone customizes their own Hot Cocoa Brownie Sundae Recipe.

How do mini marshmallows change texture when warmed?

When warmed slightly by the brownies or oven, mini marshmallows get soft and gooey, mimicking the marshmallows in a hot cocoa mug. This adds a fun, melty texture that contrasts beautifully with the thick brownie and cold ice cream.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite as comforting or satisfyingly decadent as this Hot Cocoa Brownie Sundae Recipe. Every bite brings together the warm nostalgia of hot cocoa with the guiltless joy of a sundae, making it a perfect treat for chilly evenings, celebrations, or any time you want to delight your sweet tooth. Grab your ingredients, invite friends or family over, and dive into this cozy, chocolatey dream that’s sure to become one of your favorite desserts ever!