Ultimate English Brownie Sundae Recipe
There’s something truly magical about the Ultimate English Brownie Sundae: a dessert that feels at once nostalgic and totally decadent, transforming a humble brownie into a show-stopping treat fit for celebrations large and small. Picture this—fudgy, homemade brownies loaded with rich cocoa flavor, crowned with creamy vanilla ice cream, smothered in warm chocolate fudge sauce, and scattered with irresistible English toffee bits. Each bite is a joyful collision of hot and cold, crunchy and smooth, sweet and salty—the kind of dessert you’ll crave on cozy evenings and joyous gatherings alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the most memorable Ultimate English Brownie Sundae, you’ll only need a handful of straightforward ingredients—each one handpicked to bring texture, depth, and a hint of indulgence. Don’t skimp here; every element makes this sundae a true masterpiece, from the rich butter in the brownie base to the crunchy English toffee on top.
- Melted Unsalted Butter: Gives the brownies their ultra-rich flavor and soft, chewy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps create that lovely crackly top.
- Large Eggs: Bind the batter together and contribute to the moist crumb.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds an aromatic warmth that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The star ingredient for that deep, chocolatey taste.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure without making the brownies too cakey.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Baking Powder: Helps the brownies rise just enough for the perfect bite.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, creamy contrast to the warm brownie—classic and irresistible.
- Warm Chocolate Fudge Sauce: For that luscious, gooey finishing touch.
- Toffee Bits or Crushed English Toffee: Brings a buttery crunch that’s pure magic on top.
- Whipped Cream: Lightens and lifts the whole sundae with airy sweetness.
- Optional Garnishes: Maraschino cherries and chopped nuts add classic charm and extra crunch.
How to Make Ultimate English Brownie Sundae
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8×8-inch baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, blend together your melted unsalted butter and sugar until the mixture looks glossy and smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla, beating until combined. This foundation guarantees your brownies will be rich and extra fudgy—the ideal base for our Ultimate English Brownie Sundae.
Step 2: Mix and Bake
Next in line, sprinkle in your unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir everything together until just combined—don’t overmix, as that’s the secret to those perfectly gooey, chewy brownies. Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top, and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick poked in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. If you prefer an ultra-chewy brownie, ease up and err on the side of under-baking!
Step 3: Cool and Cut
Patience makes perfect here! Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before you slice them into generous squares. This ensures they’ll hold together beautifully when topped with ice cream, without losing any of that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Step 4: Assemble the Ultimate English Brownie Sundae
Now for the fun part—assembling your sundaes. Place a warm brownie square in each serving dish (microwave for a few seconds if they’ve cooled down). Top with a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream, then generously drizzle with warm chocolate fudge sauce. Shower the sundae with toffee bits, an airy swirl of whipped cream, and for that classic finish, a maraschino cherry and sprinkle of chopped nuts if you like. Serve right away and enjoy every layer!
How to Serve Ultimate English Brownie Sundae

Garnishes
The beauty of the Ultimate English Brownie Sundae is in its finishing flourishes. I adore a heaping cloud of whipped cream, a scattering of buttery toffee bits, and of course, a bright maraschino cherry perched on top for that retro sundae feel. Don’t overlook a dusting of chopped nuts—pecans or walnuts both add fantastic crunch and a nutty depth that ties everything together.
Side Dishes
While this sundae truly stands alone, sometimes I love to serve smaller versions alongside a platter of fresh seasonal berries. The tartness of mango or raspberries, for instance, works wonders to balance the sweetness, and a side of strong coffee or English tea makes for an utterly satisfying dessert course.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, try constructing the Ultimate English Brownie Sundae in individual mason jars for a charming presentation or stack the ingredients in a footed sundae glass. For parties, set up a build-your-own sundae bar with bowls of toppings—think mini marshmallows, mixed nuts, or even a drizzle of salted caramel sauce—for a playful, interactive dessert everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Brownie squares store beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days, keeping their fudge-like texture and deep flavor. Be sure to store sundae toppings—ice cream, whipped cream, and toffee bits—separately, ready for quick assembly anytime a craving for the Ultimate English Brownie Sundae strikes!
Freezing
The brownies (without toppings) freeze remarkably well; wrap squares individually in cling film and tuck them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw on the counter, and you’ll have the perfect base for a last-minute Ultimate English Brownie Sundae.
Reheating
For that irresistible warm brownie experience, microwave individual brownie squares for 10 to 15 seconds before assembling your sundae. The warmth revives their gooey center and melts into the ice cream, creating that signature hot-and-cold satisfaction.
FAQs
Can I use boxed brownie mix for this sundae?
Absolutely! While homemade brownies add a special touch, using your favorite boxed brownie mix makes the Ultimate English Brownie Sundae even quicker and still totally delicious. Just bake as directed and let the toppings steal the show.
What type Dessert
Both store-bought and homemade fudge sauces work beautifully. For convenience, choose a thick, rich sauce that can be warmed and poured. If you love a salted caramel twist, feel free to swap the chocolate sauce for a variation!
Can I make this sundae gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily substitute the all-purpose flour in the brownie recipe with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. All other ingredients in the Ultimate English Brownie Sundae are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can join in the fun.
How do I keep the ice cream from melting too quickly?
If you’ll be lingering at the table, chill your serving dishes in the freezer for a few minutes before assembling the sundaes. This keeps the ice cream extra cold and slows down melting, so everyone can savor their Ultimate English Brownie Sundae at a relaxed pace.
What are some fun flavor twists I can try?
Go wild—try espresso ice cream for a grown-up kick, or swap in pecan praline for added crunch. You can also add cinnamon or a handful of chocolate chips to the brownie batter for a surprise inside your Ultimate English Brownie Sundae.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that brings pure joy to any occasion, look no further than the Ultimate English Brownie Sundae. This sweet, crowd-pleasing creation is ready to dazzle at weeknight dinners and special celebrations alike—so why not grab your whisk, gather your favorite toppings, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to the ultimate sundae experience tonight?
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Ultimate English Brownie Sundae Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 sundaes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate English Brownie Sundae, a decadent dessert featuring rich, fudgy brownies topped with creamy vanilla ice cream, warm chocolate fudge sauce, and crunchy toffee bits. This delightful treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and impressing guests.
Ingredients
For the brownies:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For serving:
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 1/2 cup warm chocolate fudge sauce
- 1/4 cup toffee bits or crushed English toffee
- whipped cream
- optional: maraschino cherries and chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine melted butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
- Add dry ingredients: Incorporate cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until smooth.
- Bake: Pour batter into the pan, spread evenly, and bake for 20–25 minutes. Cool before cutting into squares.
- Assemble sundaes: Place a brownie square in each dish, top with ice cream, fudge sauce, toffee bits, whipped cream, cherry, and nuts. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For chewy brownies, slightly underbake and cool in the pan.
- Experiment with different toppings like caramel sauce or ice cream flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: English-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sundae
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 78 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg