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Ultimate Build-Your-Own Brownie Sundae Bar

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A fun, interactive dessert perfect for graduation parties where guests can customize their own brownie sundaes with a variety of toppings. The fudgy brownies are enhanced with espresso powder for a rich chocolate flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
  • Vanilla ice cream (or any favorite flavor)
  • Chocolate syrup
  • Caramel sauce
  • Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
  • Sprinkles or mini chocolate chips
  • Whipped cream
  • Maraschino cherries
  • Fresh berries (strawberries or raspberries)
  • Crushed cookies or candy pieces

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper with an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and espresso powder.
  4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Tap pan lightly to release air bubbles.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check at 25 minutes with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
  7. Let brownies cool completely on a wire rack. Optionally refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up faster.
  8. While brownies cool, prepare sundae bar toppings by scooping ice cream, chopping nuts, and placing toppings in separate bowls.
  9. Cut brownies into squares and arrange on a serving tray. Set up the sundae bar with brownies, ice cream, sauces, and toppings for guests to customize.

Notes

For extra fudgy edges, bake brownies about 3 minutes less and let them set as they cool. Use room temperature eggs for better batter texture. Avoid overmixing to keep brownies tender. Refrigerate brownies after cooling to firm up faster if desired. Espresso powder enhances chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee. For gluten-free, substitute flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, use coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free ice cream. Warm brownies slightly before serving for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: brownie sundae, build-your-own dessert, graduation party dessert, fudgy brownies, ice cream sundae bar, easy dessert, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/ultimate-build-your-own-brownie-sundae-bar-5-easy-steps-for-graduation-fun/