Brownie à la Mode Recipe

Few desserts deliver instant happiness quite like Brownie à la Mode—a warm, chocolaty brownie crowned with a pillowy scoop of vanilla ice cream, all finished with a glossy drizzle of chocolate sauce and a sprinkle of nuts. It’s that magical blend of hot and cold, rich and creamy, with every bite feeling like a small celebration. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight treat or dazzling guests at a dinner party, this decadent dessert is destined to become your go-to indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Brownie à la Mode is in its simplicity and each ingredient truly matters. The brownies themselves call for pantry staples, while toppings allow you to play and personalize your creation every time.

• Dark chocolate: Opt for a high-quality bar to ensure the brownies taste luxuriously rich and deep.
• Unsalted butter: This adds moisture and a tender crumb, allowing you to control the salt content.
• Sugar: Balances the bittersweet notes of dark chocolate with just the right amount of sweetness.
• Eggs: Create structure and richness, keeping the brownies chewy yet delicate.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the cocoa flavors beautifully.
• All-purpose flour: Gives body to the brownies without making them too dense.
• Cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and contributes that iconic brownie fudginess.
• Salt: Just a hint sharpens all the flavors and keeps things from tasting flat.
• Vanilla ice cream: The cool, creamy contrast to the warm brownies—classic and utterly satisfying.
• Chocolate sauce: Adds a decadent finishing touch; use homemade or your favorite store-bought variety.
• Chopped nuts: Almonds, peanuts, or walnuts lend crunch and a toasty depth to each bite.
• Fresh strawberries (optional): A little pop of color and brighter flavor if you’re feeling extra fancy.

How to Make Brownie à la Mode

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by lining an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, allowing a little overhang so you can easily lift the brownies out later. Preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F) ensures baking is even from the first moment the brownie batter hits the oven.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter

In a heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water, gently melt the dark chocolate and butter together, stirring occasionally. You can also use a microwave in short 20-second bursts, stirring in between. This step builds the core richness and glossy texture that makes Brownie à la Mode a showstopper.

Step 3: Incorporate Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla

Once the chocolate and butter mixture is smooth and slightly cooled, stir in the sugar, cracking the eggs in one at a time and adding the vanilla extract. Mixing these in well gives the batter its chewy base and aromatic lift.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt directly over the wet mixture. Gently fold everything together just until you see no streaks of flour. Overmixing can make brownies cakey, so keep it light for a wonderful, fudgy bite—just what we love in Brownie à la Mode.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, keeping an eye on the edges (they should be set) and the center (still a bit soft). Slightly underbaking ensures a gooey middle—key for that melt-in-your-mouth experience with every Brownie à la Mode you serve.

Step 6: Cool and Cut

Let the brownies cool in the pan, then use the parchment overhang to lift them onto a cutting board. Slice into generous squares. This little pause helps the brownies set up just right, so they’re perfectly ready for their ice cream crowning glory.

Step 7: Assemble Brownie à la Mode

Place a warm brownie square on a plate, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle with chocolate sauce, and shower with chopped nuts. If you have fresh strawberries, tuck one alongside or on top for a burst of color and flavor—the iconic Brownie à la Mode is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Brownie à la Mode

Garnishes

A classic Brownie à la Mode shines with a glossy chocolate sauce drizzle and a handful of your favorite chopped nuts. For special occasions, dress it up with a sprig of mint, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a few vibrant strawberry slices on top—the sky’s the limit when it comes to garnishing.

Side Dishes

Although Brownie à la Mode can absolutely hold its own, you can make your dessert spread feel even more festive with a side of fresh berries, a scoop of sorbet for a tart contrast, or even a small glass of dessert wine. If you’re serving it at a party, offer coffee or espresso alongside for a delightful pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Brownie à la Mode a true centerpiece by serving it in pretty glass jars, small cast-iron skillets, or layered in parfait glasses. Alternately, try warm mini brownie bites topped with tiny scoops of ice cream for irresistible, bite-sized treats perfect for sharing. For a personal touch, set up a Brownie à la Mode bar with various toppings and let everyone build their dream dessert!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers (you’re more restrained than I am!), store brownie squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keep the ice cream and toppings separate, ready to assemble a fresh Brownie à la Mode whenever the craving calls.

Freezing

Brownies freeze beautifully. Once cooled and cut, wrap individual brownie squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to three months, so you’re just minutes away from a stunning Brownie à la Mode any time.

Reheating

For that irresistible just-baked warmth, microwave a brownie square for 10-15 seconds, or pop several in a low oven (150°C/300°F) for a few minutes. Once nicely warmed, top with ice cream and finish building your Brownie à la Mode masterpiece.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the brownies?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate will yield a sweeter, milder brownie. Just be aware that it can make the brownies a bit softer, so watch the bake time and perhaps slightly reduce the sugar. Either way, your Brownie à la Mode will be a dreamy treat.

What other ice cream flavors work with Brownie à la Mode?

Vanilla is classic, but feel free to get creative! Caramel, coffee, mint chip, or even berry ice cream make fantastic companions. Bold flavors contrast beautifully with the deep, fudgy brownie for a new twist each time you make Brownie à la Mode.

Can I make the brownies gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a good-quality gluten-free flour blend. Double-check your cocoa powder to make sure it’s gluten-free as well, and you’ll have a fabulous gluten-free Brownie à la Mode to share with everyone.

How do I keep the brownies extra fudgy and not dry?

The best tip is to slightly underbake—remove the brownies when the edges are set but the middle still looks a little soft. Let them cool and they’ll firm up just enough to be lusciously gooey, making your Brownie à la Mode extra decadent.

Is it okay to prepare the brownies in advance?

Absolutely, in fact, brownies often taste even better the next day! Simply warm them before serving so you get that wonderful hot-and-cold contrast when you assemble your Brownie à la Mode.

Final Thoughts

When you’re ready to treat yourself or impress friends, let Brownie à la Mode be your signature dessert. It’s impressively delicious, easy to make, and endlessly customizable—so gather your ingredients and savor each blissful bite!

Print