Easy Salted Caramel Brownie Sundae With Candied Hazelnuts & Vanilla Ice Cream

Craving a dessert that’s both decadent and easy to make?

Look no further! These Salted Caramel Brownie Sundae with Candied Hazelnuts and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream are a total game-changer. Imagine warm, gooey brownies, a drizzle of rich salted caramel, crunchy candied hazelnuts, all nestled with scoops of creamy vanilla bean ice cream. Are you drooling yet? This is pure bliss in every bite!

Why You’ll Love It

• The perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors.
• The warm brownie paired with cold ice cream creates an irresistible textural contrast.
• It’s incredibly easy to make, even if you’re a beginner baker!
• This dessert is impressive enough for a special occasion, yet casual enough for a weeknight treat.
• Completely customizable – you can swap out the ice cream, nuts, or caramel to suit your taste.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What sets Salted Caramel Brownie Sundae recipe apart isn’t just the combination of flavors, it’s the elevated touch of the candied hazelnuts. They add a fantastic crunch and a hint of extra sweetness that perfectly complements the rich salted caramel and the decadent brownie. The use of vanilla bean ice cream instead of regular vanilla adds a subtle flavor that really makes a difference. It’s all about the little details.

Ingredient List

• For the Brownies: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 cups granulated sugar, 4 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt.
• For the Salted Caramel Sauce: 1 cup granulated sugar, 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, ½ cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon sea salt.
• For the Candied Hazelnuts: 1 cup whole hazelnuts, ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup water.
• For serving: 1 pint vanilla bean ice cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Brownies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the cocoa powder and sugar until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Add flour and salt and mix until just combined. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let cool completely.
2. Make the Salted Caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Do not stir. Cook until it becomes an amber color. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the butter until smooth. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, then stir in the sea salt. Let cool slightly and it will thicken further.
3. Make the Candied Hazelnuts: In a skillet, combine hazelnuts, sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and coats the nuts, becoming golden brown and crystallized. Transfer the candied hazelnuts to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet to cool.
4. Assemble the Sundaes: Cut warm brownie into squares and place 1-2 squares into each serving bowl. Top with scoops of vanilla bean ice cream, drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce, and sprinkle with candied hazelnuts. Serve immediately.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Want to add a little extra flair? Here are some ideas:

• Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
• Drizzle with melted chocolate or Nutella.
• Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for added texture.
• Substitute the hazelnuts with pecans or walnuts.

Expert Tips

• Use good quality cocoa powder for a deeper flavor in your brownies.
• Do not over bake the brownies; slightly fudgy is key for the best texture.
• Watch the caramel closely; it can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
• Allow the candied hazelnuts to cool completely to get the perfect crunch.
• Warm the caramel slightly before drizzling if it thickens too much as it cools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I substitute the vanilla bean ice cream? Absolutely! Regular vanilla ice cream or any other flavor you prefer (like chocolate or coffee) will also be delicious.
• Can I make the brownies ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the brownies a day ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• How long does the salted caramel last? You can store the salted caramel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Warm it gently before using.
• Can I use a store-bought salted caramel sauce? Yes, you can! It will still be delicious, but homemade sauce really elevates the flavor.
• Are there any substitutions for hazelnuts? Yes, any nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds can be used. Or, simply omit them if you’re not a fan of nuts!

Variations and Customization Options

Want to make it your own? Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Chocolate Lovers Dream: Add chocolate chunks to the brownie batter and use chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla.
• Peanut Butter Bliss: Swirl peanut butter into the brownie batter and drizzle melted peanut butter on top.
• Minty Fresh: Use mint chocolate chip ice cream and add a few drops of peppermint extract to the brownie batter.
• Berry Delight: Top with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a touch of fruity sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

These Salted Caramel Brownie Sundaes are best enjoyed immediately after assembling for the perfect warm-cold combination. They’re fantastic for a casual dessert, a birthday celebration, or a “just because” treat. Serve them in individual bowls or even in cute mason jars for a fun presentation. Don’t forget to have spoons at the ready!

Conclusion

This Salted Caramel Brownie Sundae recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dessert but impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. The combination of textures and flavors is heavenly. So go ahead, indulge, and let me know what you think! Share your photos and tag me, I can’t wait to see your creations! Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes!