Name: Caramel Pecan Brownie Sundae Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup salted butter; ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; ¼ cup cocoa powder; ½ cup sugar; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 scoop salted caramel ice cream; 2 tablespoons caramel sauce; 1 tablespoon chopped pecans

This Caramel Pecan Brownie Sundae is pure dessert magic in a bowl. Imagine a fudgy homemade brownie, still warm from the oven, crowned with a scoop of creamy salted caramel ice cream, bathed in glossy caramel sauce, and showered with buttery pecans. Every bite brings that luxurious blend of rich chocolate, silky ice cream, and a sweet-salty crunch — a true celebration for chocolate lovers and anyone who adores decadent sundaes. Whether you’re sharing it on a special date or indulging in a treat-yourself moment, the Caramel Pecan Brownie Sundae is your ticket to instant happiness.

Caramel Pecan Brownie Sundae Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Caramel Pecan Brownie Sundae plays its part in creating layers of flavor and textural excitement. With a handful of basics, you’re just steps away from a showstopping treat.

Salted Butter: Gives the brownies a rich, slightly savory edge that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips: Melts into a velvety chocolate foundation for seriously fudgy brownies.
Cocoa Powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and keeps the brownies delightfully chewy.
Sugar: Lends sweetness and helps achieve those crisp edges and gooey centers we all crave.
All-purpose Flour: Just the right amount creates structure without making the brownies cakey.
Large Egg: Binds everything together and adds a touch of richness.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth, making all the other flavors pop.
Salted Caramel Ice Cream: The star of the sundae, bringing luscious creaminess and caramel notes.
Caramel Sauce: For that irresistible finishing drizzle — the stickier, the better!
Chopped Pecans: To add toasty crunch that perfectly contrasts the soft brownie and creamy ice cream.

How to Make Caramel Pecan Brownie Sundae

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Chocolate

Start by placing salted butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips in a small saucepan. Set it over medium-low heat and stir constantly until the butter and chocolate have melted together into a glossy pool. Sprinkle in the cocoa powder and whisk until everything is beautifully combined; this lays the fudgy framework for our sundae and intensifies the chocolate flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour. This ensures even distribution throughout your brownies and avoids any unpleasant clumps. The sugar also helps get those lovely crackly tops that we all love on brownies.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the warm melted chocolate mixture into the bowl with your sugar and flour. Stir until everything comes together into a thick, chocolatey batter. Now add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well to achieve a smooth consistency. This step transforms your humble ingredients into the batter that will bake up chewy, moist, and irresistible.

Step 4: Bake the Brownies

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees, and give a small skillet or baking pan a spritz with nonstick spray. Pour in your brownie batter and smooth it out evenly. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the brownie just starts to pull away from the edge of the pan and the top looks set. Resist the urge to overbake; fudgy is best for sundaes!

Step 5: Cool and Assemble the Sundae

Let the brownies cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes. This rest allows them to firm up just enough, without losing that gooey texture. Once slightly cooled, scoop salted caramel ice cream onto the warm brownies, drizzle generously with caramel sauce, and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Your Caramel Pecan Brownie Sundae is ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Caramel Pecan Brownie Sundae

Garnishes

A sundae this special deserves equally fabulous finishing touches. Besides caramel sauce and pecans, try a pinch of flaky sea salt, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a few extra mini chocolate chips for more indulgence. Any garnish you choose should add a bit of contrast or crunch, boosting your sundae’s wow factor.

Side Dishes

For a Caramel Pecan Brownie Sundae, less is often more. That said, a tiny glass of espresso or some fresh berries on the side can balance the richness. If you’re after a full dessert platter, pair your sundae with some crisp shortbread or almond biscotti for dunking.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your sundaes straight from the still-warm skillet for rustic charm (and minimal cleanup!), or build each one in a clear glass for a dramatic layered effect. For special occasions, use fancy coupe glasses and finish with a sparkler or chocolate curls. It’s all about making your Caramel Pecan Brownie Sundae feel festive and memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra brownies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. After assembling the full sundae, it’s best enjoyed right away, but you can refrigerate leftovers for up to a day — just note the ice cream will melt.

Freezing

The brownie base freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to two months. When cravings hit, just thaw at room temperature and reheat before adding ice cream and toppings.

Reheating

To bring brownies back to melty-warm perfection, microwave individual portions for 10-15 seconds or reheat in a low oven until just warmed through. Always assemble your Caramel Pecan Brownie Sundae right before serving for the very best experience.

FAQs

Can I double the Caramel Pecan Brownie Sundae recipe?

Absolutely! Simply double each ingredient to make a larger batch. Use a slightly larger pan to ensure even baking, and add an extra minute or two to the bake time if needed. This is a fabulous way to make dessert for a group!

What other ice cream flavors work well?

While salted caramel is dreamy, vanilla bean, butter pecan, or even chocolate ice cream make wonderful substitutes. Each brings its own personality and pairs deliciously with the rich brownie and caramel highlights.

Can I use store-bought brownies?

Yes, if you’re short on time, store-bought brownies work in a pinch. Homemade truly yields the best flavor and texture, but assembling the sundae with high-quality bakery brownies will still satisfy your sweet tooth.

Is there a nut-free version?

Of course! Simply omit the pecans or swap them for toasted seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for crunch without the nuts. The sundae will lose a tiny bit of its signature flavor, but it will still be utterly delicious.

How do I avoid overbaking the brownies?

Keep a close eye during the last few minutes of baking. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges pull away slightly from the pan, but the center still looks a touch glossy — underbaking a little ensures a gooey foundation for your Caramel Pecan Brownie Sundae.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Pecan Brownie Sundae checks every box for a dreamy, memorable dessert that feels both nostalgic and special. Dive in with a loved one, or treat yourself to something extraordinary — either way, this sundae is guaranteed to make you smile. Don’t wait for an occasion; whip up this recipe and discover just how easy and irresistible homemade indulgence can be!

Caramel Pecan Brownie Sundae Recipe