Mini Heart Brownie Sundaes
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
When I first made these Mini Heart Brownie Sundaes, I couldn't believe how cute and delicious they turned out! With rich, fudgy brownies shaped like hearts and topped with creamy ice cream, they're perfect for any celebration or simply to brighten someone's day. I love how easy it is to customize each sundae with different toppings, making each one unique. Whether it's a romantic dinner or a fun family treat, these mini delights never fail to impress everyone around the table.
As I was brainstorming fun dessert ideas, I wanted something that would combine my love for brownies and ice cream into a single adorable serving. That's when the mini heart brownie sundaes came to mind! After several attempts, I discovered that using a heart-shaped cookie cutter on freshly baked brownies created the perfect bite-sized treats. This technique not only makes the brownies visually appealing but also adds an element of fun that everyone enjoys.
I've experimented with various ice cream flavors and toppings, but the combination of vanilla bean ice cream with a drizzle of chocolate sauce and fresh strawberries was an instant hit. Each bite of the warm brownie contrasted beautifully with the cold ice cream, creating a delightful harmony of textures and flavors that just melts in your mouth!
Why You'll Love These Mini Heart Brownie Sundaes
- Adorable heart shape that’s perfect for celebrations
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy ice cream
- Easily customizable for any occasion
The Perfect Brownie Base
The foundation of these Mini Heart Brownie Sundaes lies in the brownies themselves. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the brownies, ensuring that the rich chocolate flavor shines through. Melt the butter slowly to prevent it from browning; this keeps the brownies fudgy rather than cake-like. The combination of cocoa powder and all-purpose flour gives a dense texture that's perfect for holding the toppings without crumbling.
When mixing your brownie batter, be careful not to overbeat it after adding the flour. Overmixing can lead to tougher brownies due to gluten formation. Instead, mix just until combined for a fudgier texture. After baking, allow the brownies to cool completely; this is vital for easier handling when cutting out heart shapes. They should have a slightly glossy top and a soft, chewy interior.
Creative Topping Combinations
This recipe shines with its variety of topping options. Vanilla bean ice cream is a classic choice that pairs perfectly with the chocolatey brownies, but you can easily swap it for other flavors like salted caramel or mint chocolate chip for a twist. For an extra indulgent treat, mix in some crushed cookies or nuts into the ice cream before scooping.
Besides the traditional chocolate sauce, consider adding a drizzle of raspberry or caramel sauce for a fruity or rich contrast. Fresh strawberries not only provide a pop of color but also add a refreshing element to balance the sweetness. And don’t shy away from experimenting with toppings like crushed pretzels for a salty crunch or a sprinkling of sea salt to elevate the decadent brownie flavor.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make the best Mini Heart Brownie Sundaes:
Brownies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 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
Sundae Toppings
- Vanilla bean ice cream
- Chocolate sauce
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
Make sure to have everything ready to create these delightful sundaes.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Mini Heart Brownie Sundaes:
Prepare the Brownie Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat, and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into a greased 8-inch square baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely.
Cut Out Heart Shapes
Once cooled, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the brownies. You can also cut them into small squares if desired.
Assemble the Sundaes
Place a heart brownie on a serving plate, top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, and drizzle with chocolate sauce. Add fresh strawberries and whipped cream as desired. Repeat for each serving.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while the brownie is warm and enjoy the amazing combination of flavors!
Don’t forget to enjoy the process and have fun decorating your sundaes!
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips
If you're preparing for a special occasion, you can make the brownies a day in advance. After cooling, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Store them at room temperature, but avoid refrigeration, which can change the texture. When ready to serve, simply cut out the heart shapes and assemble with the toppings for a fresh and delightful dessert.
You can portion out the brownies into serving sizes if you prefer. Pre-cutting into squares before removing from the pan makes it easy to serve family-style. I often cut them into small squares or assorted shapes to cater to different appetites and create a fun dessert platter!
Variations to Try
Feel free to experiment with the brownie base by adding mix-ins before baking. Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of peanut butter can add extra flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that any additions should pair well with your chosen toppings to create a harmonious flavor profile.
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I recommend checking for brands that contain xanthan gum to maintain the brownie’s texture. Additionally, consider using dairy-free ice cream for a vegan-friendly sundae that still delivers on taste!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the brownies a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container and cut them into heart shapes when you're ready to assemble the sundaes.
→ What other toppings can I use?
Feel free to experiment with toppings! Nuts, caramel sauce, or your favorite fruits can all work well.
→ Can I use store-bought brownies?
Absolutely! If you're short on time, store-bought brownies can make this recipe even easier.
→ How can I make these gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free while maintaining texture and flavor.
Mini Heart Brownie Sundaes
When I first made these Mini Heart Brownie Sundaes, I couldn't believe how cute and delicious they turned out! With rich, fudgy brownies shaped like hearts and topped with creamy ice cream, they're perfect for any celebration or simply to brighten someone's day. I love how easy it is to customize each sundae with different toppings, making each one unique. Whether it's a romantic dinner or a fun family treat, these mini delights never fail to impress everyone around the table.
What You'll Need
Brownies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 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
Sundae Toppings
- Vanilla bean ice cream
- Chocolate sauce
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat, and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Beat in cocoa, flour, salt, and baking powder until well blended.
Pour the batter into a greased 8-inch square baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely.
Once cooled, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the brownies. You can also cut them into small squares if desired.
Place a heart brownie on a serving plate, top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, and drizzle with chocolate sauce. Add fresh strawberries and whipped cream as desired. Repeat for each serving.
Serve immediately while the brownie is warm and enjoy the amazing combination of flavors!
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 4g