Guys, I know Valentine’s Day gets a bad rap for being too sweet, too commercial, too much…but! I’ve always been a believer in celebrating this day of love and appreciation, whether one is coupled or not. Before I met Sean, all of my Valentine’s were more of a Leslie Knope a la Galentine’s situation…which isn’t bad at all, if you ask me. I love my friends and my girlfriends are so very near and dear to my heart. Girlfriend’s are my spirit animal. It’s just the truth.
So, basically what I’m saying is that even if you’d rather scrooge the day away, don’t do it alone. Or at least, don’t eat dessert alone. This brownie sundae was made for sharing, you can double up on the brownies and the ice cream and the fudge and just attack it with two spoons–as singles, as friends, as couples, whatevs! and whether it’s romantic or platonic, it’s the day to celebrate the loves of your life! Hugs and sundaes all around!
Brownie Sundaes
I cut the brownies out with heart cutters and mini heart cutters to up the festive/cute factor. This is a totally optional step, you can simply cut them into generous squares. These sundaes come together quickly using store-bought ice cream. You can use whatever brownie recipe you love, below I have my favorite. The fudge sauce really is no-nonsense, it comes together perfectly and swiftly in the microwave. The brownie and fudge recipe make enough for several sundaes.
Brownies (recipe below)
No Nonsense Hot Fudge (recipe below)
Ice Cream (softened slightly for easy scooping)
Toasted Almonds (optional)
If the brownies are room temperature or chilled, pop in the microwave in 10 second bursts until just warm. Place a brownie (or two) in the center of a bowl, spoon a bit of warm fudge over the top of the brownie. Dish out 2-3 scoops of ice cream, top with more hot fudge and almonds (if using). Serve with two spoons.
Spiced Cocoa Brownies
adapted from this recipe.
10 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups sugar
3/4 cup cocoa plus 2 Tablespoons
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cold eggs
1/2 cup flour
1 tablespoon of sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
Preheat oven to 325*F. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment and grease well. Set aside.
In a saucepan over medium-low heat melt the butter. Stir in the sugar, cocoa, salt and vanilla, to moisten and combine well. Remove the pan from heat and allow to cool a few minutes–until no longer hot, but still warm to the touch. The mixture may appear grainy and a bit greasy.
Once the mixture has cooled to warm and the pan is no longer burning-hot, vigorously whisk in the eggs one at a time until completely incorporated–the mixture should be smooth and shiny. Fold in the flour, fold about 40 times. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan.
In a small bowl whisk together the tablespoon of sugar, cinnamon, and cayenne. Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over the top of the brownie batter. Bake in the center of the oven for about 20-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the brownie comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely before cutting.
No-Nonsense Hot Fudge
recipe from Take a Megabite
2/3 (1, 5 oz. can) cup evaporated milk
4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
pinch of salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup confectioner’s sugar
In a large, heatproof measuring cup combine all of the ingredients. Using the microwave on high, microwave the mixture in 30 second bursts, stirring after each, until the mixture is melted, smooth, and mixed well–about 2 minutes total. Allow the fudge to set up a 1-3 minutes for the best consistency.
I love love in all forms! Brownie love is totally up there though. AND these might be my favorite photos ever. Partially because of that heart sitch, but whatev. <3
yes! I’m glad to know the hearts are your fave!
Beeeeoootiful sundae! Those little hearts are making mine go pitter-patter. 🙂 Happy Valentine’s Day!
Thanks, Stephanie! Happy Valentine’s day to YOU!
Love that you used spiced brownies, and especially the fact that they’re heart shaped. I am all about Galentines day too, I’ve been sending my two (single) BFFs funny Valentines memes all day long 🙂
yes!
Totally agree! Valentine’s Day is great whether single or coupled. I’m single this year, so more brownie sundae for me, right? 🙂
Happy Galentine’s Day Cindy!
pretty much!
Awesome photos as always and that fudge? Awesome-sauce! Have yourself a sweet and saucy heart day.
I hope you did, too!
You took ice cream and brownies and fudge sauce and added girlfriends. Perfect!
haha! thanks Sarah!
Oh, Cindy these look awesome! Perfect for Valentine’s weekend… or every other day of the year 🙂
thanks Whitney!
Cindy Gurrrrl, Brownie sundaes for everyone!!
heeeeeelllll yeah!
This looks soooo yummy! I can’t wait to try it! I also love the style of your blog- it’s so easy to follow and the photography is beautiful! x
Thanks Katie!!