Sizzling Brownie

Recreating a classic sizzling brownie dessert is easier than you might think! The perfect combination of an easy homemade brownie topped with ice cream and hot fudge, served on a sizzling skillet… it’s heavenly and totally indulgent.

about this sizzling brownie

One of my core memories as a teenager is going out to eat with my friends, without adults around. I still remember the first time I got to do it. My friends and I headed to a familiar chain restaurant and of course, all I could think about was dessert.

Why is that?

Well, as soon as we walked in, a waitress passed with a HOT skillet full of something chocolate. I didn’t even want to bother with dinner at that point. So my friend and I split fries and went straight for the dessert.

The sizzling brownie was a revelation to my teenage brain. A hot brownie with a big scoop of ice cream and hot fudge sauce, all sizzling in front of me… How could a chocolate-loving gal resist?

It was my favorite dessert for a long time! However, now I find myself rarely going to those chain restaurants anymore. So I have to make my favorite recipes at home!

This sizzling brownie is so simple to make and really impresses. It’s one of those dishes to make for a family dinner to thrill the entire family. Or whip it up to get nostalgic with your best friends for a fun end to a dinner party! There’s always a good reason to make it in our book.

what is a sizzling brownie?

If you are unfamiliar with a sizzling brownie, this dessert features a decadent chocolate brownie topped with ice cream and drizzled with melted chocolate or hot fudge sauce. The reason is “sizzles” is because it is served in a hot skillet!

This recipe focuses on a fudgy homemade brownie instead of using box mix. Homemade brownies are just better, no matter what box mix you use 😉

ingredients

butter. Use unsalted butter in this recipe! You can use salted butter, but if you do, be sure to omit the salt called for in the recipe.

sugar. You will need both granulated sugar and light brown sugar for this recipe.

egg. Large eggs are best for baking!

vanilla extract. We make our own homemade vanilla extract! If you prefer to purchase it, we recommend this Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract from Nielsen Massey.

salt. Kosher fine salt is all you need.

flour. You can use either all-purpose flour or a 1:1 ratio gluten-free substitute.

cocoa powder. Unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder will give you the best chocolate flavor!

chocolate chips. The recipe calls for semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you can also use dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips.

ice cream. We recommend a big scoop of vanilla or vanilla bean ice cream! Or get creative with your favorite flavor.

hot fudge. Hot fudge sauce is sooooo good on top of this hot brownie! Be sure to warm it in the microwave before serving.

this recipe’s must-haves

For this recipe, break out your typical baking tools! Measuring cups, measuring spoons, mixing bowls, a whisk, and a wooden spoon. You know, the usual culprits when you think about making brownies!

To bake the brownies, we used a 9×5-inch loaf pan lined with parchment paper.

The really important element of a sizzling brownie is what you serve it in! You can get the classic sizzling plate that you’ve probably seen at various restaurants before, whether they are used for fajitas or sizzling brownies.

Alternatively, just use a cast iron skillet! I like to use a mini cast iron skillet for individual servings or serving 2 people. You can also use a large cast iron pan and serving the entire brownie in it!

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make brownie batter

Whisk together the butter and sugars in a medium bowl until well combined into a paste. Whisk in egg and vanilla extract until combined.

Add in flour, cocoa power, and salt. Whisk again to combine until just combined. Do not over mix!

Gently fold in the chocolate chips. Pour batter into a prepared loaf pan.

bake

Bake for 25 to 35 minutes at 350˚F until the brownies are set and the center is no longer jiggly.

A toothpick inserted in the center should come out without being covered in wet better. Moist crumbs on the toothpick is ok!

Cool the brownies completely before slicing and removing from the pan.

preheat the skillet

When ready to serve dessert, preheat a cast iron skillet or sizzler plate on the stove over medium high heat. This usually takes about 5 minutes until the skillet is hot.

assemble

Remove from the preheat skillet from heat and add the brownie in the center. Top with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge sauce right away. The sizzle is the best part, so it’s fun to do this table side (being careful that the sauce will splatter just a bit).

serve immediately!

We recommend serving this right away so you don’t lose that “sizzle” factor! You want to devour it while the skillet is nice and hot.

More chocolatey recipes to enjoy: Chocolate Strawberry Cake | Chocolate Caramel Tart | Dark Chocolate Mocha Popsicles | Chocolate Covered Oreos

who invented the sizzling brownie?

The sizzling brownie goes by a few different names! Sometimes it’s called a sizzler brownie, a brownie sizzler, or simply hot brownies. The recipe doesn’t have any specific cultural associations (at least none that I have seen documented in my research!), but it’s very popular.

Usually this dessert was a special one I would get as a kid at some popular chain restaurants! It feels very American to me, but it has gained a lot of popularity worldwide! It just takes the whole hot brownie experience to the next level, you know?

do I need a sizzling plate to make this recipe?

You do not need a sizzling plate to make this recipe! Simply use any cast iron skillet you have on hand. We used one that we typically use to make an egg in for breakfast, but you don’t have to buy a small one. If you are serving it to a big group, use a normal 10 to 12-inch cast iron skillet and serve all of the brownies in it with scoops of ice cream.

do I have to use hot fudge sauce?

You can use a different chocolate sauce if you prefer, but to me, the texture and taste of hot fudge sauce goes best with this recipe.

why add in chocolate chips?

We added in chocolate chips to give an added layer of chocolate to the brownie! Plus the chocolate chips melt in the skillet, giving you extra bursts of gooey chocolate.

how do I know the brownies are done?

The brownies are done when they are completely set and the center is no longer jiggly. You’ll want to be careful not to overbake them! They will still be soft fresh out of the oven, so make sure you allow them to cool a bit before slicing them.

can I use store-bought brownie mix?

Of course! If you don’t have the time or energy to make the brownies from scratch, you can totally use store-bough brownie mix. Choose a mix that is thick and fudgy, if you can.

Need some inspiration for dessert? Check out my dessert recipes page!

what to serve with a sizzling brownie

A warm skillet brownie needs a scoop of vanilla ice cream or vanilla bean ice cream on top! You could even add a scoop of chocolate ice cream for a double hit of chocolate.

Drizzle with plenty of warm hot fudge sauce to really complete the brownie sundae!

You could also decorate with sprinkles, especially for a special occasion (orange sprinkles for Halloween, red and green for Christmas, etc).

how to store

Store.  If you have any leftover brownie pieces, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 to 4 days. You can also store them in a container in the fridge for up to one week.

Reheat. Warm up the cast iron skillet as instructed, then add the room temperature brownie. If you refrigerated your brownie, bring it to room temperature first for quicker reheating! The brownie will get hot in the hot skillet and you can top it with ice cream and fudge sauce as instructed.

more brownie recipes to try out

Stuffed with cookie butter, these biscoff brownies are totally irresistible.

For a fruity spin on a brownie, try these chocolate strawberry brownies made with fresh fruit!

Triple chocolate brownies are decadent and rich, finished with a sprinkle of salt for added flavor.

Finally, if you make this sizzling brownie recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!