Warmed Fudge Brownie Ala Mode Recipe

Prep and melt

Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy removal. Coarsely chop the bittersweet chocolate. In a heatproof bowl set over (not touching) a simmering pan of water (double boiler), melt the chocolate with 115 g unsalted butter, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool 3–5 minutes.

Mix eggs and sugar

In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs until combined and slightly thickened (about 1–2 minutes by hand or 30–45 seconds with a mixer). Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Combine and fold

Pour the melted chocolate-butter mixture into the egg-sugar mixture and gently fold until uniform. Sift in 70 g all-purpose flour, 25 g cocoa powder, and 1 teaspoon fine salt; fold just until no streaks of flour remain. If using, gently fold in 60 g chopped nuts.

Bake

Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (do not overbake).

Cool

Remove brownies from oven and allow to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift the brownie out and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 4 equal squares while still slightly warm or after 10–15 minutes cooling.

While brownies bake, make the sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together 30 g unsweetened cocoa powder and 100 g brown sugar. Add 120 ml heavy cream and 30 g butter. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until butter melts and mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Simmer 1–2 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened, then remove from heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of coarse salt. Keep warm; if it cools and thickens too much, reheat gently and whisk before serving.

Warm individual brownies: Place one brownie square on a dessert plate. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of hot fudge sauce over the top so it begins to pool around the base. If desired, warm the brownie for 10–12 seconds in a microwave to intensify 'warmed' effect (use microwave-safe plate).

Add ice cream and garnish: Top each warmed brownie with one generous scoop of vanilla ice cream (1 scoop per serving). Drizzle an additional tablespoon of hot fudge over the ice cream. Sprinkle with 1/2 tablespoon extra chopped nuts if using and garnish with a mint leaf.

Serve immediately: Serve the WARMED FUDGE BROWNIE ALA MODE immediately so the ice cream softens slightly against the warm brownie and sauce.