Copycat Costco Brownie Sundae Recipe

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Few treats come close to the iconic Costco Brownie Sundae. A warm, fudgy brownie paired with creamy vanilla soft-serve and drizzled with rich chocolate sauce—it’s dessert perfection in every bite. For those days when you’re craving this heavenly treat but can’t make it to Costco, why not bring the experience home?

How to make a Costco Brownie Sundae

The Costco Brownie Sundae is a popular dessert sold at the Costco food court. It features a layer of rich chocolate brownie pieces topped with Costco’s signature vanilla soft serve ice cream and finished with a generous drizzle of chocolate fudge or syrup.

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

To replicate the rich and fudgy brownies from the Costco sundae:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter – melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs – room temperature
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder – unsweetened
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Sundae:

• Vanilla ice cream or soft-serve – choose a creamy brand or make your own soft-serve at home.
• Chocolate syrup or fudge sauce – opt for thick fudge for a richer experience.
• Whipped cream – optional, but highly recommended.
• Toppings – like chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles (optional).

Instructions

1. Prepare the Brownies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth.
3. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until combined.
4. Gradually stir in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt until the batter is thick and even.
5. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out slightly moist (remember, fudgy brownies are the goal!).
7. Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into squares.

2. Assemble the Sundae:

1. Warm a brownie briefly in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) to mimic the fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
2. Place the brownie in a bowl or sundae cup.
3. Add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or soft-serve on top of the brownie.
4. Drizzle chocolate syrup or fudge sauce over the ice cream.
5. Finish off with a dollop of whipped cream and any optional toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkles.
6. Serve immediately while the brownie is warm and the ice cream is cold for the perfect contrasting textures Costco is known for.

Tips for a Perfect Costco Brownie Sundae

• Use Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, pick high-quality cocoa powder for your brownies and a premium vanilla ice cream.
• Soft-Serve Ice Cream Alternative: If you want that signature creamy texture Costco soft-serve has, let store-bought ice cream soften slightly before serving, or use an ice cream maker for homemade soft-serve.
• Make-ahead Option: Prepare the brownies in advance and store them in an airtight container. Pop them in the microwave before assembling your sundae for that warm, freshly-baked feel.
• Customize Toppings: While Costco sticks to a simple whipped cream and chocolate drizzle, feel free to add crushed nuts, caramel sauce, mini chocolate chips, or fresh berries to elevate your sundae.

What to serve with

The Costco Brownie Sundae is a decadent treat on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides or beverages can elevate the overall experience.

• Hot Coffee: Serve a freshly brewed cup of coffee, either black to cut through the richness or with a touch of cream to complement the vanilla ice cream.
• Espresso Shots: Add a sophisticated edge with strong espresso. You can even pour a shot of espresso over the Costco Brownie Sundae for a quick affogato twist.
• Hot Chocolate: A creamy hot chocolate pairs beautifully with the chocolatey brownie for chocolate lovers.
• Tea: Opt for a warm spiced chai, English breakfast tea, or herbal blends like peppermint or rooibos for a refreshing accompaniment.

Ingredients Substitutes

1. Brownie Ingredients Substitutes

Butter

Butter contributes richness and moisture to brownies, but there are alternatives:

• Coconut Oil: Replace butter with an equal amount of melted coconut oil for a slightly nutty flavor and smooth texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Use an equal amount of vegetable oil for a soft and moist brownie—it’s a common substitute.
• Greek Yogurt: Substitute half the butter with plain Greek yogurt for a lower-fat option that still provides moisture.

Sugar

Granulated sugar provides sweetness, but you can substitute it depending on dietary needs:

• Brown Sugar: Swap granulated sugar for brown sugar to add a hint of caramel flavor and chewiness.
• Coconut Sugar: Use 1:1 coconut sugar as a less refined alternative with a mild caramel taste.
• Stevia or Erythritol: For a lower-sugar alternative, use a granulated sugar substitute like Stevia or Erythritol (check package instructions for proper measuring).

Eggs

Eggs provide structure and moisture in brownies, but there are egg-free alternatives:

• Flaxseed Meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg required. Let it sit for a few minutes to form a gel-like consistency.
• Applesauce: Replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for added moisture.
• Silken Tofu: Blend 1/4 cup of silken tofu per egg until smooth for a protein-rich substitute.

All-Purpose Flour

Flour adds body to the brownies, but there are gluten-free or alternative options:

• Almond Flour: Use an equal amount of almond flour for a nutty flavor and gluten-free option.
• Oat Flour: Replace flour with oat flour for a slightly chewy texture.
• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Blend: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute to keep the texture similar.

Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder gives brownies their rich chocolate flavor, but there are substitutes if you’re out:

• Chocolate Chips or Baking Chocolate: Melt 1/4 cup of chocolate chips or baking chocolate in place of 1/4 cup cocoa powder (adjust sugar content for sweetness).
• Carob Powder: Use an equal amount of carob powder for a milder chocolate-like taste.

2. Ice Cream Substitutes

The Costco sundae uses vanilla soft-serve, but there are plenty of alternatives to suit different preferences or dietary needs:

Vanilla Ice Cream Alternatives:

• Frozen Yogurt: Swap soft-serve vanilla ice cream for plain or vanilla-flavored frozen yogurt for a tangier twist.
• Plant-Based Ice Cream: Use almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk ice cream for a dairy-free option.
• Low-Calorie Ice Cream: Brands like Halo Top or Arctic Zero are great for a lighter treat.
• Homemade Soft-Serve: Blend frozen bananas or mangoes with a splash of milk (or plant-based milk) for a healthier homemade option.

3. Chocolate Syrup or Fudge Sauce Substitutes

If you’re out of chocolate syrup or looking for a healthier or homemade alternative:

Substitutes for Chocolate Sauce:

• Caramel Sauce: Switch the chocolate syrup for caramel for a buttery, sweet topping.
• Nutella: Melt Nutella and drizzle it over the sundae for a hazelnut chocolate flavor.
• Homemade Chocolate Syrup: Mix 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/3 cup water, and a pinch of salt. Simmer until thickened.
• Fruit Purée: Use raspberry or strawberry purée for a fruity alternative that complements the flavors.

4. Whipped Cream Substitutes

Whipped cream adds a fluffy finishing touch, but there are plenty of substitutes:

Dairy-Free or Vegan Substitutes:

• Coconut Whipped Cream: Chill a can of coconut cream, scoop out the solid portion, and whip it with sugar for a dairy-free alternative.
• Aquafaba Whipped Cream: Whip the liquid from canned chickpeas (aquafaba) until fluffy and add sugar/vanilla for a vegan option.

Low-Calorie or Commercial Alternatives:

• Light Whipped Topping: Use store-bought low-calorie whipped topping like Cool Whip.
• Greek Yogurt Topping: Whip plain Greek yogurt with a touch of sugar or honey for a tangy, lighter topping.

5. Brownie Sundae Toppings Substitutes

Toppings are the most versatile part of the sundae, so if you want to mix it up, here are simple swaps for classic toppings:

Chocolate Chips or Sprinkles:

• Chopped Nuts: Add toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts for crunch.
• Shredded Coconut: A sprinkle of sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes adds texture and flavor.
• Granola: Crumble granola on top for a healthier, crunchy topping.

Final Thoughts

The Costco Brownie Sundae is endlessly customizable, and substitutions can accommodate dietary preferences, allergies, or simply a desire to try something new.

More Brownie Recipes:

• Copycat Little Debbie Football Brownies Recipe
• Homemade Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies Recipe
• Crumbl Dubai Brownie Recipe
• Sam’s Club Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe