Copycat Costco Caramel Brownie Sundae Recipe

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Among the hot dogs and pizza slices lies one of my absolute favorite indulgences: the Costco Caramel Brownie Sundae. With its creamy vanilla soft-serve, gooey salted caramel sauce, and those irresistibly fudgy brownie chunks, it’s a dessert that strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and decadence.

How to make a Costco Caramel Brownie Sundae

The Costco Caramel Brownie Sundae is a dessert available at Costco’s food court, featuring a rich combination of ice cream, caramel sauce, and brownie pieces.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a Costco Caramel Brownie Sundae:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The base of the sundae. Go for creamy, high-quality vanilla for the most authentic flavor.
• Brownies: Fudgy brownies work best (store-bought or homemade). Choose ones that have a nice chewy texture.
• Salted Caramel Sauce: Use store-bought caramel sauce or make your own (I’ll include a quick recipe below!). The slightly salty flavor elevates the sweetness of the sundae.
• Whipped Cream (optional): For extra indulgence! A dollop of whipped cream gives the sundae a professional touch.
• Toppings (optional): Feel free to add crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even chocolate syrup for added texture and flavor.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Brownies: If you’re making homemade brownies, bake them first and allow them to cool completely before cutting them into bite-sized chunks. For a shortcut, grab a pack of your favorite brownies from the store.
2. Cut the brownies into small, crispy-edged pieces to replicate Costco’s sundae texture.
3. Warm the Caramel Sauce: Heat the salted caramel sauce slightly to make it pourable. You can microwave it for 10-15 seconds or warm it gently on the stovetop.
4. Scoop the Ice Cream: Scoop 2-3 generous servings of vanilla ice cream into a bowl or sundae cup. The creaminess of the ice cream will be the foundation of this delicious dessert.
5. Layer with Brownie Chunks: Add a layer of brownie chunks on top of the ice cream. For the ultimate texture, make sure you include pieces with both chewy centers and crispy edges.
6. Drizzle with Caramel: Pour the warm salted caramel sauce generously over the ice cream and brownie chunks. The warm caramel will melt slightly into the ice cream, creating that gooey, delicious swirl Costco lovers adore.
7. Add Extra Toppings (Optional): If you’re feeling extra fancy, top the sundae with a swirl of whipped cream, a handful of crushed nuts, or a light sprinkle of chocolate chips.

Tips for the Best Costco Caramel Brownie Sundae

• Use Good Quality Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream is the heart of this sundae. Opt for premium brands like Häagen-Dazs, Tillamook, or Breyers for the richest, most satisfying outcome.
• Fudge Brownies Make a Difference: The brownies shouldn’t be too cakey. If you’re making brownies from scratch, try recipes that focus on a moist, chewy texture with crispy edges for added contrast in the sundae.
• Opt for Salted Caramel: The salted caramel sauce adds a depth of flavor that cuts through the sweetness of the sundae. You can make your own salted caramel at home by mixing caramel sauce with a pinch of sea salt.
• Serve Immediately: This sundae is best enjoyed right after assembling, as the ice cream begins to melt quickly under the warm caramel.
• Customize to Your Preference: Get creative with toppings—crushed pretzels add a salty crunch, or you can drizzle with chocolate sauce for extra decadence.

What to serve with

The Costco Caramel Brownie Sundae is already a star dessert on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides or beverages can elevate the experience even further.

1. Fresh Fruits

Adding fresh fruits to your sundae or serving them on the side can balance out the dessert’s sweetness while enhancing the overall flavor profile.

• Sliced Bananas: Bananas are a classic addition to sundaes—their creamy texture pairs perfectly with the vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.
• Fresh Berries: Serve strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries on the side for a tart and juicy contrast to the rich sundae. You can also scatter them around the sundae for a pop of color.
• Grilled or Roasted Pineapple: If you’re feeling inventive, place slices of caramelized or grilled pineapple on the side. The slight smokiness will complement the caramel flavor beautifully.

2. Espresso or Coffee

Pairing a Caramel Brownie Sundae with coffee-based beverages creates a café-style dessert experience:

• Espresso Shot (Affogato Vibes): For a grown-up twist, pour a shot of hot espresso over the sundae. The bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness perfectly, melting the ice cream into a creamy treat.
• Cappuccino or Latte: For a cozy pairing, serve the sundae alongside a frothy latte or cappuccino. Add a hint of caramel syrup to your coffee to tie the flavors together.
• Iced Coffee or Cold Brew: On warmer days, coupling the chilled sundae with a refreshing iced coffee is a delightful choice.

Ingredients Substitutes

The Costco Caramel Brownie Sundae is decadent and delightful, but sometimes you might need to substitute ingredients due to dietary restrictions, preferences, or simply because certain items aren’t available.

1. Substitute for Vanilla Ice Cream

Vanilla ice cream is the base of this sundae, but there are lots of ways to cater to different dietary needs or add variety:

Dairy-Free Alternatives:

• Coconut Milk Ice Cream: Perfect for a creamy, dairy-free option with a subtle tropical twist.
• Almond Milk Ice Cream: Light and nutty, almond-based ice cream works well for those avoiding dairy.
• Cashew Milk Ice Cream: Creamier and richer than almond milk ice creams, a great vegan substitute for vanilla ice cream.

Different Ice Cream Flavors:

• Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Enhance the caramel flavor even more.
• Chocolate Ice Cream: Great for chocolate lovers who want to double down on the brownie theme.
• Coffee Ice Cream: Adds a slightly bitter flavor for an elevated taste experience.

Lower-Calorie Options:

• Frozen Yogurt: Opt for vanilla frozen yogurt for a tangy yet creamy substitute.
• Protein Ice Cream: Look for brands like Halo Top, which offer low-calorie, high-protein ice cream in various flavors.

2. Substitute for Brownies

If you’re out of brownies or prefer a lighter or different texture, here are some fantastic options:

• Chocolate Cake: Use small cubes of chocolate or sponge cake to mimic the brownie chunks. Choosing a moist cake will closely replicate the fudgy brownie texture.
• Oreo Cookies: Crush Oreos or use large chunks to replace brownies. They add a rich, chocolatey flavor and a satisfying crunch.
• Chocolate Chip Cookies: Break apart soft chocolate chip cookies and layer them in the sundae for a slightly different texture but the same chocolatey goodness.

Healthier Alternatives:

• Black Bean Brownies: These are moist, fudgy, and high in fiber, making them a healthier alternative to traditional brownies.
• Avocado Brownies: Avocado replaces butter for a creamy, rich option.

3. Substitute for Salted Caramel Sauce

Salted caramel sauce ties the sundae together with its rich and gooey flavor, but if it’s unavailable or if you’re looking for alternatives, here are options:

• Regular Caramel Sauce: Use a standard caramel sauce if salted caramel isn’t available, and add a pinch of sea salt to mimic the salted caramel flavor.
• Maple Syrup: A natural alternative—pure maple syrup has a rich sweetness similar to caramel, though slightly thinner in texture.
• Honey: Warm honey can be drizzled as a substitute. It has a distinct flavor, but it pairs well with the ingredients in the sundae.
• Chocolate Syrup: For a chocolate twist, swap caramel for chocolate syrup, or layer the sundae with both!
• Peanut Butter Sauce: Melt peanut butter with a splash of milk or cream to create a pourable sauce. The nutty flavor works wonderfully with brownies.
• Date Syrup: A healthier alternative made from pureed dates. It provides a natural caramel-like flavor and works well as a replacement for caramel sauce.

4. Substitute for Whipped Cream

Whipped cream adds a fluffy, creamy element to the sundae. If you don’t have whipped cream or want an alternative, try these options:

• Coconut Whipped Cream: Chill a can of full-fat coconut milk, scoop out the solid part, and whip it into a fluffy cream. Perfect for dairy-free diets!
• Yogurt Whip: Use thick Greek yogurt, lightly sweetened and whipped, for a tangy, creamy topping.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Sweeten mascarpone with a bit of sugar or honey and dollop it on top for a richer twist.
• Aquafaba Whipped Cream (Vegan): Whip the liquid from a can of chickpeas (aquafaba) with a sweetener and a stabilizer to create a vegan-friendly, fluffy whipped cream substitute.

5. Substitute for Toppings

If you want to add toppings but don’t have access to specific items, here are alternative ideas:

• Crushed Nuts: Use alternatives like sunflower seeds, pepitas, or granola clusters for crunch.
• Sprinkles: Choose chocolate chips, grated chocolate shavings, or colorful candy alternatives.
• Pretzels: If you don’t have pretzels, crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits add a similar crunchy texture.
• Fresh Fruit: Experiment with seasonal fruits like diced mango, chopped apples, or dried cranberries if berries aren’t available.

6. Substitute for Waffle Bowls or Cone

If you’re making the sundae in an edible bowl or cone but don’t have these on hand, here are other fun ways to serve it:

• Cookies Bowl: Create an edible serving bowl by baking cookie dough in the shape of a bowl (mold onto the back of a muffin tin before baking).
• Phyllo Dough or Puff Pastry Cups: Bake phyllo or puff pastry into crispy, flaky cups and serve the sundae inside.
• Cupcake Liners or Muffin Tins: Instead of edible bowls, build individual sundae portions in cupcake liners or directly in a muffin tin for fun single servings.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—your very own Costco Caramel Brownie Sundae!

More Sundae Recipes:

• Copycat Cold Stone Boo Batter Ice Cream Recipe
• Burger King Franken Candy Sundae Recipe