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Brownie cups are fudgy brownies baked in a cupcake pan. They make a charming portable dessert and are the perfect base for a brownie sundae — an easy yet indulgent treat that feels special with every bite.
Brownie sundaes have always been a favorite: simple to assemble, but decadently satisfying. These brownie cups are ideal for serving individual sundaes — just fill the center with ice cream and your favorite toppings.
I’m excited to share this recipe again for our annual Valentine’s Day fundraiser. This is the fourth year we’ve organized the event to support childhood cancer research and families — a cause that matters deeply because cancer remains the leading disease-related cause of death for children in the U.S.
There are tens of thousands of children battling cancer right now, and research funding for pediatric cancers is limited. To help make a difference, we partner with organizations that match donations and support families affected by pediatric cancer.
Please consider donating to support pediatric cancer research and families. Your contribution, large or small, helps amplify the impact of our fundraiser.
We are grateful to the brands that have supported our fundraiser by offering matching donations. Their continued support has helped us multiply donations and make a bigger difference for kids and families in need.
Thank you to everyone who has donated so far. Every gift helps us reach our matching goal and expand our impact.
Donate here today.
Scroll to the bottom of this post to see Valentine’s Day recipes contributed by fellow bloggers who support this fundraiser.
What are brownie cups?
Brownie cups are individual brownies baked in a muffin tin. They bake more quickly than a full brownie pan and keep the rich, fudgy texture when made correctly. For best results use a nonstick muffin pan and a fudge-style brownie mix for a dense, chocolatey center.
These cups freeze well for make-ahead convenience and thaw quickly when you’re ready to assemble sundaes.
Brownie sundae ingredients
A brownie sundae is more than just brownies and ice cream — it’s an assembly of flavors and textures. For the best results start with a fudge brownie mix and gather a handful of topping options:
- fudge or hot fudge sauce
- caramel sauce
- chopped nuts (your favorite)
- sprinkles
- whipped cream
- maraschino cherries or fresh cherries for garnish
- your favorite ice cream flavor
How to make brownie cups
Start with a good fudge brownie mix—one that yields a rich, moist texture. For this recipe the author used a Duncan Hines fudge brownie mix and found it produced excellent results.
1. Preheat the oven according to the brownie mix box instructions. Lightly spray a nonstick muffin tin with baking spray. Using an actual nonstick pan is important so the brownie cups release easily.
2. Mix the brownie batter following the package directions. Take care not to overmix — overmixing can lead to cakier brownies instead of a fudgy texture.
3. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion batter into the prepared muffin cups.
4. Bake according to the package instructions. If your pan is dark metal, consider reducing the oven temperature slightly (for example to 325°F) and monitoring baking time to avoid overbaking.
5. When the brownies come out of the oven, set the pan on a cooling rack. While they are still warm but cooled slightly (about 5–6 minutes), press the center of each cup with a measuring spoon to make a small indentation for the ice cream.
6. Allow the brownie cups to cool further in the tin for a few minutes, then use an angled spatula to lift them out and place them on parchment or a cooling rack.
How to make whipped cream
Homemade whipped cream is quick and elevates the sundae. Combine heavy cream, granulated sugar, and a little vanilla, then whip until stiff peaks form.
Ingredients for whipped cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Whip on low, gradually increasing speed, until stiff peaks form — about 2–3 minutes depending on your mixer.
How to assemble a brownie sundae
- Place a brownie cup in a small bowl or on a dessert plate and scoop your favorite ice cream into the indentation.
- Drizzle fudge and/or caramel sauce over the ice cream. Sprinkle chopped nuts or sprinkles as desired.
- Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream and finish with a cherry.
These brownie cup sundaes are adorable, portable, and perfect for sharing on Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. They’re simple to make ahead and assemble when guests arrive.
Brownie Cups Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 box fudge brownie mix (for example, a 17.6 ounce fudge mix)
- Ingredients called for on the brownie mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- Your favorite ice cream
- Caramel and/or fudge sauce
- Sprinkles, chopped nuts, and cherries for garnish
Whipped cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven following the brownie mix directions. Generously spray a nonstick muffin tin.
- Prepare the brownie batter as directed, avoiding overmixing to keep the texture fudgy.
- Scoop batter into the muffin tin using a cookie scoop or spoon.
- Bake according to package directions, adjusting temperature lower for dark pans if needed.
- Remove from oven and set on a cooling rack. While still warm, press the center of each cup with a measuring spoon to create an indentation.
- Cool the brownie cups in the tin for 5–6 minutes, then remove to a rack to finish cooling.
- To make whipped cream: combine heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl and whip until stiff peaks form (about 2–3 minutes).
- Assemble sundaes by filling brownie cup centers with ice cream, drizzling sauces, adding toppings, and finishing with whipped cream and a cherry.
Notes
Brownie cups can be made a few days ahead if stored in an airtight container. They also freeze well: freeze individually on a parchment-lined sheet until firm, then transfer to a labeled freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature briefly before filling with ice cream.
Be sure to visit the other bloggers participating in the Valentine’s Day event and check out their recipes listed by name below.
Brownie Cups from Julie of The Little Kitchen
Valentine’s Day Delight Recipe from Jennifer of The Rebel Chick
Strawberry Cake Rolls from Coleen of The Redhead Baker
Perfect M&M Cookies from Carlee of Cooking With Carlee
Paleo Almond Butter Cookies from Taryn of Hot Pan Kitchen
Black Tahini Truffles from Camilla of Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Pink Glitter Drink for Valentine’s Day from Jenn of Ever After in the Woods
Vegan Matcha Rose Shortbread from Carolann of Apron Warrior
Star Wars Kylo Ren Emoji Cookies from Jenn of justJENN recipes
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies from Faith of An Edible Mosaic
And many more contributors sharing Valentine’s recipes to support the fundraiser.
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