Let’s talk about desserts that bring people together—because if there’s one thing I’ve learned over years of family gatherings and late-night kitchen adventures, it’s that a little chocolate, a little crunch, and a whole lot of ice cream can turn any day into a celebration. That’s exactly what makes this Pretzel Brownie Sundae so special to me. It’s not just a treat; it’s an invitation to slow down, grab a spoon, and savor a few moments with the people you love.
I remember the first time I served this Pretzel Brownie Sundae at a backyard barbecue. The kids’ eyes lit up as soon as they saw the glossy chocolate and the mountain of ice cream, and the adults were just as excited—maybe more so (though they’d never admit it). We laughed over the mess, snuck extra bites while clearing plates, and swapped stories about who could eat the most topping. It instantly became a family favorite, and now it’s requested at nearly every get-together.
What I love about this recipe is its balance—sweet and salty, gooey and crispy, warm brownie and cold ice cream. The pretzel crust adds the perfect crunch, while the brownie layer is rich and fudgy. And don’t get me started on the toppings! From peanut butter chips to crushed potato chips, and even chopped peanut butter cups or Pop Tarts if you’re feeling extra playful, there’s a little something for everyone.
You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to whip this up. With a simple brownie mix and a handful of pantry staples, this dessert comes together easily enough for a casual Tuesday but feels indulgent enough for a birthday bash. Plus, you can make it ahead, so you’re not scrambling when guests arrive. If you’re looking for a dessert that’ll get people talking and asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds), you’ve found it.
So, whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special day, or just want to treat yourself, this Pretzel Brownie Sundae is a must-try. Grab your favorite ice cream, round up those toppings, and get ready for a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!
How to Make Pretzel Brownie Sundae
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Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 box brownie mix
- Water, as directed on brownie mix package
- Oil, as directed on brownie mix package
- Eggs, as directed on brownie mix package
- 1/3 cup peanut butter chips
- 1 cup chocolate frosting
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 cup crushed potato chips
- 1 cup additional crushed pretzels
- Chopped peanut butter Pop Tart or Reese’s cups
- Vanilla ice cream
- Chocolate or peanut butter syrups
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil for easy removal.
- Combine 2 cups of crushed pretzels and 1/4 cup sugar in a mixing bowl. Pour in the melted butter, stirring until the mixture is evenly moistened.
- Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, making sure it covers the surface evenly. Bake for 8 minutes, then set it aside to cool for about 10 minutes.
- As the crust cools, prepare the brownie batter according to the directions on your box mix, adding the water, oil, and eggs as needed. Gently fold in the peanut butter chips.
- Pour the brownie batter over the cooled pretzel crust and smooth it out. Bake for another 25 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
- While brownies are cooling slightly, make the frosting by blending together chocolate frosting, peanut butter, and milk until creamy and smooth.
- Spread the frosting over the warm brownies right in the pan.
- In a bowl, mingle together the crushed potato chips, additional crushed pretzels, and your choice of chopped Pop Tart or peanut butter cups. Sprinkle this crunchy mixture generously over the frosted brownies.
- Let everything cool completely before slicing into squares. To serve, place a brownie square in a bowl, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and drizzle with chocolate or peanut butter syrup. Enjoy every salty-sweet bite!
Customizing Pretzel Brownie Sundae: Alternative Ingredients
If you’re out of pretzels, swap in graham crackers or salted Ritz crackers for a similar crunch and salty note. No peanut butter chips? Chopped nuts or toffee bits work well. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and your favorite non-dairy ice cream. You can also skip the peanut butter and use almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or Nutella for a fun twist.
Best Ways to Store Leftover Pretzel Brownie Sundae
Store leftover brownie sundae squares (without ice cream) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, wrap tightly in plastic and freeze for up to a month. Just add fresh ice cream and syrup when you’re ready to serve!
Perfect Pairings for Pretzel Brownie Sundae
Serve this sundae topped with a generous scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream, then drizzle with warm chocolate or peanut butter sauce. For an extra fancy touch, add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of sea salt. Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk to balance the rich, salty-sweet flavors.
Mastering the Art of Pretzel Brownie Sundae
Use a food processor for perfectly crushed pretzels and chips for the crust and topping. Don’t overbake the brownies—err on the side of fudgy rather than cakey. Let the bars cool completely before cutting for nice, clean squares. If you like extra crunch, sprinkle some toppings just before serving to keep them crisp.
Seasonal Twists for Pretzel Brownie Sundae
In summer, try adding fresh strawberries or raspberries to the sundae for a juicy burst. Swap in pumpkin spice chips and caramel sauce in the fall, or add peppermint chips and crushed candy canes in winter. For spring, try a scoop of strawberry or lemon ice cream for a refreshing twist.
FAQs:
Can I make Pretzel Brownie Sundae ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the brownie and crust layers up to two days in advance and store them tightly covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Add the frosting, toppings, and ice cream just before serving for the best texture and flavor. This makes entertaining or meal prep a breeze.
What are some nut-free alternatives for this recipe?
If you’re avoiding nuts, simply skip the peanut butter chips and peanut butter, or use sunflower seed butter as a substitute. For toppings, go with chopped nut-free chocolate bars, mini marshmallows, or caramel candies. Always check ingredient labels to ensure products are truly nut-free, especially when serving guests with allergies.
Is it possible to use homemade brownie batter instead of a boxed mix?
Definitely! If you prefer homemade brownies, use your favorite recipe and fold in peanut butter chips as directed. Just make sure your batter yields enough to cover a 13×9-inch pan. Homemade brownies give you the option to adjust sweetness or add different flavors, making the sundae even more personalized.
How can I keep the pretzel crust from getting soggy?
To keep the crust crisp, let it cool completely before adding the brownie batter. Make sure the crust is tightly packed and baked until golden. If you’re storing leftovers, keep them at room temperature in an airtight container and avoid adding ice cream or syrup until right before serving.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pretzels and a gluten-free brownie mix to make this sundae gluten-free. Double-check that all your chosen toppings, syrups, and add-ins are also gluten-free. The result is just as delicious, with all the same salty-sweet goodness that makes this dessert a crowd-pleaser.
What can I do if I don’t have a 13×9-inch pan?
If you don’t have a 13×9-inch pan, you can use two 8×8-inch pans or a slightly larger baking dish. Keep in mind that baking times may vary, so check for doneness a few minutes early and adjust as needed. Your brownie layer should be set but still a bit fudgy for the best sundae experience.
Pretzel Brownie Sundae
Ingredients
Pretzel Base:
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Brownie Layer:
- 1 box brownie mix
- as needed water as needed per package instructions
- as needed oil as needed per package instructions
- as needed eggs as needed per package instructions
- 1/3 cup peanut butter chips
Toppings:
- 1 cup chocolate frosting
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 cup crushed potato chips
- 1 cup crushed pretzels
- as needed chopped peanut butter Pop Tart or Reese's cups your choice!
- as needed vanilla ice cream
- as needed chocolate or peanut butter syrups
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 13x9 inch baking pan with foil or parchment.
For the Base:
- Combine crushed pretzels with sugar in a bowl, then mix in melted butter until evenly blended.
- Press this mixture into the base of the pan and bake for approximately 8 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes after baking.
For the Brownies:
- Prepare brownie mix as per package instructions, remembering to add the peanut butter chips into the batter.
- Gently pour the brownie batter over the pretzel crust and smooth it out. Bake for 25 minutes and allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
For the Frosting and Toppings:
- Combine chocolate frosting with peanut butter and milk until it reaches a smooth consistency.
- Spread the frosting onto the warm brownies directly in the pan.
- In another bowl, mix the crushed potato chips and pretzels together. If desired, chop the Pop Tarts or Reese's cups and sprinkle over the frosted brownies.
- Let the concoction cool fully before slicing into squares. Each piece can be served in a bowl with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, finished with a drizzle of syrup.
