Brown Butter Hot Fudge Brownie Loaf
This Brown Butter Hot Fudge Brownie Loaf is ultra-soft, deeply fudgy, and incredibly rich with the most decadent chocolate flavor. Made with nutty brown butter and melty chocolate, it bakes up to decadent perfection. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream, a generous drizzle of homemade hot fudge sauce, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for the ultimate chocolate lover’s dessert.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Salted Butter: Adds rich flavor and moisture to both the brownie and the hot fudge.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melt into smooth chocolate richness and add pockets of melted chocolate throughout.
Half & Half or Heavy Cream: Creates a silky, thick hot fudge sauce.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the loaf and helps create a tender crumb.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Provides deep chocolate flavor in both the sauce and brownie.
Salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, rich depth to every chocolate component.
All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure for the soft and fudgy brownie loaf.
Baking Soda: Helps the loaf rise while maintaining its dense, fudgy texture.
Buttermilk: Keeps the brownie loaf extra moist and tender while enhancing chocolate notes.
Eggs: Bind the batter and contribute to the fudgy texture.
Prepared Hot Fudge Sauce: Swirled into the batter for added moisture and molten richness.
Chocolate Chips or Chopped Chocolate: For melty pools of chocolate in every slice.
Vanilla Ice Cream (For Serving): Creamy contrast to the warm, fudgy loaf.
Flaky Sea Salt (For Serving): Enhances chocolate flavor and adds that perfect gourmet finish.
Why You’ll Love Brown Butter Hot Fudge Brownie Loaf:
Ultra Fudgy Texture: Soft, rich, and molten in the center with perfectly chewy edges.
Brown Butter Flavor: Adds deep caramel and nutty notes you can taste in every bite.
Hot Fudge Heaven: Extra chocolate means extra decadence — spoon it over while warm!
Low Effort, High Reward: Way easier than a layer cake but just as indulgent.
Perfect for Sharing: A cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert baked in a loaf pan — slice and serve!
Versatile Topping Options: Ice cream, whipped cream, caramel, crushed cookies — customize your experience.
Holiday and Everyday Friendly: Special enough for celebrations, simple enough for a weeknight treat.
Stays Soft After Baking: A brownie loaf that stays soft for days — no dry crumbs here.
The Ultimate Chocolate Dessert: If you love brownies, this takes everything you love to the next level.
Tips for Making a Brown Butter Hot Fudge Brownie Loaf:
Brown the Butter Properly: Melt the butter over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it turns a golden brown color and emits a nutty aroma. This adds a rich, deep flavor to the brownies.
Cool Brown Butter: Allow the browned butter to cool slightly before mixing it with the other ingredients. This helps maintain the texture of the brownie batter.
Use High-Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, use high-quality chocolate in your homemade fudge sauce. This makes a noticeable difference in the richness and taste.
Mix Dry Ingredients Separately: Combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl before adding to the wet ingredients. This ensures even distribution and prevents clumps.
Don’t Over-mix the Batter: Mix the brownie loaf batter until just combined to avoid overworking the gluten, which can make the brownies tough.
Line the Loaf Pan: Line your loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. This helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to lift the brownies out of the pan.
Homemade Fudge Sauce: Make the fudge sauce from scratch for the best flavor. It’s easy to prepare and adds a rich, gooey layer to the brownies.
Bake Until Just Set: Bake the loaf until it is set. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Over-baking can result in a dry loaf.
Cool Before Slicing: Allow the brownie loaf to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before removing and slicing. This makes slicing easier.
Serve Warm: For the best experience, slice and serve the brownie loaf warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of hot fudge sauce.
Store Properly: Store leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Freezing Option: You can freeze the brownie loaf for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm before serving.
How to Store a Brown Butter Hot Fudge Brownie Loaf:
Room Temperature: Store brownie loaf slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep it tightly sealed so it stays soft and fudgy.
Refrigerator: For a slightly firmer texture, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Warm briefly before serving for soft results.
Freezer: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before enjoying.
Extra Fudge Sauce: Store any extra homemade fudge sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before drizzling.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this brownie loaf ahead of time?
A: Yes! This brownie loaf keeps its fudgy texture beautifully. Bake the day before, store tightly wrapped, and warm slices before serving so the center becomes molten again.
Q: Do I have to brown the butter?
A: Highly recommended! Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the chocolate and makes the loaf extra decadent.
Q: What size pan should I use?
A: A standard 9x5” loaf pan is ideal. Smaller pans will require a slightly longer bake time.
Q: How do I know when the brownie loaf is done?
A: The edges will be set, but the center should still be soft and slightly jiggly — that’s what gives you the molten, fudge-like texture.
Q: Can I add mix-ins?
A: Yes! Extra chocolate chunks, chopped walnuts, or pecans are great additions. Just avoid adding too much or the structure may become too dense.
Q: Can I use store-bought fudge sauce?
A: While store-bought fudge sauce can be used for convenience, making homemade fudge sauce ensures a richer, fresher taste that complements the brownies perfectly.
Q: What should I serve with the brownie loaf?
A: Serve the brownie loaf warm with vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of hot fudge sauce for a truly decadent dessert experience.
Love this? Check out my other chocolate dessert recipes:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make this brown butter hot fudge brownie loaf. Happy baking!
