Pin An indulgent dessert featuring layers of chewy cookie dough bars, creamy vanilla ice cream, rich chocolate sauce, and crunchy toppings—perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.
The first time I made these bars for a family movie night, everyone loved scooping ice cream over warm cookie dough and layering their favorite toppings. This sundae bar quickly became a favorite treat for birthdays and celebrations in our home.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Softened, for easy mixing.
- Light brown sugar: Adds chewiness and deep flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and structure.
- Vanilla extract: For aromatic flavor.
- Large eggs: Adds richness and binds dough.
- All-purpose flour: The baking base for bars.
- Salt: Balances flavors.
- Baking soda: Provides lift to the bars.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melty pockets throughout the bars.
- Vanilla ice cream: Ice-cold layer for contrast.
- Chocolate sauce: Warmed for drizzling.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts: Optional crunchy topping.
- Whipped cream: For finishing touch.
- Maraschino cherries: Garnish for classic sundae look.
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- Cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla:
- Beat in vanilla extract and eggs one at a time until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk flour, salt, and baking soda in a separate bowl. Gradually add dry mix to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips:
- Stir in chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Bake Bars:
- Spread dough evenly in prepared pan. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden and set.
- Cool & Cut:
- Cool completely in pan, then cut into bars.
- Assemble Sundae:
- Place a cookie dough bar in each bowl. Top with vanilla ice cream, drizzle chocolate sauce, add nuts if using, whipped cream, and a cherry.
Pin One evening, the kids insisted on creating their own sundae masterpieces with extra whipped cream and cherries. It turned into a fun, interactive dessert that everyone could personalize and enjoy together.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, baking pan, parchment paper, spatula, knife, and ice cream scoop all set you up for smooth dessert assembly.
Allergen Information
This dessert contains wheat, eggs, and milk. If using nuts, check chocolate chip packaging for potential traces of soy or nuts for allergy safety.
Nutritional Information
Each serving delivers about 610 calories with 32 g fat, 77 g carbohydrates, and 7 g protein, making it a truly indulgent treat.
Pin Serve these sundaes right away for maximum joy—every bite brings a mix of chewy, creamy, and crunchy fun.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make the bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake and cool the bars in advance. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- → Are there nut-free options?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pecans or walnuts to make the sundae nut-free and enjoy all the flavor.
- → Can I use other ice cream flavors?
Vanilla is classic, but feel free to try chocolate or cookie dough ice cream for a fun twist on the sundae.
- → What is the texture of the cookie dough bars?
The bars are chewy with a hint of crisp edges, loaded with chocolate chips for rich bites throughout.
- → Is equipment needed for assembly?
Basic tools like a mixing bowl, electric mixer, baking pan, spatula, knife, and ice cream scoop are recommended.
- → How can I serve this dessert?
Place a cookie bar in each bowl, top with ice cream, drizzle chocolate sauce, nuts, whipped cream, and a cherry.