Brownies. Rich, fudgy, decadent, and utterly irresistible. But sometimes, even the most perfect brownie needs a little something extra, a flourish, a final touch that elevates it from delicious to divine. So, what can you put on top of brownies to take them to the next level? The possibilities are truly endless, limited only by your imagination and your craving for sweetness. Let’s explore the vast and delicious world of brownie toppings!
The Classics: Tried and True Brownie Enhancements
Some toppings are classics for a reason. They complement the brownie’s inherent chocolatey goodness without overpowering it. These are the reliable choices, the ones you can always count on to deliver a satisfyingly sweet experience.
A Scoop of Ice Cream: The Timeless Pairing
Ice cream and brownies are a match made in dessert heaven. The cool, creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, fudgy brownie, creating a delightful textural and temperature experience. Vanilla ice cream is a classic choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other flavors. Chocolate ice cream amplifies the chocolate intensity, while mint chocolate chip offers a refreshing counterpoint. Strawberry ice cream adds a fruity twist, and coffee ice cream enhances the brownie’s richness. Consider the brownie’s flavor profile when selecting your ice cream. For example, a salted caramel brownie pairs perfectly with salted caramel ice cream.
Whipped Cream: Light and Airy Indulgence
Whipped cream adds a light and airy touch to brownies, providing a delicate sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm the chocolate. Homemade whipped cream is always best, but store-bought whipped cream can also be a convenient option. For an extra touch of flavor, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a hint of almond extract to your whipped cream. You can also experiment with flavored whipped creams, such as chocolate whipped cream or coffee whipped cream. A dollop of whipped cream makes every brownie feel a bit more special.
Chocolate Sauce: For the Chocoholic
For the ultimate chocolate indulgence, drizzle your brownies with chocolate sauce. Hot fudge sauce is a classic choice, but you can also use other types of chocolate sauce, such as dark chocolate sauce or white chocolate sauce. The warmth of the sauce melts slightly into the brownie, creating a gooey and decadent experience. Add a pinch of sea salt to the chocolate sauce to enhance the flavor and balance the sweetness. This is an excellent choice for those who simply cannot get enough chocolate.
Caramel Sauce: Sweet and Salty Perfection
Caramel sauce adds a touch of sweetness and saltiness to brownies, creating a complex and satisfying flavor profile. Homemade caramel sauce is incredibly delicious, but store-bought caramel sauce can also be a great option. Look for caramel sauces that are made with real butter and cream for the best flavor. A drizzle of caramel sauce elevates a simple brownie to a gourmet treat. Consider adding chopped nuts to the caramel sauce for extra texture and flavor.
A Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Simple Elegance
Sometimes, the simplest toppings are the most elegant. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal to brownies. Use a fine-mesh sieve to ensure an even dusting. For a more festive look, use a stencil to create a pattern on the brownie with the powdered sugar. This topping is perfect for when you want to add a touch of sophistication without overpowering the brownie’s flavor.
Adding Texture: Crunchy and Chewy Delights
Texture is an important element of any dessert. Adding crunchy or chewy toppings to brownies can enhance the overall eating experience.
Nuts: A Crunchy Classic
Nuts add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor to brownies. Walnuts, pecans, almonds, and hazelnuts are all excellent choices. Toast the nuts before adding them to the brownies to enhance their flavor and crispness. You can chop the nuts coarsely or finely, depending on your preference. Nuts provide a welcome contrast to the soft, fudgy texture of the brownie.
Sprinkles: Festive and Fun
Sprinkles add a touch of whimsy and fun to brownies. Choose sprinkles in your favorite colors or themes to match the occasion. Sprinkles are a great way to add a pop of color and visual appeal to your brownies. They are especially popular for birthdays and other celebrations.
Cookie Crumbs: A Double Dose of Deliciousness
Cookie crumbs add a crunchy and flavorful topping to brownies. Oreo crumbs, graham cracker crumbs, and chocolate chip cookie crumbs are all great options. Use a food processor to crush the cookies into crumbs. You can also add a touch of melted butter to the crumbs to help them stick to the brownie. This is a great way to use up leftover cookies.
Toffee Bits: Sweet and Buttery Crunch
Toffee bits add a sweet and buttery crunch to brownies. They are a great way to add a touch of indulgence and sophistication. Look for toffee bits that are made with real butter and sugar for the best flavor. The combination of chocolate and toffee is simply irresistible.
Pretzels: Salty and Sweet Delight
Crushed pretzels add a salty and crunchy element to brownies, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. Use pretzel sticks or pretzel snaps, and crush them into small pieces. The saltiness of the pretzels balances the sweetness of the brownie, making it a truly addictive treat.
Fruity Flavors: Bright and Refreshing Combinations
Adding fruit to brownies can brighten up the flavor and add a touch of freshness. The acidity of the fruit can also help to balance the richness of the chocolate.
Fresh Berries: A Burst of Flavor
Fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, add a burst of flavor and color to brownies. They are a great way to add a touch of freshness and antioxidants. Arrange the berries attractively on top of the brownies for a beautiful presentation. Berries provide a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate flavor.
Raspberry Sauce: Tangy and Sweet
Raspberry sauce adds a tangy and sweet flavor to brownies. It’s a great way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication. You can make your own raspberry sauce by simmering raspberries with sugar and a touch of lemon juice. The tartness of the raspberry sauce cuts through the richness of the brownie, creating a well-balanced dessert.
Cherries: A Classic Combination
Cherries and chocolate are a classic combination. Maraschino cherries or fresh cherries both work well. You can arrange the cherries on top of the brownies or chop them up and mix them into the batter. Cherries add a touch of sweetness and tartness to the brownies.
Citrus Zest: A Zesty Twist
Citrus zest, such as orange zest or lemon zest, adds a bright and zesty flavor to brownies. Use a microplane to grate the zest finely. Citrus zest can help to cut through the richness of the chocolate and add a touch of freshness. This is a great way to add a subtle but noticeable flavor boost.
Candied Orange Peel: Sweet and Aromatic
Candied orange peel adds a sweet and aromatic flavor to brownies. It provides a chewy texture and a hint of bitterness that complements the chocolate perfectly. Chop the candied orange peel into small pieces and sprinkle it on top of the brownies. This topping is particularly delicious on dark chocolate brownies.
Gourmet Glamour: Elevating Brownies to a New Level
For those who want to create a truly special brownie experience, there are a number of gourmet toppings that can elevate these treats to a new level of sophistication.
Sea Salt: The Perfect Enhancer
A sprinkle of sea salt enhances the flavor of the chocolate and adds a touch of sophistication to brownies. Use a flaky sea salt for the best texture and flavor. The saltiness of the sea salt balances the sweetness of the brownie, creating a complex and satisfying flavor profile. It’s a simple addition that makes a big difference.
Edible Flowers: A Touch of Elegance
Edible flowers add a touch of elegance and beauty to brownies. Choose flowers that are safe to eat and have a delicate flavor, such as violets, pansies, or rose petals. Arrange the flowers attractively on top of the brownies for a stunning presentation. This is a great way to impress your guests.
Gold Leaf: The Ultimate Indulgence
For the ultimate indulgence, top your brownies with gold leaf. This is a luxurious and decadent topping that is sure to impress. Gold leaf is edible and tasteless, but it adds a touch of glamour and sophistication to any dessert. It’s perfect for special occasions.
Espresso Powder: A Coffee Kick
A sprinkle of espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a subtle coffee kick to brownies. Use a high-quality espresso powder for the best flavor. This is a great way to add a touch of sophistication to your brownies. The coffee flavor complements the chocolate perfectly.
Spices: Warmth and Complexity
Spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom, add warmth and complexity to brownies. Use a light hand when adding spices, as they can easily overpower the chocolate flavor. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the chocolate flavor and add a touch of warmth. Cardamom adds a more exotic and complex flavor profile.
Beyond the Single Topping: Layered Brownie Creations
Why stop at just one topping? Layering multiple toppings can create an even more complex and satisfying brownie experience.
Consider layering a base of caramel sauce with chopped pecans, then topping it all off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. The combination of sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy is simply irresistible.
Another option is to layer whipped cream with fresh berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. This creates a light and refreshing dessert that is perfect for summer.
Experiment with different combinations of toppings to find your favorite. The possibilities are endless!
No matter what you choose to put on top of your brownies, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. After all, that’s what cooking is all about.
What are some classic, easy-to-apply toppings for brownies that most people enjoy?
Classic and crowd-pleasing brownie toppings often involve simplicity and readily available ingredients. A dusting of powdered sugar offers an elegant touch without overpowering the brownie’s flavor. Similarly, a simple chocolate ganache, made with melted chocolate and cream, creates a rich, glossy finish that enhances the chocolate intensity of the brownies.
Other easily accessible options include a generous sprinkle of chocolate chips or chopped nuts. Consider using different types of chocolate chips like milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate to add variety. For nuts, walnuts, pecans, or almonds provide satisfying crunch and complementary flavors.
Can I use fresh fruit as a topping for brownies, and if so, what fruits pair well?
Yes, fresh fruit can absolutely be a delightful and refreshing topping for brownies. The sweetness and acidity of certain fruits can beautifully balance the richness of the chocolate. Berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries, are particularly popular choices due to their vibrant flavors and colors.
Other fruits that pair well with brownies include sliced bananas, cherries, and even a compote made from apples or pears. Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the fruit for an even more decadent treat. The key is to choose fruits that complement the chocolate flavor and add a touch of freshness.
Are there any savory toppings that actually work well with brownies?
While brownies are typically considered a sweet treat, incorporating savory elements can create an unexpected and delicious flavor combination. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt is a surprisingly effective way to enhance the chocolate’s sweetness and add a touch of complexity. The salt cuts through the richness and creates a more balanced flavor profile.
Another savory option to consider is a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. The combination of sweet caramel and salty notes works exceptionally well with the fudgy texture of the brownie. For a more adventurous approach, consider adding a sprinkle of crumbled bacon for a salty, smoky, and crispy element that can surprisingly complement the chocolate.
What are some toppings I can use to make brownies more visually appealing?
Making brownies visually appealing often involves adding color, texture, and dimension to the finished product. Colorful sprinkles, such as rainbow sprinkles or chocolate sprinkles, are an easy way to add a festive touch. Consider arranging the sprinkles in a pattern or design for a more personalized look.
Other options for enhancing visual appeal include using chocolate shavings, edible glitter, or even candied nuts. A swirl of frosting or a drizzle of melted chocolate in a contrasting color can also create an eye-catching effect. Consider layering different toppings to create depth and interest.
How do I apply a caramel topping to my brownies so it looks professional and doesn’t get messy?
Achieving a professional-looking caramel topping on brownies involves a few key techniques. Ensure your caramel sauce is smooth and slightly warmed before applying it. This will make it easier to drizzle or spread evenly without clumping. For a clean, even layer, consider using a piping bag or a squeeze bottle.
If you prefer a more rustic look, you can simply drizzle the caramel sauce over the brownies using a spoon. To prevent a messy application, avoid applying too much caramel at once. Start with a thin layer and add more as needed. You can also sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top of the caramel to enhance the flavor and add a touch of sophistication.
What are some non-dairy topping options for brownies, for those with dietary restrictions?
For those with dairy restrictions, there are numerous delicious non-dairy topping options that can be used to enhance brownies. A simple dusting of cocoa powder or confectioners’ sugar offers a classic touch without relying on dairy. Consider a dairy-free chocolate ganache made with coconut milk or almond milk for a rich, decadent topping.
Other non-dairy options include fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced bananas, and dairy-free whipped cream made from coconut cream or almond milk. Dairy-free caramel sauce, often made with coconut milk or cashew butter, can also be a delicious and indulgent topping. Be sure to check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are completely dairy-free.
Can I use candy as a topping for brownies, and what types of candy work best?
Yes, candy can be a fun and flavorful topping for brownies, adding sweetness, texture, and visual appeal. Miniature chocolate candies, such as M&Ms or Reese’s Pieces, are popular choices and can be scattered across the top of the brownies. Consider using candies with different colors to create a more vibrant and eye-catching design.
Other candies that work well include chopped peanut butter cups, crushed Oreos, or even gummy candies for a chewy texture. You can also melt some chocolate bars and drizzle them over the brownies for a glossy finish. Be mindful of the overall sweetness of the brownie and the candy to avoid an overly sugary treat.