How to Plate and Serve a Dramatic Sizzling Brownie at Home

There’s no dessert that draws as much attention as a sizzling brownie, especially when it’s homemade, served on a crackling hot plate, and features the irresistible combination of chocolate and nuts. A well plated sizzling brownie with walnuts and Bournville is not just a treat for the taste buds but a full blown sensory performance. When the hot plate hisses under molten chocolate sauce and ice cream, it instantly transforms the dessert into a memorable experience. Luckily, you don’t need a restaurant kitchen to pull it off. With a few tools and the right techniques, you can recreate this show stopper in your own home.

Before diving into the actual plating process, you’ll need the right tools and ingredients. The presentation and performance hinge heavily on temperature and timing.

Tools you’ll need:

• A cast iron sizzler plate with a wooden base (available online or in stores)
• Tongs or heat proof gloves
• Heat safe spatula or lifter

Core elements:

• A dense brownie (preferably studded with toasted walnuts)
• A scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream
• Warm chocolate sauce made from Bournville chocolate
• Optional garnishes like caramel shards, more nuts, or edible gold dust

The brownie

The brownie must be chewy and rich. Cake like brownies fall apart too easily under heat and sauce. A sizzling brownie with walnuts and Bournville works best when the brownie is slightly underbaked and fudgy. The walnuts add texture and earthy contrast to the rich chocolate. To make it even more cohesive with the theme, use chunks of Bournville in the brownie batter. The bold cocoa flavor of Bournville helps balance the sweetness of the ice cream and sauce. Cut the brownie into thick, stable squares or rounds that can hold their own on a hot plate without crumbling.

The chocolate sauce

The soul of the sizzling brownie lies in the sauce. Use high quality Bournville chocolate to create a smooth, glossy drizzle that melts beautifully over both the brownie and the ice cream. The sauce should be warm, not boiling, when served.

Bournville sauce recipe:

Ingredients:

• 150 g Bournville chocolate, chopped
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Optional: pinch of sea salt or a dash of espresso powder

Method:

1. Heat the cream and butter until just simmering, pour over the chocolate, let it sit for 30 seconds, then whisk until smooth.
2. Keep it warm on the stove until ready to serve.

The plate

The dramatic effect relies entirely on a properly heated iron plate. Place the cast iron plate on direct flame, or in a very hot oven, for at least 10 minutes. It should be nearly smoking when ready. The hotter the plate, the more intense the sizzle when chocolate sauce hits it. Always handle the plate using tongs or heat proof gloves and place it carefully on its wooden base to avoid damage to surfaces or injury.

The assembly

Once your sizzle plate is heated and all components are ready, you’ll need to move fast. Timing is everything.

• Place the hot sizzle plate on the wooden base.
• Using a spatula, gently set the brownie in the center of the hot plate. You may hear a faint hiss already.
• Quickly scoop your chosen ice cream flavor directly onto the brownie. It will begin to melt instantly, creating beautiful rivulets down the sides.
• Slowly pour the warm Bournville sauce over the top, letting it spill over the brownie and touch the hot metal plate. This is where the show begins. Listen for the signature sizzle and enjoy the steam, aroma, and sound.
• Sprinkle extra toasted walnuts, drizzle a bit more chocolate sauce, or add garnishes like mint leaves, edible flowers, or gold leaf for a touch of flair.
• To heighten the drama, consider pouring the sauce tableside in front of your guests. Use a mini jug or small ladle, and pour with a flourish. The contrast of cold ice cream, hot plate, and sizzling chocolate creates a multi sensory moment that makes the dessert unforgettable.
• You can also dim the lights slightly to let the steam and shimmer of the sauce catch the eye, enhancing the effect. For added wow factor, serve the plate on a dark wooden board or tray with napkins and dessert forks ready for digging in.