The silky vanilla base, the chewy bites of brownie, the crunch from the choco chunks, and that swirl of decadent cocoa fudge—Choco Brownie Extreme Blizzard is the kind of dessert that makes chocolate lovers swoon.
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How to make Choco Brownie Extreme Blizzard
The Choco Brownie Extreme Blizzard is a popular dessert from Dairy Queen® — it’s one of their signature Blizzard® Treats, meaning it’s a rich, mix-in-style frozen dessert that’s blended so thick it’s famously served upside down.
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream (softened slightly for easier blending)
- ¼ cup whole milk (to achieve the Blizzard consistency; adjust as needed)
- ½ cup brownie pieces (soft and chewy brownies work best; store-bought or homemade)
- ⅓ cup chocolate chunks or mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chocolate fudge sauce (thick and rich; store-bought or homemade)
- Whipped cream
- Extra brownie crumbles or chocolate chunks for garnish
- Chocolate syrup drizzle
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: If using homemade brownies, bake them ahead of time and allow them to cool completely. Cut them into small, bite-sized pieces or crumble them slightly for a softer texture.
- Soften your vanilla ice cream by leaving it out at room temperature for 5–10 minutes. It should be soft enough to scoop easily but not melted.
- Blend the base: In a blender or food processor, combine the vanilla ice cream and whole milk. Blend on low speed until smooth. Add milk in small increments until the consistency is thick yet spoonable (similar to a DQ Blizzard).
- Add your mix-ins: Gently fold in the brownie pieces, chocolate chunks, and chocolate fudge sauce with a spatula or spoon. Avoid overmixing to maintain the chunky texture.
- Assemble your Blizzard: Spoon the mixture into a tall glass or dessert cup.
- For an authentic look, flip the cup upside down before serving (optional, but fun if you’d like to mimic Dairy Queen’s presentation).
- Add toppings (optional): Top with whipped cream for extra creaminess, sprinkle brownie crumbles or chocolate chunks, and drizzle chocolate syrup for indulgence.
Pro Tips
- Consistency is Key: The magic of a Blizzard lies in its thick texture—it should be creamy but hold its shape. Adjust the milk carefully for the right consistency. Too much milk can make it runny.
- Use Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, choose high-quality vanilla ice cream, a rich fudge sauce, and decadent brownies. Store-bought is fine, but homemade versions can elevate the taste.
- Chill Your Glass: Pop your serving glass or cup in the freezer for 10–15 minutes before scooping in the Blizzard. This helps keep your dessert cold and refreshing.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the brownies and fudge sauce a day before for convenience. You can also dice the brownies beforehand and store them in an airtight container until ready to use.
- Experiment with Mix-ins: Add extra flair by stirring in crushed cookies, caramel sauce, or nuts if you want to put your own spin on the Blizzard.
What to serve with
The Choco Brownie Extreme Blizzard is already a superstar dessert packed with rich chocolate, gooey brownies, and creamy ice cream.
1. Fresh Fruits for Balance
Pairing a rich dessert like the Blizzard with fresh, juicy fruits adds a refreshing, lighter element to your plate:
- Strawberries: The tartness of fresh strawberries balances the sweetness of the Blizzard, and their bright color adds visual appeal. Serve them sliced alongside or as a garnish.
- Bananas: Bananas pair well with chocolate and can be sliced and layered with your Blizzard for extra creaminess.
- Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries provide pops of flavor and a pleasing texture that complements the ice cream perfectly.
2. Cookies or Biscuits
Add some crispy or crumbly items for texture contrast:
- Sugar Cookies: Soft sugar cookies enhance the sweetness without overpowering the chocolate flavors.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Staying on theme, warm chocolate chip cookies pair beautifully with the Blizzard and amplify the chocolate indulgence.
- Oreos or Sandwich Cookies: Serve them whole, or crush them lightly as an additional topping for crunch and visual appeal.
3. Hot Coffee or Espresso
Pair your Blizzard with a warm beverage to elaborate on its richness. The bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness of the dessert:
- Espresso: A shot of espresso offers a strong, bold flavor that enhances the dark chocolate undertones of the Blizzard.
- Cappuccino or Latte: The creamy texture of these drinks complements the soft serve, adding subtle coffee notes.
- Iced Coffee or Cold Brew: If you’re enjoying the Blizzard on a warm day, a chilled coffee drink is perfect for a refreshing contrast.
4. Savory Snacks for Contrast
Include salty or savory bites to balance the sweetness of the chocolate-filled Blizzard:
- Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels pairs perfectly with the gooey brownie bits and chocolate fudge layers, creating a sweet-and-salty harmony.
- Salted Nuts: Whether it’s roasted almonds, peanuts, or pecans, salted nuts bring rich nuttiness and crunch against the creamy dessert.
- Popcorn: Chocolate-covered popcorn or lightly salted caramel popcorn can make an excellent side snack.
Ingredients substitutes
You can recreate this decadent treat to fit your dietary needs, preferences, or ingredient availability.
1. Vanilla Ice Cream Substitutes
The vanilla ice cream forms the creamy base of your Blizzard. Here are some great alternatives:
Dairy-free or Non-dairy Options:
If you’re lactose-intolerant or vegan, opt for plant-based vanilla ice creams made with almond, coconut, oat, or cashew milk. Some popular brands include Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy line and So Delicious Coconutmilk ice cream.
- Frozen Yogurt: For a tangier, lighter option, swap vanilla ice cream for vanilla or plain frozen yogurt. It’s slightly less sweet but still creamy and refreshing.
- Banana-based Nice Cream: Blend frozen bananas with a splash of non-dairy milk to create a naturally sweet and creamy base. Add vanilla extract for a closer match to the ice cream flavor.
- Low-fat Ice Cream or Sorbet: For a lower-calorie alternative, use reduced-fat ice cream or a creamy sorbet.
2. Whole Milk Substitutes
Milk is added to achieve the perfect Blizzard consistency, so choosing the right substitute is key:
Dairy-free Milk Alternatives:
- Almond Milk: Light and nutty flavor that complements chocolate.
- Oat Milk: Creamy and neutral-flavored, making it ideal for thickening the base.
- Coconut Milk: Adds richness and a subtle coconut undertone to your Blizzard.
- Soy Milk: Works well for a thicker consistency with added protein.
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: If you want an even richer, indulgent texture, swap whole milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.
- Evaporated Milk or Powdered Milk: For a creamier option with less liquid, evaporated milk adds depth without thinning the mix. Powdered milk can also be rehydrated and used.
3. Brownie Substitutes
Brownie chunks are at the heart of this recipe, but they can easily be swapped for similar treats to keep that fudgy goodness.
- Store-bought Cookies: Crumbled chocolate chip cookies, Oreos, or sandwich cookies can replicate the chewy, chocolatey textures.
- Homemade Mug Brownies or Quick Cake: If you’re short on time, whip up a quick mug brownie or microwave chocolate cake for instant chunks.
- Protein Brownies: Use protein-packed brownies for a healthier twist if you’re aiming for a high-protein dessert option.
- Gluten-free Brownies: You can substitute regular brownies with gluten-free varieties—either store-bought or made with almond flour, coconut flour, or oat flour.
- Chocolate Muffins or Cupcakes: If you don’t have brownies, chop up pieces of chocolate cupcakes or muffins for a similar texture.
4. Chocolate Chunk Substitutes
Chocolate chunks add crunch and decadence. Here’s what you can replace them with:
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips work just as well as chunks. They’re smaller but still provide that rich chocolate flavor.
- Chopped Chocolate Bars: Snag your favorite chocolate bar and chop it into small pieces. You can even try exciting flavors like salted caramel, hazelnut, or mint chocolate for a creative twist.
- Candy Pieces: Crushed M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, or mini peanut butter cups work as fun alternatives.
- Carob Chips: For a natural, caffeine-free option, carob chips have a mild chocolate-like flavor and can be a healthier substitute.
5. Chocolate Fudge Sauce Substitutes
Chocolate fudge sauce is the heart of the Blizzard’s richness. If you don’t have it, here’s what you can use:
- Chocolate Syrup: Regular chocolate syrup is a thinner, lighter alternative to fudge sauce but still delivers great chocolate flavor.
- Nutella or Chocolate Spread: Melt Nutella or any hazelnut/chocolate spread to create a velvety fudge-like consistency for swirling into your Blizzard.
- Homemade Fudge Sauce: Whip up your own fudge sauce by combining cocoa powder, sugar, butter, and heavy cream.
- Melted Chocolate: Melt dark or milk chocolate with a little cream or milk to create a rich, smooth sauce substitute.
- Caramel or Peanut Butter Sauce: For a flavor twist, you can replace all the chocolate fudge with caramel or peanut butter sauce for a new flavor combo.
Final Thoughts
Recreating the Choco Brownie Extreme Blizzard at home is not only easy but also endlessly rewarding. It’s perfect for treating yourself, impressing guests, or simply enjoying the timeless combination of ice cream + chocolate from the comfort of your couch.
More Ice Cream Recipes:
- Oreo Snowdrift Blizzard Recipe
- Mocha Brownie Mudslide Blizzard Recipe
- Copycat Wendy’s Thin Mint Frosty Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- ¼ cup whole milk
- ½ cup brownie pieces
- ⅓ cup chocolate chunks
- ¼ cup chocolate fudge sauce
- Whipped cream
- Extra brownie crumbles
- Chocolate syrup drizzle
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: If using homemade brownies, bake them ahead of time and allow them to cool completely. Cut them into small, bite-sized pieces or crumble them slightly for a softer texture.
- Soften your vanilla ice cream by leaving it out at room temperature for 5–10 minutes. It should be soft enough to scoop easily but not melted.
- Blend the base: In a blender or food processor, combine the vanilla ice cream and whole milk. Blend on low speed until smooth. Add milk in small increments until the consistency is thick yet spoonable (similar to a DQ Blizzard).
- Add your mix-ins: Gently fold in the brownie pieces, chocolate chunks, and chocolate fudge sauce with a spatula or spoon. Avoid overmixing to maintain the chunky texture.
- Assemble your Blizzard: Spoon the mixture into a tall glass or dessert cup.
- For an authentic look, flip the cup upside down before serving (optional, but fun if you'd like to mimic Dairy Queen’s presentation).
- Add toppings (optional): Top with whipped cream for extra creaminess, sprinkle brownie crumbles or chocolate chunks, and drizzle chocolate syrup for indulgence.