I couldn’t resist the idea of recreating the Mocha Brownie Mudslide Blizzard in my own kitchen. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple! Not only do I get to enjoy that creamy, coffee-infused goodness whenever I want, but I can also tweak it to fit my personal cravings (extra brownies, anyone?).

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How to make Mocha Brownie Mudslide Blizzard

The Mocha Brownie Mudslide Blizzard® is a seasonal Blizzard dessert from Dairy Queen — basically a specialty ice cream treat you can get at Dairy Queen locations.

Ingredients

3 cups vanilla ice cream (high-quality works best for creaminess)
1/4 cup milk (whole milk or cream for a richer texture)
1 cup of brownie chunks (store-bought or homemade; try fudgy ones for extra decadence)
1/2 cup chocolate chunks (or mini chocolate chips)
2 tablespoons instant coffee granules or espresso powder (adjust based on taste preferences)
1-2 tablespoons hot water (just enough to dissolve the coffee granules)
Whipped cream
Chocolate drizzle
Crushed brownie crumbs or chocolate sprinkles

Instructions

Prep Your Coffee Flavor: Start by dissolving the coffee granules in hot water to create a strong liquid coffee concentrate. Allow it to cool slightly while preparing the other elements of your Blizzard.
Blend the Ice Cream Base: In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream and milk until smooth and creamy. This will be your base for the Blizzard. Be sure not to overblend; you’re aiming for a thick consistency.
Add the Coffee Kick: Pour the cooled coffee concentrate (made earlier) into the blender. Blend briefly again to evenly incorporate the coffee flavor into the ice cream base.
Mix in the Goodies: Add the brownie chunks and chocolate chunks to the blender. Pulse the mixture a few times to break up some of the chunks but not pulverize them—you want to keep some hearty pieces for texture!
Serve: Scoop the mixture into serving bowls or tall glasses. If desired, top with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, and extra brownie crumbs for that Insta-worthy presentation.

Tips for the Perfect Mocha Brownie Mudslide Blizzard

Choose Quality Ingredients: Since this dessert relies heavily on the bold flavors of coffee and chocolate, opt for high-quality instant coffee and premium chocolate for the best results.
Don’t Skimp on the Brownies: The brownies are the star of this recipe! Homemade brownies can add extra richness compared to store-bought ones. Try recipes that are on the fudgier side rather than cakey for a gooey texture.
Customize to Your Taste: Adjust the coffee flavor to match your preference. If you love an extra bold coffee kick, increase the amount of coffee concentrate slightly. If you prefer mild coffee notes, reduce it.
Keep It Thick: The Blizzard is all about that lush, thick texture. If your mixture seems too runny, add more ice cream or freeze it for a few minutes before serving.
Make It Extra Fancy: Experiment with garnishes! Crushed nuts, caramel drizzle, or even a sprinkle of sea salt can elevate this dessert and make it feel gourmet.

What to serve with

The Mocha Brownie Mudslide Blizzard is a decadent dessert on its own, but pairing it with complementary snacks or drinks can elevate the experience.

1. Cookies

A plate of freshly baked cookies can pair beautifully with the thick, creamy Blizzard. Choose varieties that balance out the coffee and chocolate notes:

2. Coffee or Espresso Drinks

If you’re serving this Blizzard as part of a dessert menu, coffee beverages can work beautifully to complement the dessert’s mocha flavor profile. Consider:

Hot Espresso: A bold shot of espresso balances the sweetness of the Blizzard.
Iced Coffee or Cold Brew: For a refreshing drink alongside your frozen treat.
Coffee Milkshake: Blend coffee ice cream with milk and whipped cream for another indulgent drink option that echoes the Blizzard’s coffee notes.

3. Fresh Fruits

To balance out the richness of the Blizzard, offer a side of fresh fruits as a light option. Try fruits that pair well with chocolate and coffee:

Strawberries
Raspberries
Cherries
Orange slices
Bananas

Ingredients Substitutes

Sometimes you may need to modify recipes to accommodate dietary restrictions, ingredient availability, or personal preferences. The Mocha Brownie Mudslide Blizzard is flexible enough that you can swap certain items without sacrificing flavor or texture.

1. Ice Cream Base Substitutes

The creamy vanilla ice cream base is the foundation of this recipe, but there are plenty of alternatives depending on your preferences.

Dairy-Free Ice Cream: If you’re lactose-intolerant or prefer vegan options, use coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk-based ice cream. Look for vanilla flavors to maintain the original Blizzard profile.
Homemade Ice Cream Substitute: Blend frozen bananas with a splash of vanilla extract and almond milk to create a creamy, dairy-free “nice cream.” Sweeten with a drizzle of maple syrup if needed.
Frozen Yogurt or Greek Yogurt: For a lower-calorie or tangy alternative, substitute ice cream with vanilla Greek yogurt or frozen yogurt. These options maintain creaminess while offering a slight tart flavor.

2. Milk Substitutes

Milk helps the ice cream blend more smoothly, but a variety of substitutes work well:

Plant-Based Milks: Use almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk instead of dairy milk. Opt for the unsweetened version if you don’t want the Blizzard to be overly sweet.
Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: For an even richer texture, replace milk with heavy cream or half-and-half, though this will add more indulgence.
Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water for a creamy, plant-based milk alternative.

3. Coffee Flavor Substitutes

The coffee adds a mocha element to this Blizzard, but not everyone loves coffee or wants to explore alternatives.

Decaffeinated Instant Coffee or Espresso Powder: If you want the coffee flavor without caffeine, use decaffeinated coffee or espresso powder.
Hot Chocolate Powder: For a caffeine-free substitute, mix hot chocolate powder into the ice cream base instead. It won’t give you the same coffee taste, but it will maintain the chocolatey richness.
Carob Powder: Carob powder can be blended for a slightly nutty and earthy alternative to coffee flavoring.
Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract: Skip coffee entirely and enhance the vanilla notes by adding vanilla paste or a splash of vanilla extract to the mixture.

4. Brownie Substitutes

Brownie chunks are the hero of this recipe, but there are plenty of ways to switch them out while staying true to the indulgent theme.

Cookies: Swap brownies for chunks of chewy or crunchy cookies, such as chocolate chip, espresso cookies, or shortbread.
Cake Chunks: Use leftover pieces of chocolate cake or coffee cake in place of brownies for a softer texture.
Fudge Pieces: If you love extra decadence, replace brownie chunks with fudge squares to amplify the chocolate richness.
Vegan Brownies: Use vegan brownies (made with flaxseed and coconut oil, for instance) to maintain the dessert’s indulgence while meeting dietary needs.

5. Chocolate Substitutes

Chocolate chunks add texture and flavor, but other options work well too.

Dark Chocolate or Vegan Chocolate Chips: Substitute regular chocolate chunks with dairy-free dark chocolate or semi-sweet vegan chocolate chips for a plant-based option.
White Chocolate: For a unique twist, swap the chocolate chunks with white chocolate chips or pieces. This will give the Blizzard a creamy sweetness.
Caramel Bits: If you want a sweeter side, replace chocolate chunks with caramel bits for a gooey texture.

6. Sweetener Adjustments (if needed)

If you feel that the ice cream base or other ingredients are too sweet, or not sweet enough, you can adjust using these substitutes:

Honey or Maple Syrup: Reduce excess sugar by sweetening with natural alternatives like honey or maple syrup in small amounts.
Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: For a sugar-free alternative, use stevia or monk fruit to lightly sweeten the recipe without impacting the flavor.

Final Thoughts

With its bold coffee hints, rich chocolate chunks, and gooey brownie pieces, this Mocha Brownie Mudslide Blizzard might become your new go-to indulgent treat.

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