The Copycat Thunder from Down Under Recipe recreates Outback Steakhouse’s indulgent dessert with layers of rich homemade chocolate fudge brownies, creamy vanilla ice cream, and sweet caramel and chocolate sauces. Topped with whipped cream, chopped nuts, and a cherry, this dessert is the perfect indulgence for chocolate and caramel lovers. It’s easy to make from scratch and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Copycat Thunder from Down Under dessert, featuring layers of rich chocolate, caramel, and creamy ice cream, just like the Outback Steakhouse classic.
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Craving a delicious, restaurant-style dessert at home? Try this Copycat Thunder from Down Under Recipe! With its indulgent chocolate and caramel combination, this sweet treat is just like the one from Outback Steakhouse—rich, creamy, and guaranteed to satisfy your dessert cravings!

If you love easy Copycat Outback Steakhouse Recipes try my recipe for Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe, Outback Steakhouse Toowoomba Steak, or Copycat Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Soup.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Decadent Chocolate and Caramel: The perfect balance of rich chocolate and sweet caramel layers makes each bite irresistible.
  • Easy to Make: Recreating this restaurant favorite at home is simple, with easy-to-follow steps and no special equipment required.
  • Perfect for Sharing: This indulgent dessert is ideal for sharing with friends and family, making it perfect for parties or special occasions.
  • Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings, like whipped cream, chopped nuts, or extra caramel, to make it your own.
  • Satisfies Any Sweet Tooth: Whether you’re a chocolate lover or a caramel fan, this dessert hits all the right notes and delivers the perfect sweet ending to any meal.

Outback Chocolate Thunder From Down Under Ingredients

Ingredients needed for Copycat Thunder from Down Under Recipe on kitchen table.
  • Flour: All-purpose flour for the brownie base structure.
  • Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich, chocolate flavor.
  • Sugar: Granulated sugar to sweeten the brownies.
  • Eggs: Eggs to bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
  • Butter: Melted butter to give the brownies a rich, moist texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to the brownies.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the brownies rise for a soft texture.
  • Salt: A pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Instructions

Mixing flour, cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

Step One: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Stir until smooth, then pour the batter into a greased baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the brownies cool completely.

Prepared batter in a mixing bowl.

Step Two: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, butter, brown sugar, and vanilla. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Pour batter into the baking pan.

Step Three: Cut the cooled brownies into squares or large pieces. Place a warm brownie piece on each serving dish. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the brownie. Drizzle with warm caramel sauce and chocolate sauce.

Step Four: Add a generous amount of whipped cream on top, followed by a sprinkle of chopped nuts (optional). Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Copycat Thunder from Down Under dessert with chocolate fudge cake, vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, and whipped cream.

Recipe Tips

  • Customize the Brownie Texture: For a fudgier brownie, use a bit less flour or add an extra egg. If you prefer a cakier texture, add a little more flour to the batter.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the brownie base ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat it slightly before assembling the dessert.
  • Caramel Sauce Substitution: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making your own for a quicker preparation.
  • Chocolate Sauce: For extra richness, melt some high-quality chocolate or use chocolate syrup for drizzling over the dessert.
  • Nuts Variations: While chopped pecans or walnuts work great, feel free to experiment with other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for a different flavor and crunch.
  • Serving Tip: Serve the dessert warm for that perfect combination of melted ice cream and warm brownies, creating the ultimate indulgent treat.
  • Dairy-Free Option: To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter, ice cream, and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk and plant-based butter and ice cream.

Storing

  • Storing: Store any leftover Copycat Thunder from Down Under in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store the caramel and chocolate sauces separately to prevent the brownies from becoming soggy.
  • Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual portions of the brownie and ice cream layers in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month—just let them thaw slightly before serving.
  • Reheating: Reheat the brownie base in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm it up before serving. If the caramel sauce has thickened in the fridge, gently heat it in the microwave or on the stove to bring it back to a drizzling consistency.
Copycat Thunder from Down Under dessert with chocolate fudge cake, vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, chocolate drizzle, and whipped cream.

Copycat Thunder from Down Under Recipe Faqs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the brownie base and caramel sauce in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers and assemble the dessert right before serving for the freshest taste.

What other ice cream can I use besides vanilla? While vanilla is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate, coffee, or caramel ice cream for a unique twist.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free? Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the brownie base with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

How can I make this dessert for a crowd? To serve a large group, prepare the brownies in a larger baking dish and cut into smaller portions. Layer the ice cream and sauces individually for each serving.

Can I skip the nuts? Yes, you can make the dessert without the nuts if you prefer. It will still be delicious with the other layers of chocolate, caramel, and ice cream.

Copycat Thunder from Down Under dessert with chocolate fudge cake, vanilla ice cream, caramel and chocolate sauces, and whipped cream.

More Copycat Outback Steakhouse Recipes

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Indulge in a homemade version of Outback Steakhouse's famous Thunder from Down Under! This copycat recipe features layers of rich chocolate, creamy caramel, and ice cream, creating the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth

Copycat Thunder from Down Under Recipe

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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 16 Servings

Description

Recreate Outback Steakhouse's famous Thunder from Down Under with this easy copycat recipe! Indulge in layers of rich chocolate fudge cake, creamy vanilla ice cream, and sweet caramel and chocolate sauces, topped with whipped cream.

Ingredients 

Copycat Thunder From Down Under Brownie Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Copycat Thunder From Down Under Caramel Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Copycat Thunder From Down Under Topping Ingredients: (Optional)

  • 2 cups vanilla ice cream
  • 1/4 cup chocolate sauce, store-bought or homemade
  • 1/4 cup whipped cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts, optional
  • Maraschino cherries for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract, and stir until the batter is smooth. Pour into a greased 8×8-inch baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow brownies to cool.
  • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add heavy cream and brown sugar, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in vanilla extract and remove from heat.
  • Cut the cooled brownies into squares. Place one square on each serving dish, then top with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle with warm caramel and chocolate sauce.
  • Add a dollop of whipped cream on top, then sprinkle with chopped nuts (if using). Garnish with a maraschino cherry for a perfect finish.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy your indulgent homemade Thunder from Down Under!

Equipment

  • Baking Pan
  • Saucepan

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 337kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 3gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 154mgPotassium: 142mgFiber: 2gSugar: 31gVitamin A: 570IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 68mgIron: 1mg

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