So, let me just start by saying, if you’re like me, then Applebees is more than just a place to grab a bite after a long day. It’s a whole vibe, and let’s be real—their desserts? Chef’s kiss When I think of their famous desserts, I instantly picture that sizzling brownie, or their classic “Dude, I’m So Full, but I’m Gonna Have a Bite of That anyway” desserts.
Now, here’s the best part: You don’t have to wait for a special night out to get your Applebees dessert fix. Nope. In this post, I’m gonna walk you through some of their popular dessert recipes that you can make right in your kitchen. Yup, it’s totally possible—and it’s way easier than you think! Grab a spoon, because you’re about to be eating some serious dessert magic.
1. Applebees Triple Chocolate Meltdown
You’ve probably had this dessert at Applebees, right? I mean, what is life without it? A fudgy, warm chocolate cake, melty chocolate lava flowing from the middle, topped off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream… Now that’s what dessert dreams are made of.
Let’s break it down so you can recreate that meltdown magic at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (plus whatever the box calls for: eggs, oil, and water)
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup milk chocolate chips
- ½ cup of heavy cream (for the sauce)
- 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing your ramekins)
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Get your oven ready by preheating it to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Cake Mix: Follow the instructions on the box for making your chocolate cake mix. It’s easy! You just mix the cake ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
- Chocolate Chip Magic: Fold in both the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips into the cake batter. Don’t be shy with the chocolate; the more, the merrier.
- Ramekin Ready: Butter up some small ramekins or oven-safe bowls. You can also use a muffin tin if you’re feeling creative!
- Bake It Up: Spoon the batter into each ramekin, filling them about halfway. Bake them for 18-22 minutes (but keep an eye on them, oven times may vary). You want the edges to look firm but the center should still look a little soft and gooey.
- Chocolate Lava Drizzle: While the cakes are baking, melt the heavy cream and a bit of extra chocolate chips together in the microwave (30 seconds at a time, stirring in between). This makes your chocolate sauce, AKA your lava!
- Serve Up: Once the cakes are out of the oven, wait about 5 minutes before you dive in (it’s that molten center that really makes it worth the wait). Then top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle that chocolate sauce over the top. Dig in!
Tip:
If you’re short on time, you can even make this ahead and warm it up in the microwave when you’re ready to serve. Dessert doesn’t get easier than that!

2. Applebees Hot Fudge Sundae
Okay, let’s talk about the classic Applebees Hot Fudge Sundae. The simplicity of this dessert—vanilla ice cream, warm fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry—makes it timeless. It’s the kind of dessert you order when you want to keep it classic but still get that happy feeling in your belly. Let me show you how to do it just like Applebees.
Ingredients:
- 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream
- 1 container hot fudge sauce (store-bought or hand crafted)
- Whipped cream
- Maraschino cherries (or fresh if you’re feeling fancy)
- Crushed nuts (optional)
Directions:
- Scoop the Ice Cream: Place 3 scoops of your favorite vanilla ice cream into a bowl or a classic sundae glass. You can go bigger or smaller depending on how hungry you are, but 3 scoops is pretty much perfect.
- Heat the Fudge Sauce: Heat up your hot fudge sauce in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until it’s nice and smooth.
- Top It Off: Drizzle that fudge sauce generously over the ice cream. Don’t be shy, we’re not making this for the faint of heart.
- Whipped Cream, Baby: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top—just the way you like it.
- Cherries and Nuts: Don’t forget the cherry on top (literally!). You can also sprinkle some crushed nuts over it if that’s your thing.
And boom, you’ve got yourself a Hot Fudge Sundae that’s basically calling your name.

3. Applebees Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet
This is one of those desserts that is so simple to make but feels super indulgent. The combination of a hot, gooey chocolate chip cookie in a skillet with a scoop of ice cream on top? It’s like an instant party in your mouth. This one’s for when you want to wow your guests (or yourself, let’s be honest) without putting too much work into it.
Ingredients:
- 1 tube of chocolate chip cookie dough (yes, store-bought makes it way easier!)
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
- Chocolate syrup (because why not?)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the skillet)
Directions:
- Prepare the Skillet: Grease your cast-iron skillet with butter (trust me, this makes a difference).
- Add the Dough: Press the cookie dough evenly into the skillet. Don’t worry if it looks a little rough—this cookie is gonna spread and get all gooey in the oven anyway!
- Bake: Pop that skillet into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until the cookie is golden brown around the edges but still a little soft in the center.
- Top It Off: Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for just a couple of minutes. Then, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream right on top—let it melt a bit, and drizzle some chocolate syrup for extra sweetness.
Tip:
Feeling extra? Add a few more chocolate chips on top right before serving for that over-the-top Applebees vibe!

4. Applebees Sizzling Brownie
Now we’re getting to the real showstopper. Applebees Sizzling Brownie is the dessert you order when you want to turn heads and let everyone know that yes, you’re living your best life. If you’ve never had it, picture this: A brownie that’s served sizzling in a hot skillet with vanilla ice cream melting right on top. It’s just… chef’s kiss.
Ingredients:
- 1 box of brownie mix (just the mix, not the whole kit)
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup water
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
- Chocolate syrup
- Butter (for greasing the skillet)
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get ready for dessert magic.
- Mix the Brownie Batter: Follow the instructions on the box to prepare the brownie batter. It’s simple—just mix the oil, egg, and water into the dry ingredients. Stir it up, and you’re good to go.
- Bake: Grease a small cast-iron skillet (trust me, you want the sizzle!). Pour the brownie batter into the skillet and bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean, with just a few crumbs.
- Serve it Hot: The fun part—remove it from the oven, but don’t let it sit for too long. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and drizzle with chocolate syrup.
Tip:
For that sizzling effect, you can actually serve this in a preheated skillet. Just make sure the skillet is hot, so you get that wow factor when it hits the table!
Personal Note
Honestly, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made these desserts at home. There’s something so comforting about recreating a restaurant favorite in your own kitchen, especially when you can make it just how you like it. I’m a sucker for desserts that have that warm and gooey factor, and these recipes deliver every time. They’re perfect for a cozy night in, impressing friends, or just treating yourself to something sweet.
I hope you love these Applebees-inspired dessert recipes as much as I do. And remember—dessert is meant to be fun, so don’t stress too much about the details. If you mess up a little, that’s all part of the process! After all, it’s all about the sweet, sugary joy in every bite. Happy baking!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—your own little slice of Applebees dessert heaven, right in your kitchen. Whether you’re making a classic hot fudge sundae or a sizzling brownie, you’re now ready to serve up some sweet goodness. The best part? No need to wait for a dinner reservation. So, go ahead, treat yourself and your friends to these indulgent creations—you deserve it! 🍫🍨
FAQs about Applebee’s Desserts
What is Applebee’s best dessert?
Applebee’s has a lot of delicious dessert options, but the fan favorite has to be their Triple Chocolate Meltdown. This warm, molten chocolate cake oozes with gooey chocolate in the middle, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Honestly, it’s like dessert heaven in a bowl. You can’t go wrong with this indulgent treat if you’re craving something rich and decadent!
Do you get a free dessert at Applebee’s?
Yes! Applebee’s offers a free dessert to customers who are part of their Applebee’s Neighborhood Rewards Program (though terms and conditions apply). You’ll often get a free dessert on your birthday or as part of special promotions. It’s worth signing up if you’re a frequent visitor, because, who doesn’t love free dessert, right?
Can I bring a birthday cake to Applebee’s?
While Applebee’s doesn’t allow outside cakes due to health and safety policies, they do have their own amazing desserts that are perfect for a birthday celebration. The staff may even help you make your celebration extra special by singing you a birthday song when you order dessert. So, leave the cake at home and let Applebee’s handle the sweet stuff for you!
What is a sizzling butter pecan blondie?
A Sizzling Butter Pecan Blondie is one of Applebee’s signature desserts that comes straight out of the oven in a sizzling hot skillet. It’s a rich, warm blondie (kind of like a brownie but with a butterscotch flavor) topped with butter pecan ice cream. The sizzling skillet adds a fun twist, as the ice cream melts into the blondie, making every bite extra gooey and delicious. If you love butter pecan, you’re going to be hooked on this one!
Delicious Homemade Desserts to Try at Home
If you love Applebee’s desserts, but want to try some homemade alternatives, check out these tasty recipes: Cinnamon Apple Cake, Pineapple Fluff, and Irresistible Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread. Each one is a treat you won’t want to miss!
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