Sundae in a bun: The sweetest hack for your backyard cookouts

This is a sponsored post by Hudsonville, but the text and opinions are all mine. Thank you for supporting brands that make Kylee's Kitchen possible!

There’s nothing quite like a backyard cookout—the sizzle of the grill, the laughter and chatter of family and friends, and the smoky smell of meats and vegetables. After piling your hot dog buns high with grilled sausages and brats, don't put the extras away just yet! You'll want to keep the remaining buns out for dessert.

Yes, dessert.

Those same buttery brioche buns that elevated your main course can double as the perfect base for a next-level ice cream sundae. 

Why brioche hot dog buns?

Technically, regular white buns will work for these sundaes, but they won't have the same effect. Brioche is beloved for its soft texture and subtle sweetness. It's kind of like a donut, and when it comes in hot dog bun form, it is the perfect vessel to cradle a few scoops of ice cream. Toast it lightly, and it becomes a warm-meets-cold, crispy-meets-creamy dessert experience.

The type of ice cream matters

When you're turning something as simple as a hot dog bun into a decadent dessert, the quality of your ice cream matters, and that’s why I use Hudsonville Ice Cream. Hudsonville is a Midwest company based out of Holland, Michigan, which is just about 3 hours north of Indianapolis. Their flavors are rich and well-balanced with a velvety smooth texture, which is ideal for scooping and sandwiching between warm, toasted brioche.

Flavor combination possibilities

The sundae flavor combination possibilities are endless, but I want to share a few ideas to help you get started.

PB&J: Spread raspberry jam on the inside of the bun, fill with Peanut Butter Waffle Cone ice cream, and sprinkle chopped peanuts on top.

Black Forest: Add chocolate hazelnut spread to the inside of the bun, fill with Black Cherry ice cream, and top with chocolate shavings.

Tropical: Spread pineapple preserves on the inside of the bun, fill with Toasted Coconut ice cream, and sprinkle chopped macadamia nuts on top.

Sweet Cherry of Mine: Spread cherry preserves on the inside of the bun, fill with Traverse City Cherry Fudge ice cream, and top with dark chocolate shavings.

S'mores: Add Biscoff spread to the inside of the bun, fill with Double Chocolate Almond ice cream, and top with mini marshmallows.

Salted Caramel Brownie: Spread caramel on the inside of the bun, fill with Brownie Batter Cookie Dough ice cream, and top with chopped pretzels.

Sundae in a bun

Yield: 4 sundaes

Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 brioche hot dog buns
• 2 Tablespoons melted butter
• 4 Tablespoons of your favorite spread (caramel, jam, Biscoff, etc.)
• 2-3 scoops of your favorite Hudsonville ice cream per bun
• 1/2 cup of your favorite toppings (nuts, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, etc.)

Directions

1. Preheat grill to medium heat.
2. Lightly butter inside of hot dog buns.
3. Place buns cut-side down on grill.
4. Grill for 1–2 minutes, or until they’re golden with visible grill marks. 
5. Flip to briefly warm outside, but don’t over-crisp.
6. Remove from grill and let cool for about 30 seconds.
7. Place the grilled buns on plates or serving trays and cover insides with desired spread.
8. Nestle 2–3 scoops of ice cream inside each bun.
9. Add your favorite toppings and serve.