Brownie ice cream sandwiches are a sweet treat that combines rich, fudgy brownies with creamy ice cream. Just imagine biting into a soft brownie filled with your favorite ice cream!
As a huge brownie lover, I can’t resist adding a little extra ice cream because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love more? They’re so simple to make and always a hit at parties!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This ingredient adds richness to the brownies. If you’re out, you can use salted butter and just skip adding any additional salt in the recipe.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for that deep chocolate flavor. If you want a milder taste, you can substitute with Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother finish.
Granulated Sugar: You can use brown sugar instead for a moister brownie with a hint of caramel flavor often appreciated in chocolate desserts.
Ice Cream: Vanilla is a classic choice, but feel free to try chocolate, mint, or any flavor you prefer! You could even make it dairy-free using coconut or almond ice cream.
Chocolate Chips: The optional chocolate chips enhance flavor and texture. Dark, milk, or white chocolate chips would all work well. You could skip them entirely for a simpler brownie.
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Are Perfectly Baked?
Baking brownies can be tricky because you want them fudgy but not undercooked. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking.
- Check for doneness at 20 minutes by inserting a toothpick—it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Let brownies cool completely. Cutting them before they cool can lead to a messy situation!
Enjoy the process, and remember—practice makes perfect! Each time you bake, you’ll get a bit closer to your ideal brownie.
How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips (optional)
For the Ice Cream Filling:
- 2 cups (475ml) vanilla ice cream (or flavor of your choice)
- 1/4 cup (45g) mini chocolate chips (optional for mixing into ice cream)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time plus approximately 25 minutes of baking. You’ll need an additional 2 hours for the assembled sandwiches to freeze completely. So, in total, you’re looking at a bit over 3 hours, but most of that is just waiting for the brownies and ice cream to set!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brownie Batter:
First, let’s get that oven heating up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Next, grab an 8×8 inch baking pan and grease it well, then line it with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal later. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar using a whisk until mixed well. Then, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well each time, followed by the vanilla extract.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. If you’re using chocolate chips, now’s the time to fold those in as well!
3. Bake the Brownies:
Pour your brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center; a few moist crumbs should stick to it. Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
4. Prepare the Ice Cream:
While your brownies are cooling, take the vanilla ice cream out and let it soften at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes until it’s scoopable. If you’d like, fold in some mini chocolate chips for a delightful crunch in your sandwiches!
5. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Once your brownies are totally cool, lift them out of the pan with the parchment paper. Carefully cut them in half to create two layers. Place one brownie layer on a clean work surface, then spread an even layer of ice cream on top. Use a spatula to smooth it out nicely. Finally, place the second brownie layer on top and press down gently.
6. Freeze and Serve:
Wrap your delicious brownie ice cream sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the freezer for at least 2 hours until the ice cream is firm. Once they’re ready, take them out of the freezer and cut them into rectangular portions. Serve them immediately, or keep stored in the freezer to enjoy later!
Enjoy your delicious Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour in This Recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of flour! For a gluten-free version, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. If using almond flour, reduce the amount slightly, as it’s denser than all-purpose flour. Just be aware that the texture may vary a bit!
What Should I Do If My Ice Cream Is Too Hard to Scoop?
If your ice cream is too hard, just let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften it before scooping. You can also microwave it for about 10 seconds for a quick warm-up, but be careful not to melt it too much!
How Do I Store Leftover Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. If you’re worried about them sticking together, wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap to keep them separate!
Can I Make These Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches with Different Ice Cream Flavors?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any ice cream flavor you love, like cookies and cream, mint chocolate chip, or strawberry. Just keep in mind that flavors with a lot of chunks may need a bit more softening time before spreading!
