These Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a fun treat that combines soft brownies with creamy ice cream! Perfect for a hot day or just when you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Imagine biting into rich, chocolatey brownies with cold ice cream oozing out. Trust me, it’s a party in your mouth! I love making these with my favorite ice cream flavor to make them extra special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is essential for rich flavor and moisture in the brownies. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter and just reduce the added salt in the recipe.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used to sweeten the brownies. You can replace it with brown sugar for a chewier texture and a hint of molasses flavor. Coconut sugar is another good substitute for a healthier option.
Eggs: They help bind the mixture and provide structure. If you’re vegan or allergic, you can use flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon mixed with 3 tablespoons of water = 1 egg) or applesauce (1/4 cup equals one egg) as substitutes.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives the brownies that deep chocolate flavor. You can substitute with Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother taste, but avoid sweetened cocoa powder.
Chocolate Chips: These are optional but add more chocolatey goodness. Feel free to use dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips based on your taste. You can also skip them for a lighter brownie.
Ice Cream: Vanilla is classic, but you can use any flavor you love, like mint chip or cookies and cream. For a dairy-free option, try coconut or almond milk-based ice creams.
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Brownie Texture?
Getting your brownies just right can be tricky, but following a few key steps will help. First, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend better and yields a smoother batter.
- When melting butter, make sure not to overheat it. Remove from heat just after it’s melted.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly but avoid overmixing after adding the dry ingredients to keep your brownies fudgy.
- Always check for doneness with a toothpick—aim for moist crumbs, not clean, for the best texture!
Let the brownies cool completely before adding ice cream, as this will keep your sandwiches from getting too mushy.
How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
For the Ice Cream Filling:
- 4 cups vanilla ice cream (or flavor of choice)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 25-30 minutes for baking, and then you’ll need to let the assembled sandwiches freeze for at least 2-3 hours. In total, you’re looking at about 3 hours and 15 minutes, but the hands-on time is just around 45 minutes—totally worth it for these yummy treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brownie Batter:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make cleanup easier. In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat and mix in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until everything is well combined.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
Next, grab a separate bowl and whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined. If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them into the batter now.
3. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
4. Prepare the Ice Cream:
While the brownies are cooling, take your ice cream out of the freezer to soften for about 10-15 minutes. You want it to be spreadable but not melted, so be careful!
5. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Once the brownies are cooled, carefully invert the brownie layer onto a cutting board. If you used parchment paper, gently peel it away. Now, cut the brownies into rectangles or squares, depending on the size you’d like for your sandwiches.
6. Add Ice Cream:
Take half of the brownie pieces and apply a thick layer of softened ice cream on each one. Then, place the other half of the brownie pieces on top, pressing down gently to make a sandwich.
7. Freeze:
Transfer the assembled brownie ice cream sandwiches to a baking sheet. Pop them into the freezer for at least 2-3 hours, or until they are really firm.
8. Serve:
When you’re ready, slice the sandwiches into individual pieces and enjoy! If you have any leftovers, just return them to the freezer to keep them nice and cold.
Enjoy these delightful brownie ice cream sandwiches for a delicious dessert treat!
Can I Substitute Brown Sugar for Granulated Sugar?
Yes, you can! Using brown sugar will give your brownies a richer flavor and a slightly softer texture. Just replace granulated sugar with an equal amount of brown sugar for a delicious twist on the classic brownie flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Store the leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the freezer. They can last for up to 2 weeks. If you’re stacking them, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking!
Can I Use Different Flavors of Ice Cream?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your choice of ice cream. Chocolate, mint, or cookies and cream all work beautifully. Just make sure the ice cream is softened to a spreadable consistency before assembly for easier handling.
Can I Make the Brownies Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the brownies a day in advance! Just allow them to cool completely, then cover and store them at room temperature. Assemble the ice cream sandwiches the next day for the freshest taste!
