These Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a fun treat! Soft, chewy brownies hold creamy ice cream in between, making every bite a perfect mix of chocolate and cold creaminess.
It’s like having the best of two worlds! Whenever I make them, my family can’t resist helping themselves to seconds. Try adding sprinkles for an extra treat! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Unsalted is ideal for baking because you can control the saltiness of your brownies. If you’re short on butter, you can use an equal amount of coconut oil or margarine. I often opt for butter for that rich flavor!
Granulated Sugar: Regular granulated sugar gives the brownies a pleasant sweetness. You can swap it for brown sugar for more moisture and a hint of caramel flavor. Using half brown sugar and half granulated creates a nice balance.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is crucial for deep chocolate flavor. If you don’t have cocoa powder, try using Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother taste. You can even use carob powder for a different twist.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients and give structure to your brownies. If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, try using flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) for similar binding properties.
Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is classic, but feel free to get creative! Chocolate mint, cookie dough, or even fruit flavors can add a fun twist. Dairy-free ice creams work too for a great option!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Brownie Texture?
Getting the brownie texture just right is key to making a good ice cream sandwich. It’s all about mixing and baking at the right temperature.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients until they’re just combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough brownies.
- Pay attention to baking time! Check your brownies at 20 minutes. You’ll want a toothpick to come out with a few moist crumbs, not clean or overly gooey.
- Let them cool completely before slicing. This ensures a perfect cut and makes them easier to handle when assembling the sandwiches.
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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional for added texture)
For the Sandwich:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of baking time, plus cooling time. After that, you’ll need around 30 minutes to assemble the sandwiches. Make sure to give yourself enough time for everything to set, especially if you plan to freeze them before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will make it super easy to remove the brownies later.
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once it’s all melted, take it off the heat and stir in the sugar until well combined.
3. Mix in the Eggs:
Add the eggs one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each one. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that yummy flavor.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This will help to evenly distribute the ingredients.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until everything is just combined. If you want a little extra texture, fold in the chocolate chips here!
6. Bake the Brownies:
Spread the brownie batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool the Brownies:
Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack. Make sure they are completely cool before moving to the next step!
8. Slice the Brownies:
When the brownies are cool, take them out of the pan and cut them into squares or rectangles. These will be the base for your ice cream sandwiches.
9. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Take one piece of brownie and place it on a plate. Scoop a generous amount of vanilla ice cream on top, then place another brownie piece on top of the ice cream. Gently press down to form a delicious sandwich!
10. Repeat and Freeze:
Continue making sandwiches with the remaining brownies and ice cream. For easy serving later, you can freeze the assembled sandwiches for about 30 minutes.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches immediately and enjoy a delightful treat that everyone loves!
Can I Use Different Types of Ice Cream?
Absolutely! You can use any flavor of ice cream you love, such as chocolate, mint, or cookie dough. Just make sure it’s slightly softened for easy scooping, so it spreads easily between the brownie layers.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover brownie ice cream sandwiches in an airtight container in the freezer. They can last for up to 2 weeks, but for the best texture and taste, enjoy them within a week!
Can I Make Brownies Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake the brownies a day in advance. Just let them cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them at room temperature. When you’re ready to assemble, cut them and add the ice cream as directed.
Can I Add Mix-Ins to the Brownie Batter?
Of course! Feel free to mix in nuts, caramel bits, or even crushed cookies to the brownie batter for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure you don’t overload the batter to keep them fudgy!
