Brownie ice cream sandwiches are the perfect treat! Soft, chewy brownies hug creamy ice cream, creating a delightful combo that you can’t resist!
Honestly, who can say no to this sweet pairing? I always love getting a little messy while enjoying one—totally worth it! 🍦
These are super easy to make too! Just bake your brownies, let them cool, sandwich in your favorite ice cream, and freeze for a bit. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt in your recipe. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a non-dairy butter can work well as alternatives.
Granulated Sugar: White sugar gives sweetness and shine. If you’re looking for alternatives, brown sugar or coconut sugar can add a richer flavor. Just note that it might slightly change the texture.
Eggs: Eggs are important for binding. For a vegan twist, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) to maintain richness.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa for a deep chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa can also work, giving a smoother taste and color.
Ice Cream: Vanilla or chocolate ice cream is classic, but feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors like mint, cookie dough, or even fruit flavors for a twist!
How Do You Get the Perfect Brownie Texture?
The secret to fudgy brownies starts with mixing. When you combine your wet and dry ingredients, do it gently to avoid overmixing, which can make them tough. Aim for a thick batter that’s well-combined but still a little lumpy.
- Preheat your oven well and stick to the baking time for a gooey center.
- Let them cool completely in the pan to set before cutting.
Also, using parchment paper helps lift them out with ease! Enjoy the fudgy goodness while assembling your ice cream 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
For the Ice Cream Filling:
- 2 cups of your favorite ice cream (vanilla or chocolate)
- Chocolate chips (for sprinkling, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty treat takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 20-25 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll need to chill your sandwiches for at least 1-2 hours in the freezer before serving. In total, set aside about 3 hours to make and enjoy your delicious brownie ice cream sandwiches!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang so you can easily lift the brownies out later.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat and whisk in the granulated sugar until everything is smooth and combined. Next, add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract until mixed in.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture in the saucepan, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
4. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
5. Cool Down the Brownies:
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Patience is key!
6. Cut the Brownies:
When your brownies are nice and cool, lift them out of the pan using the parchment overhang and place them on a cutting board. Cut them into rectangular shapes that match the size of your scoops of ice cream.
7. Assemble Your Ice Cream Sandwiches:
Take the ice cream out of the freezer and let it soften for a few minutes. Now, scoop a generous amount between two brownie pieces to make a sandwich. Gently press down to spread the ice cream a bit.
8. Optional Topping:
If you’d like, you can roll the edges of your ice cream in chocolate chips for an extra crunch and sweetness. Yum!
9. Freeze and Serve:
Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer for at least 1-2 hours to firm up. Once they are set, they’re ready to be enjoyed!
Now you can enjoy your delicious brownie ice cream sandwiches, packed with fudgy brownie goodness and creamy ice cream! Perfect for any dessert lover!
Can I Use Different Types of Ice Cream?
Absolutely! Feel free to switch up the flavor of the ice cream based on your preference. Chocolate, mint chocolate chip, or even cookie dough would work wonderfully. Just make sure to let the ice cream soften a bit before forming the sandwiches for easier handling.
How to Store Leftover Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
To keep your sandwiches fresh, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. Just remember to let them sit out for a couple of minutes before eating to soften slightly.
Can I Make the Brownies in Advance?
Yes! You can bake the brownies a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to make the sandwiches. Once cooled, they even freeze well if you want to make them further in advance.
What If I Don’t Have Cocoa Powder?
If you’re out of cocoa powder, you can use a chocolate bar instead! Melt about 4 ounces of unsweetened chocolate and substitute it for the cocoa powder and butter (reduce butter by 1/4 cup). This will give you that rich chocolate flavor you need!
