These Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a fun treat! Soft, chewy brownies hug creamy ice cream for a sweet bite of happiness. Perfect for a hot day or a special dessert!
Who can resist this classic combo? I love using different ice cream flavors to mix it up. Just make sure you keep a napkin handy because it’s bound to get messy—and that’s half the fun! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This ingredient creates a rich flavor in the brownies. You can use salted butter instead but reduce or skip the added salt in the recipe. I personally like using unsalted so I can control the saltiness.
Granulated Sugar: Perfect for sweetness and texture. You might substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor; just know that it might make the brownies a bit chewier. I’ve tried this option, and the taste is delightful!
Eggs: They bind everything together and add moisture. If you need a substitute, mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce can work in a pinch. About 1/4 cup of either replaces one egg.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the brownies their chocolatey goodness. For a twist, you could use Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother flavor, though the color will be darker.
Chocolate Chips: Adding these ups the chocolatey fun! You can swap in white chocolate chips or even peanut butter chips for variety. I love mixing them for a fun taste! If you’re looking for less sweetness, just skip them.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Brownie Texture?
Getting that ideal brownie texture is all about careful mixing and baking. Here are some tips for achieving fudgy goodness:
- Don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients; mix until just combined to keep them fudgy.
- For best results, measure out your flour and cocoa powder accurately. Too much will result in dry brownies.
- When testing for doneness, the toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean. This means they are still moist and fudgy!
Letting them cool completely will also help with cutting, making your ice cream sandwiches neat and tidy!
How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1-2 cups chocolate chips (for added texture)
For the Ice Cream Layer:
- 1 quart vanilla ice cream (or your preferred flavor)
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll need to let the brownies cool, which takes about 30 minutes, plus at least 2 hours to freeze the assembled sandwiches. In total, you’re looking at just over 3 hours to enjoy these delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper. This will help you easily remove the brownies later.
2. Make the Brownies:
In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove. Once it’s melted, mix in the granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one by one, making sure to mix well after each egg. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. If you like chocolate chips, fold them into the batter now.
4. Bake the Brownies:
Pour your brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack.
5. Prepare the Ice Cream Layer:
While the brownies are cooling, take your ice cream and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes until it’s soft enough to spread easily.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Once the brownies are fully cooled, cut them in half to make two equal layers. Spread the softened ice cream evenly over one of the brownie layers. Then, carefully place the other half of the brownies on top of the ice cream, pressing down gently to stick them together.
7. Freeze:
Wrap the assembled brownie ice cream sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for at least 2 hours. This will help the ice cream firm up nicely.
8. Serve:
After the freezing time is up, take the sandwich out of the freezer. Cut it into squares or rectangles to serve. If you want to make it even more special, drizzle some whipped cream or chocolate sauce on top. Enjoy your delicious Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches!
Can I Use Different Types of Sugar?
Absolutely! You can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar for a richer flavor and chewy texture. Just keep in mind that the brownies may be a bit denser. If you want to use a sugar substitute, ensure it measures cup-for-cup for the best results!
How to Store Leftover Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the freezer. They’ll stay good for up to a week. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply slice off a piece and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before eating!
Can I Customize the Ice Cream Flavor?
Of course! Feel free to swap vanilla ice cream for your favorite flavor, like chocolate, mint, or cookies and cream! Just ensure it’s a flavor that pairs well with chocolate brownies to enhance the overall taste!
What if My Ice Cream Is Too Hard to Spread?
If your ice cream is too hard to spread, let it sit out at room temperature for a few more minutes until it softens a bit more. You can also scoop it into a bowl and stir it with a spatula until it reaches a spreadable consistency before layering it onto the brownies.
