These brownie ice cream sandwiches are a sweet treat that’s really fun to eat! Soft, chocolatey brownies hug creamy ice cream for a yummy combination.
The best part? You can pick any ice cream flavor you love, making each sandwich special. I like to freeze mine a little extra so they hold together—no melty mess here!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This helps control the saltiness in your brownies. If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter, but reduce any additional salt in the recipe.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives a rich chocolate flavor. If you prefer a lighter taste, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa instead, which has a smoother flavor.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the brownies. You can swap half with brown sugar for a hint of caramel-like flavor, adding depth to the brownies.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are a classic choice. Dark chocolate chips can intensify the flavor, while milk chocolate chips will make it sweeter.
Ice Cream: Vanilla is a great base, but you can get creative! Try cookie dough, mint chocolate chip, or any flavor you love. Just make sure it’s a softer ice cream for easier spreading.
How Do You Get Perfectly Baked Brownies?
Baking brownies can be tricky, but here are some tips to ensure they turn out just right:
- Preheat the oven thoroughly; an accurate temperature ensures even baking.
- A toothpick test is key! Insert it in the center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re done. Overbaking can lead to dry brownies.
- Let them cool completely before assembling the ice cream sandwich. This helps maintain structure and prevents melting.
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 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Ice Cream Layer:
- 1 1/2 quarts vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 20-25 minutes to bake the brownies. After that, you’ll need to freeze the assembled sandwiches for at least 4 hours. So, plan for a total of about 5 hours and 15 minutes to make these tasty treats (including chilling time!).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan. Grease it lightly and line it with parchment paper. This makes it so much easier to take the brownies out once they’re baked!
2. Prepare the Brownie Batter:
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the 1 cup of butter. Once it’s nice and melted, take it off the heat and stir in the 2 cups of granulated sugar until nicely combined. Then, add the 4 eggs one by one, mixing well after each until everything is smooth. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Slowly add this dry mix to your wet mix, stirring just until everything is combined. Finally, fold in the 1 cup of chocolate chips for that extra chocolaty goodness!
3. Bake the Brownies:
Pour your brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re perfect! Avoid overbaking, or they’ll be too dry. Once baked, let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
4. Prepare the Ice Cream Layer:
After the brownies have cooled, gently lift them out using the parchment paper and place them on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, carefully cut the brownies in half horizontally, creating two equal layers.
5. Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
Take the bottom half of the brownies and spread an even layer of softened ice cream on top. You can use a spatula for a smooth finish! Next, place the top half of the brownies back on top of the ice cream layer. Press down gently to ensure it sticks. Wrap your sandwich in plastic wrap and pop it into the freezer for at least 4 hours or until it’s firm.
6. Slice and Serve:
When you’re ready to enjoy your delicious creations, remove the sandwich from the freezer. Let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature to soften slightly, making it easier to slice. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve right away. If you like, sprinkle some mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings on top for a fun garnish!
Enjoy these deliciously indulgent brownie ice cream sandwiches!
Can I Substitute the Butter with Oil?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, at a 1:1 ratio. However, keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture, making it a bit denser. Be sure to mix well to ensure even distribution throughout the batter.
What If I Don’t Have Vanilla Ice Cream?
No problem at all! Feel free to use any flavor of ice cream that you like such as chocolate, mint, or even cookies and cream. Just make sure the ice cream is softened for easier spreading when assembling.
Can I Make These Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sandwiches a few days in advance. Once assembled, just keep them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the freezer. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to one week!
How to Store Leftover Sandwiches?
Any leftovers should be kept in a tightly sealed container or wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the freezer. They can last for about a week. To enjoy them later, simply take them out and allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
