Brownie ice cream sandwiches are a fun treat that combines soft, chocolatey brownies with creamy ice cream. It’s a perfect way to enjoy two favorites in one delicious bite!
I love making these for summer parties! You just bake the brownies, add a scoop of ice cream, and sandwich them together. It’s like a little slice of happiness that everyone enjoys! 🍦
Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Use unsalted to better control the saltiness of your brownies. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with margarine or coconut oil, but butter gives the best flavor.
Granulated Sugar: The sugar adds sweetness and helps create that chewy texture. For a different taste, try using brown sugar. It adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor!
Cocoa Powder: It’s essential for that rich chocolate flavor. If you’re out, unsweetened chocolate can work; just melt it and reduce the butter slightly.
Ice Cream: While vanilla and chocolate are classic choices, you can get creative! Try mint chocolate chip or cookies and cream for a fun twist. Just make sure your ice cream is easily spreadable.
How Can I Ensure My Brownies Don’t Overbake?
Baking brownies can lead to a dry texture if overbaked. A good rule of thumb is to check them with a toothpick around the 20-minute mark. When it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready!
- Preheat your oven properly. An oven thermometer can be helpful!
- Check with the toothpick method. You want some batter sticking to it without it being liquid.
- Let them cool fully before cutting to avoid crumbling.
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 unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
For the Ice Cream Layer:
- 1 quart of your favorite ice cream (vanilla or chocolate works best)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 20-25 minutes to bake, and at least 4 hours to freeze. So, you’ll want to plan for about 5 hours and 15 minutes before you can enjoy these tasty brownie ice cream sandwiches.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brownies:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, take it off the heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well blended together.
In another bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder thoroughly. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. If you want extra chocolate goodness, fold in the chocolate chips now!
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with a few moist crumbs. Just be careful not to overbake! Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
2. Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
After the brownies have completely cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them in half lengthwise. Take one half and spread a generous layer of soft ice cream over the surface. Then, place the other brownie half on top of the ice cream to create your sandwich. Press down gently to make sure everything sticks together nicely!
3. Freeze:
Wrap your brownie ice cream sandwiches in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Then, pop them in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream is firm and ready to enjoy.
4. Serve:
Once frozen solid, take your brownie ice cream sandwiches out of the freezer. Slice them into square or rectangular pieces, whatever you prefer! You can serve them right away or put them back in the freezer until you’re ready to indulge.
Enjoy your sweet, chocolatey brownie ice cream sandwiches!
Can I Use a Different Type of Ice Cream?
Absolutely! You can use any flavor of ice cream you like. Just remember that flavors like mint chocolate chip or cookie dough will add a fun twist. If you’re using a softer ice cream, let it sit out for a few minutes to soften slightly for easier spreading!
How Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free brownies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure that the blend you choose contains xanthan gum, or add about 1/2 teaspoon to help the brownies hold together!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Cocoa Powder?
If you’re out of cocoa powder, you can use unsweetened chocolate instead. Use 3 ounces of unsweetened chocolate, melt it with the butter, and reduce the flour slightly by about 2 tablespoons to maintain the consistency.
How to Store Leftover Sandwiches?
Store any leftover brownie ice cream sandwiches in an airtight container in the freezer. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks! Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper if stacking to prevent sticking.
