These Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a fun treat! Made with gooey brownies and creamy ice cream, they’re perfect for hot days or any day you want a sweet treat.
Honestly, who can resist a brownie and ice cream combo? I love to mix and match flavors! It’s so easy to whip up and share with friends. Just watch them disappear!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is great because it lets you control the saltiness. If you’re out, you can use margarine, just note that it may alter the flavor slightly.
Sugars: The mix of granulated and brown sugar gives moisture and flavor. If you need a substitute, try using coconut sugar, which also adds a subtle caramel taste!
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives the brownies a rich chocolate flavor. If you run out, cacao powder can work too, though it has a slightly different taste and may be a bit more bitter.
Chocolate Chips: I prefer semi-sweet chips for that chocolatey sweetness balance, but dark chocolate chips or even milk chocolate can easily be swapped in based on your taste.
Ice Cream: Softened vanilla ice cream is perfect for the creamy layer, but you can swap to any flavor you enjoy – chocolate, mint, or cookie dough can be amazing alternatives!
How Do You Bake Perfect Brownies?
Baking brownies can be tricky to get just right. Here’s how to ensure they’re fudgy and not overcooked:
- Mix Carefully: Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently. Over-mixing can lead to tough brownies!
- Know Your Oven: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on them and check for doneness a few minutes early.
- Test Wisely: Insert a toothpick—you’re looking for a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. This guarantees a gooey texture!
How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
For the Ice Cream Layer:
- 1 quart vanilla ice cream (softened at room temperature)
For Optional Garnish:
- Extra chocolate chips or sprinkles (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake the brownies. After that, you need at least 2 hours for the ice cream layer to set. So total time including chilling is roughly 3 hours. But trust me, the wait is worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well. Line it with parchment paper, letting a bit hang over the edges. This will help you lift the brownies out later.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix them together well until it’s smooth. Now, crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract to add a lovely flavor!
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mix to your wet ingredients. Stir just until everything is combined, then gently fold in those delicious chocolate chips.
4. Bake the Brownies:
Pour your brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. Once done, let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
5. Prepare the Ice Cream Layer:
After the brownies have cooled, spread the softened vanilla ice cream over the top evenly. Use a spatula to smooth it out nicely. Place the pan in the freezer and let it sit for at least 2 hours to firm up the ice cream.
6. Cut and Assemble:
When the ice cream layer is nice and firm, carefully lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut them into rectangular pieces—these will be the basis for your sandwiches!
7. Sandwich the Ice Cream:
Take one brownie piece, add a matching piece on top of the ice cream, and gently press them together to form a sandwich. Repeat this with all the brownie pieces until you’ve made all your sandwiches.
8. Optional Garnish:
If you want to make your sandwiches even more fun, roll the edges in extra chocolate chips or sprinkles. It adds a nice touch!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Put the sandwiches back in the freezer for another hour to ensure they stay together when you’re ready to serve them. Now, enjoy your delicious brownie ice cream sandwiches with family and friends!
These treats are a perfect blend of rich brownies and creamy ice cream—ideal for any dessert lover!
Can I Use Different Types of Ice Cream?
Absolutely! You can use any flavor of ice cream you like, whether it’s chocolate, mint chocolate chip, or even a fruity flavor like strawberry. Just make sure it’s softened at room temperature for easier spreading.
What if I Don’t Have Cocoa Powder?
If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can substitute it with an equal amount of melted chocolate (about 6 ounces). Just melt the chocolate and reduce the butter in the recipe by 2 tablespoons to maintain the same consistency.
How Should I Store Leftover Sandwiches?
Store any leftover brownie ice cream sandwiches in an airtight container in the freezer. They can last up to 2 weeks! Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your cocoa powder and chocolate chips are also gluten-free to ensure a proper gluten-free treat.
