Brownie ice cream sandwiches are a yummy treat that combine rich, chewy brownies with creamy ice cream. They’re perfect for hot days or whenever you want something sweet!
These sandwiches are so easy to make! I love using leftover brownies for this. Just scoop your favorite ice cream in between two brownie pieces, and you’re all set for a fun dessert!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is crucial for rich brownies. If you’re out, you can use margarine, but keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different. I’ve found that unsalted butter allows better control over the sweetness of the batter.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is best, but if you don’t have any, you can use Dutch-process cocoa for a darker flavor. Some people like to use carob powder as a caffeine-free option, which also adds a unique taste.
Granulated Sugar: You can swap some of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Just remember, brown sugar will make the brownies chewier and a little more moist!
Vanilla Ice Cream: Vanilla is a classic, but feel free to try other flavors like mint chocolate chip or cookies and cream for a twist. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut or almond milk-based ice creams work well too.
How Do You Get the Brownies Just Right?
Getting perfect brownies is all about technique. Start by melting the butter slowly to avoid burning it; this helps create a fudgier texture. Mixing is key too—overmixing can lead to cake-like brownies, so stir until everything is just combined.
- Make sure to grease and line your pan—it makes removal easy!
- Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different! Start checking at the 20-minute mark.
- Let the brownies cool completely before adding ice cream. This helps keep the ice cream from melting too fast when you spread it.
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 chocolate chips (optional)
For the Ice Cream Filling:
- 1 quart vanilla ice cream (softened slightly for easier spreading)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun dessert takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake. After baking, you’ll need to cool the brownies completely, which can take around 30 minutes. Finally, you’ll freeze them for at least 1-2 hours. In total, you’re looking at about 2 hours and 10 minutes until you can enjoy these delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes it super easy to lift the brownies out later!
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is nicely mixed together.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. If you love chocolate, fold in the chocolate chips at this point!
4. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly, and then pop it in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Yum!
5. Cool the Brownies:
After baking, let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Once they’re cool, gently lift them out using the edges of the parchment paper and place them on a cooling rack to cool down further.
6. Prepare the Ice Cream:
Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the softened vanilla ice cream evenly over the top of one brownie layer. Then, place another brownie layer on top to complete your sandwich.
7. Freeze the Sandwiches:
Return the assembled brownie ice cream sandwich to the freezer. Let it freeze for at least 1-2 hours until the ice cream is nice and firm.
8. Slice and Serve:
Once the sandwiches are firm, take them out of the freezer. Using a sharp knife, slice into individual sandwiches. Serve them right away, or keep them in the freezer until you’re ready to enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Yes, you can! While all-purpose flour gives the best texture, you can substitute with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser brownie or a gluten-free blend if needed. Just make sure to use a 1:1 gluten-free flour that is suitable for baking.
How Long Can I Keep These Sandwiches in the Freezer?
You can keep these brownie ice cream sandwiches in the freezer for up to 2-3 weeks. Just make sure they’re wrapped well or stored in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. It’s best to slice them before storing for easier serving later!
Can I Make These with a Different Flavor of Ice Cream?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with any flavor of ice cream you love, such as chocolate, mint, or even cookie dough. Just make sure it’s softened slightly for easy spreading, and adjust the quantity if using a pint instead of a quart.
What’s the Best Way to Thaw the Brownie Sandwiches?
To thaw, simply take the sandwiches out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before slicing or serving. This will make them easier to eat without melting everywhere!
