Brownie ice cream sandwiches are the ultimate treat! Imagine two chewy brownies hugging a scoop of creamy ice cream—deliciousness at its best.
They’re so easy to make, and you can use any ice cream flavor you love! I always keep a few in the freezer for when the sweet cravings hit. Who can resist that combo? 🍦🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brownie Ingredients: The foundation of these delicious sandwiches is the brownie mixture. Unsalted butter is my go-to, but you can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Ensure it’s melted for easy mixing.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is key for that chocolatey flavor. If you want a milder taste, use Dutch-processed cocoa, which is smoother. Just remember that it may alter the recipe’s rising action slightly.
Eggs: Large eggs are important for moisture and structure. If you’re looking for an egg substitute, 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce per egg works surprisingly well without altering the flavor much.
Ice Cream: Vanilla is classic, but you can easily swap for chocolate, mint, or cookie dough ice cream. To make it dairy-free, consider almond or coconut milk ice cream for a creamy texture without the dairy.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips add extra richness. Feel free to use dark chocolate chips for a more intense flavor, or go for white chocolate chips if you want a sweeter contrast.
How Do I Get the Perfect Brownie Texture?
To achieve the perfect brownie texture, be mindful of how you mix and bake them. It’s crucial to combine the wet and dry ingredients gently. Over mixing can lead to tough brownies instead of fudgy delights.
- When you stir the flour and cocoa into the wet ingredients, stop mixing as soon as you don’t see any dry spots. Small lumps are totally okay!
- Keep an eye on the bake time, as ovens vary. Aim for that toothpick test—moist crumbs are a good sign.
- Let them cool COMPLETELY in the pan! This firm up the brownies, making them easier to cut and assemble.
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
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
For the Ice Cream Layer:
- 2 cups of vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun and tasty recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll need to let the brownies cool, which could take about 30 minutes. Don’t forget about the freezing time for the sandwiches, which is at least 4 hours. In total, you’re looking at around 5 hours to enjoy your delicious brownie ice cream sandwiches!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure to leave some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easier to lift the brownies out later!
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once fully melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until mixed well. Then, add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract until everything is creamy.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the melted butter mixture, stirring until just combined. If you want some extra chocolatey goodness, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips now.
4. Bake the Brownies:
Pour your brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
5. Cool the Brownies:
After baking, take the brownies out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This usually takes about 30 minutes.
6. Prepare the Ice Cream:
While the brownies are cooling, take the vanilla ice cream out and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften. If you’re using mini chocolate chips, mix them into the softened ice cream after it’s had a chance to soften up.
7. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Once the brownies are completely cool, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper edges. Cut the brownies in half horizontally to create two layers. Spread a thick layer of the softened ice cream on top of one of the brownie layers, then carefully place the other brownie layer on top to create a sandwich.
8. Freeze:
Wrap your brownie ice cream sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. Let it freeze for at least 4 hours or until the ice cream is firm. Patience pays off!
9. Serve:
When you’re ready to enjoy, take the sandwich out of the freezer and slice it into squares or rectangles. Serve immediately and delight in your scrumptious brownie ice cream sandwiches!
10. Storage:
If you have any leftovers (if!), store them in the freezer where they’ll stay good for up to a week.
Can I Use Different Types of Flour for the Brownies?
Yes, you can experiment with different flours! For a gluten-free version, try almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, so you may need to adjust the amount of flour for the right consistency.
What’s the Best Way to Soften Ice Cream Quickly?
If you’re short on time, you can scoop the ice cream into a large bowl and leave it at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. Stir it occasionally to speed up the softening process. Avoid melting the ice cream—just aim for a spreadable texture!
How Can I Add Extra Flavor to the Ice Cream Layer?
You can mix in various ingredients to enhance the flavor! Consider adding crushed cookies, swirls of chocolate or caramel sauce, or even a splash of your favorite liqueur. Just fold these extras into the softened ice cream before assembling the sandwiches.
Can These Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches Be Made Vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water = 1 egg), and choose a non-dairy ice cream. Make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free as well!
