These brownie ice cream sandwiches are a fun treat! Imagine two rich, fudgy brownies hugging creamy ice cream. It’s like a party in your mouth!
Making these is a breeze. Just bake some brownies, scoop on your favorite ice cream, and sandwich them together. I often add sprinkles for a pop of color—because why not? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness to the brownies. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter, but omit any added salt in the recipe. I often use coconut oil for a dairy-free option, which works surprisingly well!
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for that deep, chocolatey flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using cacao powder instead. It has a similar taste with added nutrients!
Sugar: Granulated sugar makes the brownies sweet and chewy. You could use brown sugar for a more caramel-like flavor or even coconut sugar for a healthier alternative. Just note that it may alter the texture slightly.
Vanilla Extract: Don’t skip this one! Vanilla extract enhances the brownies’ overall flavor. If you’re fresh out, you can substitute it with almond extract, but use it sparingly – it’s much stronger!
Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is the classic choice, but you can switch it up with chocolate, cookies and cream, or even dairy-free varieties. I love using homemade ice cream for a personal touch!
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Come Out Perfectly?
Baking perfect brownies is all about timing and technique. Here’s how to get it right:
- Preheat the oven to the right temperature. This step is key for even baking.
- Don’t overmix your batter after adding flour. Gently stir until combined; this keeps them fudgy.
- Check for doneness at the lower end of the baking time. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Let brownies cool completely before cutting. This helps them set and makes it easier to assemble the sandwiches.
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to delicious brownie ice cream sandwiches in no time! Enjoy every bite!
How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
For the Ice Cream Layer:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream (softened)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes to bake. After that, allow about 2-3 hours for the sandwiches to freeze. In total, you will need about 3 hours and 40 minutes from start to finish, but most of that time is just waiting for things to chill!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take an 8×8 inch baking pan and grease it well. For easy removal later, line the pan with parchment paper, letting some edges hang over the sides.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a medium saucepan, gently melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is mixed and smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until they are well combined. Now, gently add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. If you’d like, fold in the chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey kick!
4. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
5. Cool and Prepare:
Once baked, let your brownies cool completely in the pan. After they’ve cooled, carefully lift them out using the parchment paper edges and place them on a cutting board.
6. Prepare the Ice Cream:
In a bowl, take your softened vanilla ice cream and mix in the mini chocolate chips if you’re using them. This will give your ice cream a delicious twist!
7. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Now it’s time to cut your brownies into the size you want for your sandwiches. Take half of the brownie pieces and spread a layer of the ice cream on each piece. Top them with the remaining brownie pieces to create your sandwiches.
8. Freeze:
Wrap each brownie ice cream sandwich in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer. Let them freeze for about 2-3 hours until they are nice and firm.
9. Serve:
Once your sandwiches are chilled and firm, you can enjoy them straight from the freezer. Bite into your Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich for a delightful mix of rich chocolate brownie and creamy ice cream—pure heaven!
Can I Use Different Types of Ice Cream?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute vanilla ice cream with your favorite flavors like mint chocolate chip, cookies and cream, or even a fruity sorbet for a refreshing twist. Just ensure that the ice cream is softened for easy spreading before assembling the sandwiches.
What If I Don’t Have Cocoa Powder?
If you’re out of cocoa powder, you can use unsweetened chocolate instead! Melt about 1 ounce of unsweetened chocolate and substitute it for the cocoa powder along with an additional 2 tablespoons of flour to maintain the right consistency in your brownie batter.
Can I Make These Brownies Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the brownies a day in advance! Just let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature. When ready to assemble, you can cut and layer them with ice cream. Just keep in mind that the sandwiches should be assembled and frozen the day you plan to serve them for best texture!
How Should I Store Leftover Sandwiches?
Wrap any leftover brownie ice cream sandwiches individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer. They’ll keep well for about 1-2 weeks. Just take them out a few minutes before serving to allow them to soften slightly for easier biting!
