Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a fun and tasty treat! Imagine gooey brownies holding creamy ice cream, making each bite a sweet surprise. Perfect for hot days or just a happy snack!
Honestly, what’s better than chocolate and ice cream together? I love making these when friends come over. It’s a yummy way to share some smiles and laughter! 🍦
Making these is super simple! Bake the brownies, scoop in your favorite ice cream, and voila! You have a delicious dessert that everyone will love. Enjoy with a big glass of milk! 🥛
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is crucial for making brownies rich. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter—just skip adding the extra salt. I like to use higher quality butter for a better flavor!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is the star for sweetness. You can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor. It may make the brownies a bit chewier, which is delightful!
Cocoa Powder: For that rich chocolate flavor, use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. Dutch-process cocoa can give a smoother taste but may alter the color. I find that using a mix of both can enhance the chocolatey richness.
All-Purpose Flour: This is your standard flour for structure. If you’re gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose blend. The texture might vary, but it should still work well in this recipe!
Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is classic, but feel free to experiment with flavors like chocolate or mint. Softening the ice cream makes it easier to spread. I often keep my ice cream out for just a few minutes to make this step easier.
How Do I Bake the Brownies Perfectly?
Baking brownies might seem straightforward, yet getting them just right can be tricky! The key is to not overbake, which can lead to a dry texture. Here’s how to ensure they come out perfect:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure it is fully heated before putting your brownies in.
- Use a baking dish lined with parchment paper for easy lifting and cutting.
- Check for doneness at the 20-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Let them cool completely before cutting. If you rush it, they may fall apart. Trust me, patience is a virtue here!
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 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
For the Ice Cream Filling:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream (softened)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare the brownies, 20-25 minutes to bake, and at least 1-2 hours to freeze for the sandwiches. Total time from start to enjoying your treats is approximately 2-3 hours, including cooling and freezing. Perfect for an afternoon of fun!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brownie Batter:
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla until everything is mixed together smoothly. Then, add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder to the mixture and stir until well combined. If you want some extra chocolatey goodness, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips here!
2. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs on it (be sure not to overbake!). Let the brownies cool completely in the baking dish once they are done.
3. Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
After your brownies have cooled, carefully lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper if you used it. Place them on a cutting board and cut them into rectangles or squares based on the size of the sandwiches you want to make. Grab half of the brownie pieces and spread a generous layer of softened vanilla ice cream on each. If you’d like, sprinkle some mini chocolate chips on top of the ice cream layer for a fun twist. Finally, place the remaining brownie pieces on top of the ice cream to create your sandwiches!
4. Freeze the Sandwiches:
Wrap each brownie sandwich tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Pop them into the freezer for at least 1-2 hours, or until the ice cream is nice and firm. This makes them easier to enjoy later!
5. Serve:
Once you’re ready to enjoy your treats, take them out of the freezer and let them sit for a few minutes to soften slightly. If you like, you can cut each sandwich in half for easier serving. Now, dig in and savor your delicious brownie ice cream sandwiches!
Can I Use Different Types of Ice Cream?
Absolutely! While vanilla is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors such as chocolate, cookies and cream, or mint chocolate chip. Just make sure the ice cream is softened for easy spreading!
How Do I Store Leftover Sandwiches?
Wrap any leftover sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to a week. To enjoy them later, simply take them out and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Can I Make the Brownies Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Bake the brownies a day in advance, and let them cool completely. Store them in the fridge wrapped in plastic wrap until you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before spreading the ice cream.
What If I Don’t Have Cocoa Powder?
If you’re out of cocoa powder, unsweetened baking chocolate can be used instead! Melt about 1 ounce of baking chocolate and substitute it for 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, adjusting the sugar slightly to account for the added richness.
