Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a fun and tasty treat! Soft, fudgy brownies sandwich creamy ice cream, making every bite deliciously sweet and satisfying.
These sandwiches are perfect for hot days or anytime you need a little joy. I can’t resist making them for parties—or just for myself! Who can blame me? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: I recommend using unsalted butter to control the saltiness of your brownies. If you need a dairy-free option, try coconut oil or vegan butter; they’ll still give you that rich flavor.
Granulated Sugar: This gives sweetness and helps create the perfect texture. If you’re looking to cut sugar, consider a sugar substitute like coconut sugar, but be aware it may change the flavor slightly.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is crucial for deep chocolate flavor. If you want a different twist, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa for a milder taste, or even dark chocolate powder for richness.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips add texture and flavor. If you’re a fan of white chocolate, feel free to use that instead! You can also swap in nuts for some crunch.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is classic here, but any flavor can work! Cookies and cream or mint chocolate chip could make for tasty variants. Dairy-free ice creams are also great substitutes for those with dietary needs.
How Do You Ensure Your Brownies Don’t Turn Out Dry?
To keep your brownies moist and chewy, avoid overmixing the batter after adding the flour. Mix just until incorporated so the brownies don’t become dense.
- Be careful with the baking time—check at 25 minutes. The toothpick should come out with some moist crumbs, not totally clean.
- Let them cool completely before layering with ice cream. This helps the texture stay soft and perfect.
- If you’d like, you can underbake them slightly since they will firm up in the freezer. Just check regularly!
How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Batter:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 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 (semi-sweet or dark)
For the Ice Cream Layer:
- 1 quart vanilla ice cream (or any preferred flavor)
Optional Garnish:
- Chocolate shavings or sprinkles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the brownie batter, 25-30 minutes to bake, and around 2 hours to chill and set in the freezer. Enjoy the delicious results in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan, grease it, and line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some overhang so you can easily lift the brownies out later.
2. Prepare the Brownie Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, take your unsalted butter and melt it. Once it’s all melted, remove the bowl from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until everything is nicely combined. Let the mixture cool for a bit.
3. Mix in Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs one by one to the butter-sugar mix. Make sure to mix well after each egg. After all four eggs are in, stir in the vanilla extract to add some flavor.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into your wet mixture using a spatula. Be gentle and don’t overmix it; just combine until you don’t see any flour left.
5. Add Chocolate Chips:
Now, fold in the chocolate chips for that extra yumminess. These will melt slightly while baking and give your brownies an amazing texture!
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pour your brownie batter into the prepared baking pan spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, it’s perfect!
7. Cool the Brownies:
Once baked, take the brownies out of the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, lift them out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Prepare the Ice Cream Layer:
While the brownies cool down, let your vanilla ice cream sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to spread.
9. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Once the brownies are completely cool, slice them in half horizontally to create two layers. Grab the bottom half and spread a thick layer of softened ice cream on top. Place the top half of the brownies back on the ice cream to form a thick sandwich.
10. Freeze:
Wrap your brownie ice cream sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until the ice cream is nice and firm.
11. Serve:
When you’re ready to enjoy, slice the frozen sandwiches into bars. If you want, sprinkle some chocolate shavings or sprinkles on top for an extra treat. Enjoy your delicious Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches!
These treats are perfect for sunny days or special occasions—have fun making and sharing them!
Can I Use a Different Type of Ice Cream?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute vanilla ice cream with any flavor you love—chocolate, mint chocolate chip, or cookie dough all work great. Just make sure the ice cream is softened before spreading for easier assembly!
What To Do If My Brownies Are Too Cakey?
If your brownies turned out cakey, it may be due to overmixing the batter. For a fudgier texture next time, mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. You could also try adding an extra egg yolk for richness!
How Should I Store Leftover Sandwiches?
Any leftover brownie ice cream sandwiches should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. You can keep them in the freezer for up to 2 weeks, but trust us—everyone will want them gone much sooner!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately for the best texture in your brownies!
