These Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches bring together chewy brownies and creamy ice cream for a fun treat! You can even mix and match your favorite flavors of ice cream.
Honestly, who can resist this sweet combo? I love making these for parties—everyone seems to turn into kids again! Just bake, layer, and enjoy the smiles! 🍦
Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: I prefer unsalted butter for baking since it allows better control over the saltiness. If you’re in a pinch, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt by a pinch.
Granulated Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works beautifully here. If you want a deeper flavor, you can substitute half with brown sugar; it gives a lovely caramel taste.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is key for that rich chocolate flavor. Dutch-process cocoa is a great alternative if you want a smoother taste.
Vanilla Extract: Always opt for pure vanilla if you can; it enhances all flavors. I’ve used vanilla bean paste for an extra touch of flavor and those delightful specks.
Chocolate Chips: Optional, but I think they add great texture and chocolate bits. You can swap them for dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for a different twist.
Ice Cream: Vanilla is classic, but you can mix it up with flavors like chocolate chip, mint, or even coffee for a unique sandwich.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Brownie Texture?
Getting the right brownie texture is essential for these sandwiches. You want them fudgy and a bit chewy. Keep these tips in mind:
- Mix the sugar and melted butter until smooth, but don’t over-mix after adding eggs. This helps keep them tender.
- Don’t skip the resting time after baking; letting them cool completely ensures they hold their shape.
- When baking, a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating they’re done without being completely cooked through.
Following these techniques will help ensure your brownies are perfect for layering with ice cream!
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
- 2 teaspoons 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 Layer:
- 1 quart vanilla ice cream (softened)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, plus time for the brownies to cool and the ice cream to set in the freezer. In total, you should plan for around 2 to 2.5 hours before you can enjoy your delicious brownie ice cream sandwiches!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brownies:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some paper hanging over the sides for easy removal later.
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt your butter over low heat. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until it’s well combined.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Allow your butter-sugar mixture to cool down a bit. Then, whisk in the eggs one by one, making sure each one is mixed in before adding the next. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually mix this into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is just combined. If you’d like, fold in those delicious chocolate chips!
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean—some moist crumbs are just fine!
6. Cool the Brownies:
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is super important to get them ready for the ice cream!
7. Add Ice Cream Layer:
Once the brownies are cooled down, carefully lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper. Place them on a cutting board and spread the softened vanilla ice cream evenly over the top of the brownies.
8. Freeze:
Put the ice cream-topped brownies back in the freezer for at least 1 to 2 hours, or until the ice cream is nice and firm.
9. Slice and Serve:
When the ice cream layer is set, grab a sharp knife and cut the brownies into rectangles or squares. 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 Ice Cream?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out vanilla for your favorite flavor like chocolate, mint, or coffee. Just make sure the ice cream is softened enough to spread easily on the brownies.
How Do I Store Leftover Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the freezer. They’ll keep well for about 1-2 weeks. Just place pieces of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for the Brownies?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum or add a bit to help with texture. The brownies may have a slight difference in texture but will still be delicious!
What Should I Do If the Brownies Are Too Fudgy?
If your brownies end up more fudgy than desired, bake them for a couple of extra minutes next time, but keep an eye on them. You can also let the finished sandwiches sit in the freezer for an additional 10-15 minutes before slicing to help set up a bit more before serving.
