These Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a perfect treat for hot days! Imagine rich, chocolatey brownies holding creamy ice cream in the middle—what’s not to love?
There’s something magical about biting into one and feeling that cold ice cream mix with warm brownie. I like to add extra sprinkles on top for some fun. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This adds moisture and richness to the brownies. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter; just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
Granulated Sugar: This is essential for sweetness and structure. If you prefer a natural option, you could substitute with coconut sugar, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
Eggs: They help bind the ingredients and create a fudgy texture. If you’re vegan, you can replace each egg with a mix of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken up before adding to the mixture.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives that rich chocolate flavor. You could use Dutch-processed cocoa for a milder taste or carob powder for a caffeine-free option.
Ice Cream: Vanilla is classic, but feel free to go wild with flavors! Chocolate, mint, or even fruity options like raspberry would make a fun twist.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Brownie Texture?
Getting brownies right can be tricky! The goal is a fudgy texture, so keep a few things in mind:
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
- Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick—look for a few moist crumbs, not a clean toothpick, which means they are done.
- Cooling completely is key. This helps firm them up, making it easier to cut and assemble your ice cream sandwiches.
Delicious Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted
- 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
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional for brownie mixture)
For the Ice Cream Filling:
- 2 cups ice cream (your choice of flavor; vanilla works great)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty treat takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll need at least 1 hour for freezing the sandwiches to get the ice cream firm. So, set aside about 1 hour and 30 minutes to make these yummy brownie ice cream sandwiches!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Brownie Batter:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges for easy removal later on. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar, whisking them together until they’re well mixed. Now, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, too!
2. Mixing Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is just combined. If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them in gently at this point for an extra chocolatey boost!
3. Baking the Brownies:
Pour your brownie batter into the lined baking pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, let it cool completely in the pan; patience pays off!
4. Assembling the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
Once your brownies have cooled, carefully lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut the brownies into squares that match the size you want your ice cream sandwiches to be. Spread a generous layer of ice cream on top of half of these brownie squares. Then, place the remaining brownie squares on top to create delicious sandwiches.
5. Freezing and Enjoying:
Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer for at least 1 hour to let the ice cream firm up. When you’re ready to treat yourself, take them out, unwrap them, and enjoy your homemade brownie ice cream sandwiches! Don’t forget to store any leftovers in the freezer for later munching!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour for Brownies?
Yes! While all-purpose flour is standard, you can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or even gluten-free flour blends if you’re looking for a gluten-free option. Just note that the texture might vary slightly, so keep an eye on the baking time.
How Can I Substitute Eggs in This Recipe?
If you’re looking to make this recipe egg-free, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, mashed bananas, or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes). This will help bind the ingredients without compromising texture!
What Is the Best Way to Store Leftover Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to let them sit for a few minutes at room temperature before eating for easier biting!
Can I Use Melted Chocolate Instead of Cocoa Powder?
Absolutely! If you prefer a richer chocolate flavor, you can substitute 1 cup of cocoa powder with 4 ounces of melted chocolate. Just make sure to reduce the butter by 2 tablespoons to maintain the right consistency in your brownie batter.
