Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a sweet treat made with soft, chocolatey brownies and creamy ice cream in between. They’re like a hug for your taste buds!
Making these is so much fun! I love the moment when I take a big bite and the ice cream starts to peek out. It’s a delightful mess that always makes me smile! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is vital for richness. If you’re out of it, you can use margarine, but I prefer unsalted butter for better control over salt levels in the recipe.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar gives sweetness and helps the texture. If you want to reduce calories, consider a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit, but keep in mind it may change texture slightly.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives that rich chocolate flavor. If you need a substitute, try carob powder, but it has a unique taste. Dark chocolate can also work; just melt and add it directly in place of cocoa powder.
All-Purpose Flour: This gives the brownies their structure. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. I find almond flour also works well for a different texture and flavor!
Ice Cream: Vanilla or chocolate are classics, but feel free to experiment! Mint chocolate chip, cookie dough, or even fruity flavors can add a personal twist.
How Do I Avoid Over-Mixing the Brownie Batter?
Over-mixing can lead to tough brownies, so this step needs a gentle approach. Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Scraping the bowl with a spatula helps incorporate without excessive mixing.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula.
- Stop as soon as you no longer see dry flour or cocoa. Small lumps are okay!
Taking your time here will give you that fudgy texture everyone loves. Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional for sprinkling on top)
For the Ice Cream Layer:
- 1 pint of your favorite ice cream (vanilla or chocolate recommended)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake. After baking, let the brownies cool completely. For a firmer sandwich, you may want to freeze them for an additional 1-2 hours. Overall, plan for about 1-2 hours and a bit of waiting time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare for Baking:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make it easy to remove the brownies later.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Use a whisk or a spatula to mix them together until they’re well blended. Then, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is smooth and creamy.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the dry ingredients! Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gently stir the mixture until everything is just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; it’s okay to have a few small lumps!
4. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. If you’re using chocolate chips, sprinkle them on top. Bake the brownies in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let them cool completely in the pan afterward.
5. Cut and Assemble the Sandwiches:
Once the brownies are cooled, carefully remove them from the pan and cut them into equal rectangles. You’ll want enough pairs to make your sandwiches! Scoop a generous amount of ice cream onto half of these brownie pieces and spread it evenly. Place the remaining brownie rectangles on top to create nice sandwiches.
6. Freeze and Serve:
If you’d like your sandwiches firmer, wrap each one in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy, serve them right away or keep them in an airtight container in the freezer!
Enjoy these delightful brownie ice cream sandwiches as a cool treat whenever you want something sweet!
Can I Use a Different Type of Ice Cream?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute your favorite ice cream flavor, such as cookie dough, mint chocolate chip, or even fruity options like strawberry. Just keep in mind that the flavor combination will change, so choose something that pairs well with chocolate brownies!
How Should I Store Leftover Sandwiches?
You can store leftover brownie ice cream sandwiches in an airtight container in the freezer. They will keep well for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Make Brownies in Advance?
Yes, you can bake the brownies up to 2 days in advance! Just ensure they’re completely cooled before wrapping them tightly and storing them at room temperature. When ready to assemble, simply cut them into rectangles and add your ice cream.
What If My Brownies Are Too Crumbly?
If your brownies come out crumbly, they might have been over-baked or lacked enough moisture. To avoid this, be sure to check for doneness a bit earlier and use the toothpick test. If you find crumbling while assembling sandwiches, you can still enjoy them as parfaits or brownie sundaes—just layer in a dessert dish!
