These brownie ice cream sandwiches are a sweet treat that combines rich, chewy brownies with creamy ice cream. They are perfect for hot days or whenever you need a little pick-me-up!
Honestly, who can resist warm brownies with cold ice cream in between? I love to mix and match flavors—it’s like a little ice cream party with every bite. Yum! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for brownies because it lets you control the salt. If you’re dairy-free, you can swap with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives your brownies that rich chocolate flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa for a darker taste, but adjust sugar if it’s sweetened.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is traditional, but brown sugar can add a bit more moisture and a slight caramel flavor. Mix half brown and half granulated for a balanced result.
Ice Cream: Vanilla is a classic choice, but feel free to try other flavors like mint chocolate chip or cookies and cream! If you’re lactose intolerant, choose a dairy-free ice cream.
How Do I Get My Brownies to Be Perfectly Moist?
The trick to moist brownies lies in the mixing technique and baking time. You want to mix just until everything is combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can make them tough. Here’s how to achieve the right texture:
- After melting the butter and mixing in the sugar and eggs, fold in the dry ingredients gently.
- Check for doneness at 25 minutes. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs—not wet batter or completely clean.
- Let them cool completely in the pan before adding the ice cream layer to avoid a soggy bottom.
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
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
For the Ice Cream Layer:
- 1 quart vanilla ice cream (softened)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the brownies, plus about 4 hours of freezing time for the ice cream layer. Altogether, you’ll spend about 25-30 minutes baking and assembling, and then just let it set in the freezer. Perfect for a sweet treat anytime!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brownies:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13 inch baking pan, grease it well, and line it with parchment paper, ensuring you leave some paper hanging over the edges to help with lifting the brownies out later. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove it from heat and mix in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla until it’s all well combined. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. If you like, fold in the chocolate chips. Pour this brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
2. Prepare the Ice Cream Layer:
Once the brownies are cool, take the softened vanilla ice cream and spread it evenly over the cooled brownies. If you’re using mini chocolate chips, sprinkle them on top of the ice cream layer. Cover everything with plastic wrap and pop it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream has set nice and firm.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches:
After the ice cream layer is firm, carefully remove the brownies from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place the brownie-ice cream block on a cutting board and cut it into square or rectangular sandwiches of your choice. For a fun touch, you can roll the edges of your sandwiches in additional chocolate chips.
4. Serve:
Serve your delicious brownie ice cream sandwiches immediately, or wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and store in the freezer until you’re ready to enjoy them. Grab your friends or family because these treats are a hit!
Enjoy your scrumptious brownie ice cream sandwiches!
Can I Use a Different Type of Ice Cream?
Absolutely! While vanilla is classic, you can experiment with any flavor you like. Chocolate, mint chocolate chip, or even cookie dough would be great alternatives. Just make sure the ice cream is softened enough to spread easily!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Wrap any leftover brownie ice cream sandwiches in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes before serving for easier slicing!
Can I Cut the Brownies While They Are Still Warm?
It’s best to let the brownies cool completely before cutting. If you cut them while they’re warm, they might crumble and make a mess. Cooling helps them set properly, which makes for cleaner, neater sandwiches!
What If I Don’t Have Parchment Paper?
No problem! You can simply grease the baking pan well with butter or cooking spray. Just be sure to use a good amount to help with easy removal of the brownies later. If you have silicone baking mats, those work great too!
