Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a fun treat! Soft brownies hug a scoop of creamy ice cream for a yummy combo that everyone loves.
Who can resist that gooey chocolate goodness? I like to use different ice cream flavors, so it’s a surprise every time. Perfect for a hot day or any party! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is key for a rich brownie texture. If you’re in a pinch, you could use margarine or coconut oil instead, but note that flavors may vary slightly. I prefer unsalted so I can control the saltiness.
Granulated Sugar: Standard choice for sweetness and moisture. You can swap it for brown sugar for a deeper flavor or a sugar substitute if you’re watching calories. Brown sugar also makes a chewier brownie!
Eggs: They help bind the brownies and add moisture. For a vegan option, try using flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg). I often use eggs for the fluffier texture they provide.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is a must for that rich chocolate flavor. If you run out, you can use dark chocolate melted in place of some cocoa powder.
Chocolate Chips: Totally optional, but they add extra chocolatey goodness! If you want to lighten it up, leave them out or substitute with dark chocolate chips which have less sugar.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Brownie Texture?
The trick to perfect brownies is all about mixing and baking. Overmixing can lead to chewy brownies, which are less desirable for this recipe. Here’s how to get that fudgy texture:
- Melt your butter gently to avoid overheating it. Add sugar and let it cool slightly before mixing in the eggs.
- When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined without any dry flour spots. A few lumps are okay!
- Don’t overbake! Keep an eye on them around the 20-minute mark. They should look set but still soft in the center.
These tips will help you achieve that gooey, fudgy brownie texture perfect for your ice cream sandwiches! Enjoy the process!
How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
For the Ice Cream:
- 1 quart vanilla ice cream (or any flavor of your choice)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 40-50 minutes to prepare the brownies, plus 1 hour for freezing the ice cream sandwiches. You’ll spend around 15 minutes mixing and baking the brownies, and then an additional 10-15 minutes assembling the sandwiches. Easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, take an 8×8 inch baking pan, grease it lightly, and line it with parchment paper. This will make it super easy to get the brownies out later!
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and combined.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. This is your dry mix that will add all that chocolatey flavor!
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the saucepan. Mix everything gently until just combined. If you’d like, fold in those chocolate chips for an extra chocolaty kick!
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean. Let the brownies cool in the pan.
6. Slice the Brownies:
Once your brownies are cool, carefully remove them from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut them into rectangles of your desired size. This is where the fun starts!
7. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Take a slice of brownie and put a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Place another brownie rectangle on top of the ice cream to form a sandwich. Gently press down to secure everything in place.
8. Freeze the Sandwiches:
Repeat the process until you’ve used up all the brownies and ice cream. For the best results, pop the assembled sandwiches in the freezer for at least 1 hour. This helps the ice cream stay firm!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re frozen, take the sandwiches out and enjoy your delicious brownie ice cream sandwiches. They are perfect for a sweet treat or a fun dessert with friends!
Can I Use Brownie Mix Instead of Making Brownies from Scratch?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a boxed brownie mix can be a great substitute. Just prepare the mix according to the package instructions, and bake in the same dimensions for perfectly sized brownie sandwiches!
What Other Ice Cream Flavors Work Well?
While vanilla is classic, you can get creative with flavors! Chocolate, mint chocolate chip, or cookie dough would all make delicious variations. Consider adding swirls of sauces like caramel or fudge for extra flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer. They’ll keep well for up to 1-2 weeks! For easy serving, separate each sandwich with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your chocolate chips are also gluten-free if necessary!
