Brownie ice cream sandwiches are a fun and tasty treat! They feature sweet, fudgy brownies hugging creamy ice cream in between, making every bite a party for your taste buds.
Who can resist the combo of chocolatey goodness and cold ice cream? I love making these when I have friends over. They always disappear quickly, and smiles are guaranteed! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for controlling the dish’s saltiness. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine or coconut oil as a substitute, but this may alter the flavor slightly.
Sugars: Both granulated and brown sugars sweeten the brownies and add moisture. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, try using a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, but follow the conversion guidelines on the package.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is crucial for that rich chocolate flavor. If you only have sweetened cocoa, use less sugar in your batter. Carob powder can also be a caffeine-free alternative.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a nice balance of sweetness. You can swap these for dark chocolate chips for a more intense flavor, or use white chocolate chips for a fun twist!
Ice Cream: While vanilla is classic, any flavor you adore works here! Try mint chocolate chip for a refreshing vibe, or coffee ice cream for a caffeine kick. Dairy-free options like almond or coconut-based ice creams can also be delicious substitutes.
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Turn Out Perfectly?
Getting brownies just right involves careful attention to mixing and baking! Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- **Mixing:** When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Over-mixing can make brownies tough.
- **Baking:** Keep an eye on your brownies as they bake. Start checking around 25 minutes by inserting a toothpick. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- **Cooling:** Allow brownies to cool completely before adding ice cream. This prevents melting and gives a better structure.
- **Cutting:** Use a sharp knife and a gentle sawing motion for cleaner cuts when turning the brownie sandwich into pieces. Clean the knife between cuts for better presentation!
Following these tips will ensure your brownie ice cream sandwiches are not only tasty but also visually appealing! Enjoy making them!
How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For The Ice Cream Layer:
- 1 quart vanilla ice cream (or your preferred flavor)
- Extra chocolate chips for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 25 to 30 minutes for baking, and at least 4 hours for freezing. You’ll have tasty brownie ice cream sandwiches waiting for you to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan, grease it, and line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a little overhang—this will help you lift the brownies out later!
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a whisk to mix it all together until it’s smooth. Next, add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract for some extra flavor.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This step will help you avoid any clumps later on!
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Finally, fold in the chocolate chips to add some delightful chocolatey goodness.
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool and Prepare for Ice Cream Layer:
Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. When they have cooled, carefully lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut the brownies in half to create two equal rectangles.
7. Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwich:
Put one half of the brownies back into the baking pan. Spread the vanilla ice cream evenly over the brownies—if your ice cream is too soft, pop it in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm it up before spreading. Place the second brownie half on top, gently pressing down to create a sandwich.
8. Freeze and Serve:
Cover the pan and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream is set. Once set, remove the sandwich from the pan and cut it into individual squares or rectangles. If you like, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for a little added flair before serving. Enjoy your delicious brownie ice cream sandwiches!
Can I Substitute Different Sugars in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option. Brown sugar can also be substituted with a mix of granulated sugar and molasses if you’re looking for a similar moisture level and flavor. Just keep in mind that these substitutions may alter the texture slightly!
How Can I Ensure My Brownies Stay Moist?
To keep your brownies moist, avoid overbaking them! Check for doneness at the shorter baking time (25 minutes). The toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Also, remember to let them cool completely before adding the ice cream, as this helps retain moisture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Store any leftover sandwich in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. For easy serving, you can individually wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap or parchment paper before placing them in the container. This prevents freezer burn and keeps them fresh!
Can I Use Another Flavor of Ice Cream?
Yes, feel free to mix it up! Chocolate, mint chocolate chip, or even coffee ice cream can create unique flavor combinations with the brownies. Just ensure the ice cream is a similar consistency to vanilla for the best sandwich texture!
