Brownie ice cream sandwiches are a fun treat made with soft, chewy brownies and creamy ice cream in the middle. They’re perfect for cooling off on a hot day!
Who can resist the combo of rich brownies and delicious ice cream? I like to mix up the ice cream flavors. Chocolate brownie with mint ice cream? Yes, please! 😋
Making these is super easy. Just bake the brownies, let them cool, scoop in your favorite ice cream, and slice! It’s a tasty treat that always brings a smile.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the sweetness of the brownies. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives these brownies sweetness and helps them rise. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia, but keep in mind sweetness levels may vary.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is crucial for rich chocolate flavor. If you’re out, you can use Dutch-process cocoa for a lighter taste or substitute with carob powder for a caffeine-free option.
Chocolate Chips: While optional, they add extra chocolate delight. Use dark, semi-sweet, or even white chocolate chips—whatever you prefer! You can use chopped nuts for a different texture instead.
Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is classic, but feel free to mix it up! Chocolate, cookies and cream, or even a fruity flavor can make it unique. For dairy-free sandwiches, use almond or coconut ice cream.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Perfectly Chewy Brownies?
Getting your brownies just right takes a bit of attention. The secret lies in mixing and baking times. Here’s how to get perfect chewy brownies every time:
- Mix the wet ingredients until well combined, but avoid overmixing. Too much stirring aerates the batter, leading to cake-like brownies.
- When adding the dry ingredients, stir just until no streaks of flour remain. It’s okay if there are a few lumps!
- Bake until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs—this means they’re slightly underbaked, which keeps them chewy.
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
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
For the Ice Cream Filling:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream (or your choice of flavor)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 20-25 minutes of baking. After that, you’ll need to wait about 2 hours for the sandwiches to freeze and firm up. So, in total, you’re looking at about 2 hours and 40 minutes—a perfect treat for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). To make sure your brownies don’t stick, grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with some butter. If you prefer, you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup of 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 combined nicely. This will be your wet mixture.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Then, gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. If you fancy a little extra chocolate, fold in the chocolate chips at this stage.
4. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
5. Cut the Brownies:
Once your brownies have cooled, gently remove them from the pan. Cut the brownies into equal-sized rectangles that are about the size you want for your ice cream sandwiches.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Take your softened ice cream and spread a generous amount between two brownie rectangles to form a sandwich. If you want to make it extra fun, sprinkle some mini chocolate chips in the ice cream layer before placing the top brownie on.
7. Freeze the Sandwiches:
Wrap each ice cream sandwich in plastic wrap to keep them nice and fresh. Place them in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until the ice cream is nice and firm.
8. Enjoy Your Treat:
When you’re ready to indulge, take the sandwiches out of the freezer and let them sit for a few minutes. This helps soften them slightly for easier slicing if needed. Now, enjoy your delicious Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches!
Can I Use a Different Type of Ice Cream for the Filling?
Absolutely! You can use any flavor of ice cream you like, such as cookies and cream, mint chocolate chip, or even a fruity sorbet. Just make sure the ice cream is softened enough to spread easily, but not so melted that it won’t hold its shape between the brownies.
What if My Brownies Stuck to the Pan?
If your brownies stick, it could be due to not greasing the pan enough, or they might not have cooled completely before removing. Next time, consider using parchment paper to line the pan or make sure to grease it thoroughly. If they do stick, you can try gently using a spatula or butter knife to loosen the edges before lifting them out.
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Just ensure the blend you choose is suitable for baking and can replace regular flour in a 1:1 ratio for the best results!
How Long Can I Store Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
These sandwiches can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Just keep them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them sit out for a few minutes to soften a bit before slicing and serving.
