These Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a sweet delight! Soft, chewy brownies hug creamy ice cream in the middle, making them the perfect treat for any day.
Trust me, when you take a bite, the chocolate and ice cream combo is pure joy! I love putting them in the freezer for a bit to make them extra yummy. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter provides a rich flavor. If you’re in a jam, you can use salted butter but just skip adding additional salt in the recipe.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is essential for sweetness and texture. Brown sugar can be used in place of some granulated sugar for a deeper flavor.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is key to that chocolatey taste. If you’re in a pinch, you might substitute it with Dutch-process cocoa for a slightly different flavor.
Chocolate Chips: These are optional, but they add extra chocolate goodness. You can swap them with nuts or dried fruit if you’re looking for something different.
Ice Cream: Vanilla pairs well with the brownie chocolate. Feel free to use other flavors like mint chocolate chip or cookies and cream for a fun twist!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Brownie Texture?
Getting the right brownie texture is important for making these ice cream sandwiches delicious. Follow these tips for success:
- Mix the wet ingredients until well combined, but don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour. This keeps the brownies tender.
- Check the brownies early. Baking times can vary, so start checking around 25 minutes by inserting a toothpick. It should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool completely! Cutting into them while warm can lead to messy sandwiches.
How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
For the Ice Cream Filling:
- 1 quart vanilla ice cream (or flavor of your choice)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and bake the brownies, plus at least 2 hours to freeze the assembled sandwiches. So, set aside about 2 hours and 15 minutes total to enjoy this delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will help the brownies come out easily once baked!
2. Melt the Butter and Mix the Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter. You can do this in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat. Once it’s melted, stir in the granulated sugar until everything is well combined and nice and smooth.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, it’s time to add the eggs. Crack each egg one at a time into the bowl, mixing well after each one. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and give it a good stir to mix everything together.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This will ensure a nice even mix of dry ingredients before you combine them with the wet mix.
5. Mix Everything Together:
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until everything is just combined. If you’re using chocolate chips, gently fold them in now—this is an optional but delicious step!
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, stick a toothpick in the center—if it comes out mostly clean, they’re ready!
7. Cool and Slice:
Once the brownies are baked, let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. After they’ve cooled, carefully remove them from the pan (if you used parchment paper) and cut them in half horizontally.
8. Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
Take the bottom half of the brownies and spread a nice, even layer of ice cream over it. Then, place the top half of the brownies on top of the ice cream, creating a delicious sandwich!
9. Freeze and Enjoy:
Wrap each assembled sandwich in plastic wrap and put them in the freezer for at least 2 hours to firm up. Once they’re nice and solid, you can cut them into individual sandwiches, serve them right away, or keep them frozen until you’re ready to enjoy your sweet treat!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Yes! You can try substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free option. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, so you may need to experiment with the amount to achieve the desired thickness.
What Should I Do If My Brownies Are Too Fudgy?
If your brownies come out too fudgy for your liking, bake them a few minutes longer next time. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out with moist crumbs instead of wet batter, they’re ready!
How Can I Store Leftover Sandwiches?
Keep any leftover brownie ice cream sandwiches wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper if stacking to prevent them from sticking together!
Can I Use Different Ice Cream Flavors?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with flavors. Chocolate, mint chocolate chip, and cookies and cream all make great alternatives. Just ensure the ice cream is slightly softened for easier spreading.
