These Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a fun treat! Soft, chocolatey brownies hug creamy ice cream, making each bite a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
Who can resist a gooey brownie with ice cream? I like to let them sit for a bit to get nice and melty. It’s the perfect combo for hot days — or anytime, really!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This adds rich flavor and moisture to brownies. If you’re out of unsalted butter, feel free to use salted butter. Just skip adding extra salt in the recipe.
Granulated Sugar: Traditional granulated sugar gives sweetness and structure. Brown sugar can work well too, making the brownies a bit chewier with a slight caramel flavor.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for that deep chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa is a great alternative for a smoother taste, just note it may result in a lighter brownie.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly, but you can switch it for other flavors like chocolate, mint, or even coffee for a fun twist. Sorbet is a great option for a dairy-free treat!
Chocolate Chips: Optional but recommended! They add a delicious gooeyness. You can also opt for white chocolate or any chopped nuts for a different texture.
How Do You Achieve Perfect Brownies?
Brownies can be tricky, but following a few steps makes all the difference. Start with careful mixing and baking. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use room-temperature ingredients for better mixing, especially eggs and butter.
- Don’t overmix your batter once you add flour; just stir until combined for fudgy brownies.
- Keep an eye on baking time. Check a few minutes before the timer goes off; they should be moist but not raw.
After cooling, cutting the brownies well is key for neat sandwiches. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for nice edges.
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
For the Ice Cream Layer:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream (softened slightly)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prep, plus 20-25 minutes for baking, and then 2 hours in the freezer to let those yummy sandwiches firm up. Perfect for a tasty treat whenever you want!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×9-inch baking pan and either grease it or line it with parchment paper. This will help you remove the brownies easily later on.
2. Prepare the Brownie Batter:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. After it’s melted, mix in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir these ingredients together until everything is well combined—nice and smooth!
3. Add Dry Ingredients:
Now, stir in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix until your batter is smooth and there are no lumps—this is the magic that will make your brownies delicious!
4. Bake the Brownies:
Pour your brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Now, pop it into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
5. Cool the Brownies:
Once the brownies are done, let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Patience is key; we want them nice and cool before moving on!
6. Slice the Brownies:
When the brownies are cool, carefully remove them from the pan and slice them into rectangles. You can make them any size you’d like for your sandwiches!
7. Add the Ice Cream:
Take half of the brownie pieces and spread a generous layer of softened vanilla ice cream on top of them. If you’re feeling extra special, sprinkle some chocolate chips over the ice cream for added delight.
8. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Place the other brownie pieces on top of the ice cream, creating your sandwiches. Gently press down so the ice cream sticks nicely to the brownies.
9. Freeze Your Treats:
Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap and put them in the freezer for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial for the best texture—we want that ice cream nice and firm!
10. Enjoy!
Once the sandwiches are frozen, it’s time for the fun part! Unwrap them and dive into your delicious brownie ice cream sandwiches. Enjoy these sweet treats anytime you need a little happiness!
Can I Use Different Types of Ice Cream?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of ice cream to match your taste. Chocolate, mint, or cookies and cream would all be delicious options. Just make sure the ice cream is slightly softened for easy spreading!
How to Store Leftover Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Wrap leftover sandwiches individually 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 minute before eating for the best texture!
Can I Make the Brownies Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake and cool the brownies up to 1 day in advance. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just be sure to assemble the sandwiches on the same day you add the ice cream for the best texture and taste.
What if My Brownies Are Too Cake-Like?
If your brownies turn out too cake-like, they might have been overbaked or mixed too much. To maintain a fudgy texture, aim to bake them just until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs — this usually means baking no longer than 25 minutes. Enjoy those fudgy layers in your sandwiches!
