These brownie ice cream sandwiches are a dream come true! Soft, chewy brownies hug a scoop of your favorite ice cream, making each bite a delightful treat.
Honestly, what’s better than brownies and ice cream? If you’re feeling adventurous, add some sprinkles or chocolate sauce! I just love how easy they are to whip up for friends or family.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best since it allows you to control the salt content. If you’re short on butter, you can use margarine or coconut oil, but the texture might vary slightly.
Sugars: Both granulated and brown sugar enhance the sweetness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia, but this may change the texture and flavor.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate taste. Dutch cocoa is a great alternative if you prefer a milder flavor. Just adjust the baking powder if you switch types as Dutch cocoa is less acidic.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are my favorite, but milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips work too. For a vegan version, you can find dairy-free chocolate chips easily at most grocery stores.
Ice Cream: Vanilla is traditional, but you can have fun with flavors like mint chocolate chip or cookie dough! You can also make it dairy-free using sorbet or a plant-based ice cream.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Chewy Brownies?
The key to chewy brownies lies in the mixing and baking. It’s important not to overmix the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. Here’s how you can get that perfect brownie texture:
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined; lumps are okay.
- Don’t overbake! Keep an eye on the time. The toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting. This helps them set and improves their chewy texture.
How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Assembly:
- 1 quart vanilla ice cream (or flavor of choice)
- Optional: chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. You’ll need to freeze the assembled sandwiches for about 4 hours, so plan ahead! In total, you’ll be waiting a bit, but the results are worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper—this will help keep your brownies from sticking!
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 both the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Mix well until everything is nicely blended together.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time to the saucepan, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until everything is smooth and combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This will help make sure everything is evenly distributed in your brownie batter!
5. Mix It All Together:
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture from the saucepan. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until everything is combined. Now, gently stir in the chocolate chips for an extra chocolaty treat!
6. Bake the Brownies:
Spread the brownie batter evenly in your prepared baking pan. Bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remember, do not overbake!
7. Cool the Brownies:
Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is important so they hold together when you cut them!
8. Cut the Brownies:
After cooling, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut them in half to create a top and bottom layer for your ice cream sandwich.
9. Add the Ice Cream:
Spread a generous layer of softened vanilla ice cream over the bottom half of the brownies. This is the fun part—make sure to spread it evenly! Once you’ve added the ice cream, place the top half of the brownies back on.
10. Freeze the Sandwich:
Wrap your brownie sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. Let it freeze for at least 4 hours until the ice cream is nice and firm.
11. Cut and Serve:
After freezing, take your sandwich out and cut it into individual squares. Now you have delightful brownie ice cream sandwiches ready to eat!
12. Optional Garnish:
If you’d like, you can roll the edges in chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips for an extra touch of goodness.
13. Enjoy:
Serve right away or store in an airtight container in the freezer until you’re ready to enjoy them. Happy eating!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Yes! You can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour. If using gluten-free flour, be sure to choose a blend designed for baking to maintain texture. Just keep in mind that it may slightly change the flavor and texture of the brownies.
What If I Don’t Have Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips?
No worries! You can use dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even chopped chocolate bars instead. Each will give a slightly different taste, so choose according to your preference. You can also use white chocolate chips for a unique flavor twist!
How to Store Leftover Sandwiches?
Leftover brownie ice cream sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. Make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap before placing them in the container to prevent freezer burn.
Can I Make These Sandwiches Without Gluten?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make gluten-free brownies. Just ensure that your other ingredients, like baking powder and chocolate chips, are also gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
