These Easy Homemade Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a fun treat everyone will love! Soft brownie cookies filled with creamy ice cream create a perfect sweet bite.
Making these is a fun activity, especially when you get to choose your favorite ice cream! I always grab a little extra brownie to snack on while making them. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This adds rich moisture to your brownies. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a non-dairy butter substitute. It works well and gives a slightly different flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar gives the right sweetness. Feel free to swap with brown sugar for a deeper taste and chewiness in the brownies.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is essential for that chocolatey flavor. You can also use Dutch-process cocoa for a smooth taste but adjust the baking powder to match.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Vanilla is classic, but you could use any flavor you like! Mint chocolate chip or cookies and cream can bring a fun twist. Non-dairy ice creams are great substitutes too.
How Do I Achieve Soft and Chewy Brownies?
The key to soft, chewy brownies lies in how you mix your ingredients and the baking time. Follow these tips for perfect brownies:
- Melt the butter, then mix in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Briefly mix in dry ingredients—just until combined. Over-mixing will make them tougher.
- Be careful not to over-bake! Check them around 20 minutes; they should still be slightly under-baked for that fudgy texture.
Easy Homemade 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 Filling:
- 1 quart (4 cups) vanilla ice cream, softened
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chocolate chunks (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes for preparation and baking, plus an additional 4 hours for freezing. So, in total, set aside around 4 hours and 30 minutes before you’re ready to dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some extra on the sides—this will make it easier to lift the brownies out later.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan or microwave. Once melted, stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until mixed together smoothly. Then, add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, and mix until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix!
3. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with some moist crumbs but no raw batter.
4. Cool and Slice:
After baking, take the brownies out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once they’re cool, gently lift them out using the parchment paper and slice them in half horizontally to create two layers.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Spread the softened vanilla ice cream evenly over the bottom layer of brownies. If you want, sprinkle some chocolate chips or chunks on top of the ice cream for added yumminess! Place the second brownie layer on top and press gently to make it an even sandwich.
6. Freeze and Serve:
Wrap your brownie ice cream sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours until it’s firm. When you’re ready to serve, carefully slice into individual portions using a sharp knife. Enjoy your delicious homemade brownie ice cream sandwiches!
Store any leftovers in the freezer, wrapped tightly for freshness. Enjoy every chocolaty bite! 🍦🍫
FAQ for Easy Homemade Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Ice Cream?
Absolutely! While vanilla is classic, you can choose any flavor you like, such as chocolate, strawberry, or mint chocolate chip. Just make sure the ice cream is softened for easy spreading!
How Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
You can easily make these brownies gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
What Should I Do If My Brownies Are Sticking to the Pan?
If your brownies are sticking, it’s likely due to not greasing the pan well or not using enough parchment paper. Make sure to line the pan generously and grease the parchment lightly for an easy lift!
How to Store Leftover Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap in the freezer. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks, but trust me; they won’t last that long!
