Imagine rich, fudgy brownies hugging creamy ice cream—yum! These Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are super fun and perfect for a warm day. Just bake the brownies and scoop in your favorite ice cream!
I can’t resist the ice cream oozing out when I take a big bite. It’s like a sweet, chocolatey surprise! Pair it with a chilled drink, and you’ve got the ultimate treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for control over salt levels. If you prefer, you can use coconut oil for a dairy-free version, or even margarine.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard, but you could substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Just keep in mind it might make your brownies a bit chewier.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for that rich chocolate flavor. If you can’t find it, you can use Dutch-process cocoa for a slightly different taste.
Eggs: Eggs provide structure. For a vegan option, you can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) or unsweetened applesauce.
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chocolate chips add a nice texture. If you want a healthier twist, try dark chocolate chips or even carob chips!
How Do I Get the Perfect Brownie Texture?
Achieving the right brownie texture can be tricky but is crucial for these sandwiches. Follow these steps to get that chewy and fudgy goodness:
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Start checking at 25 minutes. Remove them when they have moist crumbs for fudginess.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to cake-like brownies, which we don’t want.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps them set properly and stay together during assembly.
How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional)
For the Ice Cream Layer:
- 2 pints vanilla ice cream (or your preferred flavor)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
For Assembly:
- Additional chocolate chips for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. After preparing, you’ll need to allow for at least 2 hours in the freezer for everything to set. So, plan for a total of about 3 hours and 15 minutes, including cooling and freezing time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Brownies:
Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to make those brownies slide right out later. Then, in a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once it’s all melted, take it off the heat and stir in the sugar until it’s nicely combined. One by one, add the eggs, mixing well after each one, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Now, gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. If you’re feeling a little extra, fold in those chocolate chips! Pour your brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake it for about 25-30 minutes. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs when it’s done. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
2. Prepare the Ice Cream:
While your brownies are cooling, take out the vanilla ice cream and let it soften in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes until it’s nice and spreadable. If you want to level up your ice cream sandwich, mix in some chocolate chips into that softened ice cream!
3. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Once the brownies are totally cool, carefully lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice them in half lengthwise with a sharp knife. Now, place one half back into the pan or on a clean surface. Spread the softened ice cream evenly over this brownie layer, making it nice and thick. Take the other half of the brownie and place it on top, pressing down lightly to make sure it sticks.
4. Freeze the Sandwiches:
Cover your assembled brownie sandwich with plastic wrap and pop it in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until the ice cream is nice and firm. This will help everything hold together perfectly!
5. Cut and Serve:
When it’s time to eat, take your sandwich out of the freezer and let it sit for a few minutes to make cutting easier. Use a sharp knife to slice it into squares or rectangles. If you want to make them even prettier, roll the edges in some chocolate chips for a fun touch! Serve these delicious treats right away, or store them in an airtight container in the freezer until you’re ready to enjoy.
Enjoy your delicious Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter for the Brownies?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter, but keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor and texture. Make sure to use a stick margarine, as tub variations can contain more water, affecting the brownies’ consistency.
How Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
To make your brownies gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it has a binding agent, like xanthan gum, for the best results and similar texture.
Can I Use Different Ice Cream Flavors?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite ice cream flavors. Just be sure that the ice cream is softened enough to spread easily, and keep in mind that some flavors may pair better with chocolate brownies than others.
How to Store Leftover Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Store any leftover ice cream sandwiches in an airtight container in the freezer. They should stay fresh for about 1-2 weeks. Make sure to wrap them in plastic wrap if you want to keep them even longer!»
Enjoy your Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches!
