Brownie ice cream sandwiches are a tasty treat that combines rich chocolate brownies with creamy ice cream. It’s the perfect mix of soft and cool in each bite!
Who can resist gooey brownies holding a scoop of their favorite ice cream? I love making these for warm days when I need a sweet break. Plus, they’re super fun to share! 🍦😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is the base for melting into your brownie batter. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works best for the sweetness and texture. For a healthier option, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar alternative like monk fruit sweetener, but adjust the amount based on sweetness level.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder brings rich chocolate flavor. If you’re out of cocoa powder, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa for a slightly different taste, or even melted chocolate (just adjust the fat content).
Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is classic, but try swapping it for flavors like cookies and cream or mint chocolate chip, depending on your mood. Sorbet or dairy-free ice cream work for a lighter, non-dairy choice.
Optional Chocolate Chips: These add extra chocolatey goodness! If you prefer, you can leave them out or substitute with nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy twist.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Baked Brownies?
The baking stage is key for chewy, delicious brownies. Follow these tips for great results:
- Preheat your oven fully before you put in the brownies. A steady temperature ensures even baking.
- When mixing the dry ingredients, don’t overmix! Just combine until you see no dry flour. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
- Use a toothpick to check for doneness; you want it to come out with a little moisture but no raw batter.
- Let your brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting. This makes them easier to handle and helps them set.
Enjoy experimenting and making these delightful sandwiches your own! The brownies are like a delicious hug for your ice cream in every bite.
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 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
For the Ice Cream Filling:
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor)
Garnish (optional):
- Chocolate chips or sprinkles for additional decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy treat takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll need some time to let your brownies cool and freeze the sandwiches, which adds about 1 hour. So, overall, plan for about 2 hours before you dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy brownie removal later. You got this!
2. Prepare the Brownie Batter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and well combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients:
Next, mix in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir gently until everything is just combined. If you want some extra chocolate goodness, fold in the optional chocolate chips after that. Yum!
4. Bake the Brownies:
Pour your brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Use a toothpick to check! It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Once the brownies are completely cool, carefully remove them from the pan. Cut them into rectangles—feel free to decide on your preferred size for your sandwiches!
6. Add Ice Cream:
Now it’s time to make those delicious sandwiches! Take one brownie piece and add a scoop of ice cream on top. Top it with another brownie piece and press down gently to make it a sandwich. You want that ice cream to stay put!
7. Freeze:
Place your assembled sandwiches on a tray lined with parchment paper. If you like, sprinkle some extra chocolate chips or sprinkles on top for decoration. Then, stick the tray in the freezer for at least 1 hour so they can set nicely.
8. Serve:
Once the sandwiches are frozen and set, they are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them right away or for later, wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap. Happy snacking!
Enjoy your delicious Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches!
Can I Use a Different Type of Ice Cream?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the vanilla ice cream for any flavor you love, like chocolate, mint, or even cookie dough. Just keep in mind that some flavors might pair better with chocolate brownies than others.
What Should I Do If My Brownies Are Too Gooey?
If your brownies are underbaked and too gooey, simply return them to the oven for a few more minutes—around 5 minutes should do the trick! Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. They should be set on the edges but still soft in the center.
How to Store Leftover Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
To store leftovers, wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can stay in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure to let them sit out for a couple of minutes to soften slightly before enjoying them!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s meant for baking. Make sure to also double-check the labels of your other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free!
