Brownie ice cream sandwiches are a fun treat! They feature rich, chewy brownies filled with creamy ice cream. Perfect for warm days or any time you want a sweet snack!
Who can resist biting into these yummy sandwiches? I love picking my favorite ice cream flavor to make them extra special. Trust me, they’re a crowd-pleaser for sure! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is key for rich flavor in brownies. If you run out, you can substitute with an equal amount of coconut oil or vegetable oil, but the texture might be a bit different. I prefer using unsalted butter to control the saltiness.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar gives sweetness and moisture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute with coconut sugar or brown sugar to add a bit of caramel flavor. Brown sugar will also keep the brownies extra moist!
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is crucial for that deep chocolate taste. If you can’t find it, Dutch-processed cocoa can work too, but the flavor will be less intense. In a pinch, chocolate syrup could be added, but reduce the sugar in the recipe.
Eggs: Eggs provide moisture and binding. If you need an egg substitute, try using unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) or flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water for one egg). However, this change might slightly affect the texture.
Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with brownies, but feel free to use any flavor you love. For a dairy-free option, try coconut or almond milk ice cream. You can even fold in fruits for a unique twist!
How Do You Get the Perfect Brownie Texture?
Getting that perfect brownie texture can be tricky, but focusing on mixing and baking will help. Always mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) – a must for even baking.
- Control your baking time! Remove the brownies when a toothpick has a few moist crumbs. Overbaking makes them dry.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan; this helps set their texture and makes cutting easier.
How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (85g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup (175g) chocolate chips (optional)
For the Ice Cream Layer:
- 1 quart (4 cups) vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor)
- 1/2 cup (90g) mini chocolate chips (optional, for mixing into ice cream)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and bake the brownies, plus an additional 2 hours to freeze the ice cream layer until firm. So all together, you’re looking at about 2 hours and 30 minutes before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brownies:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan, grease it well, and line it with parchment paper, leaving a bit hanging over the sides for easy removal later. In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Next, add your eggs one by one, mixing well after each. Then stir in the vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. If you want, fold in chocolate chips. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Prepare the Ice Cream Layer:
While those yummy brownies are cooling, it’s time for the ice cream! Let the ice cream sit out for about 10-15 minutes until it softens a bit. If you’re using mini chocolate chips, fold them into the softened ice cream. Once the brownies are cool, spread the ice cream evenly over the brownies in the pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Now, pop the pan into the freezer for about 2 hours, until the ice cream is nice and firm.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Once the ice cream is firm, carefully lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut the brownie-ice cream block into squares or rectangles—whatever size fits your fancy! To make delicious sandwiches, take one brownie piece, place it on the bottom, add a scoop of the ice cream, and top it with another brownie piece. Press down gently to make the sandwich stick together.
4. Serve:
Your brownie ice cream sandwiches are ready to enjoy! You can dig in right away, or you can wrap them individually in plastic wrap and pop them back in the freezer for later. Either way, these treats are a delightful combination of rich brownie and creamy ice cream you won’t want to miss!
Can I Use a Different Type of Ice Cream?
Absolutely! While vanilla is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other flavors like chocolate, mint, or cookies and cream. Just make sure the ice cream is soft enough to spread easily over the brownies. You might need to let it sit at room temperature a bit longer for thicker ice creams.
How Can I Make Gluten-Free Brownies?
If you want to make these brownies gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend you choose includes a xanthan gum or similar ingredient for proper texture. Additionally, check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How to Store Leftover Sandwiches?
Wrap leftover brownie ice cream sandwiches individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Just allow them to sit for a couple of minutes at room temperature before enjoying to soften slightly!
Can I Make Brownies in Advance?
Yes, you can make the brownies a day or two ahead of time! Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Then, just add the ice cream layer before serving for a delicious treat that’s ready to go!
