These Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a fun treat! Imagine rich, chocolatey brownies holding creamy ice cream in the middle. Yum!
They’re perfect for hot days or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up. I love picking out my favorite ice cream flavor for these—it’s like a party in my mouth! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for this recipe, allowing you to control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute it with a non-dairy butter or coconut oil to get a similar texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives the brownies their sweetness and structure. For a healthier option, try using coconut sugar or brown sugar for a deeper flavor, but be aware this might change the texture slightly.
Eggs: Eggs add moisture and richness to the brownies. If you’re vegan or allergic, you can replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or applesauce.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for that rich chocolate flavor. If you want a different taste, you can use carob powder, but it will have a unique flavor. Just remember to adjust for sweetness!
Ice Cream: Vanilla or chocolate ice cream are classic choices. Experiment with flavors like mint chocolate chip or coffee for a twist! Dairy-free ice creams are also available for those with dietary restrictions.
How Do I Prevent Overmixing the Batter?
Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, so it’s important to mix just enough. Here’s how to do it right:
- When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until you see no more flour streaks. It’s okay if there are small lumps.
- Use a spatula instead of a mixer to gently fold in the dry ingredients for better control.
- Don’t worry about the batter being perfectly smooth; small lumps are normal and will bake out perfectly.
Following these steps will help create delightfully fudgy brownies that are perfect for your ice cream sandwiches!
How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the Ice Cream Filling:
- 2 cups of your favorite ice cream (vanilla or chocolate)
For Optional Garnish:
- Chocolate chips for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare the brownies and about 30 minutes to assemble the sandwiches. You’ll need to let the brownies cool completely (around 30-60 minutes) and freeze the sandwiches for at least 2-4 hours. In total, you should plan for about 3-4 hours to have yummy brownie ice cream sandwiches ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bake the Brownies:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This will help you remove the brownies easily later on. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, take it off the heat, and stir in the sugar and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
2. Mix in the Eggs and Dry Ingredients:
Next, add the eggs one at a time into your butter-sugar mixture. Mix well after each egg until everything is smooth. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Remember, don’t overmix!
3. Bake and Cool the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. When done, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
4. Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
After the brownies have fully cooled, remove them from the pan. Cut the brownies in half lengthwise to create two equal rectangles. Scoop your favorite ice cream and spread it on top of one brownie half, reaching all the way to the edges. Then, place the second half of the brownie on top of the ice cream and press down gently to create a sandwich.
5. Freeze and Serve:
If you’d like, you can sprinkle some chocolate chips on top of the sandwich for extra flavor. Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and freeze it for at least 2-4 hours until the ice cream is firm. When you’re ready, cut the sandwiches into squares or rectangles. Enjoy them right away, or keep them in the freezer for a delightful treat anytime you want!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sugar?
Yes! While granulated sugar gives the best texture, you can substitute with brown sugar for a richer flavor, or coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option. Just keep in mind that brown sugar may make the brownies a bit chewier!
How Do I Store Leftover Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Store them in an airtight container in the freezer. They will keep well for about 2-3 weeks. Be sure to separate each sandwich with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This will create a similar texture, ensuring you still enjoy delicious brownies without gluten.
What Ice Cream Flavors Work Best?
Vanilla and chocolate are classic choices, but feel free to get creative! Mint chocolate chip, cookies and cream, or even strawberry can add a fun twist. Just ensure the flavor complements the chocolatey brownies!
