Brownie ice cream sandwiches are a delicious treat that combines rich, fudgy brownies with creamy ice cream. They are perfect for satisfying sweet cravings on warm days!
Enjoying these is a fun and messy adventure! Just take two brownies, add your favorite ice cream in the middle, and crush it all together. Messy hands mean happy hearts! 😊
I love using different ice cream flavors to switch things up. It’s so easy to make, and you can even freeze them for later—perfect for surprise guests or midnight snacks!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to the brownies. If you only have salted butter, you can use it, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.
Granulated Sugar: This is key for sweetness and texture. For a lower glycemic index option, you could use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia, adjusting the amount according to package instructions.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa provides the chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa gives a smoother taste, if you prefer that. In a pinch, you can use carob powder as a caffeine-free alternative.
Vanilla Ice Cream: While vanilla is a classic choice, other ice cream flavors like chocolate, mint, or coffee can really jazz things up. Make it dairy-free by using coconut or almond-based ice cream instead!
How Do You Ensure Your Brownies Are Not Overbaked?
Overbaking can lead to dry brownies, which is not what we want! The key is to keep a close eye on the baking time. To check for doneness:
- Start checking the brownies a few minutes before the 20-minute mark.
- Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- If it comes out clean, the brownies are likely overbaked.
Let them cool completely in the pan; this also helps them firm up nicely for slicing!
How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 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
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
For the Ice Cream:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream (softened slightly for easy spreading)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat takes around 15 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes to bake. Plus, don’t forget to chill for at least 2 hours before serving. In total, you’re looking at about 2 hours and 40 minutes from start to finish, but most of that time is just waiting for it to chill!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the edges. This will help you lift out the brownies later.
2. Prepare the Brownie Batter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually mix this dry ingredient blend into your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. If you want a chocolatey boost, fold in the chocolate chips here!
4. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it into an even layer. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it! A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
5. Prepare the Ice Cream Layer:
Once your brownies are cool, take the softened vanilla ice cream and spread it evenly over the brownie layer. Use a spatula to smooth it out nicely.
6. Chill:
Cover the ice cream layer with plastic wrap and pop the pan in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until the ice cream is fully set and firm.
7. Cut and Serve:
After the ice cream has set, carefully lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut them into squares or rectangles. You want each sandwich to have a nice balance of brownie and ice cream.
8. Enjoy:
Serve your brownie ice cream sandwiches right away or wrap each one in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for a tasty treat later on. Get creative by using different ice cream flavors or adding fun toppings! Enjoy your sweet creations!
Can I Use Different Types of Ice Cream?
Absolutely! You can use any flavor of ice cream you like, such as chocolate, mint, or cookie dough. Just make sure the ice cream is slightly softened for easy spreading. If you’re using a hard ice cream, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before spreading.
How to Store Leftover Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the freezer. If you’ve individually wrapped them in plastic wrap, you can stack them in a container. They’ll remain fresh for up to 2 weeks in the freezer, but trust me, they’ll probably be gone long before then!
Can I Make the Brownies Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake the brownies a day in advance. After they cool completely, store them wrapped at room temperature. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to assemble, simply spread the ice cream and freeze as directed.
What If My Brownies Are Too Fudgy?
If your brownies come out too fudgy and you prefer a cake-like texture, next time try baking them a minute or two longer. Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on them starting at the 20-minute mark and do the toothpick test to check for doneness!
