Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a fun and sweet treat that everyone loves! Picture rich, chocolaty brownies hugging creamy ice cream in between—yummy!
These sandwiches are great for a hot day or a cozy movie night. I love to mix and match flavors, like chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream. It’s simply a joy to bite into!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter is perfect for controlling the salt level in your brownies. If you’re out, you can use salted butter, just skip any added salt in the recipe.
Granulated Sugar: Regular granulated sugar gives the brownies their sweetness. You can substitute half of it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor and extra moisture.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is key for that rich chocolate flavor. If you can’t find cocoa powder, carob powder can be a nice alternative, though the flavor will be different.
Chocolate Chips: Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips based on your preference. You can also swap them for white chocolate chips or even peanut butter chips for fun variations!
Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is classic, but feel free to use any flavor you love. Chocolate or cookies & cream would also work well. For a lighter option, try a frozen yogurt.
How Do I Make the Perfect Brownie Batter?
The secret to great brownie batter is in the mixing! After melting the butter, combine it with sugar, eggs, and vanilla completely before adding the dry ingredients. This ensures a smooth batter.
- Melt butter over medium heat, then remove from heat for mixing.
- Mix sugar, eggs, and vanilla thoroughly—this creates a nice fluffy texture!
- Whisk dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, salt, baking powder) separately before adding them gradually to the wet mix.
- Don’t over-stir! Mix just until you see no dry flour to keep brownies fudgy.
How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Layer:
- 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 chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
For the Ice Cream:
- 1 quart vanilla ice cream (softened)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional for mix-in)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll need at least 4 hours to freeze the sandwiches. So, plan for a fun afternoon making these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brownie Layer:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the sides. This will help you lift the brownies out later.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, take it off the heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well mixed. In another bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet mixture and stir until just combined. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey taste!
3. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. When done, remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
4. Prepare the Ice Cream Layer:
While the brownies are cooling, soften the vanilla ice cream in a bowl at room temperature. If you want an extra treat, you can fold in some chocolate chips for added crunch and flavor.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Once the brownies are completely cool, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut the brownies in half horizontally to create two equal layers. Take one layer and spread a generous amount of softened ice cream on top. Place the second brownie layer on top of the ice cream, pressing down gently to create a sandwich.
6. Freeze:
Wrap the brownie ice cream sandwich tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream is completely solid.
7. Slice and Serve:
Once frozen, take the sandwich out and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. Use a sharp knife to cut it into rectangular sandwiches. Enjoy them right away or keep them stored in the freezer for a later treat!
Enjoy your delicious Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches!
Can I Use A Different Type of Ice Cream?
Absolutely! While vanilla is classic, feel free to use any flavor you like—chocolate, mint chocolate chip, or cookies and cream all make fantastic substitutes. Just ensure the ice cream is softened before spreading it over the brownies for easy assembly.
How Do I Store Leftover Ice Cream Sandwiches?
To store your leftover brownie ice cream sandwiches, wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 weeks, but they’re best enjoyed within the first week for optimal texture!
Can I Make the Brownies Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can bake the brownies a day or two in advance. Just let them cool completely before wrapping them in plastic wrap and storing them at room temperature. When you’re ready to assemble, just soften the ice cream and proceed with the recipe!
What If My Brownies Are Too Soft to Cut?
If your brownies are too soft to cut, it’s probably because they need to cool longer. Let them sit at room temperature until firm. If they’re still too gooey, you can also place the pan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to speed up the cooling process before assembling the sandwiches.
