Brownie ice cream sandwiches are a tasty treat that everyone loves! Soft, gooey brownies hug a scoop of creamy ice cream, making each bite a perfect mix of chocolate and cold.
These sandwiches are fun to make and even more fun to eat! I like to use different flavors of ice cream to keep things interesting. You never know which combo will be a new favorite! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for better control over saltiness. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine or coconut oil as alternatives. I personally love the flavor the butter brings, so I usually stick with it.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard, but feel free to experiment with brown sugar for a richer taste and slightly moister brownies. Some even use coconut sugar for a healthier twist!
Eggs: These add structure to the brownies. If you’re vegan or allergic, you can substitute each egg with a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or 1/4 cup applesauce.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa for the right balance of sweetness. If unsweetened cocoa isn’t available, Dutch-processed cocoa is a good alternative, but remember it can alter the flavor slightly.
Chocolate Chips: These are optional, but I recommend using semi-sweet dark chocolate chips for that extra chocolatey goodness. If you want a lighter option, white chocolate chips or even butterscotch chips work well too!
Why is Mixing the Brownie Batter Important?
Mixing the brownie batter properly plays a vital role in its texture. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, while undermixing won’t integrate everything well. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Melt the butter over low heat. It prevents the sugar from crystallizing.
- Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until just combined—aim for a homogenous mixture without extra beating.
- When adding dry ingredients (cocoa, flour, etc.), mix until you can no longer see dry flour. Folding in chocolate chips should be gentle, so they don’t break down.
Remember, a few lumps in the batter are okay as this will help keep your brownies fudgy!
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 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:
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake the brownies. You’ll also need to freeze the ice cream sandwiches for at least 4 hours or overnight to make sure they are nice and firm. So, all together, plan for around 4.5 hours including freezing time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take an 8×8 inch baking pan and grease it lightly. Then, line it with parchment paper, making sure to have some paper hanging over the edges. This will help you lift the brownies out later!
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is fully combined. Then, whisk in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until it’s just mixed. If you’re using chocolate chips, gently fold them in now!
3. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and check with a toothpick – it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake! Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
4. Prepare Ice Cream Layer:
Once the brownies are completely cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift them out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Carefully slice the brownies in half horizontally to create two equal layers.
5. Add Ice Cream:
Place one half of the brownie layer back into the pan. Spread the softened vanilla ice cream evenly over this brownie layer. Gently place the other brownie layer on top, pressing down lightly so it sticks together nicely.
6. Freeze:
Cover the pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop it into the freezer. Let it freeze until the ice cream is firm, for at least 4 hours or even overnight if you can wait!
7. Slice and Serve:
When you’re ready to enjoy, remove the brownie ice cream sandwiches from the pan using the parchment paper. Slice them into rectangles or squares. You can serve them right away or keep them frozen until you’re ready to share. Enjoy your delicious brownie ice cream sandwiches!
Can I Use a Different Type of Ice Cream?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the vanilla ice cream with your favorite flavor. Chocolate, mint, cookie dough, or even fruity flavors can add a fun twist to your brownie ice cream sandwiches. Just ensure the ice cream is soften enough to spread easily.
What If My Brownies Are Too Gooey?
If your brownies turn out too gooey, it could be due to underbaking. Make sure to bake them until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. If they’re already cooled and too soft, consider putting them in the freezer for a short time to firm them up before adding the ice cream.
How Do I Store Leftover Sandwiches?
To store leftover brownie ice cream sandwiches, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the freezer to maintain their texture for up to a week. Just allow a few minutes at room temperature for easy slicing when you’re ready to serve!
Can I Add Mix-Ins to the Ice Cream?
Yes! You can customize your ice cream by swirling in mix-ins like crushed cookies, sprinkles, or chopped nuts before spreading it over the brownies. Just make sure to not overdo it—about 1/2 cup of mix-ins should be good for maintaining the right consistency.
