These Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a fun treat! Imagine thick, fudgy brownies hugging creamy ice cream in the middle. It’s like a slice of happiness!
Making these is as easy as it gets! I love picking my favorite ice cream flavors to tuck between the brownies. It’s the perfect way to turn a hot day into a cool delight! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to the brownies. If you only have salted butter, just skip the added salt. I’ve found that using good quality butter can really elevate the flavor.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is best for this recipe to create that sweet and chewy texture. You could use brown sugar for more moisture and a deeper flavor, but it may slightly change the brownie texture.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the brownies their chocolatey flavor. If you’re running low, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa for a slightly milder taste.
Ice Cream: Vanilla works great, but don’t hesitate to use chocolate, mint, or any of your favorites. You can even make it dairy-free with coconut or almond milk ice cream!
Chocolate Chips: These are optional, but they add extra chocolatey goodness! If you prefer a different texture, try chopped nuts or even dried fruit for a fun twist.
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Don’t Turn Out Dry?
To keep your brownies fudgy and moist, pay attention to baking time. Start checking for doneness at the 20-minute mark. You want a toothpick to come out with a few moist crumbs, not clean. Also, cooling them completely in the pan helps them firm up without drying out.
- Preheat your oven properly to ensure even baking.
- Use low heat to melt the butter and combine ingredients without overmixing.
- Let brownies cool thoroughly before adding ice cream to avoid melting!
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 Layer:
- 2 cups of your favorite ice cream (vanilla is commonly used)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or cookie pieces for mix-ins (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 20-25 minutes of baking time. You’ll need to let the brownies cool completely (about 30 minutes), and then another 2-3 hours to chill the assembled ice cream sandwiches in the freezer. So, set aside a few hours to enjoy these delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang. This will help you lift the brownies out later.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth. Now, add cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir just until combined; avoid overmixing. If you want extra chocolatey goodness, fold in the chocolate chips!
3. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. To check if they’re ready, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re perfect! Let the brownies cool completely in the pan afterward.
4. Prepare the Ice Cream Layer:
Once cool, carefully lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. If the top of the brownies is domed, trim it with a knife to make it level. Now, spread your favorite ice cream evenly over the brownies. For a fun twist, you can sprinkle some chocolate chips or cookie pieces on top of the ice cream before adding another brownie layer.
5. Add the Top Layer:
Take another batch of cooled brownies (you can use the same recipe to make a second batch or cut up the first batch) and place it on top of the ice cream layer. Gently press down to make it compact.
6. Freeze:
Now it’s time to freeze! Place the assembled brownie ice cream sandwiches in the freezer for at least 2-3 hours or until they are nice and firm.
7. Slice and Serve:
Once frozen, remove the sandwiches from the freezer. Slice them into squares or rectangles, and you’re ready to enjoy these rich and creamy treats! Dive in immediately and savor every delicious bite!
Enjoy your brownie ice cream sandwiches and indulge in the delightful mix of chewy brownies and creamy ice cream!
Can I Use Brownie Mix Instead of Making Brownies from Scratch?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use a boxed brownie mix according to the instructions. Just make sure to bake it in the same 8×8 inch pan and let it cool completely before adding the ice cream layer.
What Ice Cream Flavors Work Best for This Recipe?
While vanilla is a classic choice, feel free to get creative! Chocolate, mint chocolate chip, or cookie dough flavors also work wonderfully. Just keep in mind that the flavor should complement the rich chocolate taste of the brownies.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Store leftover sandwich squares in an airtight container in the freezer. They’ll keep well for up to a week. Just make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins to the Ice Cream Layer?
Definitely! Feel free to include crushed cookies, candy pieces, or even nuts to add extra texture and flavor. Just limit the mix-ins to about 1/2 cup total for the best results!
