These Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are the perfect sweet treat! With chewy chocolate brownies hugging creamy ice cream, they are sure to please everyone.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a little chocolate paired with ice cream? On hot days, I love taking these out to impress my friends. They always ask for seconds! 😄
Making these is a blast! Just bake the brownies, scoop the ice cream in the middle, and press them together. Super simple and so tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This gives rich flavor to the brownies. You can use salted butter if that’s what you have, just reduce the added salt slightly.
Granulated Sugar: The sugar helps create a chewy texture. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia, but it might change the texture a bit.
Eggs: Eggs add moisture and help bind the brownies. For a vegan option, try using flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) or applesauce.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is key for that rich chocolate taste. If you’re out, you can substitute with Dutch-process cocoa for a different flavor, but avoid sweetened cocoa.
Chocolate Chips: I love adding semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra melting chocolate goodness. You can use dark chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips if you prefer a different taste.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Vanilla is classic, but feel free to use any flavor you fancy! Chocolate or mint chocolate chip can offer a fun twist.
How Can I Ensure My Brownies Come Out Perfectly Moist?
The key to moist brownies lies in the baking time and technique. Overbaking can lead to dry brownies, so keep an eye on them. Use these tips for the best results:
- Preheat your oven properly to ensure even cooking.
- Check for doneness at 25 minutes; a toothpick should come out with moist crumbs.
- Make sure to cool them completely before cutting; this helps them set perfectly.
Enjoy making your brownies, and don’t forget to allow them to cool completely—this is crucial for that perfect texture!
How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
For the Ice Cream Filling:
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream (or any ice cream of your choice)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, you’ll let the brownies cool completely, which takes about 30 minutes. If you choose to freeze the sandwiches, adding another 30 minutes for that. So, in total, you’re looking at roughly 1.5 to 2 hours before you can enjoy your delicious dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it lightly. Then, line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving some hanging over the edges. This will help you lift the brownies out later!
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s melted and all gooey, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and shiny.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract, and get ready for the dry ingredients!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Don’t over mix; it’s okay if a few lumps are left!
5. Add Chocolate Chips:
Time for the fun part! Fold in the chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the brownie batter. That extra chocolate makes everything better!
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
7. Cool Down:
Once the brownies are baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will help them firm up nicely.
8. Cut the Brownies:
When the brownies are fully cooled, lift them out of the pan using the overhanging parchment paper. Cut them into rectangles that match the size of the ice cream scoops you want to use for each sandwich.
9. Create Your Sandwiches:
Take one brownie piece and scoop a generous amount of ice cream onto it. Then, gently place another brownie piece on top to create a sandwich. Press down a little to help it stick together.
10. Enjoy or Freeze:
Repeat the process for all remaining brownies and ice cream. You can dig in immediately, or if you prefer a firmer sandwich, place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
11. Store Leftovers:
Enjoy your delicious brownie ice cream sandwiches! If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in the freezer in an airtight container.
Can I Use Different Types of Ice Cream?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any flavor of ice cream you love—chocolate, mint, or even caramel would be delicious with these brownies. Just make sure the ice cream is slightly softened for easier scooping!
What Can I Use Instead of Unsalted Butter?
If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter instead. Just reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon to maintain the flavor balance. You could also substitute with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option!
How Do I Store Leftover Sandwiches?
Store any leftover brownie ice cream sandwiches in an airtight container in the freezer. They’ll keep well for about a week, but they’re best when enjoyed fresh. If freezing for a longer period, wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
Can I Make Brownies Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The brownie layer can be made a day in advance. Just bake and cool it as instructed, then store it tightly covered at room temperature. When you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches, you can slice and add the ice cream as directed!
