Brownie ice cream sandwiches are the perfect treat for a hot day! They’re made with rich, fudgy brownies that hold creamy ice cream in between. Yum!
I love that I can customize them with my favorite ice cream flavor. Plus, is there anything better than biting into chocolatey goodness? I think not! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to the brownies. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine or coconut oil as a substitute, though the taste may vary slightly.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: Both sugars contribute to the texture and flavor. You can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier option. Use more brown sugar if you want a richer taste!
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder provides the chocolate flavor. If you don’t have any, use Dutch-process cocoa for a deeper taste. Carob powder can be an alternative for a caffeine-free option.
Eggs: These bind the brownies together. If you’re vegan or allergic, try using flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) or applesauce (1/4 cup) as a substitute.
Chocolate Chips: These are optional but add extra chocolate goodness. Feel free to swap with chunks of your favorite chocolate or even a mix of nuts for a different crunch.
Ice Cream: You can choose any flavor, but I love classic vanilla for the contrast against the rich brownie. Dairy-free or gelato versions are great if you’re following a special diet!
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Turn Out Soft and Chewy?
The secret to delicious brownies is in the mixing and baking time. Properly mixing the ingredients helps create the right texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix your wet ingredients until nicely blended, but don’t over-mix them once you add the dry ingredients. Just combine until you don’t see dry flour.
- Be mindful of baking time—start checking for doneness at the 25-minute mark. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not clean, to ensure they stay chewy.
- Let them cool completely before cutting, as they will firm up a bit more as they cool.
These steps will help you achieve that perfect softness in your brownies, making your ice cream sandwiches a real treat!
How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
For the Ice Cream Filling:
- 2 pints of your favorite ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, or any flavor of your choice)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, you’ll need time for the brownies to cool completely, plus an additional 1-2 hours in the freezer for the sandwiches to set. Total time is about 2 hours and 30 minutes, including cooling time, but the actual hands-on work is quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brownie Batter:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting some paper hang over the edges to help when you take the brownies out later. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s nice and smooth. Then, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until it’s all combined.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This helps to make sure there are no lumps and your brownies will be super smooth. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into your wet ingredients using a spatula or a wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until they are combined. If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them in now too!
3. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Don’t overbake them, or they could get too dry!
4. Cool and Cut the Brownies:
Once the brownies are done baking, let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. When they’re cool, carefully lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper as handles. Now it’s time to cut the brownies into rectangles or squares, depending on how big you want your ice cream sandwiches to be.
5. Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
Now for the fun part! Scoop your ice cream into a bowl and let it soften a bit so it’s easier to work with. Take one brownie and place it on a plate or clean surface. Scoop a generous amount of ice cream onto it, then place another brownie on top to create your sandwich. Gently press the top brownie down to secure the ice cream. Repeat this with the rest of the brownies and ice cream.
6. Freeze and Enjoy:
Place all the completed brownie ice cream sandwiches on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer for at least 1-2 hours so the ice cream can firm up again. Once they’re ready, serve them chilled, and enjoy your delicious brownie ice cream sandwiches!
Can I Use Different Types of Sugar in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier option, but keep in mind that it may slightly change the flavor. Granulated sugar can also be replaced with a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit, but make sure to check the conversion rates on the packaging!
What If My Brownies Are Too Gooey After Baking?
If your brownies are underbaked, return them to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Remember to let them cool completely before cutting, as they will continue to firm up as they cool!
How Do I Store Leftover Ice Cream Sandwiches?
These ice cream sandwiches store best in the freezer! Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for about 1-2 weeks, but they are best enjoyed within a few days for optimal texture and flavor.
Can I Add Mix-Ins to My Brownie Batter?
Definitely! You can customize your brownies by adding nuts, caramel swirl, or even mini marshmallows along with the chocolate chips. Just be sure not to overload the batter, as it can affect the baking time and texture. About 1 cup total of mix-ins works great!
