These Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a sweet treat that everyone loves! Soft, fudgy brownies filled with your favorite ice cream make a perfect dessert.
Just imagine biting into a cool, creamy center sandwiched between two rich brownies. I sometimes switch it up with different ice cream flavors! Yum! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This gives a rich flavor to your brownies. If you’re out, you can use margarine, or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Both will work well, though the taste may vary slightly.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is perfect for depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use Dutch-process cocoa for a smoother taste. However, avoid sweetened cocoa, as it will alter the brownie texture.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar creates a nice balance with the bitterness of cocoa. Brown sugar can be used too for a chewier texture and a hint of caramel flavor.
Ice Cream: Vanilla is a classic choice. However, you can swap it for chocolate, mint, or any other flavor you love! Dairy-free ice creams are great if you’re looking for vegan options.
How Can I Successfully Prepare These Brownies Without Overbaking?
Overbaking brownies is a common challenge, but there are tips to keep yours fudgy and delicious. The key here is to watch the baking time closely!
- Set a timer for 20 minutes, then check for doneness using a toothpick.
- Insert the toothpick into the center. It’s done when it comes out with a few moist crumbs, not clean. This indicates gooey, soft brownies.
- Let your brownies cool completely in the pan. This helps them firm up as they set.
Patience here pays off, so don’t rush the cooling time! The end result will be perfectly fudgy brownies ready for that ice cream sandwich.
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 Filling:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream (or your preferred flavor), slightly softened
- Chocolate chips or cookie crumbs for added texture (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun dessert takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare the brownie batter and assemble the sandwiches. Then, you’ll need about 20-25 minutes to bake the brownies, along with an additional 1-2 hours to freeze them after assembling. So plan for around 2-3 hours total, but most of that time is just letting things chill!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brownies:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, get an 8×8 inch baking pan and grease it or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, take it off the heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla until everything is well mixed. Now, add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix just until combined, and gently fold in the chocolate chips if you want some extra chocolatey goodness! Pour this delicious brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake! Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before taking them out.
2. Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
After the brownies have cooled, remove them from the pan and cut them into rectangles or squares, depending on how big you want your sandwiches to be. Take a scoop of your softened ice cream and place it between two pieces of brownie. Gently press them together to spread the ice cream evenly between the brownies. Continue this process with the rest of the brownies and ice cream until you’re all done!
3. Final Touches:
If you want, you can roll the edges of your ice cream sandwiches in chocolate chips or cookie crumbs for a tasty crunch! Once you’ve finished assembling, place the sandwiches on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop these in the freezer for at least 1-2 hours so they can firm up nicely.
4. Serve:
When you’re ready to enjoy, take the sandwiches out of the freezer. If needed, cut them into smaller sizes. Dig in and savor the deliciousness of your homemade brownie ice cream sandwiches! If you have any leftovers, don’t forget to store them in the freezer for later!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free option. Just make sure to use a 1:1 baking blend for best results. If you want to try a different flavor, almond or oat flour can also be a great alternative, but it may slightly change the texture.
What if I Don’t Have Unsweetened Cocoa Powder?
If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can substitute it with an equal amount of Dutch-processed cocoa powder. Just keep in mind that Dutch cocoa is less acidic, which may affect the rise and texture slightly. If using sweetened cocoa powder, reduce the added sugar by a couple of tablespoons to maintain the desired sweetness.
How to Store Leftover Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the freezer. They’ll stay fresh for about 1-2 weeks. If you want to prevent sticking, you can individually wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap before placing them in the container.
Can I Make These Sandwiches Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the brownies and fill them with ice cream a day or two in advance. Just be sure to freeze them after assembly to keep everything firm and delicious. They make for a perfect make-ahead treat for parties or gatherings!
