These delicious brownie ice cream sandwiches are a sweet treat that everyone loves! Crunchy on the outside and gooey in the middle, they’re filled with creamy ice cream for extra yumminess.
Honestly, who can say no to a brownie and ice cream combo? I love picking my favorite flavors and making these tasty bites for movie night. They’re always a hit! 🍦🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over the salt in your brownies. If you’re out, you can use oil or even coconut oil, but it may change the flavor slightly. I often use butter for a richer taste.
Granulated Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works best, but you can substitute with brown sugar for a more caramel-like flavor. Alternatively, try coconut sugar for a healthier option that adds a touch of molasses flavor.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is key for that rich chocolate taste. If you need a substitute, use Dutch-process cocoa for a milder flavor, or even special baking chocolate melted into the mixture.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips give the perfect balance of sweetness and chocolatey goodness. For a twist, use dark chocolate chips or even white chocolate if you prefer a different taste.
Ice Cream: Vanilla is classic, but you can get creative with flavors! Mint chocolate chip, cookies and cream, or even coffee ice cream pair wonderfully with brownies. It’s all about your taste preference!
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Are Perfectly Baked?
Baking brownies can be tricky, but it’s all about knowing when they are done. Overbaking can turn them dry. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with moist crumbs, they’re perfect!
- Keep an eye on time—start checking at the 25-minute mark.
- Make sure to let them cool completely before cutting; this helps with texture.
- For soft brownies, aim for a little gooeyness in the middle.
How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Sandwiches:
- 1 quart vanilla ice cream (or your choice of flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake the brownies. After that, you’ll need some time for cooling, plus a few minutes to assemble the ice cream sandwiches. Overall, plan for about 1.5 hours, including cooling and assembly time. It’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some paper 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 unsalted butter. Once the butter is fully melted, add the granulated sugar and stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
3. Add eggs and Vanilla:
Take the saucepan off the heat and allow it to cool for just a minute. Then, whisk in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for a nice flavor boost!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet mixture. Mix gently until everything is just combined; remember, it’s okay if it’s not perfectly smooth—don’t overmix!
5. Add Chocolate Chips:
Now, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. These will make your brownies extra delicious!
6. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it out evenly, then pop it in the oven to bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool the Brownies:
After baking, let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is an important step to ensure they hold together well when you cut them.
8. Cut and Assemble:
Once the brownies are completely cool, use the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan. Slice them into rectangles that are about the same size as your ice cream scoops.
9. Make the Sandwiches:
Now comes the fun part—take a scoop of your favorite ice cream and place it between two brownie rectangles. Gently press them together, and voilà, you have a sandwich!
10. Freeze (Optional):
If you want to firm up your creations a bit, you can place all the sandwiches in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This helps them set and makes them easier to eat later on.
11. Enjoy or Store:
Serve your Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches right away, or you can wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for future treats. They are perfect for any occasion!
Enjoy your delightful Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches!
Can I Substitute Another Type of Sugar?
Absolutely! You can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer flavor and chewier texture. Just keep the amount the same, and be sure to mix it well with the melted butter for even incorporation.
What Can I Use Instead of Unsalted Butter?
In place of unsalted butter, you can use coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option. If using salted butter, just reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon for better balance.
Can I Make These Brownies Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake the brownies a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Before assembling the ice cream sandwiches, make sure they are completely cool.
How Should I Store Leftover Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Wrap individual sandwiches in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer. They’ll keep well for up to a month! Just let them sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes before enjoying for the best texture.
