These brownie ice cream sandwiches are a sweet treat that brings together rich, fudgy brownies and creamy ice cream. Perfect for hot days or any time you crave something yummy!
Making these is super fun! I like picking my favorite ice cream flavor to fill them up, and honestly, who can resist a delicious brownie? It’s like a hug in dessert form! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: I recommend using unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness of the brownies. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with margarine or a dairy-free butter alternative for a vegan option.
Granulated Sugar: This is your main sweetener. If you want a healthier choice, try using coconut sugar or a mix of brown sugar for added moisture and a deeper flavor. Just adjust the quantity slightly as brown sugar can be sweeter.
Eggs: They help bind everything together and add moisture. For a vegan version, you can replace each egg with a few tablespoons of applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
Cocoa Powder: Always go for unsweetened cocoa. If you’re out, you can use dark chocolate melted down as a substitute, keeping an eye on the sugar levels since it’s usually sweeter.
Ice Cream: Vanilla and chocolate are classics, but feel free to get creative! Cookies and cream, mint chocolate chip, or any fruity flavor can work well. You can also use dairy-free ice cream to cater to those with lactose intolerance.
How Can I Ensure My Brownies Are Perfectly Baked?
Baking brownies can be tricky if you don’t pay attention to the timing. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where they’re just right—gooey but not raw. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Preheat your oven accurately; an oven thermometer can be a real help!
- Check for doneness at 20 minutes. Stick a toothpick in the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are done!
- Remember, the brownies will continue to cook a little as they cool in the pan, so don’t wait for a clean toothpick.
- Let them cool completely before cutting. This will help them set and make slicing easier without crumbling.
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 salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, for added texture)
For the Ice Cream Filling:
- 2 cups ice cream (flavor of choice, e.g., vanilla or chocolate)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, plus some cooling time. Plan for an additional hour in the freezer after assembling the sandwiches. So, set aside a total of about 1.5 hours before you can enjoy your delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare Your Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some paper hanging over the sides, as this will help you lift the brownies out later.
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once it’s all melted, take it off the heat and add the granulated sugar. Stir until everything is well mixed and smooth.
3. Mix in the Eggs:
Now, add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture. Make sure to mix well after each egg before adding the next. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and stir to combine.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until just combined—remember, don’t overmix! If you’d like, fold in the chocolate chips for extra yumminess.
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want them to be fudgy and moist, so a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs when they’re done.
6. Cool the Brownies:
Once baked, take the brownies out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will help them set nicely.
7. Cut the Brownies:
After they have cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to pull the brownies out of the pan. Cut them into rectangles or squares, depending on how big you want your sandwiches to be.
8. Assemble Your Sandwiches:
Take half of the brownie pieces and place them bottom side up on a clean surface. Scoop your favorite ice cream onto each brownie piece, spreading it all the way to the edges.
9. Complete the Sandwiches:
Now, grab the remaining brownie pieces, place them bottom side down on top of the ice cream, and gently press down to hold everything together.
10. Freeze & Serve:
If you want the sandwiches to hold their shape nicely, wrap each one in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer for at least an hour. When you’re ready, take them out and enjoy your delicious brownie ice cream sandwiches!
Can I Use Different Types of Sugar in This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor, or use a blend of both. Just keep in mind that using all brown sugar may make your brownies a bit more moist and chewy!
What Should I Do If My Brownies Are Too Cake-Like?
If your brownies turn out too cake-like, it might be due to overmixing or overbaking. To ensure fudgy brownies, mix the dry ingredients just until combined and bake only until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. If you prefer a gooey texture next time, reduce the baking time slightly.
How to Store Leftover Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Wrap the leftover sandwiches individually in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer. They can last for about 1-2 weeks. For best results, consume them within a week for optimal freshness!
Can I Use Homemade Ice Cream Instead of Store-Bought?
Absolutely! Homemade ice cream works great in this recipe. Just make sure it’s slightly softened for easy scooping. If you’re using a softer consistency, consider freezing the sandwiches for longer to achieve a firmer texture before serving.
