These Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a fun treat that everyone loves! Soft, chocolaty brownies hug creamy ice cream, making each bite a sweet adventure.
Who could resist this delicious combo? I often make them for parties, and they disappear fast—everyone wants a second! Just make sure to grab one before they’re gone! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: I recommend using unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness. If you’re out, you can use margarine or coconut oil as a substitute. Both work well in brownies.
Granulated Sugar: This is the main sweetener. For a different flavor, you might try brown sugar for extra moisture. Just remember, this will darken the brownies a bit!
Eggs: Eggs help bind the brownies. If you’re looking for a vegan option, try using flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed and 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg) or applesauce (1/4 cup per egg).
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is crucial for a rich flavor. If you can’t find it, Dutch-process cocoa is a good alternative, although it may change the texture slightly.
Chocolate Chips: Adding chocolate chips is optional but highly recommended! You can substitute with white chocolate or even nuts for a different texture.
Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is classic, but feel free to mix it up with chocolate, mint, or any flavor you love. Just make sure it’s softened for easy spreading.
How Can You Ensure Even Baking for Your Brownies?
Baking the brownies evenly is crucial for the best texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your oven properly. A hot oven helps brownies rise and bake correctly.
- Use a light-colored baking pan. Dark pans can cause the edges to cook faster, leading to uneven doneness.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick at the 25-minute mark. The middle should have a few moist crumbs but not be wet.
- Let them cool completely! Cutting them too soon will make them gooey, so patience is key.
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 cup chocolate chips (optional)
For the Ice Cream Layer:
- 2 pints vanilla ice cream (softened)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for added texture)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This treat will take about 20 minutes of prep time and then about 30 minutes of baking time. After making it, you’ll need to freeze it for at least 4 hours. So, plan for a total of around 5 hours and 50 minutes, but most of that is just waiting for everything to chill!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brownies:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan, grease it well, and line it with parchment paper, leaving a bit hanging over the edges for easy removal later.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is nicely mixed together.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Slowly add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. If you want chocolate chips, gently fold them in now!
Pour your brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
2. Layer with Ice Cream:
Once your brownies are fully cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift them out of the pan. Slice the brownies in half horizontally to form two equal layers.
Take one half and spread a nice layer of softened vanilla ice cream over it. If you’d like, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top of the ice cream for a fun crunch.
Carefully place the second brownie layer on top, pressing down gently to make sure everything sticks together well.
3. Freeze and Slice:
Wrap your brownie ice cream sandwich tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream is nice and firm.
When you’re ready to serve, take it out of the freezer and let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature to make slicing easier. Cut into bars or squares, and enjoy your delicious Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches right away or keep them frozen for later!
Can I Use a Different Type of Ice Cream?
Absolutely! You can substitute vanilla ice cream with any flavor you love, such as chocolate, mint, or cookies and cream. Just be sure to soften it slightly before spreading it on the brownies for easier application!
How Can I Store Leftover Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
To store leftovers, wrap individual sandwich pieces tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing if they become too hard to cut.
Can I Make Brownies from a Mix?
Yes, you can! If you’re short on time, feel free to use a store-bought brownie mix instead. Just prepare the mix according to the package instructions, cool, then proceed with layering the ice cream as directed in the recipe.
What Should I Do If My Brownies Are Too Thick?
If your brownies turn out too thick, try spreading the batter more evenly in the pan before baking, or use a larger pan (like a 12×18 inch) to create thinner layers. Additionally, you can cut them into smaller squares after they’ve been frozen, making them easier to enjoy!
