These Easy Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a tasty treat! Soft brownies hug your favorite ice cream, creating a perfect combo of rich and creamy. Who could resist that?
Making them is super fun! Just bake the brownies, scoop your ice cream, and sandwich them together. Perfect for hot days or anytime you need a sweet boost! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is essential for moist brownies. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter; just reduce the added salt in the recipe. I often use coconut oil for a dairy-free option!
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness, but you can substitute with brown sugar for a richer flavor. I find the brown sugar makes the brownies a bit chewier, which is a nice touch.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is key here. If you have Dutch-processed cocoa, it works too, but it might slightly alter the flavor. For a healthier twist, use carob powder to lessen caffeine if needed.
Ice Cream: I love using vanilla with chocolate chunks for contrast. However, feel free to use any flavor you enjoy, like mint chocolate chip or cookie dough! Dairy-free options like coconut or almond ice cream are also great substitutes.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Brownie Texture?
The brownie base is crucial for a great ice cream sandwich. Make sure not to overmix after adding the dry ingredients. This keeps them soft and fudge-like. Here’s how to get it right:
- Preheat your oven and prepare the baking pan well to prevent sticking.
- Mix the butter and sugar until creamy, followed by eggs and vanilla until evenly combined.
- When adding flour and cocoa, mix just until no dry streaks remain. This prevents tough brownies.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick; a few moist crumbs should cling to it.
- Let the brownies cool completely to maintain structure when cutting and assembling the sandwiches.
Following these steps will ensure your brownies are perfectly chewy and ready to be filled with creamy ice cream! Enjoy your deliciously cool treat!
Easy Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips (optional)
For the Ice Cream Filling:
- 1/2 gallon (about 8 cups) of your favorite ice cream (vanilla with chocolate chunks works great)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes of prep time to mix and bake the brownies, plus about 2 hours to cool and freeze the sandwiches. The total time from start to enjoying your sweet treat is around 2 hours and 15 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Brownies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it well to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter and granulated sugar using a whisk until they are well combined.
2. Mixing in the Wet Ingredients:
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well with your whisk until the mixture is smooth and consistent.
3. Adding the Dry Ingredients:
Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix! If you want to add chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.
4. Baking the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
5. Cutting the Brownies:
Once fully cooled, remove the brownies from the pan (if using parchment, you can lift them out). Cut into equal-sized rectangles or squares, as these will form your sandwiches.
6. Preparing the Ice Cream:
Take your ice cream and let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes, so it softens a bit and becomes spreadable—not melted!
7. Assembling the Sandwiches:
Grab one brownie piece, and spread a generous layer of softened ice cream on the flat side. Take another brownie piece and gently press it on top to form a sandwich. Repeat until all brownie squares are filled!
8. Freezing the Sandwiches:
Wrap each individual brownie ice cream sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer for at least 1-2 hours. This helps them firm up nicely, making them easier to eat!
9. Serving Time!
Once the sandwiches are frozen, serve them directly from the freezer, and enjoy your chewy, chocolatey, ice cream-filled delights!
These Easy Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are not only delicious but also a fun and delightful treat for the entire family. Share and enjoy the smiles!
FAQ
Can I Use Boxed Brownie Mix Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a box mix can work just fine. Just follow the instructions on the box to prepare the brownies, and then proceed with the same steps for assembling the ice cream sandwiches!
How Long Can I Store Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
You can keep these sandwiches in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to wrap them individually to prevent freezer burn and keep them fresh!
What If I Want to Make Them Smaller?
Feel free to cut the brownies into smaller squares to make mini ice cream sandwiches! Just adjust the ice cream amount for each sandwich accordingly, and keep the freezing time the same.
Can I Use Dairy-Free Ice Cream?
Yes, definitely! Dairy-free ice cream options like coconut, almond, or oat milk ice cream work wonderfully. They’ll still give you that creamy texture everyone loves!
