Brownie ice cream sandwiches are a sweet treat that combine rich, fudgy brownies with creamy ice cream. They’re perfect for hot days or as a fun dessert any time!
It’s hard to go wrong with this combo! I love choosing my favorite ice cream flavor to fill these delightful sandwiches. Just bake the brownies, scoop the ice cream, and enjoy! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the brownies a rich chocolate flavor. If you want a less intense chocolate taste, you can substitute half of it with carob powder or use sweetened cocoa powder, just remember to adjust the sugar.
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for the structure of your brownies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but you might need to adjust the baking time.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is used for sweetness. You can substitute half with brown sugar for a chewier texture and a hint of molasses flavor. Stevia or coconut sugar works too if you want a lower-calorie option.
Ice Cream: Vanilla or chocolate ice cream is perfect for the filling. Feel free to switch it up with any flavor you love, like mint chocolate chip or cookies and cream. If you prefer a dairy-free option, dairy-free ice creams are widely available now.
How Do I Get the Perfect Brownie Texture?
Getting brownies just right is all about mixing and baking. Make sure not to overmix your batter once you add the dry ingredients; mix until just combined to keep them fudgy. Also, keep an eye on the baking time—25-30 minutes will produce the best result. Start checking them a bit early; you want a few moist crumbs on the toothpick, not clean!
How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups chocolate chips
For the Sandwich:
- 4 cups vanilla or chocolate ice cream, softened
- Extra chocolate chips for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to bake the brownies. After that, you’ll need to freeze the sandwiches for at least 2 hours. So, plan for about 2 hours and 45 minutes, including cooking and chilling time, before you can enjoy these yummy treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Brownies:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave a little overhang. This will help you lift the brownies out later!
2. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, pour in the melted butter and sugar, then mix them together really well until they are smooth. Now, it’s time to add the eggs one at a time. Mix after each egg until everything is nicely combined. Don’t forget to stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor!
3. Combining the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Once it’s mixed, slowly add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined—it’s okay if it’s not perfect! Now fold in those tasty chocolate chips to make the brownies even more delicious.
4. Baking the Brownies:
Next, pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready! Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
5. Assembling the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
Once the brownies are cool, carefully remove them from the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut the brownies in half to create two layers. Take one layer and spread a thick, even layer of softened ice cream on top. Then, place the second layer of brownies on top and gently press down.
6. Freezing and Serving:
Put the entire brownie sandwich back in the freezer for at least 2 hours until the ice cream is nice and firm. When you’re ready, take it out of the freezer and cut it into individual sandwiches. If you want to make them look fancy, you can roll the edges in extra chocolate chips!
Enjoy your delicious brownie ice cream sandwiches right away or store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Treat yourself to this scrumptious dessert any time you like!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use different types of flour! All-purpose flour is great, but if you’d like a gluten-free option, you can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour. Just make sure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum included, or add about 1/4 teaspoon to the mix.
What if I Don’t Have Cocoa Powder?
If you’re out of cocoa powder, you can use unsweetened dark chocolate instead. Melt about 6 ounces of dark chocolate and replace it for the cocoa powder and part of the butter (reduce butter by 2 tablespoons). This will give your brownies a rich chocolate flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the freezer. It’s best to layer them with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks, but trust us—they’re usually gone before that!
Can I Add Other Fillings to the Ice Cream Sandwich?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative—add sprinkles, crushed cookies, or even fruit like sliced bananas or strawberries between the brownie layers and ice cream. Just be mindful not to overfill them to keep the sandwiches intact!
