Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are the perfect treat for chocolate lovers! Picture two rich, chewy brownies hugging a scoop of creamy ice cream—yum!
Making these is as easy as pie, or should I say cake? 😂 Just bake the brownies, let them cool, and then stack with your favorite ice cream. So good that you might want to eat them all by yourself!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brownies: The fudgy brownies are the star of this dessert. If you’re short on time, a boxed brownie mix can be a quick stand-in. Just make sure to follow the directions for a fudgy texture!
Ice Cream: Vanilla is classic, but feel free to get creative! Try chocolate, mint chip, or even cookies and cream. For dairy-free options, there are many coconut or almond milk-based ice creams available that taste great!
Chocolate Chips: These are optional for garnish, but they add a nice touch. If you don’t have chocolate chips, chopped nuts or sprinkles can work too. I find that mini chocolate chips stick better to the edges!
How Can I Ensure My Brownies Are Perfectly Fudgy?
Getting the perfect fudgy brownie requires attention to baking time and temperature. Remember, it’s better to underbake slightly than to overbake!
- Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
- Check for doneness when there are only a few moist crumbs on your toothpick; this keeps them fudgy!
- Letting the brownies cool completely in the pan is crucial. It helps them set and makes cutting easier.
How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fudgy Brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
- 1 batch of fudgy brownies (see recipe above)
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare the brownies, plus an additional 10 minutes to assemble the sandwiches. You’ll also need to freeze them for at least 2 hours before serving. Overall, it’s a fun and delicious treat that requires a bit of patience but is well worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Brownies:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Next, add in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until everything is blended smoothly. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes; a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
2. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Once the brownies are cool, carefully remove them from the pan and cut them into rectangles, about 2×4 inches. Let your ice cream sit at room temperature for around 10 minutes to soften a bit. Take one brownie rectangle, scoop a generous amount of ice cream onto it, and then place another brownie rectangle on top to create a sandwich. Press down gently to make sure the ice cream is evenly distributed.
3. Freeze the Sandwiches:
Continue assembling the sandwiches with the remaining brownie rectangles and ice cream. For a fun touch, you can roll the edges in chocolate chips to add some crunch! Place your assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for at least 2 hours to let the ice cream firm up.
4. Serve:
When you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches, take them out of the freezer a few minutes beforehand so they can soften just a little. Then, dig in and enjoy this delightful treat!
Can I Use Different Ice Cream Flavors?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your ice cream choices. From cookies and cream to mint chocolate chip, any flavor you love will work wonderfully. Just make sure it’s a soft-serve or slightly softened before assembling the sandwiches for easy scooping!
How Do I Store Leftover Sandwiches?
Store any leftover brownie ice cream sandwiches in an airtight container in the freezer. They can last up to 1 month. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together!
Can I Make the Brownies Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the brownies up to 2 days in advance. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to assemble your ice cream sandwiches. If they’re stored correctly, they will stay fudgy and delicious!
What if My Brownies Are Too Fudgy?
If you find that your brownies are too fudgy or gooey, check the baking time next time. Make sure to bake them until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. If they’re already made, you can still create the sandwiches – just ensure you scoop the ice cream onto a sturdier brownie rectangle for better support!
