These Easy Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a fun treat! Soft brownie layers hug creamy ice cream, making a perfect bite-sized dessert. So yum!
Honestly, who wouldn’t want a chocolatey brownie stuffed with their favorite ice cream? I love using cookies and cream ice cream for that extra crunch! 😋
It’s super simple to make, just bake the brownies, slice them, scoop the ice cream, and sandwich them together. Perfect for any gathering or just a cozy night in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This gives the brownies a rich flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Just remember, butter adds that lovely taste!
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for that deep chocolate flavor. If you need a substitute, you can use Dutch-process cocoa, but adjust the baking powder by decreasing it slightly, as Dutch cocoa is less acidic.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works best, but you can swap it with brown sugar for a moister brownie. This could add a different flavor too! If you’re looking for sugar alternatives, try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute designed for baking.
Ice Cream: I love using cookies and cream ice cream, but feel free to pick your favorite flavor! Vanilla, mint chocolate chip, or even a fruity option like strawberry works great. You could even make this lower in sugar by using a yogurt-based ice cream.
How Do You Make Sure Your Brownies Don’t Stick to the Pan?
To prevent your brownies from sticking, grease your pan well or use parchment paper with an overhang. This makes it easy to lift the brownies out later! Here’s how to do it right:
- Grease the pan with butter or baking spray before adding parchment paper.
- Press the parchment into the corners and edges of the pan, ensuring it sticks.
- Leave a bit of overhang on the sides for easy lifting after baking.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before removing them to avoid breaking them apart.
Easy Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips
For the Ice Cream Filling:
- 1 quart (4 cups) cookies and cream ice cream (or your favorite flavor), slightly softened
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and around 25 minutes for baking. After that, allow about 4 hours for chilling in the freezer. So in total, you’ll need about 4 hours and 40 minutes, but most of it is just waiting for the brownies to cool and the sandwiches to freeze.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, making sure to leave a little overhang on the sides. This will help you lift the brownies out easily later!
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat. Add the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, and stir until everything is mixed well and smooth. In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring lightly until just combined. If you like, you can fold in some chocolate chips for extra yumminess!
3. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Once done, let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
4. Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
After the brownies are completely cooled, carefully lift them out of the pan using the overhanging parchment paper. Slice the brownie slab in half horizontally to create two thinner layers. Place one brownie layer on a large piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Spread a thick, even layer of your softened ice cream over the first brownie layer!
5. Final Touches and Freezing:
Next, gently press the second brownie layer on top of the ice cream. Wrap the entire sandwich tightly in plastic wrap to keep everything fresh. Pop it in the freezer and let it freeze for at least 4 hours, or until it’s nicely firm.
6. Serving Your Treat:
When you’re ready to enjoy these delicious treats, take them out of the freezer. Slice them into individual sandwiches using a sharp knife. If the sandwiches are a bit too hard, let them sit for a few minutes to soften up for easier cutting. Then, dig in and enjoy your sweet brownie ice cream sandwiches!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Brownie Mix Instead of Making It from Scratch?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use a boxed brownie mix. Just follow the instructions on the package for baking times and temperatures, and then proceed with the rest of the recipe as usual after the brownies have cooled.
How Should I Store Leftover Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Store any leftover brownie ice cream sandwiches wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the freezer. They’ll keep well for up to 2 weeks, if they last that long!
Can I Customize the Ice Cream Flavor?
Definitely! Feel free to use any ice cream flavor you like. Vanilla, mint chocolate chip, or even caramel would work beautifully. Get creative and mix different flavors for fun variations!
What If My Brownies Are Too Crumbly?
If your brownies turn out crumbly, they may have been overbaked or had too much flour. To prevent this next time, watch the baking time closely and ensure you measure ingredients properly. If they’re already baked, you can still enjoy them as brownie bits on top of ice cream for a deconstructed version!
