These Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a fun treat for everyone! Soft and chewy brownies sandwich your favorite ice cream, making a perfect dessert to enjoy anytime.
Honestly, I can’t resist the mix of warm brownie and cold ice cream—it’s like a party in my mouth! 🎉 I love making these for gatherings; they always get a thumbs up from friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred in baking, allowing you to control the salt levels. If you’re looking to cut calories, consider using light butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Sugars: The combination of granulated and brown sugar adds depth to the flavor. You can use all granulated sugar if you’re in a pinch, but the brown sugar gives a lovely chewy texture. If you want to reduce sugar, try using a sugar substitute like agave or honey (but adjust liquid ratios).
Eggs: Eggs are crucial for binding the brownie together. If you’re vegan or allergic, beans or applesauce can work as substitutes (about 1/4 cup for each egg).
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the brownies their rich chocolate flavor. If you’re out, you can substitute with Dutch-processed cocoa for a slightly different taste, but avoid sweetened cocoa mixes.
Ice Cream: Feel free to swap out the ice cream flavor for your favorite! Vegan ice cream or yogurt works just as well if you’re looking for a lighter option.
How Do I Make Sure the Brownies Are Perfectly Baked?
Getting brownies right can be tricky, but here’s how to ensure they turn out great. First, keep an eye on the baking time. You want them just set in the middle.
- Start checking at 25 minutes. Insert a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- If it comes out wet, give it a few more minutes, but don’t over-bake—dry brownies are not fun!
- Once done, let the brownies cool completely in the pan before making sandwiches. This helps them set and makes them easier to cut.
How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips (for brownie mixture)
For the Ice Cream Sandwich:
- 1 quart ice cream (flavor of your choice)
- Additional chocolate chips (for garnishing – optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 15 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for baking. Plus, you’ll need to freeze the sandwiches for at least 2 hours. In total, that’s about 2 hours and 45 minutes, but most of this time is waiting for the brownies to cool and freeze. Perfect for a sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it lightly, or line it with parchment paper. This will help you remove the brownies easily later.
2. Melt the Butter:
In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter. You can do this in the microwave or on low heat in a saucepan. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat and mix in the granulated and brown sugars. Stir until it’s well mixed and combined.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
One by one, add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is nicely combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Remember, don’t overmix! Finally, fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour your brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re ready! Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
6. Cut the Brownies:
Once the brownies are cooled, use the parchment paper (if you used it) to lift them out of the pan. Cut the brownies in half lengthwise to make two equal rectangles.
7. Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwich:
Take one half of the brownie and spread a layer of your chosen ice cream evenly over it. Place the other half of the brownie on top and press down gently to create a sandwich.
8. Freeze the Sandwich:
Wrap the brownie ice cream sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then pop it in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until the ice cream is firm.
9. Serve the Sandwiches:
When you’re ready to enjoy, take the sandwich out of the freezer and let it sit for a few minutes to soften slightly before cutting into squares or bars.
10. Optional Garnish:
If you’d like to make it extra special, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top or sprinkle some chocolate chips before serving. Enjoy your delicious brownie ice cream sandwiches!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sugar?
Yes! You can substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol if you’re looking for a lower-calorie option. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture might vary slightly, but it should still work well!
What Can I Substitute for the Eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg replacement, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg. Another option is a flaxseed egg, made by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water; let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens.
How Do I Store Leftover Sandwiches?
Wrap any leftover brownie ice cream sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the freezer. They can last for up to 1 month, but for the best taste, aim to enjoy them within 2 weeks!
Can I Change the Flavor of the Ice Cream?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any ice cream flavor you love—chocolate, vanilla, mint chocolate chip, or even fruit flavors like strawberry or peach. Just keep in mind that strong flavors can alter the overall taste of the sandwich!
