There’s something magical about the combination of brownies and ice cream. It takes me back to summer days spent at the local ice cream shop, where the hardest decision was choosing between a cone or a sundae. Now, I can recreate that joy at home with these delightful brownie ice cream sandwiches. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself after a long day. It’s a quick solution that brings smiles and satisfaction, making it a go-to dessert for anyone who loves a sweet indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
These brownie ice cream sandwiches are a dream come true for anyone craving a sweet treat without the fuss. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. The rich, fudgy brownies paired with creamy ice cream create a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite ice cream flavors, ensuring every bite is a delightful surprise!
Ingredients for Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these scrumptious brownie ice cream sandwiches. Here’s what you’ll need:
Unsalted butter: This is the base for your brownies, adding richness and moisture. Always use unsalted to control the saltiness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetness is key! It helps create that chewy texture we all love in brownies.
Large eggs: Eggs bind everything together and contribute to the fudgy consistency.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the flavor, making your brownies taste even more delicious.
All-purpose flour: This gives structure to your brownies, balancing the gooeyness of the cocoa.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: The star of the show! It provides that rich chocolate flavor that makes brownies irresistible.
Salt: Just a pinch elevates the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Baking powder: This helps the brownies rise slightly, giving them a perfect texture.
Your favorite ice cream: Choose any flavor you love! Softened ice cream makes it easy to scoop and sandwich between brownies.
For those looking to elevate their brownies, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different ice cream flavors, like mint chocolate chip or cookie dough, to create your own unique twist. Exact measurements for these ingredients can be found at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Creating these brownie ice cream sandwiches is a straightforward process that will have you indulging in no time. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to dessert bliss!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures your brownies bake evenly. While the oven heats up, prepare your baking pan. Grease a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a large mixing bowl, melt the unsalted butter. You can do this in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once melted, mix in the granulated sugar until it’s well combined. This step is crucial for that chewy brownie texture!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, incorporate the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each addition to ensure they’re fully blended. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a lovely depth of flavor to your brownies.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients, ensuring a consistent texture in your brownies.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your brownies to stay fudgy and moist!
Step 6: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This is essential for easy cutting. After they’ve cooled, remove them from the pan and cut them into squares. Aim for uniform sizes for perfect sandwiches!
Step 8: Assemble the Sandwiches
Now comes the fun part! Take one brownie square and add a generous scoop of softened ice cream on top. Place another brownie square on top to create a sandwich. Repeat this process until all your brownies are used up.
Step 9: Freeze for Best Results
For the best experience, place the assembled sandwiches in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This helps the ice cream firm up, making them easier to eat and even more delicious!
Tips for Success
Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and texture.
Don’t skip the cooling step; it prevents messy sandwiches.
Experiment with ice cream flavors to keep things exciting.
For a crunch, add nuts or chocolate chips to the brownie batter.
Keep the sandwiches in the freezer until you’re ready to serve.
Equipment Needed
9×13-inch baking pan: A standard size for brownies; you can use a smaller pan for thicker brownies.
Mixing bowls: Use any size; just ensure they’re large enough for your ingredients.
Whisk: A hand whisk works great, but an electric mixer can save time.
Spatula: Essential for spreading the batter evenly in the pan.
Toothpick: For testing brownie doneness; a fork can work in a pinch!
Variations
Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for a crunchy texture.
Minty Fresh: Use mint chocolate chip ice cream for a refreshing twist on the classic flavor.
Cookie Dough: Swap in cookie dough ice cream for a fun and indulgent variation.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and flax eggs to create a vegan-friendly treat.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your brownie ice cream sandwiches with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
Serve alongside fresh berries for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
Consider a scoop of whipped cream on the side for added creaminess.
For drinks, a cold glass of milk or a rich coffee complements the sweetness perfectly.
FAQs about Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Can I use store-bought brownies for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using store-bought brownies is a great shortcut. Just make sure they’re thick enough to hold the ice cream without falling apart.
What ice cream flavors work best for brownie ice cream sandwiches?
The beauty of brownie ice cream sandwiches is their versatility! Classic flavors like vanilla or chocolate are always a hit, but feel free to get creative with mint chocolate chip or cookie dough for a fun twist.
How do I store leftover brownie ice cream sandwiches?
To keep them fresh, wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They can last in the freezer for up to a week, but trust me, they won’t last that long!
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Definitely! You can bake the brownies a day in advance. Just let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble your sandwiches.
Are brownie ice cream sandwiches suitable for parties?
Yes! These treats are perfect for parties. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and can be customized to suit everyone’s taste. Just set up a little assembly line, and let your guests create their own delicious combinations!
Final Thoughts
Creating brownie ice cream sandwiches is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience filled with joy and nostalgia. Each bite transports me back to carefree days, where dessert was the highlight of the day. The combination of fudgy brownies and creamy ice cream is pure bliss, making it a treat that brings people together. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging after a long week, these sandwiches are sure to impress. So, gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and enjoy the smiles that come with every delicious bite!
Indulge in these delicious brownie ice cream sandwiches, a perfect treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 pint of your favorite ice cream (softened)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Stir in the granulated sugar until well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
Once cooled, remove the brownies from the pan and cut them into squares.
Take one brownie square, add a scoop of softened ice cream on top, and then place another brownie square on top to create a sandwich. Repeat until all brownies are used.
For best results, place the assembled ice cream sandwiches in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the brownie batter before baking.
You can also use different flavors of ice cream, such as mint chocolate chip or cookie dough, to customize your sandwiches.
