These Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a fun treat that brings together rich chocolate brownies and creamy ice cream. Perfect for warm days or sweet cravings!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a chewy brownie? Add some ice cream in the middle, and you’ve got a combo that’s hard to resist. They’re great for sharing, or, you know, just keeping all to yourself! 😄
I usually make these when I want a delicious dessert that’s quick to put together. Just bake the brownies, cut them, and add a scoop of your favorite ice cream—easy and tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brownie Mix: Using a box mix is super convenient! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make homemade brownies. Just remember, a fudgy brownie works best for this sandwich because it will hold up well with the ice cream.
Vegetable Oil: While vegetable oil is standard, you can use melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce for a healthier twist. This could also enhance the brownie flavor depending on your choice!
Eggs: If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can replace two eggs with 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit until gel-like).
Vanilla Ice Cream: Vanilla is classic, but feel free to swap it for any flavor you love! Chocolate, mint, or even cookie dough ice cream could make a delicious twist.
Mini Chocolate Chips: These are optional, but they add a fun surprise in each bite! If you don’t have them, you can skip them or use chopped nuts or another type of chocolate.
How Can I Ensure Perfectly Baked Brownies?
Baking brownies just right can be tricky, but here are some important tips to get them gooey and delicious! Overbaking is the main culprit for dry brownies, so keeping an eye on the timer is key.
- Make sure your oven is properly preheated—this gives your brownies time to rise without getting burnt.
- Perform the toothpick test: Insert it into the center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are done! If it’s wet, give them a few more minutes.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting—this helps them set up better, making them easier to slice.
Delicious Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Brownies:
- 1 box brownie mix (or homemade brownie recipe)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (as per brownie mix instructions)
- 2 large eggs (as per brownie mix instructions)
- Parchment paper
For The Ice Cream Layer:
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream, softened
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty treat will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, plus a couple of hours to freeze after assembly. So, in total, you’re looking at around 3 hours or so for everything, but most of that time is just letting it chill in the freezer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Brownies:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take an 8×8 inch (or similar) baking pan and line it with parchment paper—leave some edges hanging over the sides. This makes it super easy to lift the brownies out later. Now, prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions by mixing in the vegetable oil and eggs until nicely blended.
2. Baking the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your lined baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. To check if they are done, poke a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re perfect! Remember, don’t bake them too long, or they might dry out.
3. Cooling and Cutting the Brownies:
Once the brownies are done, let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. After they’ve cooled, carefully lift them out using the parchment paper overhang and place them on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut the brownies into rectangles that match the size of your ice cream sandwiches.
4. Assembling the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
Now comes the fun part! Take your softened vanilla ice cream and spread a generous layer over half of the brownie rectangles. If you’d like, sprinkle some mini chocolate chips on top of the ice cream for extra yumminess. Then, place the remaining brownie rectangles on top of the ice cream to create your sandwiches. Gently press down to make everything stick together securely.
5. Freezing and Serving:
Wrap each brownie ice cream sandwich in plastic wrap or parchment paper and pop them into the freezer. Let them chill for at least 2 hours, or until the ice cream is nice and firm. When you’re ready to enjoy, take them out, unwrap, and dig in! Enjoy your homemade Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches!
Can I Use Different Types of Brownie Mix?
Absolutely! You can use any brownie mix you prefer, whether it’s classic, fudgy, or even gluten-free. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for the best results!
What If I Don’t Have Parchment Paper?
No worries! If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease the baking pan with a little cooking spray or butter. Just be sure to let the brownies cool thoroughly before trying to remove them from the pan to avoid breaking.
Can I Use Different Flavors of Ice Cream?
Definitely! While vanilla ice cream is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with flavors like chocolate, mint, or cookie dough for a fun twist. Just make sure the ice cream is softened for easy spreading!
How Do I Store Leftover Sandwiches?
Store any leftovers in the freezer wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Just let them sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes before enjoying for the best texture!
