Sometimes, dessert dreams really do come true—and these Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are living proof. Imagine two rich, fudgy brownie squares hugging a thick, creamy layer of your favorite ice cream. It’s the ultimate mashup of chewy and cold, dense and dreamy, making every bite a celebration of contrast and decadence. Whether you’re cooling off on a hot day or just need something extra special to cap off dinner, this handheld treat hits all the right notes.
The best part? You can mix and match flavors, roll the edges in toppings, and make them totally your own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Chewy, chocolatey brownie layers instead of cookies.
Customizable with any ice cream or mix-ins you love.
Great for making ahead and freezing.
Kid-approved and nostalgic for adults too!
Perfect for parties or weekend indulgence.
Ingredients for Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ready to create some magic? You’ll just need these handful of heroes.
Unsalted butter: This adds richness and moisture to the brownies. Melt it for a fudgy texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps create that delightful crust on top.
Large eggs: They bind the ingredients together and provide structure. Fresh eggs work best!
Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds depth and enhances the chocolate flavor.
All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of the brownies, giving them that perfect chewy texture.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: The star of the show! It gives the brownies their rich chocolate flavor.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Baking powder: This helps the brownies rise slightly, making them light and fluffy.
Your favorite ice cream: Choose any flavor you love! Softened ice cream makes it easy to scoop and spread.
For those looking to elevate their brownies, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture. You can also experiment with different ice cream flavors, like mint chocolate chip or cookie dough, to create a 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
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your brownies bake evenly. While the oven warms up, grab a 9×13-inch baking pan. Grease it lightly and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang. This little trick makes it super easy to lift the brownies out later. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when it’s time to cut those perfect squares!
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir them together until they’re well blended. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This step is crucial for a smooth batter. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract. The aroma will make your kitchen feel like a cozy bakery, and you’ll be ready for the next step!
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This is where the magic happens! Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps ensure an even distribution of flavors. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. You want to avoid overmixing, as that can lead to tough brownies. Keep it light and fluffy!
Step 4: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. This is where the anticipation builds! Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re golden. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Patience is key here; it’ll be worth it!
Step 5: Cool and Cut
Once the brownies are cool, carefully lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place them on a cutting board. Now, it’s time to cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on how big you want your sandwiches. A sharp knife works best for clean edges. Just imagine the deliciousness waiting to be assembled!
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches
Take one brownie piece and place a generous scoop of softened ice cream on top. Choose your favorite flavor; the options are endless! Then, gently press another brownie piece on top to create a sandwich. Don’t be shy—press down just enough to hold it together. Repeat this process with the remaining brownies and ice cream. You’re almost there!
Step 7: Freeze for Best Results
For the ultimate brownie ice cream sandwiches, pop them in the freezer for at least an hour. This step firms them up, making them easier to handle and eat. Plus, it enhances the flavors as they meld together. When you’re ready to serve, just take them out and enjoy the delightful combination of rich brownies and creamy ice cream!
Tips for Success
Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and texture.
Don’t overbake the brownies; they should be fudgy, not dry.
Let the brownies cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling.
Experiment with ice cream flavors to find your perfect match.
For a fun twist, add toppings like sprinkles or crushed cookies before freezing.
Equipment Needed
Baking pan: A 9×13-inch pan is ideal, but an 8×8-inch pan works too for thicker brownies.
Mixing bowls: Use at least two—one for wet ingredients and one for dry.
Whisk and spatula: Essential for mixing and spreading the batter evenly.
Sharp knife: For cutting the brownies into perfect squares.
Parchment paper: Helps with easy removal and cleanup.
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 Crumble: Layer crushed cookies, like Oreos, between the brownie and ice cream for added crunch.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious alternative.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and aquafaba (chickpea water) instead of eggs for a vegan-friendly treat.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra creamy experience.
Serve alongside fresh berries for a refreshing contrast.
Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for added indulgence.
Garnish with mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Present on a rustic wooden board for a charming display.
FAQs about Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Can I use store-bought brownies for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought brownies can work just fine. Just make sure they’re thick enough to hold the ice cream without falling apart.
What ice cream flavors pair best with brownies?
While classic vanilla is always a hit, flavors like mint chocolate chip, cookies and cream, or even salted caramel can elevate your brownie ice cream sandwiches to a whole new level!
How do I store leftover brownie ice cream sandwiches?
Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They can be kept 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.
What can I do if my brownies are too crumbly?
If your brownies crumble when cutting, they might be overbaked. Next time, try reducing the baking time slightly. You can also add a bit more melted butter to the batter for extra moisture.
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 you back to carefree days, where chocolatey goodness meets creamy delight. The beauty of this treat lies in its simplicity and versatility, allowing you to customize it to your heart’s content. Whether you’re sharing them with family or indulging solo, these sandwiches bring smiles and satisfaction. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into this delightful adventure. Trust me, the happiness these brownie ice cream sandwiches bring is worth every moment spent in the kitchen!
Delicious brownie ice cream sandwiches made with rich brownies and your favorite ice cream.
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
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 quart of your favorite ice cream (softened)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 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, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut the brownies into squares or rectangles, depending on your desired sandwich size.
Take one brownie piece, add a scoop of softened ice cream on top, and then place another brownie piece on top to create a sandwich. Press gently to adhere.
Repeat with the remaining brownies and ice cream. For best results, freeze the sandwiches for at least 1 hour before serving to firm them up.
Notes
For a richer flavor, try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the brownie batter before baking.
You can experiment with different ice cream flavors, such as mint chocolate chip or cookie dough, for a unique twist.
