Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Indulging in Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth! These delightful treats combine rich fudge brownies with your favorite ice cream, creating a delicious dessert for any occasion. Whether it’s a summer barbecue, a birthday party, or just a cozy night in, these sandwiches are sure to impress. Plus, their unique texture and flavor make them an irresistible choice for chocolate lovers everywhere.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this dessert even if you’re short on time.
• Customizable: Choose any ice cream flavor you like, making it perfect for everyone’s taste preferences.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of fudgy brownies and creamy ice cream creates a rich and satisfying treat.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares and serve at gatherings or parties; they are always a crowd-pleaser!
• Great for the Summer: Enjoy these cold treats on hot days; they are refreshing and fun!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 8×8 baking pans
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Hand mixer: Makes mixing ingredients quick and easy, ensuring a smooth batter without much effort.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding ingredients together gently, minimizing air loss in your batter.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking to the pans, allowing for easy removal of your brownies once baked.

Ingredients

In these indulgent Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches, rich fudge brownies and your fave ice cream get sandwiched together to create the perfect Summer treat!

Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter (melted)
– 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
– 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar (packed)
– 6 large eggs (room temperature)
– 3 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 tbsp pure vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
– 1 1/2 cups cocoa powder
– 1 1/2 tsps salt
– 1.5 qts fave ice cream flavor

How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease two 8×8 pans with butter or baking spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving about 4–6 inches of paper hanging over the sides.

Step 2: Mix Sugars with Butter

In a medium-sized bowl, add melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix with your hand mixer on medium speed until well combined.

Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time

Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition to incorporate fully. This step helps create that crackled top we all love in brownies.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Mix in vegetable oil and pure vanilla extract until well blended.

Step 5: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Reduce the speed of your mixer to low before adding this mixture.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

In intervals, add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients until all components are incorporated evenly.

Step 7: Distribute Batter into Pans

Add half of the brownie batter to each prepared pan. Use a rubber spatula to gently spread it out evenly.

Step 8: Bake Brownies

Bake for about 30–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out just barely clean. Be careful not to overbake!

Step 9: Cool Brownies

Remove from oven and allow brownies to cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 10: Transfer Brownies

Using parchment paper, carefully lift the brownies out onto a cooling rack. Peel off parchment from only one half. Let them cool completely at room temperature.

Step 11: Thaw Ice Cream

Thaw your chosen ice cream flavor for about 5–10 minutes so it’s easier to spread.

Step 12: Assemble Sandwiches

Return the first half of brownie back into its pan (with parchment still on). Use a large spoon or spatula to spread ice cream over it; use as much as you desire—about three-quarters usually suffices for me!

Step 13: Top with Second Half

Invert the second half of brownie onto the ice cream layer. Cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze for at least six hours; overnight is best if possible.

Step 14: Slice and Serve

When ready to enjoy, remove from freezer and let thaw for about five–ten minutes. Lift using parchment paper then slice into eight even squares. Serve cold and enjoy!

How to Serve Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or just indulging on a warm day, these serving suggestions will elevate your dessert experience.

Classic Presentation

• Serve the sandwiches cut into squares on a colorful platter for a fun and inviting display.

With Chocolate Sauce

• Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the top for an extra layer of indulgence that enhances the chocolate flavor.

Accompanied by Fresh Berries

• Pair with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to add a refreshing contrast that balances the richness of the brownies.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for a light and airy texture that complements the dense brownies.

A La Mode

• Serve with an additional scoop of ice cream on the side for those who love extra creaminess and flavor.

How to Perfect Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Creating the perfect Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your treats turn out amazing every time.

• Use room temperature eggs: This helps create a smooth batter and contributes to that desirable crackled top.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your brownies; removing them from the oven when they are slightly underbaked keeps them fudgy and moist.

• Let ice cream soften: Thawing your ice cream for 5-10 minutes before spreading ensures it’s easy to work with and spreads evenly.

• Use parchment paper: Lining your baking pans with parchment makes it easier to lift out the brownies without breaking them.

Best Side Dishes for Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches can be complemented perfectly by several side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic flavor pairs well, adding more creaminess and sweetness.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and color, cutting through the richness of the dessert.
3. Chocolate Chip Cookies: For cookie lovers, serving some freshly baked cookies alongside enhances the sweet experience.
4. Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel adds another sweet dimension to your dessert spread.
5. Nutella Dip: Serve Nutella in a small bowl for guests to dip their brownie sandwiches in for an extra chocolatey treat.
6. Coffee or Espresso: A cup of coffee provides a perfect balance, enhancing the chocolate flavors while offering a nice contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches, it’s easy to overlook a few important details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Ignoring the cooling time – Allowing your brownies to cool properly is crucial for the right texture. If you skip this step, they may crumble when cutting.
• Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much after adding flour can lead to tough brownies. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a fudgy texture.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly – Accurate measurements are key to baking success. Use dry measuring cups for solids and liquid measuring cups for wet ingredients.
• Using warm ice cream – Thawing ice cream too long makes it hard to spread. Let it sit for only 5-10 minutes before using.
• Skipping the freezer time – Freezing the assembled sandwiches is vital to set everything together. Don’t rush this step; overnight freezing yields the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze them for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to melt the ice cream too much.
• Stovetop – Place on a pan over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I use different types of ice cream?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with various flavors of ice cream to create your perfect sandwich.

How do I prevent my brownies from sticking?

Greasing your pans and lining them with parchment paper will help prevent sticking during baking.

Can I make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches ahead of time?

Absolutely! They can be prepared in advance and stored in the freezer for up to three months.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

You can grease your pans generously with butter or baking spray as an alternative to parchment paper.

How do I customize my Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?

Add toppings like sprinkles, chocolate chips, or nuts between the brownie layers and ice cream for extra flavor!

Final Thoughts

Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a delightful treat that combines rich fudge brownies with creamy ice cream, making them perfect for any occasion. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize flavors and toppings according to your preferences. We encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy a delicious dessert that everyone will love!