Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

In these delightful Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches, rich fudge brownies and your favorite ice cream create a delicious summer treat that everyone will love. Perfect for parties, picnics, or a cozy night in, these sandwiches offer a unique twist on classic desserts. With their fudgy texture and creamy filling, they are sure to impress family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate brownies and smooth ice cream creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Customizable: Use any ice cream flavor you love, making it versatile for different tastes.
• Fun Presentation: These sandwiches are visually appealing and make for a fun dessert at gatherings.
• Make Ahead: Prepare them in advance and freeze, making them an ideal treat for busy days.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 2 8×8 inch baking pans
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking pans: Essential for shaping the brownies; using two ensures even baking and allows for easy layering.
• Hand mixer: Makes mixing ingredients quick and effortless, achieving the right consistency for the batter.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for spreading the brownie batter evenly in the pan, ensuring all edges are covered.

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!

For the Brownies

• 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

For the Ice Cream Filling

• 1.5 qts fave ice cream flavor (can use less if desired)

How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease two 8×8 pans with butter or baking spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving about 4-6 inches hanging over the sides.

Step 2: Mix Sugars and 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

Add eggs one at a time to the mixture, mixing well after each addition. This step is crucial as it helps achieve that beloved crackled top on the brownies.

Step 4: Incorporate Oil and Vanilla

Mix in vegetable oil and pure vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 6: Mix Ingredients Together

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.

Step 7: Prepare Baking Pans

Divide half of the brownie batter between both pans. Use a rubber spatula to spread it evenly across each pan.

Step 8: Bake Brownies

Bake in preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out just barely clean. Avoid overbaking!

Step 9: Cool Brownies

After removing from the oven, allow brownies to cool in pans for about 10 minutes.

Step 10: Transfer Brownies

Carefully lift brownies out using parchment paper onto a cooling rack. Peel off parchment from one half only. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature.

Step 11: Thaw Ice Cream

Thaw your chosen ice cream flavor for about 5-10 minutes to soften it slightly before spreading.

Step 12: Assemble Sandwiches

Return one half of brownie back into its pan (the one still lined with parchment). Spread softened ice cream over this layer using a large spoon or rubber spatula. Adjust amount based on preference.

Step 13: Top with Second Brownie Layer

Invert the second half of brownie on top of the ice cream layer. Cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze for at least six hours; overnight is recommended.

Step 14: Serve

When ready to enjoy, remove from freezer and let thaw for about 5-10 minutes. Lift out using parchment paper. Cut into eight even squares with a sharp knife. Serve immediately and savor every bite!

How to Serve Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a delightful way to enjoy dessert, especially during warm weather. They’re versatile and can be served in various creative ways that enhance their rich flavors and textures.

Classic Presentation

• Serve on a simple plate for a classic look, allowing the layers of brownie and ice cream to shine.

With Fresh Berries

• Add a side of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the brownies.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the sandwich just before serving for an extra indulgent touch.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream on top adds lightness and pairs well with the dense brownie.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange multiple Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches on a platter for sharing at parties or gatherings. This makes an eye-catching presentation.

How to Perfect Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Achieving the ideal Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches requires attention to detail. Here are some tips for perfecting this delicious treat.

• Use room temperature eggs: This helps create a smoother batter, leading to better texture in your brownies.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough brownies; mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Cool brownies completely: Ensuring your brownies are fully cooled prevents the ice cream from melting too quickly when assembled.
• Experiment with ice cream flavors: Try different flavors like mint chocolate chip or cookies and cream for unique variations.
• Wrap them well for freezing: Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn when storing leftover sandwiches.
• Let them thaw slightly before serving: Thawing for 5-10 minutes makes it easier to cut through the brownie without squishing the ice cream.

Best Side Dishes for Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Serving sides with your Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast that balances out the richness.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside extra scoops of vanilla ice cream for those who want even more creamy goodness.
3. Chocolate Mousse: A small serving of chocolate mousse adds an elegant touch and complements the brownie flavor.
4. Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee is a perfect match for sweet desserts, enhancing their flavors.
5. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats bring an interesting texture and flavor contrast that pairs well with brownies.
6. Churros: Crisp churros dusted with cinnamon sugar add crunch and spice, making them an exciting addition.
7. Nut Mix: A bowl of mixed nuts provides a crunchy element that contrasts beautifully with soft brownies.
8. Caramel Sauce Dipping Bowl: Offer caramel sauce as a dip on the side for added sweetness and gooeyness when enjoyed together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches turn out perfectly, here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Boldly skipping the cooling time: Allowing the brownies to cool is crucial. If you skip this step, the ice cream will melt too quickly, making a mess.
• Boldly neglecting ingredient temperatures: Using eggs that are not at room temperature can affect the texture of your brownies. Always let them sit out before mixing.
• Boldly overbaking the brownies: Keep an eye on your brownies while they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry treats instead of fudgy ones.
• Boldly rushing the freezing process: For best results, freeze your assembled sandwiches overnight. Rushing this step may result in soft ice cream spilling out.
• Boldly ignoring portion sizes: Be careful with how much ice cream you add. Too much can make it hard to cut your sandwiches later.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any 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 for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5-10 minutes. This will soften the ice cream slightly without melting it completely.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds. This method is quick but requires close monitoring to prevent melting.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat for a couple of minutes. This adds a nice warmth without losing texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about making Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches.

How should I store leftover Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I customize my Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?

Absolutely! You can use different flavors of ice cream or even add toppings like sprinkles or chocolate sauce for extra fun.

What if my brownies are too crumbly?

If they crumble too much, try adding a bit more melted butter next time. It helps bind the ingredients better.

How do I know when my brownies are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re perfect! Don’t overbake them.

Are there any alternatives for gluten-free diets?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for delicious gluten-free Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches.

Final Thoughts

These Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are not only indulgent but also versatile! You can easily customize them with your favorite ice cream flavors or toppings. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful treat perfect for any occasion!