Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

In these delightful Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches, rich fudge brownies embrace your favorite ice cream to create a heavenly dessert. Perfect for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or simply indulging at home, these treats are sure to impress. The combination of chewy brownies and creamy ice cream makes each bite a memorable experience, while the simple recipe ensures you can whip them up with ease.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The rich chocolate from the brownies pairs perfectly with any ice cream flavor you choose.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Treat: Customize your sandwich with different ice cream flavors or toppings for endless variations.
• Fun for All Occasions: Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy night in, these sandwiches are a hit.
• Impressive Presentation: These treats not only taste great but also look stunning when served.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches shine, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Parchment paper
• Baking pans (8×8 inches)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Hand mixer: A hand mixer saves time and energy, ensuring your batter is perfectly blended.
• Rubber spatula: This tool helps you scrape down the sides of the bowl and spread the batter evenly in the pan.

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 (can you use less if you want)

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” of paper hanging over the sides.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

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: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one at a time to the mixture. Mix after each addition to incorporate fully. This will help create that desirable crackled top on your brownies.

Step 4: Add Oil and Vanilla

Mix in vegetable oil and pure vanilla extract until fully integrated into the batter.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Reduce the speed of your mixer before adding this dry mixture to avoid flour clouds.

Step 6: Mix Together

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 7: Divide Batter into Pans

Pour half of the brownie batter into each prepared pan. Use a rubber spatula to gently spread it evenly across both pans.

Step 8: Bake Brownies

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

Step 9: Cool Brownies

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

Step 10: Transfer Brownies

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

Step 11: Thaw Ice Cream

Thaw your favorite ice cream for about 5–10 minutes until it’s soft enough to spread easily.

Step 12: Assemble Sandwiches

Return one half of brownie back into its pan (the one still lined with parchment). Spread thawed ice cream over this layer using a large spoon or rubber spatula. Feel free to adjust how much ice cream you use based on personal preference!

Step 13: Top Brownies

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

Step 14: Serve Your Treats

When you’re ready to serve, remove from freezer and let sit for about 5–10 minutes. Use parchment paper again to lift out the entire block from the pan. Cut into eight even squares with a sharp knife. 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 summer gathering or simply indulging on a cozy evening, these sandwiches can be dressed up or down according to your mood.

Classic Presentation

• Serve them on a simple white plate for an elegant look.
• Add colorful sprinkles on the ice cream for a fun touch.

Ice Cream Toppings

• Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
• Top with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.

Pair with Beverages

• Enjoy with a glass of cold milk to balance the richness.
• Serve alongside hot coffee for a delightful contrast of temperatures.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Arrange several sandwich halves along with cookies and brownies.
• Include whipped cream or ice cream scoops as dipping options.

How to Perfect Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

To make your Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches truly amazing, consider these helpful tips for the best results.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter and better texture in your brownies.
• Don’t overmix: Mixing just until combined yields softer brownies without toughening them.
• Chill the ice cream: Allowing it to soften slightly makes it easier to spread between brownie layers.
• Experiment with flavors: Try different ice cream flavors like mint chocolate chip or cookie dough for variety.
• Cut with care: Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water for cleaner cuts when slicing your sandwiches.

Best Side Dishes for Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Pairing side dishes with Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches enhances the dessert experience. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the richness of the brownies.

2. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
   These sweet bites complement the brownie’s chocolate flavor while adding freshness.

3. Vanilla Whipped Cream
   Light and airy, this topping can be dolloped alongside each sandwich for added texture.

4. Coconut Macaroons
   Chewy and sweet, they provide a different texture that pairs well with the brownies’ fudginess.

5. Ice Cream Sundae Bar
   Set up toppings like nuts, cherries, and sauces for guests to customize their desserts further.

6. Coffee or Espresso
   The bitterness of coffee is a perfect match for the sweetness of brownie sandwiches, enhancing the overall flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches is fun, but there are a few pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrectly measuring ingredients: Measuring flour and cocoa powder improperly can lead to dense brownies. Always use the spoon-and-level method for precision.
• Overbaking the brownies: If baked too long, brownies will dry out. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
• Not allowing brownies to cool: Cutting into warm brownies can lead to messy sandwiches. Let them cool completely at room temperature before assembling.
• Using hard ice cream: Ice cream that’s too frozen is hard to spread. Thaw it for 5-10 minutes until it’s scoopable but not too melty.
• Ignoring freezer time: Rushing the freezing process will result in messy sandwiches. Freeze the assembled sandwiches for at least 6 hours or overnight for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Wrap individual sandwiches in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm sandwiches on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each sandwich for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, flipping carefully until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use different flavors of ice cream in my Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite ice cream flavors, like mint chocolate chip or strawberry.

How do I prevent my brownies from sticking to the pan?

Greasing the pan and lining it with parchment paper will help prevent sticking and make removal easier.

Can I make these Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them one day in advance and store them in the freezer until you’re ready to serve.

What can I substitute if I don’t have vegetable oil?

You can use melted coconut oil or applesauce as a substitute for vegetable oil in this recipe.

How should I slice my Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?

Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean cuts. This prevents the brownie from crumbling while cutting.

Final Thoughts

Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them with various flavors of ice cream and even add toppings like sprinkles or nuts. Give this recipe a try and delight your friends and family with this sweet summer treat!