There’s something truly irresistible about the combination of rich, fudgy brownies and creamy ice cream that takes me straight back to childhood summer afternoons. Picture this: warm brownie layers, still slightly gooey in the middle, enveloping a thick scoop of your favorite ice cream. Yes, please!
I whipped up these Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches after a long week when I craved a comforting treat that transcends the everyday dessert routine. Not only do these sandwiches satisfy those sweet cravings, but they also bring an element of fun to any gathering—perfect for both kids and adults alike!
Whether you find yourself with a box of leftover brownies or are just looking to indulge yourself in something utterly delightful, this recipe is both simple and crowd-pleasing. Get ready to dive into layers of chocolate bliss and creamy goodness that will definitely be the highlight of your dessert table. Let’s turn those basic brownies into something extraordinary!
Why choose Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Irresistible combination: The fusion of warm, fudgy brownies and cold, creamy ice cream creates a dessert experience like no other.
Fun to assemble: These sandwiches are not only delicious but also a playful way to get the family involved in the kitchen.
Satisfying cravings: A quick remedy for those sweet tooth moments, bringing comfort and joy with every bite.
Customizable delight: Use any flavor of ice cream to suit your mood or occasion—think mint chocolate chip, cookie dough, or classic vanilla.
Perfect for gatherings: These treats are a guaranteed hit at parties or BBQs, ensuring smiles all around.
Treat yourself further by checking out our all-time favorite brownie recipes that can elevate your dessert game!
Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches Ingredients
For the Brownies
- Unsalted butter – 1 1/2 cups; use melted for that rich, fudgy texture.
- Granulated sugar – 2 1/4 cups; this adds the right amount of sweetness to balance the cocoa.
- Light brown sugar – 1 1/2 cups; gives a deeper flavor and moistness to your brownies.
- Large eggs – 6; they help create a wonderful, chewy consistency.
- Vegetable oil – 3 tbsp; this keeps the brownies moist and delicious.
- Pure vanilla extract – 2 tbsp; adds a lovely aroma and flavor depth.
- All-purpose flour – 2 1/4 cups; provides structure and support to your brownies.
- Cocoa powder – 1 1/2 cups; the star ingredient for that deep chocolate flavor in your brownie ice cream sandwiches.
- Salt – 1 1/2 tsps; enhances the chocolate flavor, making it richer.
For the Ice Cream
- Ice cream flavor – 1.5 qts; choose your favorite for a personalized touch in these brownie ice cream sandwiches!
How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
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Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare two 8×8 pans by greasing them with butter or baking spray. Line the bottoms with parchment paper, allowing edges to hang over for easy removal later.
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Combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar in a medium bowl. Mix using a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, which should only take a minute or two.
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Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This creates that signature crackled top you adore, which should appear glossy before moving to the next step!
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Stir in the vegetable oil and pure vanilla extract. This not only enhances flavor but also keeps those brownies rich and moist.
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Mix the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Reduce your mixer speed to low, so you don’t get flour everywhere!
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Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just incorporated—don’t overbeat. The batter should be thick and luxurious.
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Divide the brownie batter evenly between the two pans and spread gently with a rubber spatula. Aim for an even layer to ensure perfect baking!
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Bake for 30-40 minutes. You want the edges to look set, but a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake; fudginess is key!
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Cool the brownies for 10 minutes before lifting them out of the pans using the parchment paper. Place them on a cooling rack to reach room temperature.
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Thaw your ice cream for 5-10 minutes until it’s spreadable. This step will make assembling the sandwiches a breeze!
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Return one half of the brownie to its pan, spread the softened ice cream on top as desired, getting creative with a thick layer!
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Invert the second half of the brownie over the ice cream layer. Cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze for at least 6 hours—or, for the best texture, overnight.
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Cut: Once ready to serve, remove from the freezer and thaw for 5-10 minutes. Use the parchment to lift the whole block out, then slice into 8 equal squares.
Optional: Drizzle with chocolate syrup before serving for an extra indulgent touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Fridge: Store leftover brownie ice cream sandwiches wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the sandwiches in an airtight container or wrapped in foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
Layering Tip: If you plan to freeze them, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy access to individual sandwiches.
Serving After Freezing: Allow to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving to achieve that perfect creamy texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to indulge in deliciousness with ease! You can make the brownie layers up to 3 days in advance, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating to maintain their rich, fudgy texture. The ice cream can also be spread onto the brownies and prepared ahead; just cover the assembled sandwiches with aluminum foil and freeze them for up to 1 week. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw for 5-10 minutes at room temperature before slicing. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have scrumptious, ready-to-serve treats for any occasion, saving you time and delighting your family!
Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these brownie ice cream sandwiches your own with some delightful twists!
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Nutty Delight: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for extra crunch and flavor. It adds a lovely contrast to the creamy ice cream.
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Flavored Ice Cream: Experiment with unique ice cream flavors like cookies and cream or salted caramel, creating new taste sensations. Each flavor brings a different personality to your sandwiches.
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Minty Fresh: Stir in a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the brownie batter for a refreshing mint chocolate experience. It pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream!
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Cookie Crumb Layer: Before adding the ice cream, sprinkle crushed cookies or graham crackers on the brownie base for added texture and flavor. It offers a delightful surprise in every bite.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the brownie batter for a warm kick that beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the ice cream. It’s an adventurous choice for those daring dessert lovers!
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Vegan Version: Use flax eggs and coconut oil instead of traditional eggs and butter, plus your favorite dairy-free ice cream for a plant-based treat. This way, everyone can partake in the deliciousness!
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Stuffed Surprise: Incorporate a layer of mini chocolate chips or marshmallows in the brownie batter for extra chunks of joy throughout your sandwich. You’ll be rewarded with a gooey surprise with every bite!
These variations allow you to customize the experience and keep each serving exciting, ensuring that your brownie ice cream sandwiches are as unique as you are!
Expert Tips for Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Right Consistency: Always ensure your brownies are slightly underbaked for that fudgy texture; a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Layer Smartly: When adding ice cream, make sure it’s softened—this helps in spreading it evenly without tearing the brownie layers.
Avoid Sticking: Use parchment paper for easy lifting; this prevents your brownies from sticking to the pan and keeps them intact.
Freezing Time: For the best results, freeze your assembled sandwiches overnight. This enhances the flavors and makes cutting easier!
Serving Note: Let the sandwiches thaw for a few minutes after removing from the freezer to achieve a perfect texture before slicing.
What to Serve with Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Elevate your dessert experience by pairing these decadent delights with complementary treats that enhance their rich flavors.
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Fresh Berries: The tartness of raspberries or strawberries provides a vibrant contrast to the chocolatey sweetness, creating a balanced bite.
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Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce intensifies the chocolate flavor, making each mouthful feel indulgently luxurious.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a creamy texture that beautifully offsets the dense, fudgy brownies.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Always a classic, a scoop of vanilla ice cream amplifies the creamy goodness while keeping flavors harmonious.
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Mint Leaves: Fresh mint adds a refreshing pop of flavor that cuts through the richness of your sandwich, making it feel lighter.
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Coffee: A cozy cup of coffee enhances the chocolate taste, bringing out deeper notes while offering a comforting warmth.
Let your dessert spread surprise and delight with these special pairings, creating a joyful occasion for family and friends!
Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my brownies are baked perfectly?
Absolutely! The key to perfect brownies is ensuring they remain fudgy but set. Bake for 30-40 minutes, and use a toothpick: it should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating a soft center. If it comes out clean, they might be overbaked, resulting in a drier texture.
What kind of ice cream should I use for the sandwiches?
Very! You can use any flavor of ice cream that tickles your taste buds. Classic choices like vanilla, cookies and cream, or mint chocolate chip add wonderful dimension. Remember, a creamier ice cream will spread more easily. If you’re feeling adventurous, mix flavors for a unique combination!
How should I store leftovers?
Of course! Wrap any leftover brownie ice cream sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw in the fridge a few hours before serving!
Can I freeze the brownie ice cream sandwiches?
Absolutely! To freeze, ensure the assembled sandwiches are tightly wrapped or placed in an airtight container. They can stay frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes for the best texture before slicing.
What should I do if my ice cream is too hard to spread?
Very! This can happen if your ice cream is overly frozen. Simply remove it from the freezer and let it soften at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. This makes it easy to spread without tearing the brownie layers. If you’re short on time, using a microwave for a few seconds can help, but be careful not to melt it!
Are these brownie ice cream sandwiches suitable for everyone?
Indeed! While the recipe is vegetarian-friendly, be cautious if you have dietary restrictions. Since it contains eggs and dairy, it’s not suitable for those with egg or dairy allergies. For a dairy-free option, try using sorbets or plant-based ice creams. Always check labels to ensure they’re allergy-friendly for anyone you’re serving!
Decadent Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches You’ll Crave!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare two 8×8 pans by greasing them with butter or baking spray. Line the bottoms with parchment paper, allowing edges to hang over for easy removal later.
- Combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar in a medium bowl. Mix using a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vegetable oil and pure vanilla extract.
- Mix the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just incorporated.
- Divide the brownie batter evenly between the two pans and spread gently with a rubber spatula.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the brownies for 10 minutes before lifting them out of the pans using the parchment paper.
- Thaw your ice cream for 5-10 minutes until it's spreadable.
- Return one half of the brownie to its pan and spread the softened ice cream on top.
- Invert the second half of the brownie over the ice cream layer. Cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze for at least 6 hours.
- Once ready to serve, remove from the freezer and thaw for 5-10 minutes. Use the parchment to lift the block out, then slice into 8 equal squares.