Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches: The Ultimate Nostalgic Treat

Growing up, there was nothing quite like the joy of a classic ice cream sandwich on a warm summer day. Now, you can recreate that magic at home with these incredible Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches. This recipe uses your favorite rich, fudgy brownies as the perfect base for creamy ice cream, creating a decadent dessert that’s sure to be a hit with everyone.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

These Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a game-changer for dessert lovers. The combination of chewy, fudgy brownies and your favorite ice cream creates a textural and flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. They are perfect for parties, summer gatherings, or just a special treat to brighten any day. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home, allowing you to customize them with your preferred ice cream flavors.

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 tsp salt
• 1.5 quarts of your favorite ice cream flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease two 8×8 inch baking pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper, leaving about 4-6 inches of overhang on the sides.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix with a hand mixer on medium speed until well combined.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to incorporate. This step helps create the desirable crackled top on the brownies.
4. Mix in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
6. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in intervals, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Divide the brownie batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Use a rubber spatula to gently spread the batter to an even layer in each pan.
8. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to ensure a fudgy texture.
9. Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
10. Use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the brownies out of the pans and onto a cooling rack. Peel the parchment paper off of only one of the brownie halves.
11. Allow the brownies to cool completely to room temperature.
12. While the brownies cool, let your ice cream soften slightly on the counter for about 5-10 minutes.
13. Once cooled, return the brownie half with the parchment paper still attached back into one of the 8×8 pans.
14. Spread the softened ice cream evenly over the top of this brownie layer. Use as much or as little as you prefer.
15. Carefully invert the second brownie half and place it on top of the ice cream layer.
16. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Freeze for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until firm.
17. When ready to serve, remove the brownie ice cream block from the freezer and let it thaw for 5-10 minutes to make cutting easier.
18. Use the parchment paper to lift the entire block out of the pan.
19. Using a sharp knife, cut the block into 8 even squares to create your Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches.

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Expert Tips / Pro Tips

To achieve the perfect crackled top on your brownies, ensure your eggs are at room temperature and don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour. When baking, it’s crucial not to overbake the brownies; they should still be slightly underdone in the center for maximum fudginess. For easier handling and cutting, make sure your ice cream is softened but not melted. Thawing the assembled sandwiches for a few minutes before cutting will prevent the knife from getting stuck and ensure clean slices.

Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your ice cream choices! Classic vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry are always great, but consider flavors like mint chocolate chip, cookie dough, or even coffee for a sophisticated twist. You can also add mix-ins to the softened ice cream before spreading, such as mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even crumbled cookies. If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can substitute it with an equal amount of Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a richer flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches immediately after cutting for the best texture. They are a perfect standalone dessert, but you can also elevate them further by drizzling them with hot fudge sauce, caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of sea salt. A dollop of whipped cream on the side also makes for a delightful addition.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

To store leftovers, wrap each Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich individually in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. If the sandwiches become too hard from freezing, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.

Nutrition Information

Please note that the following nutrition information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used, as well as the exact serving size.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	682 kcal
Carbohydrates	86g
Protein	10g
Fat	35g
Saturated Fat	22g
Polyunsaturated Fat	2g
Monounsaturated Fat	9g
Trans Fat	1g
Cholesterol	149mg
Sodium	378mg
Potassium	486mg
Fiber	3g
Sugar	70g
Vitamin A	1161 IU
Vitamin C	1mg
Calcium	257mg
Iron	2mg

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pan?

Yes, you can use a 9×13 inch pan, but you will need to adjust the baking time and the thickness of your brownie layers. You might also need more ice cream to fill the larger pan.

How do I prevent the brownies from drying out?

The key is to not overbake the brownies. They should still be slightly fudgy when removed from the oven, as they will continue to cook slightly as they cool. Also, ensure they cool completely before adding the ice cream.

Can I make the brownies ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the brownies a day in advance and let them cool completely. Store them at room temperature, covered, until you are ready to assemble the ice cream sandwiches.

What if my ice cream is too hard to spread?

Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a bit longer, but keep an eye on it to prevent it from melting completely. You can also try scooping it into smaller chunks before spreading to make it more manageable.

Can I use store-bought brownies?

While homemade brownies offer the best flavor and texture, you can use good quality store-bought brownies if you’re short on time. You’ll need two rectangular brownie slabs that fit together.