Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe

Get ready to fall head-over-heels for these Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches—a nostalgic treat that’s perfect for hot afternoons, birthday celebrations, or simply when you need a little joy in your day. Imagine biting into thick, fudgy brownies that hug your favorite creamy ice cream, all in a hand-held sandwich that feels luxurious, playful, and—most importantly—easy to make at home. Whether you stick to a classic vanilla or get creative with bold flavors, these delightful sandwiches are guaranteed to turn any gathering into a party and make you the favorite in your friend group.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a small handful of everyday pantry staples transforms into such decadent, bakery-worthy Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches! Each ingredient adds its own magic—whether it’s bringing intense chocolate flavor, a perfectly chewy texture, or that signature crackly brownie top.

• Unsalted butter, melted: Melting the butter gives the brownies a rich, fudgy base that sets them apart from the boxed stuff.
• Granulated sugar: Not just for sweetness—this is the secret to getting those shiny, crackly brownie tops everybody loves.
• Light brown sugar, packed: Adds a subtle molasses flavor and keeps the brownies extra moist.
• Large eggs, room temperature: Make sure they’re room temp for ultra-smooth, creamy batter that bakes up evenly.
• Vegetable oil: A splash of oil ensures chewiness and a tender bite in every sandwich.
• Pure vanilla extract: Don’t skip this! Vanilla deepens all the other flavors—trust me, it’s worth it.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the brownies—stick to all-purpose for that perfect soft, but not cakey, bite.
• Cocoa powder: Go for a good quality unsweetened cocoa for brownies that taste intensely chocolatey and never bitter.
• Salt: It might seem minor, but a little salt sharpens all the sweet and rich notes.
• Your favorite ice cream (1.5 quarts): Here’s where you can go wild—vanilla, strawberry, fudge ripple, or anything your heart craves!

How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Step 1: Prepare the Pans

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and lining two 8×8 pans with parchment paper, letting a generous overhang drape the sides for easy lifting later. A spritz of butter or baking spray helps everything release cleanly—no sticky mess. This step is your insurance policy for picture-perfect Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches.

Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter

Whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a bowl until glossy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing between each for that crave-worthy brownie sheen. Stir in vegetable oil and vanilla extract, making sure the batter is smooth and combined—this is where the magic (and the crackly top!) happens.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Now, slowly add the dry mixture to your wet batter, mixing on low speed so you don’t overwork it. You want everything just incorporated; overmixing can lead to tough brownies, and we’re here for soft and chewy!

Step 4: Bake the Brownies

Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared pans and gently spread with a spatula for level layers. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, just until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs—don’t overbake, or the sandwiches will be dry. Let them cool for about 10 minutes, then carefully lift each brownie slab out using the parchment. Leave the parchment on one half only and let everything come to room temperature.

Step 5: Assemble with Ice Cream

Let your ice cream sit on the counter for five to ten minutes to soften—this makes it so much easier to spread over the brownie. Lay one brownie (the one with parchment) back into the now-clean pan, scoop and spread your ice cream over the top, and get playful with the layer’s thickness! Place the second brownie (without parchment) on top, press gently, and wrap the entire pan with plastic wrap or foil.

Step 6: Freeze and Slice

Transfer the whole pan to the freezer and let it sit for at least six hours—overnight is even better, giving the brownies and ice cream time to marry into sandwich perfection. When you’re ready, let them rest on the counter for 5 to 10 minutes, then use the parchment to lift and a sharp knife to slice into eight dreamy Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches!

How to Serve Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Garnishes

For a playful finish, roll the sandwich edges in mini chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even freeze-dried fruit. A light drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce won’t hurt, either! These little touches turn every sandwich into a showstopper.

Side Dishes

Pair your Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches with a bowl of fresh berries or a tall glass of cold brew for a summery coffee-shop vibe. If you’re really indulging, pour a little raspberry coulis or hot fudge on the plate—the contrast will make each bite that much more exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the sandwiches into fun shapes with cookie cutters for birthday parties or holidays. Stack mini versions on a tiered cake stand for a dessert-table centerpiece. Or, wrap them in parchment and bakery twine for adorable, giftable treats you can hand out at picnics and BBQs!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap each leftover Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich individually in both plastic wrap and aluminum foil to keep them fresh and ward off freezer burn. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to a month, though you’ll probably find them irresistible long before then!

Freezing

Freezing is not just recommended—it’s essential! Be sure the sandwiches are tightly wrapped or sealed in an airtight container, with layers of parchment or wax paper between each one if stacking. This way, each sandwich stays pristine and delicious, ready at a moment’s notice for sudden cravings.

Reheating

No actual reheating needed for these cool treats, but if your Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches feel too firm straight from the freezer, just let them sit at room temperature for 5 to 8 minutes. This bit of patience makes for the ideal soft-bite experience!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought brownies for this recipe?

Absolutely! While homemade brownies elevate the flavor and texture, no one will complain if you use your favorite pre-made brownies to speed things up—just make sure they’re thick and sturdy enough to hold up as a sandwich layer.

What’s the best ice cream flavor for these Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches?

Go classic with vanilla, or get creative with cookie dough, coffee, pistachio, or even fruity flavors like raspberry swirl. The beauty of Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches is that you can truly make them yours, so use whatever ice cream lights up your taste buds!

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, and double-check that your ice cream and cocoa powder are gluten-free, too. Your gluten-free friends will thank you for it.

How do I keep the brownies from sticking to the pan?

The magic trick is parchment paper with plenty of overhang, plus a light coat of butter or non-stick spray. This makes lifting and assembling the Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches totally stress-free and way less messy.

Why do my sandwiches go rock hard in the freezer?

Ice cream needs time to soften before you dig in! If your sandwiches are super hard, let them sit out for a few minutes. It also helps to use a slightly softer-style ice cream and to avoid overbaking the brownies, which keeps the whole sandwich tender and just right.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a dessert that brings giddy smiles and absolute delight, whip up a batch of Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches soon. Whether you keep them classic or get whimsical with fun flavors and toppings, these are pure homemade happiness. Don’t wait for a special occasion—make any day extraordinary!