Mint Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe

Unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture to the brownies.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps create a tender texture.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the brownies.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the brownies.

Cocoa powder: Gives the brownies their rich chocolate flavor.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and stability to the brownies.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Baking powder: Helps the brownies rise and become fluffy.

Mint chocolate chip ice cream: Adds a refreshing minty flavor and creamy texture to the sandwiches.

To achieve perfectly even brownies, use a spatula to spread the batter smoothly in the baking pan. This ensures that the brownies bake uniformly, making it easier to cut them into neat squares for the ice cream sandwiches.

• melted unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture, with a subtle coconut flavor that complements the mint.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor, which pairs well with chocolate.

• large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a great vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a nutty flavor that enhances the chocolate and mint combination.

• cocoa powder - Substitute with carob powder: Carob powder is naturally sweet and caffeine-free, offering a similar color and texture to cocoa powder.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour is gluten-free and adds a nutty flavor, though it may make the brownies denser.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor profile and can enhance the overall taste of the brownies.

• baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon of baking soda mixed with ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar to mimic the leavening effect of baking powder.

• mint chocolate chip ice cream - Substitute with mint frozen yogurt: Mint frozen yogurt is a lower-fat alternative that still provides the minty flavor and creamy texture needed for the ice cream sandwiches.

• Ensure your mint chocolate brownie ice cream sandwiches are completely frozen before storing to maintain their shape and texture.
• Individually wrap each ice cream sandwich in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and to keep them fresh.
• Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. This extra layer of protection helps to keep the desserts from absorbing any unwanted odors from the freezer.
• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of their freshness. These ice cream sandwiches can be stored for up to 2 months.
• When ready to enjoy, remove the desired number of sandwiches from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly for easier eating.
• If you prefer a firmer texture, you can place the sandwiches in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
• For a decorative touch, consider rolling the edges of the ice cream sandwiches in mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or crushed peppermint candies before freezing.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the mint chocolate brownie ice cream sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the sandwiches loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, just until the brownies are warm and slightly gooey. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-melting the ice cream.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place one mint chocolate brownie ice cream sandwich on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Microwave on medium power for 10-15 seconds. This will warm the brownies slightly while keeping the ice cream mostly intact.
  3. Check the sandwich and add a few more seconds if needed, but be cautious to avoid melting the ice cream too much.

• Room Temperature Method:

  1. Remove the mint chocolate brownie ice cream sandwiches from the freezer.
  2. Let them sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. This will soften the brownies and make them easier to bite into while keeping the ice cream cold and creamy.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the mint chocolate brownie ice cream sandwiches on a small baking tray.
  3. Cover with a piece of aluminum foil to protect the ice cream.
  4. Heat for 3-5 minutes, just until the brownies are warm.

• Oven: Used to bake the brownie batter at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• 9x13 inch baking pan: The container where the brownie batter is spread and baked.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.

• Whisk: Helps in mixing the wet ingredients like melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.

• Spatula: Useful for spreading the brownie batter evenly in the baking pan.

• Toothpick: Used to check if the brownies are baked completely by inserting it into the center.

• Knife: Needed to cut the cooled brownies into squares.

• Ice cream scoop: Helps in scooping the softened mint chocolate chip ice cream to place between brownie squares.

• Plastic wrap: Used to wrap each ice cream sandwich before freezing.

• Freezer: Essential for freezing the wrapped ice cream sandwiches for at least 1 hour before serving.

Use store-bought brownies: Save time by using pre-made brownies instead of baking from scratch. Simply cut them into squares and proceed with the recipe.

Soften ice cream quickly: Leave the ice cream at room temperature for 10-15 minutes or microwave it in 10-second intervals until it’s easy to scoop.

Line the pan: Use parchment paper to line the baking pan for easy removal and less cleanup.

Pre-scoop ice cream: Scoop the ice cream onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. This makes assembling the sandwiches faster.

Batch preparation: Make a large batch and store the sandwiches in the freezer for a quick treat anytime.