Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Butter: Provides moisture and richness to the brownies.

Sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps create a tender texture.

Eggs: Adds structure and stability to the brownie batter.

All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the brownie batter, giving it structure.

Cocoa powder: Adds a deep chocolate flavor to the brownies.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and flavor of the brownies.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.

Vanilla ice cream: The creamy filling for the sandwiches, providing a delightful contrast to the fudgy brownies.

When spreading the batter in the baking pan, use an offset spatula to ensure an even layer. This will help the brownies bake uniformly, making it easier to cut them into equal-sized squares for the ice cream sandwiches.

• melted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture level, giving the brownies a slightly different but pleasant flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey is a natural sweetener that can replace sugar, though it will add a distinct flavor and make the brownies slightly denser.

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

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour is a gluten-free option that adds a nutty flavor and a slightly different texture to the brownies.

• cocoa powder - Substitute with carob powder: Carob powder is a caffeine-free alternative to cocoa powder with a naturally sweet flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor to the brownies.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral content and flavor profile.

• softened vanilla ice cream - Substitute with coconut milk ice cream: Coconut milk ice cream is a dairy-free alternative that offers a creamy texture and a hint of coconut flavor.

• Ensure your brownie ice cream sandwiches are completely frozen before storing. This helps maintain their shape and prevents the ice cream from melting and making a mess.
• Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap. This not only keeps them fresh but also prevents them from sticking together.
• For an extra layer of protection, place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. This helps to avoid freezer burn and keeps the dessert tasting fresh.
• Label the container or bag with the date. While brownie ice cream sandwiches can be stored for up to a month, it's always good to know when you made them.
• When ready to enjoy, let the sandwiches sit at room temperature for a few minutes. This softens the brownie slightly, making it easier to bite into.
• If you prefer a softer texture, you can move the sandwiches from the freezer to the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the ice cream to soften without melting too quickly.
• Avoid storing the sandwiches near strong-smelling foods in the freezer. Ice cream can absorb odors, which might affect the taste of your dessert.
• For a fun twist, roll the edges of the sandwiches in chocolate chips, sprinkles, or crushed nuts before freezing. This adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to your treat.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the brownie ice cream sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover each sandwich loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly.
  4. Warm in the oven for 5-7 minutes, just until the brownie is slightly warm and the ice cream is still intact.
  5. Remove from the oven and let sit for 1-2 minutes before serving.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a brownie ice cream sandwich on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Microwave on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Check the brownie; it should be slightly warm while the ice cream remains mostly frozen.
  3. If necessary, microwave in additional 5-second intervals until the desired warmth is achieved.
  4. Let it sit for a minute before enjoying.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
  2. Place the brownie ice cream sandwiches in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
  3. Air fry for 3-4 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure the ice cream isn't melting too much.
  4. Remove from the air fryer and let sit for a minute before serving.

• Stovetop Skillet Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat.
  2. Place the brownie ice cream sandwiches in the skillet.
  3. Cover the skillet with a lid to create a gentle warming environment.
  4. Heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, checking frequently to ensure the ice cream doesn't melt excessively.
  5. Remove from the skillet and let sit for a minute before serving.

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) to bake the brownie batter.

• Baking pan: Grease this to ensure the brownies do not stick.

• Mixing bowl: Combine melted butter and sugar, and later mix in the eggs and vanilla.

• Whisk: Use this to whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.

• Spatula: Spread the brownie batter evenly in the baking pan.

• Toothpick: Insert into the center of the brownies to check for doneness.

• Knife: Cut the cooled brownies into equal-sized squares.

• Ice cream scoop: Spread softened ice cream on the brownie squares.

• Plastic wrap: Wrap each sandwich to freeze them for at least 1 hour.

• Freezer: Freeze the wrapped brownie ice cream sandwiches before serving.

Use store-bought ice cream: Save time by using pre-made vanilla ice cream instead of making your own.

Line the pan with parchment: This makes it easier to remove the brownies and reduces cleanup time.

Quick cooling: Place the baked brownies in the fridge to cool faster before cutting.

Pre-slice before freezing: Cut the brownies into squares before adding the ice cream to streamline the assembly process.

Use a cookie cutter: For uniform sandwiches, use a cookie cutter to shape the brownies and ice cream.