Can I use store-bought brownies?

Absolutely! If you need an even faster treat, use store-bought brownies—just slice thinly and assemble with your favorite ice cream. Freshly baked does taste best, but shortcuts are welcome when time is tight.

My brownies turned out too cakey—what went wrong?

This usually happens if you add too much flour or overbake them. For fudgier brownies, use the exact amount of flour, check your oven temperature, and don’t bake a minute longer than needed.

Can I make these gluten-free or dairy-free?

Yes—you can swap in gluten-free flour for the same amount, and choose dairy-free butter and ice cream. Taste and texture will be just as wonderful.

How do I keep them from getting soggy in the freezer?

Well-wrapped sandwiches will stay crisp and fresh. Let the brownie cool completely before assembling, and avoid very melty ice cream when filling.

Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe

Name: Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter; 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar; 3 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cup (82g) unsweetened natural or dutch-process cocoa powder; 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1 teaspoon salt; 3/4 teaspoon baking powder; 2 quart container (1/2 gallon) vanilla ice cream, slightly softened (or any flavor of your choice, you may have some leftover)

Here’s a treat you’re absolutely going to want on repeat—Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches. They combine two all-time dessert favorites into one glorious, hand-held stack of joy. The best part? You don’t need any special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. These are incredibly easy to make, and you’ll have the magic of rich, fudgy brownies and cool, creamy ice cream all in one bite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or the weekend, these sandwiches are a seriously satisfying, fuss-free way to enjoy something sweet. If you love gooey chocolate and chilly ice cream, you simply can’t go wrong.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Easy: No fancy steps or tricky instructions—just mix, bake, add your ice cream, and freeze. Done!
Fast Prep, Minimal Clean Up: Since the brownies are made in one bowl and get sliced for the sandwiches, you’re in for effortless cleanup.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These can be stashed in the freezer and pulled out whenever the craving strikes.
Endlessly Customizable: You’re free to play with flavors and have fun. There’s no way to mess these up!
Fun to Eat and Share: Kids, teens, and adults all rave about these—perfect for family night, cookouts, or a quick weeknight dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Round up these classic kitchen staples—nothing out of the ordinary here:

Unsalted Butter: For that rich, melt-in-your-mouth brownie flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens up the brownies and helps them stay chewy.
Large Eggs: Brings the batter together and gives the brownies their signature fudgy texture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth—skip the imitation stuff for the best flavor.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The hero behind that deep, chocolatey hit; natural or Dutch-process can be used, so use what you love.
All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to help the brownies hold together without getting cakey.
Salt: Balances out the sweetness and pops the chocolate flavor.
Baking Powder: Gives just a bit of lift, so the brownies stay soft and easy to sandwich.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic, cool, and creamy—grab your favorite brand, or try a different flavor if you’re feeling adventurous. Let it soften slightly for easy spreading!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

These sandwiches can fit any craving or occasion. Here are a few ways to make them your own:

Go Bold with Flavors: Swap vanilla ice cream for chocolate, mint, peanut butter, or cookies & cream.
Mix-Ins: Stir chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter into your brownie batter before baking.
Fancy Toppings: After assembling, dip sandwich edges in sprinkles, crushed cookies, or mini chocolate chips.
Gluten-Free: Use your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour.
Dairy-Free: Choose plant-based butter and ice cream if needed—brownies will still be delicious!

How to Make Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Step 1: Make the Brownie Base

Start by preheating your oven and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt your butter in a large bowl, then stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Sift in the cocoa powder to avoid lumps, then add flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix gently—don’t overwork it! Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan (aiming for a thin, even layer for the perfect sandwich thickness).

Step 2: Bake and Cool

Bake until the top is set and shiny, with a slightly fudgy center—be careful not to overbake, since soft brownies make the best sandwiches. Let them cool completely in the pan to avoid crumbling later.

Step 3: Slice and Assemble

Once fully cool, lift the brownie out of the pan and cut into even rectangles or squares (you’ll want pairs for each sandwich). Working quickly, spoon slightly softened ice cream onto half the brownies, then top with remaining brownie pieces. Gently press to spread the ice cream evenly.

Step 4: Freeze and Enjoy

Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap or place them on a sheet pan in the freezer for at least 2 hours, until solid. When ready to eat, let them sit at room temp for a couple of minutes to soften just enough for dreamy bites.

Note: If brownies get a little soft while assembling, pop everything in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm up before finishing the batch.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Line Your Pan: Use parchment that overhangs the edges for easy brownie removal—no crumbling corners!
Don’t Rush the Cooling: Let brownies cool completely before slicing; warm ones will fall apart.
Even Spreading Is Key: Use an offset spatula to spread both batter in the pan and ice cream on the brownie for picture-perfect sandwiches.
Work Quickly with Ice Cream: Slightly softened, but not runny ice cream is best. If it melts, refreeze before slicing.
Sharp Knife: For clean edges, dip your knife in warm water and wipe dry each time you cut a sandwich.

How to Serve

Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are pure nostalgia and so adaptable! Serve straight from the freezer for a classic treat, or jazz them up by:

Plating with Berries: A handful of fresh strawberries or raspberries alongside takes them to a fancier level.
Dipping in Chocolate: Drizzle with chocolate sauce or dip half the sandwich in melted chocolate and set.
Party Platter: Arrange different flavors on a platter for a crowd, or mix in a small scoop of whipped cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container—this keeps them from drying out or absorbing freezer smells.

Freezing

These sandwiches truly shine when made ahead! Keep them in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Pop them in a resealable bag if making a big batch.

Reheating

There’s no real reheating here—simply let frozen sandwiches soften at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought brownies?

Absolutely! If you need an even faster treat, use store-bought brownies—just slice thinly and assemble with your favorite ice cream. Freshly baked does taste best, but shortcuts are welcome when time is tight.
My brownies turned out too cakey—what went wrong?

This usually happens if you add too much flour or overbake them. For fudgier brownies, use the exact amount of flour, check your oven temperature, and don’t bake a minute longer than needed.
Can I make these gluten-free or dairy-free?

Yes—you can swap in gluten-free flour for the same amount, and choose dairy-free butter and ice cream. Taste and texture will be just as wonderful.
How do I keep them from getting soggy in the freezer?

Well-wrapped sandwiches will stay crisp and fresh. Let the brownie cool completely before assembling, and avoid very melty ice cream when filling.

Final Thoughts

Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches are the answer any time you want an easy, impressive dessert with zero stress. They deliver maximum chocolatey flavor and ice cream bliss in just a few simple steps. If you’ve never made your own ice cream sandwiches before, this is the moment to try—deliciously messy fingers guaranteed! Dive in, experiment with your favorite flavors, and have fun making dessert a little more magical.