Brownie and ice cream is a classic dessert combo that never fails to satisfy. The rich chocolate flavor of brownies with the cool creaminess of ice cream is a perfect match. This Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream Recipe is sure to hit the spot whenever you’re in the mood for something sweet.
In this article, you’ll find easy steps to make this delicious treat, tips for getting it just right, and some fun ways to customize it. Let’s dive in!
Why We Love This Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream Recipe
You might be wondering: why do people rave about brownie ice cream? Here’s why this dessert is such a favorite:
- The Best of Both Worlds: Brownie ice cream offers the perfect blend of textures. The rich, fudgy brownies and the cold, creamy ice cream create a comforting combination that satisfies both chocolate and ice cream cravings in one delicious treat.
- Customizable: One of the best things about brownie ice cream is how versatile it is. You can switch up the ice cream flavor depending on your mood or preferences. Craving something fruity? Choose strawberry or raspberry. Want a nutty twist? Go for pistachio or hazelnut. The possibilities are endless!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, family gathering, or a quiet night in, brownie ice cream is a crowd-pleaser. Serve it in individual bowls for a more refined presentation or create a large platter for everyone to share. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit.
- Quick and Easy: This dessert is a breeze to make! With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a decadent treat in no time. You don’t need to be a baking expert to impress with this indulgent dessert.
Ingredients for the Best Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream
Granulated Sugar – Sugar provides the perfect level of sweetness and helps achieve a chewy texture in the brownies. Using white granulated sugar is recommended for the best texture. Substituting with brown sugar will result in a slightly denser and moister brownie.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Cocoa powder provides the rich chocolate flavor in the brownies. Make sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder to control the sweetness in the recipe.
Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream – This ice cream adds a creamy and fruity layer to the brownies. You can substitute with any of your favorite ice cream flavors, but cherry vanilla complements the chocolate brownies beautifully.
Chocolate Syrup – Drizzling chocolate syrup over the ice cream adds extra sweetness and a glossy finish. You can use either store-bought chocolate syrup or make your own at home for a more personalized touch.
Whipped Cream – Whipped cream adds a light, fluffy topping that balances the richness of the brownies and ice cream.
Strawberries – Fresh, hulled, and sliced strawberries bring a fruity freshness that cuts through the sweetness. They also make for a beautiful garnish on top of the dessert. You can substitute with other berries or fruits of your choice.
How to Make Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream
Creating this dessert is as simple as it is delicious. Follow these steps to make the perfect Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream.
1. Bake the Brownies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure everything is thoroughly incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to ensure an even texture and avoid any lumps.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix to avoid making the brownies too dense.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, ensuring it is spread out evenly.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the pan. When a toothpick is inserted into the center, it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
- Set the brownies aside on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into squares.
2. Assemble the Brownie Ice Cream
- Place a square of brownie at the bottom of a serving dish (such as a sundae glass or small bowl).
- Add a scoop of your preferred ice cream—cherry vanilla is a classic, but feel free to try other flavors you love.
- Drizzle some chocolate syrup over the ice cream for an extra decadent touch.
- Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream to add a light, fluffy contrast to the rich brownie and ice cream.
- Garnish with fresh slices of strawberry to add a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the delighted reactions of your guests!
Expert Tips for Perfect Brownie Ice Cream
To take your brownie ice cream to the next level, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Use Softened Ice Cream: Before serving, let the ice cream soften a little so it’s easy to scoop and doesn’t melt too quickly once it hits the warm brownies.
- Don’t Overbake the Brownies: For fudgy brownies, avoid overbaking them. The brownies should be moist and soft in the middle for the best texture.
- Let the Brownies Cool Completely: Cooling is crucial. It helps the brownies set properly and prevents them from falling apart when you assemble the dessert.
- Go for Quality Cocoa: The type of cocoa powder you use can make a big difference in flavor. Choose high-quality, unsweetened cocoa powder for the richest taste.
- Play with Toppings: Add crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of caramel for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While this dessert is relatively easy to make, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the end result. Avoid these pitfalls:
Overmixing the Batter: Stir the ingredients gently to keep the brownies from becoming too dense. Overmixing can lead to tough, dry brownies.
Skipping Cooling Time: Don’t rush the cooling process! If you add ice cream to hot brownies, it will melt too quickly, creating a soupy mess.
Using Hard, Frozen Ice Cream: If your ice cream is rock-hard, it won’t scoop easily or melt gracefully on top of the brownies. Let it soften for a few minutes before serving.
Variations to Try
Here are a few creative ways to tweak the recipe and make it your own:
Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream: Add a handful of chocolate chips or chunks to the brownie batter for an even richer chocolate experience.
Fruit-Filled Brownie Ice Cream: Mix fresh raspberries or cherries into the brownie batter for a burst of fruity flavor with every bite.
Nutty Brownie Ice Cream: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter for a satisfying crunch.
Serving Suggestions for Brownie Ice Cream
Here are a few fun and delicious ways to serve your brownie ice cream:
Individual Bowls:
For a more formal presentation, serve the brownie ice cream in individual bowls. This works great for dinner parties or when you want to offer a personalized dessert to each guest. You can also add a few extra toppings like sprinkles or crushed nuts to make it even more special.
Sundae Bar:
A brownie sundae bar is perfect for parties or gatherings. Set up a station with brownies, various ice cream flavors, and an assortment of toppings like chocolate chips, whipped cream, cherries, and crushed cookies. Encourage guests to create their own sundaes for a fun and engaging dessert experience.
With a Hot Beverage:
Pair your brownie ice cream with a hot beverage for the perfect contrast of temperatures. A warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate complements the cold, creamy ice cream beautifully. This pairing creates a comforting and indulgent dessert experience, especially on chilly nights.
These serving suggestions can help make your brownie ice cream experience even more enjoyable and memorable.
How to Store Brownie Ice Cream
Storing leftover brownie ice cream can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can keep it fresh:
Storing leftover brownie ice cream is easy if you follow these simple steps:
For Brownies:
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresher for longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. For even longer storage, freeze the brownies in plastic wrap or a freezer bag, and they will stay fresh for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, just let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up a bit in the microwave.
For Ice Cream:
Store any leftover ice cream in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 2 months. To keep the toppings fresh, store them separately in the fridge or freezer and add them just before serving.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your brownie ice cream later without losing its flavor or texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are brownies better with ice cream?
Yes, brownies are even better with ice cream! The warm, fudgy texture of brownies pairs perfectly with the cold, creamy ice cream. It’s the ultimate indulgence.
Is fudge the same as brownies?
While fudge and brownies share some similarities, they are not the same. Fudge is usually denser and more buttery, while brownies tend to be fluffier and more cake-like.
Who invented brownies with ice cream?
The exact origin of brownies with ice cream isn’t clear, but the combination likely gained popularity in the mid-20th century as both brownies and ice cream became dessert staples in American households.
More Brownies recipes you will love!
Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar:
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Toppings:
- 1 pint cherry vanilla ice cream or your preferred flavor
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate syrup
- 1/2 cup strawberries hulled and sliced
Instructions
Bake the Brownies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently to avoid overworking the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges start pulling away from the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack, then cut them into squares.
Assemble the Brownie Ice Cream:
- Place a brownie square at the base of your serving dish.
- Scoop your choice of ice cream on top—cherry vanilla is a great option, but feel free to get creative with other flavors.
- Drizzle chocolate syrup over the ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Add a generous swirl of whipped cream for a light, fluffy contrast.
- Finish with fresh strawberry slices for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve and enjoy!