Imagine sinking your teeth into a decadent treat that combines the fudgy richness of brownies with cool, creamy ice cream and the sweet-tart pop of cherries. That’s exactly what these Cherry Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches deliver! This homemade dessert transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary treat that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make.
Perfect for summer gatherings, special occasions, or just because you deserve something delicious, these ice cream sandwiches bring together the best of two dessert worlds. The contrast between the chewy chocolate brownie and the smooth, cold ice cream creates a textural paradise that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This
- No special equipment needed – just basic baking tools you already have in your kitchen
- Make-ahead friendly – prepare components in advance for quick assembly
- Customizable with your favorite ice cream flavors
- Perfect balance of rich chocolate and fruity cherry flavors
- Impressive dessert that looks like it took hours but comes together in about 45 minutes
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1½ cups vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
- ½ cup chopped cherries (fresh or frozen)
- ¼ cup chocolate chips, melted (for drizzle)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Melt the butter in a microwave or on the stovetop. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the brownies are set in the center and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely in the pan.
- Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 8 equal squares (or 16 smaller squares if you prefer smaller sandwiches).
- In a bowl, mix the slightly softened vanilla ice cream with the chopped cherries until well combined. You want the ice cream soft enough to be spreadable but not melting.
- Place a scoop of the cherry ice cream mixture on half of the brownie squares. Top with the remaining brownie squares to form sandwiches, pressing down gently.
- Place the assembled ice cream sandwiches on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours, or until the ice cream is firm.
- Just before serving, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the ice cream sandwiches.
- Enjoy immediately or wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Tips & Variations
- For a firmer sandwich, freeze the brownie layers for 30 minutes before assembling
- Try different ice cream flavors – chocolate cherry, strawberry, or cherry vanilla all work beautifully
- Add 1/4 teaspoon almond extract to the brownie batter to enhance the cherry flavor
- For a boozy twist, add 1 tablespoon of kirsch or cherry liqueur to the ice cream mixture (adults only!)
- Use frozen cherries when fresh aren’t in season – just thaw and drain well before using
- For cleaner cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between slices
Serving Suggestions
Serve these indulgent sandwiches on their own for a complete dessert experience, or elevate them with a side of extra fresh cherries and a dollop of whipped cream. For an even more decadent presentation, place each sandwich on a dessert plate with a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings.
These ice cream sandwiches pair wonderfully with after-dinner coffee or, for the adults, a glass of port or dessert wine. For a family-friendly summer treat, serve alongside glasses of cold milk or homemade cherry lemonade.
Notes
- Store wrapped individually in the freezer for up to 2 weeks
- Allow to soften at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving for the perfect texture
- For best results, use premium ice cream with less air whipped in
- Brownies should be fudgy but not raw – a few moist crumbs on a toothpick is perfect
FAQs
Can I make these with homemade brownies instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Use your favorite fudgy brownie recipe, but aim for a slightly underbaked texture for the perfect chewy bite.
How do I prevent the ice cream from melting during assembly?
Work quickly with slightly softened (not melted) ice cream, and return the sandwiches to the freezer immediately after assembly. Chilling your mixing bowl beforehand also helps.
Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?
Yes! Strawberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry blend work wonderfully. Just make sure to chop them finely and adjust the preserves to match your chosen fruit.
My brownies are too crumbly. What went wrong?
Overly crumbly brownies might be overbaked. Next time, try reducing the baking time by 2-3 minutes. Chilling them thoroughly before assembly also helps hold them together.
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