Are you dreaming of a cool, creamy dessert that satisfies your chocolate cravings? Look no further! This brownie ice cream recipe is the perfect blend of fudgy brownie goodness and smooth, creamy ice cream. It’s surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and simple steps. Forget store-bought – this homemade treat is far superior, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip it up for a delicious and impressive dessert. This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, healthy meals (with a few tweaks!), or quick dinner ideas that end on a truly sweet note.
Ingredients:
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For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
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For the Ice Cream:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cooked and cooled brownies, broken into bite-sized pieces
Instructions:
Making the Brownies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix well until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Stir in the chocolate chips (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into small pieces.
Making the Ice Cream:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until the sugar is dissolved.
- Gently fold in the cooled brownie pieces.
- Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, stirring every hour for the first three hours to prevent large ice crystals from forming. This is key for a smooth, delicious ice cream!
Tips for the Best Brownie Ice Cream:
- Use good quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the ice cream will taste.
- Don't overbake the brownies: Overbaked brownies will be dry and crumbly, which is not ideal for ice cream.
- Chill the brownie mixture thoroughly: This will help prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly.
- Use a high-quality ice cream maker: If you have one, an ice cream maker will make the process significantly easier and produce a smoother result.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to both the brownies and the ice cream.
- Use different types of chocolate: Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate would all work well.
- Add other mix-ins: Try adding caramel swirls, peanut butter cups, or even fresh berries to the ice cream for extra flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and serving size. For a general estimate, expect a high calorie count due to the richness of the ingredients, with a significant amount of fat and sugar. It's best to use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients for a more precise analysis. Consider this a special occasion treat!
This brownie ice cream is a delicious and relatively simple dessert that is sure to impress your friends and family. It’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dessert to a special celebration. Enjoy the delightful combination of chewy brownies and smooth, creamy ice cream! This is a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to.