The Best Brownie Ice Cream Recipe

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When that spoon sinks into the creamy smoothness of ice cream and only hits residues of warm chocolates and gooey brownies – divine. The taste integration when you start to chew the soft, sinuous brownie and then get the velvety, intense flavors of the ice cream is very real.  As for me, it is the minimalistic approach to the temperatures and, you know, firmness of the ice cream and melting of the chocolate brownie – sheer pleasure. The kind of dessert that warms one up and at the same time fancy.

Making brownie ice cream is one of the most fulfilling things that anyone can ever expect. For it to be either your first endeavor to try and organize a plan from working in the kitchen or whether you are a professional in that area for many years now, it is as easy and fun as it can get and the payoff is well worth all the trouble. The making of this treat also provides satisfaction, especially the dessert I made from scratch. Families homemade brownie ice cream will mean every bite taken is going to be special because it was made by hand.

It can still be delicious, but it gives you control over what those combinations are – more brownies, more chocolate or extra scoop, or something more – plus the immediate satisfaction of assembling a guilty dessert, which can also be very healing. Fortunately, it would be even more preferable if you cook this dessert by yourself, because everyone knows that everything which was bought in the shop, can be distinguished from those products which are cooked with love and from scratch using qualitative products.

Greetings, chocolate lovers! Prepare to be transported to dessert paradise with this rich brownie ice cream recipe. Imagine creamy, velvety ice cream swirled with delectable chunks of fudgy brownie pieces and chocolate swirls. Whether you’re a fan of rich chocolate or a devoted ice cream connoisseur, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. We’ll guide you through the process of creating this delicious treat, starting with a luscious vanilla ice cream base. Get your spoons ready, because this brownie ice cream recipe is about to become your new favorite ice cream flavor.

Brownie ice cream recipe in a bowl with a cone.

Imagine sinking your spoon into bits of brownies, folded into a velvety sea of ice cream. That’s what you can expect when enjoying this cool and tasty dessert!

When the summer heat is in full swing, there’s one delightful treat that reigns supreme: ice cream! This one in particular brings together the best of both worlds—the texture fudgy brownies provides is a delightful contrast to the smoothness of the perfect ice cream, making every spoonful a sensational experience. As you savor the delectable combination, the cold, creamy ice cream provides a respite from the summer heat, bringing a moment of blissful relief. It’s no wonder that brownie ice cream is a popular choice during the summer months—it’s the perfect indulgence to cool down and enjoy during those hot, sunny days.

Here’s why making brownie ice cream at home should definitely be your next kitchen project:

  1. Control Over Ingredients
    One of the best parts of making this dessert yourself is the ability to choose exactly what goes into it. You can skip all those artificial additives and preservatives that are often found in store-bought versions. Instead, you can use fresh, high-quality ingredients, and even make adjustments based on your tastes. Prefer dairy-free ice cream? You’ve got it. Want to avoid refined sugar? Easy! Plus, you can play around with flavors and create the perfect balance of rich brownies and creamy ice cream that you love.
  2. Budget-Friendly
    Let’s be real: making brownie ice cream at home is also a great way to save some money. Premium brands that mix brownies and ice cream can be pretty pricey, but homemade is not only cheaper, it’s also way more satisfying. Think about it—you’re buying simple ingredients, and you don’t have to pay for the brand name. Plus, the servings are larger, and you can make it last longer. All that without sacrificing quality!
  3. Customizable
    The fun part? You get to make the dessert as unique as you want! You can throw in any add-ins you like—chocolate chips, caramel swirls, toffee bits, or even peanut butter. Want it extra chocolatey? Go for it! Want to make it vegan or gluten-free? No problem, just swap out a few ingredients. This is YOUR ice cream, and the possibilities are endless. Plus, it’s so much more fun to get creative in the kitchen than to just grab a pre-made pint from the store.

What You’ll Need to Make Brownie Ice Cream

To make the best brownie ice cream recipe, you need the right ingredients and tools. Trust me, the difference they make is huge. Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to ensure your brownie ice cream turns out amazing:

 Brownie Ice Cream Ingredients

  • For the Brownies:
    • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter – The butter gives the brownies that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love.
    • 1 cup granulated sugar – This is the sweet base for your brownies, giving them just the right level of sweetness.
    • 2 large eggs – The eggs help bind everything together and give the brownies that perfect density.
    • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – This is what gives your brownies that deep, chocolatey flavor. Don’t skip on the cocoa powder—it’s essential for the perfect brownies.
    • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – If you need a gluten-free option, you can swap this for almond flour or oat flour, both work great.
    • 1/4 tsp salt – A little salt helps bring out the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
    • Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips or nuts – If you’re into extra chocolatey brownies or like the crunch of nuts, feel free to throw these in!
  • For the Ice Cream Base:
    • 2 cups heavy cream – This is what makes your ice cream so creamy and dreamy. You want that rich, velvety texture, and heavy cream delivers just that.
    • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk – This is the secret to giving your ice cream the right level of sweetness and thickness. It’s a key ingredient that makes it so indulgent.
    • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract – Vanilla is the perfect flavor enhancer that makes everything taste even better, adding a lovely richness to the ice cream.

These ingredients hit that sweet spot between creamy and crunchy, making for the perfect texture contrast in your brownie ice cream. And don’t worry—if you’re working with any dietary restrictions, it’s super easy to adjust. For a vegan brownie ice cream recipe, you can simply swap the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or almond milk cream. The result? Still deliciously creamy but with a plant-based twist. So, whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just love experimenting with flavors, you can make this recipe work for you!

Recommended Tools

  • Mixing bowls and a hand or stand mixer – These will make whipping the cream a breeze. If you’re using a stand mixer, you’re in for a smooth ride, but a hand mixer works perfectly fine, too.
  • A sturdy 9×9 baking pan – This is perfect for baking your brownies. You want a pan that’s reliable and holds everything together for those dense, fudgy brownies.
  • A loaf pan or freezer-safe container – Once your ice cream base is ready, you’ll need somewhere to freeze it. A loaf pan or any container that can go in the freezer works just great.

Ingredients

Below, are the simple ingredients that you’ll want to gather ahead of time.

Brownie ice cream ingredients.
  • Heavy cream
  • Brownie chunks
  • Vanilla extract
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Instant espresso powder
  • Chocolate syrup

See the recipe card for quantities.

If you plan on making the brownies, keep in mind that you’ll need a few other ingredients as well such as: vegetable oil (if using a brownie mix box) eggs, or just egg yolks depending on which favorite brownie recipe you’re using.

Instructions

This brownie ice cream recipe is incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll be able to whip up this delightful creation with ease. We’ll guide you through the steps, providing helpful tips and tricks along the way, ensuring that your brownie ice cream recipe turns out absolutely perfect.

Heavy cream mixture in stand mixer.

1. In the large bowl of your stand mixer, add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and espresso powder. Use the whisk attachment and beat on high speed for about 1 minute.

Heavy whipping cream mixture in a metal bowl.

2. Your mixture should look like this after. Pour in condensed milk. Beat on high until condensed milk is incorporated. The mixture should be thick.

Brownie chunks in cream mixture.

3. Gently, fold in brownie chunks.

Ice cream with chocolate drizzle.

4. Pour the mixture into a loaf pan or freezer container, and fill it halfway. Drizzle chocolate syrup or hot fudge over that layer.

Ice cream in a loaf pan.

5. Add the remaining mixture over the chocolate drizzle. Add one more layer of chocolate syrup on top. Run a chopstick or butterknife through the mixture, back and forth then side to side. This creates those beautiful chocolate swirls! Serve on a cone or in an ice cream bowl. If using a loaf pan, cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before enjoying.

The best part about this easy ice cream recipe is that there’s no need for an ice cream maker or ice cream machine. A stand mixer will work, perfectly.

Hint: For best results, let warm brownies cool down before cutting them into small pieces. After coming to room temperature, chill them in the refrigerator for an hour or two. This makes it easier to cut them into neater brownie bits.

Substitutions

Below, are some substitutions to consider when making this recipe.

  • Boxed brownie mix – instead of using this you can use store-bought brownies from the grocery store that are already made. If you prefer to make your own brownies from scratch, check out my homemade brownies with brown sugar recipe.
  • Chocolate syrup – if you don’t have any hot fudge or chocolate syrup to make the chocolate swirls with, you can make your own with 1/4 cup of chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream. Check out my chocolate pound cake recipe post which shows you exactly how to make it.
  • Espresso powder – you can use 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee in lieu of espresso powder

Variations

Below, are a few variations you may consider when making your homemade ice cream recipe.

  • Chocolate brownie ice cream – add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the heavy cream mixture. Do this at the same time that you add in your vanilla extract and espresso powder. Adding cocoa powder will give you a creamy chocolate ice cream base.
  • Strawberry ice cream – to make this, simply add in fresh strawberry slices. You can choose to omit the brownies, espresso powder, and chocolate swirls if you prefer. Another option would be to run freeze-dried strawberries through a food processor creating a powder. Add the powder to the ice cream mixture.
Brownie ice cream recipe in a sugar cone.

Equipment

Here is some equipment you’ll need to make your own ice cream. If using a hand mixer, beat heavy cream on high speed until mixture gets thick. Refer to the process shot in the Instructions section of this post.

Storage

Store in the freezer in a freezer-safe container. This will help prevent freezer burn and ice crystals from forming. You can use a loaf pan and cover it in plastic wrap if you plan on consuming the ice cream within a short period.

Top tip

Feel free to add in other mix-ins! This is a great ice cream-based recipe. You can add in other things like nuts, chocolate chips, sugar cone pieces, caramel ribbons, etc. The possibilities are endless!

Creative Variations of Brownie Ice Cream Recipes

One of the best things about making brownie ice cream is just how versatile it is. You can easily switch things up with a few creative twists to make it your own. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  1. Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream: For an extra rich, chocolatey experience, add some cocoa powder to your ice cream base. It’ll deepen the flavor and give you a delicious double chocolate punch.
  2. Gluten-Free Brownie Ice Cream: If you’re going gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour in your brownie recipe for almond or oat flour. You won’t lose any of the fudginess—promise!
  3. Vegan Brownie Ice Cream Recipe: You can make a plant-based version by using plant-based cream and dairy-free sweetened condensed milk. And for the brownies, replace the eggs with flaxseed or applesauce. It’s a perfect option if you’re following a vegan diet but still want to indulge in this tasty treat.
  4. Brownie Ice Cream Cake: Feeling a little extra? Layer brownies and ice cream in a springform pan to create a brownie ice cream cake. This is an epic way to serve it up for a special occasion or just to wow everyone at the table.

Serving Suggestions for Brownie Ice Cream

Let’s take your dessert experience up a notch with these fun and creative ways to serve your brownie ice cream:

  1. Brownie Ice Cream Sundae: How about going all-out with a brownie ice cream sundae? Start with a scoop of your homemade brownie ice cream, then pile on chocolate sauce, a dollop of whipped cream, and a cherry on top. It’s a classic, but it never gets old!
  2. Toppings for Brownie Ice Cream: You can get creative with your toppings. Try crushed nuts (almonds or pecans are amazing), colorful sprinkles, or even a sweet drizzle of caramel sauce. The possibilities are endless!
  3. Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich: Want something a little more fun? Scoop the ice cream between two freshly baked brownies to create a brownie ice cream sandwich. It’s the ultimate handheld treat!

 Why Make Brownie Ice Cream at Home?

Making brownie ice cream at home is so much more than just getting a delicious dessert—it’s a whole experience! Here’s why I love making it from scratch:

  • Control Over Ingredients: You can avoid preservatives and unnecessary chemicals that are often found in store-bought versions. Plus, you can control exactly how sweet or rich you want it to be.
  • Endless Flavor Combinations: The best part? You get to play around with different flavors and ingredients to make the dessert exactly how you like it. Add mix-ins, swirl in caramel, or go for a mint-chocolate twist—it’s all up to you!
  • Fun to Make With Loved Ones: Making brownie ice cream is a fun kitchen activity to share with friends or family. It’s easy, customizable, and something everyone will enjoy!

And if you need more convincing, a study published in the Journal of Food Science found that homemade ice cream actually holds on to natural flavors better than store-bought options. So not only do you have control over the ingredients, but you’re also getting a more satisfying dessert experience!

Conclusion

Homemade brownie ice cream is the kind of dessert that makes you feel like you’re eating something truly special. It’s a decadent combo that brings together two of the most beloved sweet treats—warm, gooey brownies and smooth, creamy ice cream. Imagine sinking a spoon into a scoop of rich ice cream only to discover chunks of delicious brownies woven throughout. Pure heaven, right? It’s indulgent and comforting, and it’s the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re sharing it with friends and family or enjoying it all to yourself.

What makes this brownie ice cream even better is that you’re in complete control. You can adjust the sweetness, use your favorite ice cream flavors, or add in extra mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Want to make it vegan or gluten-free? It’s easy to customize! The best part is you don’t even need an ice cream maker to make this recipe—you can skip that extra equipment and still get an unbelievably creamy treat.

So go ahead, give this easy brownie ice cream recipe a try, and experience what it’s like to create a dessert that combines the best of both worlds. Once you’re done, I’d love to hear all about it—let me know how it turns out in the comments! Whether you stick to the basics or make your own twist, I’m sure it’ll be a dessert that everyone will love.

FAQ

How long is homemade ice cream good for?

Generally, homemade ice cream is best consumed within 2-3 weeks of preparation for optimal flavor and texture. The shelf life of homemade ice cream can vary depending on various factors, such as the specific recipe, storage conditions, and the presence of any perishable ingredients.

What’s the best way to store homemade brownie ice cream?

Store your brownie ice cream in an airtight, freezer-safe container to keep it fresh for up to two weeks.

Can I make this recipe sugar-free?

Yes! You can use sugar-free sweeteners in both the brownies and the ice cream base for a lower-sugar option. Just pick a sweetener you like for the best flavor!

What toppings pair well with brownie ice cream?

Chocolate sauce, crushed cookies, and toasted marshmallows are perfect toppings to take your brownie ice cream to the next level. Get creative and add whatever makes your dessert extra special!

Food safety

Homemade ice cream lacks the preservatives and stabilizers found in commercial varieties, which can affect its longevity. To maximize the lifespan of homemade ice cream, store it in an airtight container in the freezer at a constant, below-freezing temperature. Regularly check for any signs of freezer burn or changes in texture, and discard it if it appears off or develops ice crystals. It’s always recommended to follow food safety guidelines and use your judgment to determine the freshness and safety of homemade ice cream before consuming it.

Looking for other delicious recipes like this? Try these:

Brownie Ice Cream Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate brownie ice cream recipe and treat yourself to a heavenly blend of fudgy brownie chunks and creamy ice cream.
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brownie ice cream recipe blog edit 1
Prep Time:12 minutes
Cook Time:0 minutes
Chilling time:4 hours
Total Time:4 hours 12 minutes
Servings: 1 5×9 pan

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups brownie chunks
  • 1 tbsp espresso powder
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 10 oz condensed milk
  • chocolate syrup measure with your heart

Instructions

  • In the bowl of your stand mixer, add in heavy cream, vanilla extract and espresso powder. Use the whisk attachment and beat on high speed for about 1 minute. Pour in condensed milk. Beat on high until condensed milk is incorporated. Mixture should be thick.
  • Gently, fold in brownie chunks. Pour half of your mixture into a loaf pan or airtight container with a lid. Drizzle chocolate syrup or hot fudge over that layer. Add remaining mixture over the chocolate drizzle. Add one more layer of chocolate syrup on top. Run a chopstick or butterknife through the mixture, back and forth then side to side. This creates those beautiful chocolate swirls!
  • If using loaf pan, cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before enjoying.

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