Homemade Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream Recipe

Last Updated on December 10, 2024 by Cherie

Indulge in the rich, decadent flavours of Homemade Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream, a delicious fusion of fudgy chocolate goodness and creamy ice cream.

Brownies have always been a firm favourite of mine—how could they not be? When baked well, they offer a delicious combination: a crisp, slightly chewy outer layer that gives way to a fudgy, gooey chocolate centre, bursting with decadent flavour—a treat for any time of the day, season, or year.

Now, imagine pairing this chocolatey indulgence with velvety, smooth ice cream. The result? A perfect union of textures and tastes, combining the dense, rich bite of brownies with the cool, creamy sweetness of ice cream.

In this article, we’ll share some background information on the iconic brownie, explaining what makes the perfect brownie. We’ll explain why Brownies and Ice cream are a perfect pairing and of course, we’ll also guide you through our Homemade Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream recipe, complete with easy, step-by-step instructions so you can recreate this luxurious dessert at home.

To elevate your creation, we’ll also include a recipe for hot fudge sauce and share some additional serving suggestions.

If you’re keen to jump straight to the recipe, click the following link, or keep reading to learn more about the story and inspiration behind this delicious dessert.

The History of Brownies

The brownie, a much-loved dessert worldwide, originated in the United States in the late 19th century. Its creation is surrounded by various legendary stories, with one popular tale attributing its invention to a Chicago housewife who forgot to add baking powder to her chocolate cake.

Instead of discarding the dense result, she served it as a new dessert, and the brownie was born.

Another account credits the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago, where in 1893, the chef was tasked with creating a portable dessert for attendees of the World’s Columbian Exposition.

This version featured walnuts and a glazed apricot topping, which is still served at the hotel today.

By the early 20th century, recipes for brownies began appearing in cookbooks, notably in Fannie Farmer’s Boston Cooking-School Cook Book of 1906. Since then, brownies have evolved into countless variations, from fudgy to cakey textures and the addition of nuts, chocolate chunks, or swirls of caramel.

Why Brownies and Ice Cream Are a Perfect Pair

Few dessert pairings are as universally satisfying as brownies and ice cream. The contrast in temperature and texture creates a sensory, textural flavour bomb: the warm, dense richness of a brownie meets the cool, creamy smoothness of ice cream, creating an indulgent dessert.

The chocolatey intensity of the brownie enhances the sweet, mellow flavour of vanilla or complements other ice cream flavours like salted caramel or mint chocolate chip. Additionally, brownies hold their structure well when swirled into ice cream, providing a burst of fudgy goodness in every bite.

This combination brings comfort and indulgence together, making it a staple for celebrations, dinner parties, or cosy nights.

Homemade Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream Recipe

Here’s our recipe and an easy step-by-step guide for creating your own Homemade Chocolate Brownie Recipe.

Ingredients

For the brownies:

• 115g (4 oz) unsalted butter
• 200g (7 oz) dark chocolate, chopped
• 200g (7 oz) caster sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 85g (3 oz) plain flour
• ¼ tsp salt

For the ice cream base:

• 500ml (17 fl oz) double cream
• 250ml (8½ fl oz) whole milk
• 150g (5 oz) caster sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

• Make the brownies:
  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/Gas 4. Grease and line a 20cm (8-inch) square baking tin.
  • Melt the butter and dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water (or in short bursts in the microwave). Stir until smooth, then set aside to cool slightly.
  • Whisk the sugar and eggs together until pale and thick. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Gradually fold in the melted chocolate mixture.
  • Sift in the flour and salt, folding gently until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centre remains slightly soft. Cool completely before cutting into small cubes.
• Make the ice cream base:
  • In a medium saucepan, heat the cream, milk, and half the sugar over medium heat until just steaming (do not boil).
  • Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until pale and creamy.
  • Gradually pour the hot cream mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly, then return to the pan. Cook over low heat, stirring with a wooden spoon, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Cool completely, then chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Combine and freeze:
  • Churn the chilled mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • In the final minutes of churning, add the brownie pieces. Transfer the ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.

NB: If you do not have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a lidded, freezer-safe container and freeze. Every 30 minutes, remove from the freezer and stir vigorously with a fork or whisk to break up ice crystals. Repeat this process for 2–3 hours until the ice cream is smooth and creamy. For more information and further hints and tips, please – How to Make Homemade Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker

Serving Tip

To soften the ice cream for serving, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (assuming 12 servings):

• Calories: 261 kcal | Protein: 2.95 g | Fat: 14.33 g | Carbohydrates: 27.11 g

These values are approximate and based on standard ingredient measurements. They may vary slightly depending on the brands and specific products used.

Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe

What better way to elevate your homemade Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream than with a luscious, velvety hot fudge sauce? This rich, chocolatey topping adds an indulgent layer of flavour and texture, balancing the creamy ice cream with its warm, glossy decadence. Perfect for drizzling, swirling, or dipping, this sauce takes your dessert to the next level.

Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

• 120ml (4 fl oz) double cream
• 50g (2 oz) caster sugar
• 30g (1 oz) cocoa powder
• 50g (2 oz) dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 15g (1 tbsp) unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

• In a small saucepan, whisk together the cream, sugar, and cocoa powder. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves.
• Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from the heat and stir in the chopped chocolate and butter. Continue stirring until smooth.
• Stir in the vanilla extract. Let cool slightly before drizzling over the brownie ice cream. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to one week; reheat gently before use.

Creative Serving Ideas for Brownies Ice Cream

Of course, you can devour your homemade Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream on its own—it’s a treat that needs no added extras, however, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to take it up a level or two, here are a few additional creative serving suggestions that you might like to try:

• Classic Sundae: Scoop the brownie ice cream into a bowl or glass, drizzle with hot fudge sauce, and top with whipped cream, chopped nuts, and cherries.
• Waffle Cone Treat: Serve scoops in waffle cones with a sprinkle of crushed biscuits or chocolate curls.
• Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches: Spread the ice cream between two thin brownie squares for a handheld treat.
• Affogato-Style: Pour a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of brownie ice cream for a sophisticated dessert.
• Family-Style Tray: Serve the ice cream in a large dish, layered with brownie chunks, fudge sauce, and a dusting of cocoa powder for a crowd-pleasing centrepiece.

Storage Tips

If you’re lucky enough to have any left, the best practices for storing your homemade Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream are as follows:

• Use an Airtight Container: Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe, airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming and to keep it fresh for longer.
• Add a Barrier: Place a sheet of wax or parchment paper directly on the surface of the ice cream before sealing the lid. This extra layer helps minimise exposure to air.
• Maintain a Consistent Temperature: Store the ice cream in the coldest part of your freezer, away from the door, to avoid temperature fluctuations.
• Consume Promptly: For the best flavour and texture, enjoy your ice cream within 1–2 weeks.

With these tips, your indulgent treat will stay as creamy and delicious as the day you made it!

For more detailed guidance on best storage solutions, please see our article – Ice Cream Storage Solutions – Essential Tips To Keep Your Homemade Ice Cream Fresh!

We hope you’ve enjoyed discovering our Homemade Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream recipe!

Whether you’re an experienced ice cream maker or trying it for the first time, this recipe is sure to wow your taste buds and those of anyone you share it with.

Have we inspired you to give this indulgent treat a try? What additional toppings would you add?

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, questions, or tips in the comments below—we’re here to help. And don’t forget to show off your creations on social media by tagging us! We’d be thrilled to see your brownie ice cream masterpieces and feature them in our community.

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