Ice Cream Sandwiches with Chocolate Dipping Sauce
Perfect for hot summer days, these decadent ice cream sandwiches are both whimsical and refreshing. A classic Bon Appétit recipe from the R.S.V.P. section, July 2004.
Preparation Time: 24 minutes
Cooking Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 24 minutes
Yield: 12 Servings
Category: Frozen Desserts
Keywords: Ice Cream Sandwiches, Summer Treat, Chocolate Dipping Sauce, Dessert, Frozen, Easy, Low Protein, Kids-Friendly
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/4 cups |
| Baking powder | 3/4 tsp |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 1 1/2 |
| Warm water | 6 tbsp |
For the Ice Cream Layer:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vanilla ice cream | 2 cups |
For the Chocolate Dipping Sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bittersweet chocolate | 3/4 cup |
| Boiling water | 1 cup |
| Unsalted butter | 1 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 359.4 kcal |
| Fat | 17.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 66.5 mg |
| Sodium | 232.1 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 49.3 g |
| Fiber | 2.5 g |
| Sugars | 35.4 g |
| Protein | 5.2 g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Lightly spray a 15x10x1-inch baking sheet with nonstick spray. Line the pan with parchment paper and spray the paper again with nonstick spray to ensure an easy release after baking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the sugar and vegetable oil until the mixture is smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Combine the Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the warm water in two additions. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for about 24 minutes, or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 2: Prepare the Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Prepare the Second Baking Sheet: Line a second baking sheet with plastic wrap, which will make it easier to handle the ice cream sandwiches once assembled.
- Loosen the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, use a small, sharp knife to run around the edges to loosen it from the pan.
- Invert the Cake: Carefully invert the cake onto a cooling rack or another flat surface. Peel off the parchment paper gently.
- Cut the Cake: Using a serrated knife, cut the cake crosswise in half, creating two equal halves.
- Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwiches: Place one half of the cake on the prepared plastic-wrapped baking sheet. Spread an even layer of vanilla ice cream over the top of the cake. Place the second cake half on top, gently pressing down to ensure it sticks to the ice cream.
- Freeze the Sandwiches: Wrap the assembled cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. Let the ice cream sandwiches freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream and cake have hardened completely. This step can be done up to 3 days in advance.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Dipping Sauce
- Melt the Chocolate: Place the bittersweet chocolate in the top of a double boiler set over barely simmering water. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Add the Water: Stir in the boiling water, mixing until the sauce is smooth and glossy.
- Finish the Sauce: Add the unsalted butter and continue stirring until the butter is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Remove the chocolate sauce from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Step 4: Serve
- Cut the Ice Cream Sandwiches: After the ice cream sandwiches have frozen and set, remove them from the freezer. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the cake into 12 individual sandwiches.
- Serve with Chocolate Sauce: Serve the ice cream sandwiches with the warm chocolate dipping sauce on the side. Dip each sandwich into the chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat.
Tips and Variations
- Cake Variations: Try using flavored ice creams, such as chocolate, mint, or coffee, for a fun twist on the classic sandwich.
- Make-Ahead: These ice cream sandwiches can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the freezer until ready to serve.
- Chocolate Dipping Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of boiling water slightly or let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish: For an extra touch, garnish your sandwiches with chopped nuts, sprinkles, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
This delightful dessert combines the best of both worlds: soft, moist cake and creamy ice cream, all enveloped in a rich, velvety chocolate sauce. Perfect for serving at your next summer gathering or just to satisfy your sweet tooth on a warm afternoon, these ice cream sandwiches are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
