If you’re looking for a dessert that thrills both the eye and the palate, this Pistachio Blondie Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine rich, buttery blondies studded with crunchy pistachios, paired perfectly with creamy ice cream sandwiched between two layers of golden goodness. Each bite offers a symphony of textures and flavors – the nutty crunch melding with velvety vanilla or pistachio ice cream makes this dessert utterly irresistible. It’s refreshingly cool yet decadently satisfying, perfect for warm days or any occasion you want to impress with a homemade treat that feels both sophisticated and wonderfully comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these Pistachio Blondie Ice Cream Sandwiches is delightfully straightforward, thanks to a handful of simple ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s building the right texture, lending sweetness, or adding that signature nutty crunch that elevates these sandwiches into something truly special.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides a rich, moist base for the blondie batter that helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture, enhancing the blondie’s chewy texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and gives structure to the blondies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and sweetness, rounding out the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the pistachio flavors.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the crumb structure that’s soft yet holds the sandwich together perfectly.
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped: Offers delightful crunch and a distinctive nutty bite.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional): For extra sweetness and creamy pockets that melt into the blondie.
- 1 pint vanilla or pistachio ice cream, slightly softened: The cool, creamy filling that makes these sandwiches irresistibly smooth and refreshing.
How to Make Pistachio Blondie Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Blondie Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring you leave an overhang for easy removal. Melt your butter and whisk it together with the brown sugar until smooth and glossy—this creates a luscious caramel-like base for the blondies. Next, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing just until combined. Finally, gently fold in the flour until you see no streaks of dry flour, then toss in the pistachios and white chocolate chips if you’re using them.
Step 2: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for about 20 to 24 minutes, keeping an eye out for a golden top and a toothpick inserted in the center that comes out with just a few moist crumbs. This ensures the blondies remain soft and chewy—not dry. Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out with the parchment paper. This cool-down is crucial for the blondies to set properly for layering.
Step 3: Slice and Layer Ice Cream
Once cooled, carefully slice the blondie horizontally into two even layers using a serrated knife. Spread your softened ice cream evenly over one half, then gently place the other half on top to create the sandwich. Press down just enough to secure the layers without squeezing out the ice cream. This step is where the magic of the Pistachio Blondie Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe truly comes to life.
Step 4: Freeze Until Firm
Place the assembled sandwich in the freezer for at least two hours. This chilling phase is absolutely key—it allows the ice cream to harden enough so you can slice the sandwich into perfect squares or rectangles without any mess. A frozen sandwich is the hallmark of this recipe’s delightful contrast between soft blondie and creamy ice cream.
How to Serve Pistachio Blondie Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a garnish elevates the presentation and gives a little extra flair to each serving. Try sprinkling chopped pistachios on top for a little crunch and color, or drizzle with melted white chocolate for an elegant touch. A dusting of powdered sugar can add a classic sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
Side Dishes
Keep things simple with fresh summer berries or a scoop of complementary sorbet for those who want a fruitier contrast. A small glass of cold milk or a lightly brewed iced tea also pairs wonderfully if you want a refreshing drink alongside your dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive dessert platter, cut your Pistachio Blondie Ice Cream Sandwiches into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a wooden serving board with little bowls of nuts, chocolate chips, and mini sauces for dipping. Another fun idea is to roll the edges in crushed pistachios or shredded coconut for added texture and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, wrap the sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the freezer. This keeps them fresh and prevents ice crystals from forming, ensuring every bite tastes just as delightful later on.
Freezing
These ice cream sandwiches are a dream to freeze and keep well for up to two weeks. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together. Freezing ahead is perfect for parties or busy days when you want a quick yet gourmet dessert ready to go.
Reheating
Since these are cold treats, reheating isn’t recommended, but if you want a softer texture, leave the sandwich out for 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature before serving. This allows the ice cream to soften slightly without melting completely.
FAQs
Can I make the blondies a day in advance?
Absolutely! Baking the blondies a day ahead and keeping them wrapped tightly at room temperature ensures they’re perfectly set for the next step of adding ice cream.
What if I don’t have pistachios or want a nut-free version?
You can simply omit the pistachios and add mini chocolate chips or dried fruit to maintain texture and flavor without the nuts.
Can I use other ice cream flavors?
Definitely! Vanilla and pistachio are classic matches, but experimenting with flavors like salted caramel, chocolate, or even berry sorbets can make exciting variations.
Is it better to slice the blondie before or after freezing the sandwich?
Slice the blondie before adding ice cream and assembling, then freeze the sandwich as a whole. This method gives you the cleanest, most even cuts.
How do I avoid the ice cream melting while assembling?
Work quickly using slightly softened ice cream and keep the prepared sandwich in the freezer as soon as possible. A cool kitchen or chilled utensils can help speed things along.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that feels like a warm hug and a cool breeze all at once, the Pistachio Blondie Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe is your answer. It’s a sensational blend of textures and flavors that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. Give it a try and watch your guests light up with every luscious bite!
PrintPistachio Blondie Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 44 minutes
- Yield: 9 sandwiches
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Pistachio Blondie Ice Cream Sandwiches, a perfect blend of nutty, buttery blondies layered with creamy vanilla or pistachio ice cream. Crispy on the edges and soft in the center, these frozen treats make an irresistible summer dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Blondie Base
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Ice Cream Filling
- 1 pint vanilla or pistachio ice cream, slightly softened
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter and packed brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add Egg and Flavorings: Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and salt into the mixture, stirring until all ingredients are well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gently stir in the all-purpose flour just until combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Add Pistachios and Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chopped pistachios and optional white chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Blondies: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 20 to 24 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan. Using the parchment overhang, lift them out and cut the blondies in half horizontally to create two thin layers.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread the softened ice cream evenly over one layer, then place the second blondie layer on top, pressing gently to form sandwiches.
- Freeze to Set: Freeze the assembled sandwiches for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to cut cleanly.
- Slice and Serve: Once frozen, cut the sandwiches into squares or rectangles and serve chilled.
Notes
- Use a serrated knife for cleaner, neater cuts after freezing.
- For a nut-free version, omit pistachios and substitute with mini chocolate chips.
- Customize by swapping in any favorite ice cream flavor for the filling.