Ice Cream Sandwiches

We can all agree that whether ice cream is sandwiched between cookies, biscuits, wafers, or cakes, an ice cream sandwich is always a good idea.

Creamy, dairy-free vanilla ice cream, chocolate brownie-like cookies… this really is the perfect summertime treat. 🌞

Best of all, our sandwiches are made with real wholefood ingredients. Plus you can make our vegan ice cream without an ice-cream maker (all you need is a blender and a freezer), while our cookies are no-bake. Simple!

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What is an Ice Cream Sandwich?

An ice cream sandwich is a delicious dessert featuring a sweet ice cream filling sandwiched between two slices of cake, wafers, or cookies. Yes, it’s as incredible as it sounds.

It is said that the first ice cream sandwiches were sold for a penny in New York City in the early 20th century. They continue to be as popular to this day.

In fact, America celebrates National Ice Cream Sandwich Day every August 2nd! Put it in your diary so you have an excuse to make these again!

Are Ice Cream Sandwiches Vegan?

No – traditionally they are not vegan. This is because the ice cream is usually made with dairy cream, while the cakes, cookies, or wafers often contain dairy or eggs.

Of course, our sandwiches are entirely plant-based. We use full-fat coconut milk for the ice cream, and no eggs or dairy in our no-bake cookie recipe.

Are these Ice Cream Sandwiches Gluten-Free?

Yes! For the cookies, we use coconut and almond flours, which are both naturally gluten-free.

What are Vegan Ice Cream Sandwiches Made Of?

For the vanilla ice cream you will need:

• Full-fat coconut milk
• Maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
• Vanilla extract

For the chocolate cookies you will need:

• Pecans, unsalted
• Coconut oil
• Almond flour
• Coconut flour
• Cacao powder, unsweetened
• Maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
• Salt

You can substitute the coconut oil with date paste or nut milk if you prefer. But you need something to help the mixture stick together.

How to Make Vegan Ice Cream Sandwiches?

We start by making the ice cream. To a mixing bowl, add the full-fat coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, and whisk until well-mixed.

Transfer the mixture into 2 ice cube trays, and store in the freezer overnight.

When ready, blend the creamy ice cubes in a high-speed blender, scraping down the sides as necessary.

Transfer the creamy mixture into square silicone molds, and then to the freezer for at least 1 hour to firm up.

In the meantime, start making the chocolate cookies. Add the pecans to a food processor and pulse until flour-like. Then add the almond flour, coconut flour, and cacao powder, and pulse again just until evenly combined.

Next, add the maple syrup, coconut oil (or substitute), and salt, and continuously process until dough-like.

You’ll notice it’ll start to come together into a ball rolling around in the processor. This is good! It should stick together.

Transfer this “dough” to a baking sheet, and flatten it out using a rolling pin or similar. Then, using a square-shaped cookie cutter same in size to the square silicone molds, cut into square-shaped cookies.

To make 4 complete ice cream sandwiches, cut out 8 cookies. You will have to continue rolling out and flattening the mixture a few times to get 8 cookies. Transfer to freezer until ready to serve.

When ready, remove the ice cream from the molds, and sandwich them between two chocolate cookies. They are now ready to serve!

FAQ

How to Store Vegan Ice Cream Sandwiches?

It goes without saying that these ice cream sandwiches should be stored in the freezer! For the best results, keep them in an airtight, freezer-proof container or freezer bags. They are best eaten within a week.

Do I Need an Ice Cream Maker to Make these Ice Cream Sandwiches?

Ice cream makers are awesome – but do you really need another appliance in your kitchen, especially when you probably only make ice cream a few times a year?

Luckily, you do not need an ice cream maker for this recipe. The high fat content of the full-fat coconut milk paired with the sugar from the maple syrup, and the aeration of blending means no there is no churning necessary.

All you need is a good high-speed blender. I use a Vitamix, and couldn’t be happier!

Looking for some more plant-based ice cream recipes? Check out these:

Vegan Pistachio Ice Cream

Neapolitan Ice Cream Popsicles

Vegan Snickers Ice Cream

Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag your photos with @healthiir on Instagram! We’d love to see your creation. Let’s eat!