### The Craft of DIY Ice Cream Sandwiches: A Chipwich Ice Cream Cake Guide
DIY ice cream sandwiches often deliver a blissful mix of cookies and ice cream, yet they may not always meet expectations. Many cookies harden in the freezer, turning each bite into a potential dental risk, while others may lead to ice cream spilling out the sides, resulting in sticky hands and annoyance. Nonetheless, with a few tweaks and some creativity, you can whip up a nostalgic and tasty ice cream delight that embodies the spirit of summer.
#### Essential Tips for Ideal Ice Cream Sandwiches
1. **Soft Cookies**: Classic chocolate chip cookies can turn rock-solid once frozen. To counter this, try making a softer, cakey cookie by incorporating milk into the batter. This creates a softer texture that fares better in the freezer.
2. **Flavor Boost**: Freezing can diminish flavors, so it’s vital to slightly amp up the sweetness and saltiness of your cookie dough. This alteration ensures that the cookies retain their scrumptious taste even after being frozen.
3. **Streamlined Assembly**: Rather than filling separate ice cream sandwiches, simplify the task by pouring cookie batter into a baking dish. After baking, split the cookie into two halves to create a slab-style ice cream sandwich, which can be cut into individual servings post-freezing.
#### Presenting the Chipwich Ice Cream Cake
Inspired by the beloved chipwich, this ice cream cake merges the finest aspects of cookies and ice cream into one shareable dessert. It’s straightforward to create, requiring just one bowl and minimal effort, making it ideal for summer celebrations.
##### Ingredients
– 1/2 cup (4 ounces) unsalted butter, plus extra for coating the pans
– Scant 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1 cup (215 grams) packed light brown sugar
– 1/3 cup (80 ml) cold milk
– 1 large egg
– 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 cup (130 grams) all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 cups (9 ounces) miniature chocolate chips, divided
– 3 cups (1 container) vanilla ice cream
##### Directions
1. **Make the Cookies**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper, greasing the sides. Melt the butter and blend it with salt, brown sugar, and milk until smooth. Let it cool slightly before incorporating the egg and vanilla. Stir in baking powder, flour, and half of the chocolate chips.
2. **Bake**: Split the batter between the two pans, smoothing the tops and scattering the remaining chocolate chips on top. Bake for approximately 15 minutes until golden and set yet still soft in the middle. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack and then to the freezer for 10 minutes.
3. **Construct the Cake**: Line one of the pans with plastic wrap. Place one cookie round at the bottom, spread vanilla ice cream over it, and place the second cookie round on top. Press down gently and cover with plastic wrap. Freeze for 3 to 6 hours, preferably overnight.
4. **Serve**: After freezing, take the cake out of the pan using the plastic wrap. Pat the remaining chocolate chips onto the edges, slice into wedges, and serve right away.
#### Final Thoughts
This Chipwich Ice Cream Cake is not just a nostalgic treat but also a smart way to enjoy ice cream sandwiches without the mess. It’s a delightful dessert that can be prepared in advance, making it a perfect choice for summer festivities. Savor the sweet joy of homemade ice cream sandwiches with this simple and delicious recipe!