What better way to enjoy a hot summer day than by eating an ice cream sandwich?
I did some extensive research (10 minutes of Google) and I couldn’t come up with a creator or origin for this delightful national day. I did, however, find that this holiday has been celebrated for years and the ice cream sandwich does have a history all around the world!
Ireland, England, and Wales
In Ireland, England, and Wales, an ice cream wafer, consisting of a small block of ice cream between two rectangular wafer biscuits, was a popular alternative to a cone up until the 1970s. Since then it has declined and is now rarely seen.
Scotland
In Scotland, ice cream sandwiches are known as 'sliders' - usually served as vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two rectangle wafers.
You can buy sliders consisting of vanilla ice cream sandwiched between one wafer and one block of chocolate-covered nougat. These are known as nougat sliders. Alternatively, called a 'single nougat' or in the case of two blocks of nougat; a 'double nougat.' In this context, the word nougat is pronounced as in gold nugget.
United States
In the United States, an ice cream sandwich is a slice of ice cream, commonly vanilla although other flavors are often used, sandwiched between two rectangular wafers, usually chocolate."
Alternatives to wafers are often used, such as chocolate chip cookies. Many companies offer alternatives to the conventional ice cream sandwich as well, such as San Francisco's It's-It, who use oatmeal cookies and dip the sandwich in dark chocolate, New Jersey-based Rice Creams, Inc., who use crispy rice and marshmallow wafers, and Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams of Columbus, Ohio, who use artisan ice creams and almond macaroons.
Australia
The original ice cream sandwich was commonly known as a 'cream between.' One purchased a small block of ice cream wrapped in paper and placed it between two wafers.
Although not as widely popular as other ice cream desserts which are promoted more, the ice cream sandwich is considered a nostalgic favorite within Australia.
Within Australia, ice cream sandwiches are given the commercial name of “Giant Sandwich” (recognizable by its distinct blue and pink wrapper), and “Monaco Bar” (recognizable by its gold and black metallic wrapper) in the Eastern states.
So now that we know what ice cream sandwiches are, let's make our own!
Ice Cream Sandwich recipe
Makes 8 ice cream sandwiches.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups (2 pints) Ice Cream (any flavor) (Homemade or Store Bought), slightly softened
Method:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and place rack in center of oven. Butter, or spray with a nonstick vegetable spray, a 10 x 15 inch rimmed baking sheet. Then line the pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2 inch overhang on the two shorter sides.
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar. Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract. Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt and stir until combined and smooth. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cake is dry to the touch and the edges just begin to pull away from the sides of the pan. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool.
Using the paper overhang, gently lift the cake onto a cutting board. With a serrated knife, cut the cake in half crosswise. Place one half of the cake, top side down, on a large piece of plastic wrap. Spread with the softened ice cream, smoothing with an offset spatula. Top with the remaining half of cake, top side up. Place the assembled dessert back into the baking pan and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Place in the freezer until firm, about two hours or overnight.
When ready to serve, remove the dessert from the freezer, unwrap, and with a serrated knife, cut into eight rectangles. Wipe the knife with a damp kitchen towel or paper towel between each slice. Can serve immediately or wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap and place back into the freezer. These can be stored in the freezer up to one week.
What's your favorite recipe to use this summer? Let us know in the comments!
Originally published in 2019. Updated July 2024.
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