Key Lime Ice Cream Sandwich

I know that we’re still a way from summer, but believe it or not, I made these Key Lime Ice Cream Sandwiches last weekend. The kids are starving to eat some ice cream, even though it’s still cold.

So, I thought of an ice cream that is not that cold, delicious, and can be enjoyed as a snack anytime they want, and this, Key Lime Ice Cream Sandwiches came to mind, as they’ve been my favorite for a long time. But you can easily make them with your favorite flavors like strawberry, banana, or any other.

These Key Lime Ice Cream Sandwiches taste delicious, and you can have them with some drinks or any other dessert.

For the process of making these Key Lime Ice Cream Sandwiches, I made the Key Lime ice cream separately, just like any ice cream recipe, and the cookies separately, then mixed them together to make those tasty sandwich shapes.

INGREDIENTS

For the Key Lime Ice Cream:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
• 1 tablespoon key lime zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 key lime (optional, for extra flavor)

Optional Toppings:

• Crushed graham crackers
• Shredded coconut
• White chocolate chips

How to Make Key Lime Ice Cream Sandwich?

Making the Key Lime Ice Cream:

Step 1:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Step 2:

Add the key lime juice, key lime zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.

Step 3:

Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes.

Step 4:

Once churned, transfer the ice cream to a loaf pan or airtight container. Smooth the top with a spatula, cover, and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.

Making the Cookies:

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.

Step 3:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. If you’re using key lime zest, fold it in now.

Step 4:

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Flatten them slightly with your hand or a spatula.

Step 5:

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.

Assembling the Ice Cream Sandwiches:

Step 1:

Once the cookies are cool and the ice cream is firm, it’s time to assemble! Take a scoop of ice cream and place it on the flat side of one cookie.

Step 2:

Gently press another cookie on top to create a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining cookies and ice cream.

Step 3:

If you’d like, roll the edges of the sandwiches in crushed graham crackers, shredded coconut, or white chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.

Step 4:

Place the assembled sandwiches on a tray and freeze for at least 1 hour to set.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Ice cream maker
• Loaf pan or airtight container (for freezing ice cream)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer (optional, for creaming butter and sugar)
• Spatula
• Wire cooling rack

Helpful Tips!

• Remember that it’s easier to zest the limes before cutting them. Use a microplane as I did for fine zest without the bitter white pith.
• I love to use a cookie scoop to portion out equal-sized cookies, so the sandwiches look wonderful and delicious, too.

What to Serve with Key Lime Ice Cream Sandwiches?

The kids love having these Key Lime Ice Cream Sandwiches with just a glass of milk. My wife and I enjoy them alongside Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies, You could also serve them with a Pineapple Kiwi Yogurt Parfait for some tropical flavors. Other great options include fruit salad, a glass of lemonade, coconut macaroons, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a cup of hot chocolate. I think these ideas are the best ones, but for sure the options are endless.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?

Yes, you can pour the ice cream mixture into a loaf pan and freeze it.

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Regular limes will work fine, too.

How long can I store the ice cream sandwiches?

You can store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Can I use store-bought ice cream?

Of course, store-bought vanilla or lime ice cream works great.

What if I don’t have an electric mixer?

No problem. You can mix the cookie dough by hand using a wooden spoon like I sometimes.

Can I make these sandwiches gluten-free?

Simply use a gluten-free flour blend for the cookies and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free, too.

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