Crisp golden waffles layered with sweet berry jam and creamy vanilla ice cream, then cut into sandwich-sized squares for a delightful, nostalgic frozen treat. These waffle ice cream sandwiches are easy to make, endlessly customizable, and a perfect way to beat the heat with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Waffle ice cream sandwiches bring together the best of breakfast and dessert in one irresistible bite. They are visually appealing, fun to assemble, and incredibly satisfying. You can tailor them to your preferences with different ice cream flavors or jams, and they store well for future enjoyment. Whether served at a summer party or made for a special family treat, these sandwiches are a guaranteed hit for all ages.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 freshly made or store-bought waffles
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
- 1/2 cup berry jam (blueberry, raspberry, or mixed berry)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
- Prepare your waffles in advance and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack to avoid melting the ice cream.
- Line a square or rectangular baking dish with parchment paper. Arrange 4 waffles in the bottom of the dish, trimming them if needed to create a tight fit.
- Spread the berry jam evenly across the surface of the waffles.
- Spoon the softened vanilla ice cream over the jam layer, spreading it evenly to all edges.
- Top with the remaining 4 waffles, pressing them down gently to secure the sandwich.
- Cover the dish and place it in the freezer for at least 2–3 hours or until the ice cream is firm.
- Once fully frozen, remove from the freezer, trim the edges for clean sides if desired, and cut into sandwich-sized squares.
- Serve immediately or wrap sandwiches individually in parchment or plastic wrap and return to the freezer for later.
Servings and timing
Servings: Makes 4–6 sandwiches (depending on size)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Freeze Time: 2–3 hours
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours (including freezing)
Variations
- Different Ice Creams: Use chocolate, strawberry, or cookies and cream ice cream for a unique twist.
- Jam Options: Substitute with peach, apricot, or fig jam for a different fruity flavor.
- Fresh Fruit Layer: Add a thin layer of sliced strawberries or bananas under the ice cream.
- Chocolate-Dipped: Dip the edges of the sandwiches in melted chocolate and refreeze for a decadent upgrade.
- Mini Sandwiches: Use mini waffles to make bite-sized treats, great for parties.
- Cookie Butter or Nutella: Spread a layer of Nutella or cookie butter in place of jam for a richer dessert.
- Flavored Waffles: Use chocolate or cinnamon-flavored waffles to complement your filling.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle granola or crushed nuts between the jam and ice cream layers.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free waffles and plant-based ice cream for a vegan-friendly version.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the jam layer for extra warmth.
storage/reheating
Storage: Keep sandwiches individually wrapped in the freezer for up to 1 week for best taste and texture.
Reheating: These are served frozen, so no reheating is needed. Let sit at room temperature for 1–2 minutes before eating if too firm.
FAQs
Can I use homemade waffles?
Yes, homemade waffles are ideal. Just ensure they are completely cooled before assembling to prevent melting the ice cream.
How do I soften ice cream for spreading?
Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes until it’s soft enough to spread but not runny.
What kind of jam works best?
Berry jams like blueberry, raspberry, or a mixed berry variety pair especially well with vanilla ice cream, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Can I make these in advance?
Absolutely. These sandwiches are perfect for making ahead of time and storing in the freezer until ready to serve.
Do I need to use a baking dish?
Using a baking dish helps keep the layers even and makes cutting easier, but you can also assemble them individually by hand.
How can I avoid soggy waffles?
Cooling the waffles completely before assembly and freezing them quickly helps maintain their texture.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free waffles and ensure your ice cream and jam are gluten-free as well.
Are these kid-friendly?
Very much so. They’re fun to eat, easy to hold, and can be tailored with kid-friendly flavors like chocolate or strawberry.
What’s the best way to cut them?
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water to slice cleanly through the frozen layers without cracking.
Can I dust them with powdered sugar?
Yes, just before serving, a light dusting of powdered sugar can add an attractive finish and a hint of sweetness.
Conclusion
Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches with Berry Jam are a delightful fusion of comfort food and frozen dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With endless possibilities for customization and make-ahead convenience, they’re a go-to summer dessert for both casual snacking and festive occasions. Serve them up and enjoy the perfect bite of crispy, creamy, fruity indulgence.
Print
Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches with Berry Jam
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (including freezing time)
- Yield: 4-6 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crisp golden waffles layered with sweet berry jam and creamy vanilla ice cream, cut into squares for a nostalgic, handheld frozen treat.
Ingredients
- 8 freshly made or store-bought waffles
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
- 1/2 cup berry jam (blueberry, raspberry, or mixed berry)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare waffles and let them cool completely on a wire rack to prevent melting the ice cream.
- Line a square or rectangular baking dish with parchment paper. Place 4 waffles in the bottom of the dish, trimming if needed to form a tight layer.
- Spread berry jam evenly across the top of the waffles.
- Spoon and spread the softened vanilla ice cream over the jam layer, smoothing it out to the edges.
- Top with the remaining 4 waffles, pressing gently.
- Cover and freeze for at least 2–3 hours, or until firm.
- Remove from freezer, trim edges if desired, and cut into sandwich squares.
- Serve immediately or wrap individually and freeze for later.
Notes
- Ensure waffles are completely cool before assembling to avoid melting the ice cream.
- For a neater finish, use a sharp knife to trim the edges after freezing.
- Try different jam flavors for variety – strawberry, blackberry, or cherry work well too.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an extra sweet touch before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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