Ice cream sandwiched between two wafers is commonly known as an ice cream sandwich. Ice cream sandwiches are a popular frozen dessert or snack that consist of a block of ice cream secured between two biscuits, cookies, slices of cake or other similar pastry.
Ice cream sandwiches provide the perfect blend of creamy ice cream and crispy wafer in a handheld, mess-free treat. Their popularity extends back generations as a summertime favorite for kids and adults alike. But how exactly did ice cream sandwiches come to be? What are some of the different varieties available? And what makes them such an iconic frozen dessert?
History of Ice Cream Sandwiches
The earliest known ice cream sandwiches were created in the late 1800s by street vendors in New York City. These original sandwiches were made by placing ice cream between two oyster crackers. However, it wasn’t until the turn of the 20th century that ice cream sandwiches really took off in popularity.
In the 1900s, the biscuit-style wafers we know today started being mass produced by bakeries. The first patented ice cream sandwich is credited to New Yorker Christian K. Nelson in 1899. His original design consisted of vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two oatmeal cookies.
Over the next few decades, ice cream sandwiches evolved to contain a variety of flavors and include different cookies, cakes and wafers. They became a popular treat sold by street cart vendors, at carnivals and amusement parks. The portability and ease of ice cream sandwiches made them the perfect summertime treat.
Major brands started mass producing packaged ice cream sandwiches in the 1920s and 30s. Some recognizable early brands were Good Humor and Eskimo Pie ice cream sandwiches. These brands helped popularize ice cream sandwiches nationwide.
In the 1950s and 60s, individual sized ice cream sandwiches started being marketed and sold in grocery stores. Brands like Sealtest and Breyers packaged sandwiches with vanilla ice cream between chocolate wafers or Neapolitan ice cream between vanilla wafers.
More flavors, cookie varieties and packaging innovations came about through the 1970s and 80s. Today, ice cream sandwich choices are endless! You can find them in grocery freezer aisles, at ice cream shops, and from brands like Klondike and Coolhaus.
Popular Flavors and Varieties
While the classic vanilla ice cream between chocolate wafers is still beloved, some creative flavors and varieties have emerged over the years! Here are some popular choices:
- Neapolitan – vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream layers
- Cookies n’ Cream – chocolate cookie ice cream between chocolate wafers
- Mint Chocolate Chip – mint chocolate chip ice cream and chocolate wafers
- Strawberry Shortcake – strawberry ice cream and shortbread/graham crackers
- S’mores – chocolate ice cream with marshmallow and chocolate wafers
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough – loaded with cookie dough pieces
- Rocky Road – chocolate ice cream with marshmallow swirl and walnuts
- Cotton Candy – blue colored cotton candy flavored ice cream
- Confetti Cake – cake batter ice cream with rainbow sprinkles
- Brownie Batter – chocolate ice cream with brownie batter swirl
Premium brands like Coolhaus have also elevated ice cream sandwiches with unique flavor combinations like Hibiscus Cherry Almond with white chocolate pearls, and Brown Butter Oatmeal Cranberry with candied cranberries. The possibilities are endless!
The Components of an Ice Cream Sandwich
An ideal ice cream sandwich consists of three key components:
- Ice Cream – The ice cream provides the creamy, cool, sweet base. Popular ice cream choices are vanilla, chocolate or Neapolitan swirled. Premium or specialty flavors help create signature sandwiches.
- Cookies/Wafers – The cookies or wafers provide a crunchy, textured contrast to the smooth ice cream. Crisp chocolate wafers are classic, but cookies like chocolate chip, sugar or peanut butter add variety.
- Other Add-Ins – Mix-ins like nuts, cookies crumbs, caramel swirls or candy pieces can enhance the ice cream flavor and texture.
Each component balances and complements each other. The best ice cream sandwiches deliver the perfect bite of crispy cookie and creamy, cold ice cream.
Why Ice Cream Sandwiches Are So Popular
It’s easy to see why ice cream sandwiches have remained so popular for over a century! Here are some of the key reasons for their lasting appeal:
- Portability – Their handheld, grab-and-go form makes them convenient for on-the-go eating and summertime activities.
- Great taste – The combo of cool, creamy ice cream and crunchy, sweet wafers or cookies is hard to beat on a hot day.
- No mess – The ice cream is neatly contained between the cookies or wafers, minimizing drips.
- Customizable – With so many flavor choices, you can find or create an ice cream sandwich to match anyone’s tastes.
- Nostalgic appeal – Ice cream sandwiches evoke feelings of childhood and simpler times.
- Fun – Who doesn’t enjoy eating their ice cream in sandwich form? Kids and adults alike agree it’s just plain fun.
Ice cream sandwiches really are the perfect frozen treat. Satisfying your cravings for ice cream and cookies in one delicious package!
Making Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches
While store-bought ice cream sandwiches offer convenience, homemade versions allow you to get creative with flavors. Here are some tips for assembling perfect ice cream sandwiches at home:
- Let ice cream soften at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before assembling, to allow it to be workable for spreading.
- Choose your cookie, cake or wafer ingredients. Bake or buy your cookies of choice.
- Remove ice cream from freezer and use a spoon or ice cream scoop to place desired amount on bottom wafer/cookie.
- Use an offset spatula to spread ice cream evenly over wafer in an even layer, going almost to edge.
- Top with second wafer and gently press together to form sandwich. Repeat assembly with remaining ingredients.
- Place assembled sandwiches on baking sheet and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
- For best results, eat ice cream sandwiches within 1 week of assembly.
Get creative with the cookie and ice cream flavors – the possibilities are endless! Add sprinkles, caramel sauce or other toppings before closing the sandwiches for more decadence.
Fun Ways to Serve Ice Cream Sandwiches
Beyond enjoying ice cream sandwiches on their own, there are lots of fun ways to incorporate them into desserts, snacks and parties! Here are some creative ice cream sandwich serving ideas:
- Make ice cream sandwich cakes by stacking and layering ice cream sandwiches with frosting.
- Use chopped up ice cream sandwiches as a topping on milkshakes or ice cream sundaes.
- For a summer twist on nachos, layer crumbled ice cream sandwiches with hot fudge and other toppings.
- Thinly slice ice cream sandwiches to make “chips” to eat by the handful.
- Skewer bite-sized ice cream sandwich pieces on sticks for a party dessert.
- Make ice cream sandwich pops by dipping sticks in melted chocolate or candy melts and inserting into ice cream sandwiches before freezing.
- Incorporate ice cream sandwich pieces into a trifle layered with whipped cream, pudding and fruit.
- Blend ice cream sandwich pieces into milk or non-dairy milk for a cookies n’ cream milkshake.
The nostalgic, crowd-pleasing flavors of ice cream sandwiches make them perfect for summer parties, potlucks, birthdays and backyard barbecues. Get creative with different ways to serve them!
Nutritional Information
Ice cream sandwiches can make for a cool, refreshing treat, but how do they measure up nutritionally? Here is the typical nutritional breakdown for a standard ice cream sandwich:
| Nutrition Facts | Per 1 sandwich |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 25 mg |
| Sodium | 115 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugars | 24 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
As you can see, a 2.6 oz ice cream sandwich contains about 250 calories and 33 grams of carbohydrates, mostly from sugar. The fat content is moderate at 12 grams. There is also very little fiber or protein.
While ice cream sandwiches shouldn’t be considered a health food, they can be enjoyed occasionally as a cool summertime treat. Moderation is key, as with any higher calorie dessert item.
Ways to Lighten Up Ice Cream Sandwiches
If you want to lighten up ice cream sandwiches, there are several options:
- Use low-fat or light ice cream varieties to reduce fat and calories.
- Choose whole grain or lower sugar cookies like graham crackers.
- Limit sandwich size to one small cookie and 2-3 tablespoons of ice cream.
- Experiment with lower calorie ice cream substitutes like frozen yogurt or banana ice cream.
- Skip the sugary chocolate dip and coatings to avoid extra sugar.
- Share one sandwich as dessert instead of eating a whole one.
With some simple adjustments, ice cream sandwiches can be enjoyed as a lighter summer treat without overdoing the calories.
Conclusion
Ice cream sandwiches have withstood the test of time as a beloved frozen dessert. Their winning combo of cool, creamy ice cream nestled between crispy, sweet wafers or cookies creates an ideal summertime treat. While original ice cream sandwich versions date back to the late 1800s, new flavors and varieties continue to emerge. Their portability, nostalgia factor and customizability help ice cream sandwiches remain popular with every generation. Moderation and portion control is key with these frozen indulgences. But when enjoyed occasionally, ice cream sandwiches provide the perfect handheld escape on a hot day. So next time you get an ice cream sandwich craving, go ahead and indulge in this iconic summertime favorite!