Transport to the Carnival with These Homemade Ice Cream Confetti Sandwiches

Remember going on those crazy carnival rides as a kid? Roller Coasters?! During summer we tend to think of recipes that revolve around bbq’s and picnics, but, we cannot forget the fun stuff! Like the carnival with all of its delicious, sweet (and sometimes over the top) treats. While the pandemic has us social distancing, we can still bring the carnival sweets to home.

This ice cream sandwich recipe is inspired by those crazy rides and the colorful treats. Lots of sprinkles, a tasty waffle base, and ooey-gooey ice cream, what’s not to like? I even added a few little flags to make it carousel-like (you can get those at most craft stores in the baking section).

Oh, and I added a couple modifications so you can make them dairy-free if you need to. Feel free to change up the ice cream flavors so you have an even more colorful treat (a nice combo would be pistachio or matcha, blueberries, and vanilla).

Carnival Ice Cream Sandwiches 
Makes 6-8 sandwiches

1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp sea salt
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ cup cornstarch
1 ¼ cups buttermilk (or coconut milk + 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar to make it dairy free)
⅓ cup melted butter or margarine (you could sub for coconut oil but it may be too coconut-y)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 to 3 tbsp sprinkles (depending on how intensely “carnival” you want it)
Vanilla ice cream (I used dairy-free vanilla)

Instructions:

1. Place all the dry ingredients (except for sprinkles) in a large bowl and combine. In a sepate bowl combine the liquid ingredients making sure you beat the eggs (until they froth a bit) and add them in. Make a well in the dry ingredients and add the liquid mixture, stir in until combined. The mix should not be super doughy, if it’s a bit dry, add about 3-4 tbsp more of buttermilk.
2. Heat up your waffle maker and spray with non-stick spray
3. Now fold in the sprinkles into the batter, and scoop it into the waffle maker, cook until desired texture (some peeps like them darker)
4. Once you have made all of the waffles, use a round cookie cutter (I used one that’s about 2.5”) to cut the waffles into circles. Save the trimmings for snacks! (or put them in your morning yogurt)
5. Add a scoop of the ice cream on top of a waffle, and top with another waffle to create the sandwich, lightly press them and they’re ready!

You can eat them right away or if you are going to eat them later, place them inside an airtight container (so they don’t dry) in the freezer, make sure to leave them out for a few minutes to soften before eating.

Enjoy!