the mid-90s were for many things, mood rings, discmans, flannels tied around your waist, etc.,etc. but they were also for waffles and ice cream! i can't tell you how many birthday parties i attended that served them in lieu of cake, or for breakfast if it was a sleepover birthday. i was never really a big fan of ice cream cones, so the idea of a soft, warm waffle topped with melty ice cream was my dream. there were always toppings too: whipped cream, chocolate chips, hot fudge, nuts, etc. but i remember sticking to a generic version with maybe some sprinkles.

truth is, ice cream cones still are not my favorite vessel to eat ice cream out of. i much prefer a bowl of ice cream, or it sandwiches between two cookies, or in this case - waffles! yes, i'm bringing back my memories of waffles and ice cream, but i'm upgrading your waffle situation and offering you a dairy free ice cream instead - because there's an ice cream for that!

these waffles are my absolute favorite! they have a deep dark chocolate flavor, not overly sweet; and soft, but crisp enough to cradle the ice cream perfectly. and they're best served with this luscious dairy-free ice cream from Häaagen- Dazs. I grew up on Häaagen- Dazs, my parents never bought any other brands, ever. there were 2 flavors in our freezer at all times: chocolate-chocolate chip (for my dad and me), and vanilla swiss almond (for my mom and brother). and i imagine that the world is a happier place now that that they have a dairy-free line of ice creams including: coconut caramel, peanut butter chocolate fudge, and the one i'm using here: chocolate salted fudge truffle. this is the kind of ice cream i love to indulge in once in a while, it's rich, and velvety, just like traditional ice cream. and these sandwiches are the perfect treat to close out the summer with. i like making them ahead of time and freezing them for optimal coldness on these hot august days. i also love that they're portable - take them to picnic (and eat within a reasonable amount of time), a sweet snack for your kids, a late-night treat for your ice cream loving husband ;) . these delicious sandwiches know no bounds! and to save $2 when you buy 3 Häagen-Dazs or other participating Nestlé ice cream brands, click here for a coupon :)

happy last few weeks of summer, friends! xo!

this post was created in partnership with Häaagen- Dazs.. all opinions as always are my own. thank you for supporting the sponsors that help keep dolly and oatmeal going!

Dark Cocoa Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches | Dolly and Oatmeal

Dark cocoa waffle ice cream sandwiches | gf & df

i like making the waffles ahead of time, keeping them in the fridge or freezer, and having them on-hand when we're need of a little summer treat.
you could also assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and freeze them (as directed in the instructions below) for up to 1 week.

PRINT THE RECIPE!

| makes roughly 8 large waffles and 14-16 sandwiches |

1 cup fine brown rice flour
1/2 cup raw cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsweetened almond milk, at room temperature
2 pasture raised eggs, at room temperature
1/4 cup melted unrefined coconut oil, plus more for waffle iron
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
two 14-ounce containers Häaagen- Dazs.Chocolate Salted Fudge Truffle Non-Dairy ice cream

method

preheat your waffle iron.
in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cacao powder (or cocoa powder), sugar, baking soda, and salt, breaking up any clumps. in a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, eggs, oil, and vanilla until combined. whisk the wet ingredients into the dry until combined (batter will be a little lumpy, that's ok!)
brush your iron lightly with some coconut oil. pour a heaping 1/4 cup of batter into the center. use the back of the measuring cup to spread the batter out a bit, covering most of the waffle iron. cook according to the manufacturers instructions until slightly crisp. remove the waffle and let it cool, repeat with the remaining batter.
to assemble. remove the ice cream from your freezer, and let it sit out for about 10 minutes to soften a bit (this depends on how warm your kitchen is). cut the waffles into fourths and lay them out on a clean work surface.
take one waffle piece and scoop 2-3 portions of ice cream on it, top with the other half of waffle to make a sandwich. repeat with remaining waffles and ice cream.
eat immediately, or store in an air tight container, lined with parchment paper (this prevents them from sticking to the container) in your freezer for up to 1 week.