Buster Bar

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Buster Bars are a decadent frozen dessert inspired by the classic Dairy Queen treat. With layers of creamy vanilla ice cream, crunchy peanuts, rich fudge sauce, and a chocolate shell, these bars are a crowd-pleasing favorite for summer parties or anytime indulgence. They’re easy to make and store, offering a perfect combination of textures and flavors in every bite.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

vanilla ice creamchopped roasted peanutschocolate sandwich cookies (crushed)unsalted butterevaporated milksugarsemi-sweet chocolate chipsmarshmallow creamvanilla extract

directions

Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or foil for easy removal.

Spread the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies evenly across the bottom of the pan.

Scoop slightly softened vanilla ice cream over the cookie base and spread it into an even layer. Freeze until firm.

In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and marshmallow cream. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.

Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips and vanilla extract until smooth. Let the fudge sauce cool to room temperature.

Pour the cooled fudge sauce over the frozen ice cream layer and sprinkle chopped peanuts on top.

Freeze again until firm.

Cut into squares or bars and serve frozen.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 15-18 bars.Preparation time: 20 minutesFreezing time: 4-6 hoursTotal time: 4.5-6.5 hours

Variations

Use different nuts like almonds or cashews for a twist.

Swap vanilla ice cream with chocolate, peanut butter, or coffee flavors.

Add a layer of caramel sauce between the ice cream and fudge for extra richness.

Make individual servings in cupcake liners for a fun presentation.

storage/reheating

Store Buster Bars in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.To serve, allow them to sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes to slightly soften before enjoying.Do not microwave.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought fudge sauce?

Yes, but homemade fudge gives a richer flavor and better consistency.

Do I have to use sandwich cookies?

No, graham cracker crumbs or brownie pieces work well too.

Can I use low-fat ice cream?

Yes, though the texture may be slightly less creamy.

What if I don’t like peanuts?

You can leave them out or substitute with another topping.

Can I make this in a different size pan?

Yes, just adjust the layering thickness and cutting size accordingly.

How long do they need to freeze?

At least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal for best firmness.

Can I use a different flavor of chips?

Yes, try milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips.

Is this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free sandwich cookies to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free ice cream and chocolate to adapt for dietary needs.

What’s the best way to cut the bars?

Use a hot knife (run under hot water and dried) for clean cuts.

Conclusion

Buster Bars bring together creamy, crunchy, and chocolaty layers into a nostalgic frozen dessert that’s both impressive and incredibly satisfying. With simple ingredients and an easy assembly process, they’re perfect for prepping ahead and enjoying on hot days or at gatherings. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a freezer staple for the whole family.

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