Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake Recipe

Homemade Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake Recipe: A Simple Summer Joy

Buster bar ice cream cakes bring pure nostalgia and sweet satisfaction to any gathering.

Summer celebrations call for this delightful frozen dessert that merges classic flavors into one incredible treat.

Cool layers of creamy textures create an irresistible combination that makes everyone smile.

Chocolate and vanilla dance together in a delectable harmony that promises pure indulgence.

Rich ingredients blend seamlessly, refineing simple components into something extraordinary and memorable.

Fans of frozen desserts will appreciate the sophisticated yet approachable nature of this classic cake.

Home bakers can easily craft this impressive dessert with minimal culinary expertise.

Prepare to wow friends and family with a show-stopping dessert that guarantees delighted reactions.

Everything You Need for Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake

Ice Cream and Base:
  • Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy base for the dessert, choose a high-quality brand with rich flavor.
  • Chocolate Graham Crackers: Provides a crunchy, chocolatey foundation for the cake.
Topping and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Hot Fudge Sauce: Adds rich chocolate flavor and creates a delicious layer between ice cream.
  • Red Skin Peanuts: Provides crunch and nutty taste, select fresh and crisp peanuts.
  • Magic Shell Chocolate Coating: Creates a hard chocolate shell on top, adds extra chocolate flavor and visual appeal.
Finishing Component:
  • No additional ingredients needed for final assembly.

Making Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake at Home

Step 1: Prep the Creamy Canvas

Let vanilla ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and line the bottom completely with chocolate graham crackers, cutting some crackers in half to fill any gaps.

Step 2: Spread the First Ice Cream Layer

Gently scoop half of the softened vanilla ice cream over the graham cracker base. Use a stiff spatula to create a smooth, even layer that covers the entire surface.

Step 3: Drizzle with Decadent Fudge

Pour hot fudge sauce evenly across the ice cream layer. Use a spatula to spread the sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle the following ingredients over the fudge:
  • Red skin peanuts (half of the total amount)

Step 4: Add the Final Ice Cream Layer

Carefully spread the remaining vanilla ice cream over the fudge and peanuts. Press down gently to create a smooth, flat surface.

Step 5: Finish with Crunchy Topping

Scatter the remaining red skin peanuts across the top of the ice cream. Drizzle Magic Shell chocolate coating over the entire surface to create a delightful, crunchy seal.

Step 6: Freeze and Serve

Place the baking dish in the freezer for at least 3 hours to allow the cake to set completely. When ready to serve, slice into bars and enjoy your homemade Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake.

Ice Cream Cake Tips: Buster Bar Edition

  • Soften Ice Cream Strategically: Let vanilla ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to reach perfect spreadable consistency without melting completely.
  • Crush Peanuts Precisely: Use a rolling pin to gently crush red skin peanuts for more uniform texture and better distribution across cake layers.
  • Smooth Layers Carefully: Use a flat-bottomed measuring cup or offset spatula to create even, compact layers without air pockets.
  • Chill Utensils First: Freeze your spatula and baking dish briefly to help prevent ice cream from sticking and promote cleaner layering.
  • Drizzle Chocolate Coating Expertly: Hold Magic Shell about 6 inches above cake and move quickly in a zigzag motion for professional-looking chocolate drizzle.

Store and Reheat Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake

  • Refrigerate Leftovers: Wrap the remaining Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Seal carefully to prevent freezer burn and protect the cake's delicate texture. Store in the freezer for up to 5 days.
  • Reheat Method: Remove the cake from the freezer 5-10 minutes before serving to allow slight softening. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to slice cleanly through the frozen layers. Serve immediately after cutting to maintain the cake's ideal texture and prevent melting.
  • Freezing Tips: For best quality, consume within 3 days. Avoid repeated thawing and refreezing, which can compromise the cake's creamy consistency and flavor integrity.

What Pairs Well with Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake

  • Pair with Nutty Liqueur: Enjoy a shot of Frangelico or Amaretto alongside the cake, enhancing the rich peanut and chocolate flavors with a smooth, sweet liqueur kick.
  • Complement with Dark Roast Coffee: Serve a strong, bold espresso or dark roast coffee to cut through the sweetness and highlight the cake's deep chocolate and nutty profile.
  • Balance with Crisp Cold Milk: Pour a chilled glass of whole milk to provide a creamy, refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between bites of the decadent ice cream cake.
  • Match with Chocolate Stout: Select a rich chocolate stout beer that mirrors the dessert's intense chocolate notes and adds a sophisticated adult twist to the dessert experience.

Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake Remix Ideas

  • Nutty Caramel Crunch: Replace red skin peanuts with a mix of chopped almonds and pecans, and swap hot fudge for rich caramel sauce for an extra nutty, sweet profile.
  • Dark Chocolate Mint Blast: Substitute vanilla ice cream with mint chocolate chip, use chocolate graham crackers, and drizzle with dark chocolate Magic Shell for an intense chocolate-mint experience.
  • Berry Cheesecake Fusion: Layer cheesecake-flavored ice cream instead of vanilla, top with crushed graham crackers, and add a swirl of mixed berry compote for a tangy, creamy dessert.
  • Tropical Paradise Treat: Use coconut ice cream, sprinkle toasted macadamia nuts, and drizzle white chocolate Magic Shell for a luxurious island-inspired frozen cake that transports taste buds to a beachy paradise.

Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake: What’s the Hype?

  • Indulge in Layered Deliciousness: This Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake offers a mouthwatering combination of creamy vanilla ice cream, crunchy graham crackers, rich fudge sauce, and salty peanuts that create an irresistible dessert experience.
  • Quick and Easy Crowd-Pleaser: With minimal prep time and no baking required, this dessert is perfect for busy home cooks who want to impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Textural Wonderland: The recipe brilliantly combines smooth ice cream, crisp graham cracker base, gooey fudge sauce, crunchy peanuts, and glossy chocolate coating, delivering a symphony of textures in every single bite.
  • Customizable Summer Sensation: This make-ahead dessert is ideal for hot days, backyard parties, potlucks, and family gatherings, allowing you to prepare it in advance and enjoy a cool, refreshing treat that everyone will love.
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Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake Recipe

Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake delivers a nostalgic chocolate and peanut butter paradise straight from Dairy Queen’s classic treat. Cool layers of vanilla ice cream, rich chocolate fudge, and crunchy peanuts create an irresistible dessert that will delight you with its simple yet indulgent charm.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 gallon vanilla ice cream
  • 10 whole chocolate graham crackers
  • 1 ½ cups red skin peanuts

Sauce and Coating:

  • 14 ounces hot fudge sauce
  • 7.5 ounces Magic Shell chocolate coating

Instructions

  1. Gently remove vanilla ice cream from the freezer and let it soften at room temperature for 10-15 minutes until spreadable.
  2. Prepare a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish by lining the bottom completely with chocolate graham crackers, strategically breaking some crackers to ensure full coverage without gaps.
  3. Using a sturdy spatula, carefully spread half of the softened vanilla ice cream over the graham cracker base, creating a smooth, even layer approximately 1/2 inch (1.25 centimeters) thick.
  4. Pour warm hot fudge sauce evenly across the ice cream surface, using the back of a spoon to distribute the sauce completely and create a uniform chocolate layer.
  5. Generously sprinkle roughly half of the roasted red skin peanuts across the fudge sauce, ensuring balanced nut coverage.
  6. Delicately add the remaining softened vanilla ice cream on top of the fudge and peanut layer, gently pressing down to create a level surface.
  7. Distribute the remaining peanuts across the top layer of ice cream, then liberally drizzle Magic Shell chocolate coating over the entire dessert to bind the nuts and create a glossy finish.
  8. Transfer the baking dish to the freezer and allow the ice cream cake to set completely for a minimum of 3 hours or overnight for optimal firmness.
  9. Before serving, remove from freezer and slice into individual rectangular bars using a sharp knife warmed under hot water for clean cuts.

Notes

  • Soften vanilla ice cream beforehand to ensure smooth spreading and easy layering.
  • Use chocolate graham crackers as a sturdy, flavorful base that complements the dessert’s rich chocolate profile.
  • Hot fudge sauce creates a decadent middle layer that adds intense chocolate flavor and moisture to the cake.
  • Red skin peanuts provide a delightful crunch and salty contrast against the sweet ice cream and chocolate.
  • Magic Shell chocolate coating acts as a delicious “glue” that secures toppings and creates a crisp chocolate shell.
  • Freezing for at least 3 hours allows layers to set completely, ensuring clean slices and optimal texture when serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 430 kcal
  • Sugar: 35 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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