The Buster Bar Ice Cream Dessert is a frozen treasure inspired by the iconic Dairy Queen treat, made even better in your own kitchen. With its crunchy Oreo base, smooth vanilla ice cream, salted peanuts, rich peanut butter chocolate sauce, and silky fudge topping, every bite is an irresistible blend of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy. Perfect for summer parties, birthdays, or anytime you need a no-bake dessert that’s sure to wow a crowd, this make-ahead treat is a nostalgic favorite that delivers grown-up flavor with childhood charm. Slice it up, serve it chilled, and savor the layers of texture and taste in every decadent forkful.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
Crust & Base:
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1 package (14.3 oz) chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), crushed
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1/2 cup salted butter, melted
Filling & Layers:
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1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream, softened
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1 1/2 cups salted peanuts
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1 jar (16 oz) hot fudge sauce, warmed
Peanut Butter Chocolate Sauce:
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2 cups powdered sugar
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1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
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1/2 cup peanut butter
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1/2 cup salted butter
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
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In a medium bowl, mix crushed sandwich cookies with melted butter until evenly coated. Press mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish to form a crust. Freeze for 15 minutes.
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Once the crust is firm, spread softened vanilla ice cream evenly over the crust. Sprinkle salted peanuts over the ice cream layer. Return to freezer for at least 30 minutes.
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Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, combine powdered sugar, evaporated milk, peanut butter, and salted butter. Bring to a boil while whisking continuously. Cook for 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let the sauce cool to room temperature.
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Pour cooled peanut butter chocolate sauce over the ice cream and peanut layer. Spread warmed hot fudge sauce over the top.
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Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
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Slice and serve chilled. Store leftovers covered in the freezer.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes + chilling time
Kcal: 485 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
The Sweet History Behind Buster Bar-Inspired Desserts
The original Buster Bar was created by Dairy Queen and quickly became a fan-favorite thanks to its perfect combination of creamy vanilla soft serve, hot fudge, salty peanuts, and a chocolate shell. It was a treat designed for serious dessert lovers who craved that irresistible mix of textures and flavors. Over time, creative home bakers have transformed this handheld treat into shareable pan-style desserts, making it easier to serve for gatherings and special occasions. The Buster Bar Ice Cream Dessert you’ll find here is one such evolution—honoring the original while elevating it with the convenience and charm of a no-bake, sliceable delight.
Why This Recipe Is the Ultimate Frozen Dessert
There’s a reason this version of the Buster Bar dessert stands out among other frozen treats. It’s incredibly easy to make—no oven required—and it comes together with simple pantry staples and store-bought ice cream. The prep is minimal, and the results are stunning. With layers of cookie crunch, smooth ice cream, salted peanuts, a homemade peanut butter chocolate sauce, and luscious hot fudge, this dessert hits every craving. It’s the kind of dish that earns recipe requests at potlucks and disappears quickly at summer cookouts.
Plus, it can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer, making it a stress-free solution for entertaining or busy weeknights when you want a little indulgence on standby.
Layer by Layer: What Makes It So Special
Each layer of this dessert plays an important role in the overall experience:
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The Crust: A buttery crushed Oreo base provides a chocolaty, slightly crunchy foundation that mimics the chocolate shell of the classic Buster Bar.
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The Ice Cream Layer: Using a high-quality vanilla ice cream gives a cool, creamy contrast to the richness of the other components.
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The Peanuts: Salted peanuts add an essential crunch and a savory balance that enhances every bite.
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Peanut Butter Chocolate Sauce: This homemade sauce is the game-changer. It’s rich, thick, and smooth with a depth of flavor that elevates the dessert beyond a simple ice cream treat.
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The Hot Fudge Layer: The finishing touch is a thick layer of warm hot fudge that melts into the peanut butter sauce when served—pure bliss.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, planning a birthday party, or just need something sweet to round out a casual dinner, this Buster Bar Ice Cream Dessert is a guaranteed hit. It’s designed to feed a crowd but is just as perfect for a cozy weekend indulgence with the family. You can easily cut the dessert into squares or bars, making it simple to serve with minimal cleanup.
Because it freezes beautifully, this dish can be made several days in advance—just pull it out of the freezer a few minutes before serving so it slices easily.
Customizable to Your Taste
One of the best things about this dessert is how flexible it is. Don’t like peanuts? Try chopped almonds or pecans. Want to switch up the flavor profile? Use coffee, chocolate, or caramel swirl ice cream instead of vanilla. You can even swap the Oreos for chocolate graham crackers or peanut butter cookies to tweak the base. Add a drizzle of caramel, a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips, or a whipped cream topping to make it your own.
It’s also possible to adapt the recipe to dietary needs. Use a dairy-free ice cream, gluten-free cookies, or a sugar-free fudge sauce for an alternative version that still satisfies every craving.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
This is one of those desserts that both kids and adults go crazy for. It’s nostalgic for grownups who remember the original Buster Bars and pure heaven for little ones who love anything with ice cream, chocolate, and peanuts. Because it’s so easy to make, this is also a fun recipe to involve the kids in the kitchen. They can help crush the cookies, spread the layers, and sneak a few spoonfuls of ice cream along the way.
For parties, it’s a great option to make in advance and let kids decorate with sprinkles, crushed candy bars, or even a cherry on top.
Storage Tips and Freezer Life
To store, keep the dessert tightly covered in the freezer. It’s best eaten within 1–2 weeks for optimal flavor and texture, but it can last up to a month without any major quality loss. If you’re storing leftovers, place parchment paper or plastic wrap between slices to prevent sticking.
For easier slicing, let the dessert sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, even portions.
Pairings and Serving Ideas
Pair this dessert with an iced coffee or a cold brew to balance the sweetness. For a more decadent twist, serve with a shot of espresso or a drizzle of caramel liqueur over the top. A dollop of whipped cream, a maraschino cherry, or some extra crushed peanuts also make great finishing touches when you want to dress things up a little.
Want to impress dinner guests? Serve each square on a chilled dessert plate with a few dots of fudge sauce and a chocolate curl garnish for a plated look that feels restaurant-worthy.
Nostalgia in Every Bite
There’s something uniquely comforting about this Buster Bar Ice Cream Dessert. It brings back memories of trips to Dairy Queen, of childhood summers, and of sharing a special treat after dinner. Recreating that joy at home makes this recipe even more special. It’s not just about flavor—it’s about connection, memory, and delight.
The beauty of this dessert is that it’s timeless. It’s just as popular with today’s generation as it was decades ago, and that enduring appeal is a testament to how perfectly the flavor combination works. It’s no wonder this recipe keeps finding its way into cookbooks, food blogs, and family recipe boxes across the country.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a tried-and-true dessert that never fails to impress, the Buster Bar Ice Cream Dessert is it. Simple, delicious, and loaded with contrasting textures and rich flavors, it’s a dish that checks all the boxes. From prep to presentation, it’s a recipe that makes you feel like a dessert pro, even if you’re short on time or new to the kitchen. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just treating yourself to something indulgent, this dessert deserves a permanent place in your recipe collection. Make it once, and it’s guaranteed to become a tradition.