Buster Bar Dessert

Buster Bar Dessert has an Oreo crust, vanilla ice cream layer, fudge, peanuts and a layer of whipped topping! It’s all the flavors and textures of a Dairy Queen Buster Bars, but in a 9×13 pan!

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I’m a sucker for pretty much any ice cream dessert and this easy Buster Bar Dessert is high up there on my list of favorites!! It always goes over well at family gatherings, summer parties and birthday celebrations!

What is a “Buster Bar?”

Dairy Queen’s famous Buster Bar was first served in 1968 and have been on their menu ever since.  The classic Buster Bar is an ice cream treat on a popsicle stick that consists of layers of vanilla ice cream, a layer of chocolatey fudge and peanuts, all dipped in a chocolate coating. Sounds pretty alright, ehh?? 🙂

Ingredients Needed (Amounts in Recipe Card below)

There are just six ingredients in this dessert – most of which are found in the DQ’s Buster Bars. However, the Oreos and whipped topping make their way into this tasty dessert, making it a little different and in my opinion, even better!

• Oreo Cookies – Or any brand chocolate sandwich cookie you’ve got on hand. (Although nothing compares to a true Oreo, in my opinion! :))
• Butter – You’ll need butter to hold together the Oreo cookies in the crust. 
• Vanilla Ice Cream – Most of the time I stick with vanilla, however, you can certainly try chocolate, chocolate chip, cookies n cream or other flavors if you’d like!
• Chocolate Fudge Ice Cream Topping – You’ll want to get the stuff in a jar, not the “chocolate syrup” or chocolate sauce in a plastic bottle as that’ll be too runny. You could also opt to use 1 1/2 cups of homemade fudge topping.
• Spanish Peanuts – These are the peanuts with the skins still on. If you don’t like the texture of the skins, adding regular salted peanuts will work just fine.
• Whipped Topping – Although I love homemade whipped topping, Cool Whip is just so easy and works perfect in this recipe. However, if you want to make homemade whipped topping, that’ll work too (but be sure to sweeten it so it preserves better in the freezer).

How do you make Buster Bar Dessert?

Although this recipe is super easy, do keep in mind that it’ll need to freeze several hours before serving. It’ll stay good for a couple weeks or more in the freezer, so you can always make it ahead of time if you think of it! 

First, you’ll want to crush the Oreos. You can either place them in a resealable baggie and crush them into fine crumbs with a rolling pin, or use a food processor.

Measure out 1 cup of the crumbs and set them aside (you’ll use them as a garnish on top!) Now, you’ll add the melted butter, mix well and press into the bottom of a 9×13 pan with the back of a spoon (or your hands!).

Next, you’ll get your ice cream out of the freezer and let it soften. You’ll scoop the ice cream over the crust and spread it until it’s a nice, even layer. (If it’s too hard to spread, let it set out a bit longer to soften more). Then, you’ll cover the ice cream with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 2 hours.

Now it’s time for the toppings! Read the instructions on the jar of fudge so you know how to warm it up. Once it’s warm (but not super hot), give it a good stir so it’s smooth.

Pour the hot fudge sauce over the ice cream and spread it out. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect!  Next you’ll add a peanut layer and spread the whipped topping on top of the dessert.

Sprinkle the reserved Oreo crumbs on top, place a lid on the pan (or cover with plastic wrap) and freeze for at least 4 hours.

Let the dessert set out 5 minutes before serving, so it’s easier to cut. Then cut into squares and enjoy!!

Pro Tip:  If you find that the dessert is difficult to cut, dip the knife in hot water before each slice!

Variations to try…

The options are truly endless. Here’s a few ideas:

• For the chocoholic: Use Dark Chocolate Oreos, chocolate ice cream and add a few mini chocolate chips on top!
• For the caramel lover: Use Golden Oreos, vanilla ice cream, and caramel sauce instead of the fudge!
• And for the coffee fanatic: Use the Mocha (or regular) Oreos and coffee-flavored ice cream!

I hope you enjoy these homemade buster bars as much as we do!  It always hits the spot, especially on those hot summer days!! 🙂

Other Yummy Ice Cream Desserts

Turtle Ice Cream Dessert

Cookie Dough Ice Cream Dessert

Banoffee Ice Cream Pie

Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Make today or Pin It for later!