Oreo Ice Cream Bars Recipe
Indulging in a dessert that transports you back to your childhood is like taking a sweet trip down memory lane, especially when that dessert is Oreo Ice Cream Bars. These delightful treats combine the classic crunch of Oreos with the creamy, dreamy goodness of cookies and cream ice cream, all enveloped in a luscious layer of melted milk chocolate. The contrast of textures—from the crispy Oreo crust to the velvety ice cream—creates an irresistible experience that tantalizes the taste buds and warms the heart.
Fast to prepare, kid-friendly, and oh-so-satisfying, making Oreo Ice Cream Bars at home is not just a necessity but a cherished ritual, especially on warm days or during family gatherings. So grab your spatula, roll up those sleeves, and get ready to create a dessert that’s not only easy but sure to impress!
What’s Your Favorite Childhood Indulgence?
Do you have a favorite ice cream treat that completely takes you back to simpler days filled with laughter and sunshine? Perhaps it was a melting ice cream cone enjoyed on a summer day or a creamy dessert shared with friends during recess. If those sweet memories stir a craving, then you’re in for a treat! The Oreo Ice Cream Bars promise to be your new guilty pleasure that perfectly encapsulates the nostalgia of those carefree days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore this Oreo Ice Cream Bars recipe.
First off, it boasts uncomplicated prep: just a few easy steps, and you’re on your way to dessert bliss.
Second, it’s an undeniable crowd-pleaser—whether it’s a birthday party, holiday celebration, or just a casual Sunday afternoon, everyone will gather around for a slice.
Finally, its minimal ingredient list makes it a breeze to whip up without a trip to the store!
Ingredients
To whip up these luscious Oreo Ice Cream Bars, you’ll need:
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1 1/2 packages (13.29 oz) Oreos (about 50 cookies):
Rich, chocolatey, and wonderful, Oreos bring that nostalgic taste that we all know and love. -
8 oz milk chocolate chips, melted:
The silky-smooth chocolate drizzle becomes a luscious bridge between the crunchy crust and creamy ice cream, adding a sweet touch that makes each bite irresistible. -
1/2 tsp kosher salt:
A hint of salt elevates the flavors, making the sweetness truly pop and creating that dreamy contrast we seek in desserts. -
1 1/2 quarts cookies and cream ice cream:
What’s better than cookies and cream? The velvety texture pairs delightfully with the crunchy Oreo crust, ensuring a heavenly bite every time.
These ingredients come together to create an indulgent treat that teases the senses from the first bite to the last crumb.
Timing
Expect a balance of fast indulgence and slow luxury when making these Oreo Ice Cream Bars. The active preparation time is minimal—typically under 30 minutes—making it an easy addition to your dessert rotation.
However, the hardest part? Waiting for these dreamy bars to freeze to perfection. Patience pays off, as the flavors meld and the textures harmonize beautifully during that 8-hour freeze.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to dive into the baking adventure? Follow these steps to create your very own Oreo Ice Cream Bars:
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Prepare Your Dish: Line a 9 by 9 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides. This will make it easy to lift out the bars once they’re frozen.
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Process the Oreos: In a large food processor, process the Oreos until fine crumbs form. The sound of crushing cookies is music to the ears!
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Combine Ingredients: Transfer those delicious crumbs to a large bowl and add the melted chocolate and kosher salt. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand—rich and awe-inspiring.
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Press and Chill: Press half of the Oreo mixture (about 1 1/2 cups) into the bottom of the prepared dish. Cover the remaining mixture and refrigerate it to keep it fresh for later.
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Ice Cream Layer: Spread the cookies and cream ice cream over the Oreo layer, gently pushing it to the edges for a smooth surface.
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Freeze Firm: Pop it in the freezer until the ice cream firms up, roughly 1 to 2 hours—and don’t peek too often!
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Add the Top Layer: Take the reserved Oreo mixture from the fridge and press it evenly on top of the frozen ice cream layer.
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Freeze Until Set: Allow the dessert to freeze completely until set, at least 8 hours or overnight. Trust us, the wait will be worth it!
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Lift and Cut: Using the parchment overhang, carefully lift out the bars and transfer them to a cutting board.
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Slice Into Squares: Cut into 9 squares, and you’ll have the perfect bite-sized treats ready to fulfill your cravings.
Each step immerses you deeper into a gooey, chocolatey experience that’s utterly unforgettable.
Nutritional Information
When it comes to indulgence, these Oreo Ice Cream Bars deliver a satisfying punch! Each square is rich in flavor, coming in at approximately 250 calories. While a moment of indulgence can be blissful, keep in mind that moderation is key. These sweet treats are ideal for special occasions or worthy celebrations, fulfilling that deep craving for a familiar dessert.
Healthier Alternatives
Want to enjoy Oreo Ice Cream Bars but looking for a healthier twist? Try these simple swaps:
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Use low-sugar or sugar-free Oreos for reduced sugar intake.
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Opt for diary-free ice cream alternatives made from coconut or almond to cater to lactose sensitivities.
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Consider using dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate to add rich flavors and health benefits, including antioxidants.
These alternatives can help you enjoy the classic taste of Oreo Ice Cream Bars, aligning with your dietary preferences.
Serving Suggestions
These Oreo Ice Cream Bars shine as a stand-alone dessert, but you can elevate the experience further:
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Pair with Extra Ice Cream: A scoop of extra cookies and cream or vanilla ice cream complements the bars beautifully.
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Garnish: Drizzle some melted chocolate or sprinkle crushed Oreos on top before serving for an extra crunch!
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Special Occasions: Serve them at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or summer barbecues, and watch your guests’ faces light up with delight.
Common Mistakes
While creating these mouthwatering bars, avoid these common pitfalls:
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Overbaking: Although these bars freeze, be sure not to overwork the dough layers.
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Texture Issues: Ensure the Oreos are finely crumbled for a smooth consistency that holds together.
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Messes: Use a spatula to spread the ice cream evenly; this will keep things tidy and presentable.
Take your time and savor each moment in the kitchen for the best results.
Storing Tips
If you happen to have any Oreo Ice Cream Bars left over (unlikely!), here are some tips for keeping them fresh:
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Freezing Portions: Cut them into squares and wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store them in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
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Reheating Instructions: For a lovely twist, you can microwave each square for about 10 seconds to get a gooey melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Maintaining their freshness allows you to enjoy these delightful bars over and over again.
Tempting Conclusion
There you have it! It’s time to grab those Oreos, get creative in the kitchen, and whip up a batch of rich, creamy Oreo Ice Cream Bars. Whether you enjoy them on a sunny day or during a cozy movie night, these decadent treats will become the love of your dessert lineup. Don’t hesitate! The sweet, chocolatey goodness awaits you, and your taste buds are begging for it.
FAQs
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Can I use other brands of cream-filled chocolate cookies?
Absolutely! Any similar cookies can be substituted, such as chocolate sandwich cookies. -
How long does it take to prepare these?
The active preparation is typically around 30 minutes, but don’t forget the freezing time! -
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them up to a day in advance; just make sure they’re covered tightly in the freezer. -
What if I don’t have a food processor?
You can place the Oreos in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or your hands until finely crumbled. -
Can I add toppings to the bars?
Definitely! Consider adding whipped cream, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for a fun twist.
Now that you have all the details at hand, it’s time to bring your culinary creativity to life and make these sublime Oreo Ice Cream Bars—your sweet memories await!
Print
Oreo Ice Cream Bars
- Total Time: 510 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Oreo Ice Cream Bars that combine crunchy Oreos, creamy cookies and cream ice cream, and a luscious layer of melted milk chocolate.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 packages (13.29 oz) Oreos (about 50 cookies)
- 8 oz milk chocolate chips, melted
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 1/2 quarts cookies and cream ice cream
Instructions
- Line a 9 by 9 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides.
- In a large food processor, process the Oreos until fine crumbs form.
- Transfer the crumbs to a large bowl and add the melted chocolate and kosher salt. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press half of the Oreo mixture (about 1 1/2 cups) into the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Spread the cookies and cream ice cream over the Oreo layer, pushing it to the edges for a smooth surface.
- Freeze until the ice cream firms up, roughly 1 to 2 hours.
- Press the reserved Oreo mixture evenly on top of the frozen ice cream layer.
- Freeze completely until set, at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Using the parchment overhang, lift out the bars and cut into 9 squares.
Notes
For a healthier twist, use low-sugar Oreos and dairy-free ice cream.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
