Buster Bar

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Buster Bars are a nostalgic, no-bake frozen treat made famous by Dairy Queen. These layered bars combine crunchy crushed Oreos, creamy vanilla ice cream, rich hot fudge sauce, and salty peanuts, all set on a stick or in bar form. Perfect for summer gatherings or an indulgent make-ahead dessert, Buster Bars are easy to assemble and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

ingredients

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

Oreo cookies (crushed)buttermeltedvanilla ice cream (slightly softened)dry roasted peanuts (salted)hot fudge sauce (store-bought or homemade)

directions

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

In a bowl, mix crushed Oreo cookies with melted butter until evenly combined.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust. Freeze for 10 minutes.

Spread the softened vanilla ice cream evenly over the crust layer. Freeze for 30 minutes.

Sprinkle a generous layer of salted peanuts over the ice cream. Press them down gently.

Pour warm (not hot) hot fudge sauce over the peanuts, spreading it evenly.

Freeze the entire pan for at least 4 hours or until fully set.

Cut into bars and insert a popsicle stick into each if desired.

Serve straight from the freezer.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 bars.Preparation time: 15 minutesFreezing time: 4+ hoursTotal time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Use chocolate or peanut butter ice cream for a twist on the original.

Add a layer of caramel sauce under the fudge for a turtle-style bar.

Replace peanuts with almonds or cashews if preferred.

Make individual servings using silicone muffin molds.

storage/reheating

Store Buster Bars in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.No reheating needed—serve directly from the freezer.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Yes, graham crackers or chocolate wafer cookies also work well.

What if I don’t have hot fudge sauce?

You can make a quick version by melting chocolate chips with a bit of heavy cream.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! They’re ideal for making a day or two in advance.

Do I need to use a stick?

No, they can be served as bars without the stick.

Can I make a dairy-free version?

Yes, use dairy-free ice cream, cookies, and chocolate sauce for a vegan-friendly treat.

Can I use homemade ice cream?

Definitely—just make sure it’s soft enough to spread.

Do I have to let it sit before serving?

No, they’re best enjoyed frozen straight from the freezer.

What size pan should I use?

A standard 9×13-inch pan works best for this recipe.

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of peanuts?

It’s not traditional, but it could work for added texture.

Can I add toppings?

Yes! Consider drizzling with extra fudge or sprinkling with crushed cookies.

Conclusion

Buster Bars are the ultimate frozen treat—crunchy, creamy, salty, and sweet all at once. Whether you’re recreating a childhood favorite or introducing them to a new generation, these no-bake bars are a delicious and simple way to beat the heat. Keep a batch in the freezer, and dessert is always ready to go.

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