Buster Bars
Creamy, chocolatey Buster Bars feature a cookie crust, peanut-studded ice cream layer, and rich chocolate topping—perfect dessert for peanut butter and chocolate lovers. Ideal for parties or family treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix crushed cookies with 1/2 cup melted margarine.
- Press the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan to form a crust.
- Soften ice cream slightly and spread over the crust.
- Press Spanish peanuts into the ice cream with the back of a large spoon.
- Freeze until the ice cream is firm.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, 2/3 cup evaporated milk, 2 cups powdered sugar, 2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Boil and stir for 8 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Allow the sauce to cool thoroughly.
- Spread the cooled sauce over the ice cream layer.
- Freeze until the topping is firm, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, try substituting the Spanish peanuts with chopped almonds or pecans. If you prefer a richer flavor, use real butter instead of margarine. To save time, you can crush the cookies in a food processor. Make sure to let the ice cream soften just enough for easy spreading but not too much that it melts completely.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Buster Bars directly from the freezer for a refreshing treat. They pair well with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a scoop of fresh whipped cream on top. For a complete dessert experience, consider serving alongside Buttered Potato Wedges In Microwave for a sweet and savory contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer. To reheat, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving the bars directly, as this can cause the ice cream to melt unevenly and affect the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Buster Bars contains roughly 1268 calories, with 10g protein, 149g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (46% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 785mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of ice cream?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavors of ice cream such as chocolate, mint, or even coffee. Just ensure the ice cream is spreadable, and adjust the toppings accordingly to complement the chosen flavor.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Buster Bars, substitute the chocolate sandwich cookies with gluten-free cookies. Many brands offer gluten-free options that taste great and will work perfectly in this recipe.
Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
Yes, Buster Bars can be made a few days in advance. Just keep them tightly covered in the freezer. They actually taste better after a day or two, as the flavors meld together beautifully.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).