If you want a VERY easy ice cream cake recipe, that tastes just like Dairy Queen buster bars, you'll love this Easy Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake! Quick and easy to make, with layers of ice cream sandwiches, chocolate fudge sauce, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate magic shell, this is a great dessert that will leave everyone begging for more!
This ice cream sandwich cake recipe is especially popular on hot summer days. I recently served it at a summer BBQ and family gathering this summer, and it was a HUGE hit! This recipe was inspired by my Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake (Dairy Queen Copycat) on this site, but it is a lot quicker and easier to make. It pairs well with so many potluck recipes. We had it for dessert with Slow Cooker Beef on a Bun, Healthy Potato Salad, Dill Deviled Eggs, to name a few.
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Why We Love This Recipe
There is nothing quite as refreshing on a hot summer day as an ice cream cake! Not only is it super easy to make with only a few ingredients, but one bite will transport you right back to those comforting buster bar days of your childhood!
🥘Ingredient Notes
You only need a few simple ingredients for this buster bar dessert:
- Ice cream sandwiches and Vanilla Ice Cream. I use Chapman's brand for both of these ingredients because I think they make THE BEST ice cream! But you can use your favorite.
- Chocolate fudge sauce (aka hot fudge sauce) *Do not use chocolate sundae sauce/syrup or you will end up with a runny mess (trust me- I tested it!)
- Unsalted peanuts. I use regular unsalted roasted peanuts, as opposed to Spanish peanuts. They offer the perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy layers of ice cream, they don't overpower the sweetness of the dessert, while still adding that classic nutty flavor. And they most closely mimic the original Dairy Queen Buster Bar flavor and texture.
*see recipe card for full list of ingredients and quantities
📖Variations & Substitutions
- Gluten-free- There are a variety of ice cream sandwiches that are gluten-free and Smuckers hot fudge sauce and chocolate magic shell comply with a gluten-free diet.
- Peanuts - you can use regular or Spanish peanuts (aka red skin peanuts)
- Fudge sauce - you can make your own homemade fudge sauce or use store-bought
- Ice cream sandwiches - you can use any brand. I use Chapman's or Costco brand. I use ice cream sandwiches because they are easier than using layers of ice cream and graham crackers, and chocolate graham wafers have been discontinued. You can also mix it up with different flavors of ice cream sandwiches (Chapman's has caramel and double decker (vanilla and chocolate mixed)!
- Ice cream - you could mix it up and use chocolate ice cream (or another flavor) instead of vanilla. You could also use homemade ice cream instead of store-bought.
🔪Step-by-Step: How to Make Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake
Line the bottom of a 9X13 inch pan with ice cream bars (you may have to cut some bars to make them fit, depending on what brand of ice cream bar you buy).
Pour fudge sauce over ice cream bars, spreading evenly.
Then sprinkle half the peanuts (¾ cup) over the surface of the fudge.
Scoop the ice cream on top. Smooth the ice cream into a flat layer, sealing in the fudge.
Sprinkle peanuts (remaining ¾ cup) over the layer of vanilla ice cream.
Then drizzle the Magic Shell over the peanuts to secure them into place. *You can swirl the magic shell and ice cream together a little with a butter knife.
Place the pan in the freezer for at least 3 hours before cutting. *I usually leave it in overnight, but after 1-2 hours (once the chocolate coating is set), I'll cover it with plastic wrap or a lid for the remainder of the time it's in the freezer.
Hint: Leave the vanilla ice cream out to soften for a few minutes before spreading it over the fudge layer. It makes for a creamy vanilla ice cream that's easier to spread.
Expert Recipe Tips
- Soften the ice cream just right. Let the vanilla ice cream sit out for 5-10 minutes until it's soft enough to spread easily, but not melted. This ensures a smooth layer that won't mix into the fudge.
- Use a hot knife for clean slices. For neat, bakery-style cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry before slicing. This helps glide through the frozen layers without cracking or crumbling.
- Line the pan for easier removal (optional). If you want to lift out the entire cake for cleaner presentation, line the pan with parchment paper or plastic wrap, allowing extra to hang over the sides.
- Don't skip the magic shell.Magic shell not only adds that signature crackly chocolate topping, but also helps secure the peanuts in place and adds great texture contrast.
- Chop or crush peanuts if you want smaller pieces. If you prefer a less chunky texture, give the peanuts a quick rough chop. This distributes the crunch more evenly throughout each bite.
- Work quickly when layering. Since you're working with ice cream, try to assemble the layers as efficiently as possible to prevent melting and refreezing, which can affect texture.
- Customize with fun toppings. Add sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or crushed cookies over the magic shell layer before freezing for a festive twist-especially great for birthdays or holidays.
- Freeze overnight for best results. While 3 hours may be sufficient, freezing overnight ensures the layers are completely set and easier to slice and serve cleanly.
🌡️Storage
Store this summer treat in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
You can make it several days or months in advance, as long as you store it in an airtight container.
👪 Serving Size
This Copycat dq buster bars cake recipe makes 12 servings. However, you can half, double or triple the recipe by clicking on the serving number and selecting the number of servings you'd like. The ingredient quantities will automatically adjust. You will need additional pans if you are doubling or tripling the recipe.
🥗 What to eat with Buster Bar Dessert
This buster bar dessert is the ideal dessert for a summer BBQ or potluck! I love to serve after a casual meal like Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad (shown), or BBQ Beer Can Chicken.
❔ Recipe FAQ's
Yes. This ice cream cake is perfect for making in advance. You can prepare it several days-or even months-before serving, as long as it's stored in an airtight container in the freezer.
No, you want the ice cream sandwiches to be firm when layering so they hold their shape. Only the vanilla ice cream layer needs a few minutes to soften before spreading.
Yes! It's a great make-ahead treat that both kids and adults love. You can even decorate the top with sprinkles or drizzle extra chocolate before serving.
Let the cake sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before cutting. Then dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and slice. Repeat between cuts for clean slices.
So if you're looking for a delicious and easy ice cream dessert that's perfect for summer parties, gatherings, or birthday celebrations, you'll love this Buster Bar dessert! It's sure to become your favorite dessert.
📋More Summer Dessert Recipes
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📋 Easy Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8-10 ice cream sandwiches
- 2 litres vanilla ice cream
- 14 ounces hot fudge sauce
- 1 ½ cups unsalted peanuts
- 15 ounces -bottle Magic Shell chocolate coating (2 bottles)
Instructions
- Set the ice cream out to soften. Line the bottom of a 9X13 pan with ice cream bars.8-10 ice cream sandwiches
- Pour the hot fudge chocolate sauce and spread it out over the ice cream bars layer.14 ounces hot fudge sauce
- Then sprinkle half the peanuts (¾ cup) over the surface of the fudge.1 ½ cups unsalted peanuts
- Scoop the ice cream on top. Use the scooper (or a stiff spatula) to smash the ice cream into a flat layer. Press gently into a smooth layer, sealing in the fudge.2 litres vanilla ice cream
- Sprinkle the remaining peanuts (¾ cup) over the ice cream layer.
- Then drizzle both bottles of Magic Shell over the peanuts and ice cream.15 ounces -bottle Magic Shell chocolate coating
- Place the pan in the freezer for 1-2 hours. Then pull it out, cover with plastic wrap or lid and return to freezer for at least another hour or until frozen solid, before cutting, *I freeze overnight.
Notes
- Soften the ice cream just right. Let the vanilla ice cream sit out for 5-10 minutes until it's soft enough to spread easily, but not melted. This ensures a smooth layer that won't mix into the fudge.
- Use a hot knife for clean slices. For neat, bakery-style cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry before slicing. This helps glide through the frozen layers without cracking or crumbling.
- Line the pan for easier removal (optional). If you want to lift out the entire cake for cleaner presentation, line the pan with parchment paper or plastic wrap, allowing extra to hang over the sides.
- Don't skip the magic shell.Magic shell not only adds that signature crackly chocolate topping, but also helps secure the peanuts in place and adds great texture contrast.
- Chop or crush peanuts if you want smaller pieces. If you prefer a less chunky texture, give the peanuts a quick rough chop. This distributes the crunch more evenly throughout each bite.
- Work quickly when layering. Since you're working with ice cream, try to assemble the layers as efficiently as possible to prevent melting and refreezing, which can affect texture.
- Customize with fun toppings. Add sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or crushed cookies over the magic shell layer before freezing for a festive twist-especially great for birthdays or holidays.
- Freeze overnight for best results. While 3 hours may be sufficient, freezing overnight ensures the layers are completely set and easier to slice and serve cleanly.
nancy says
we love a buster bar growing up. This copy cat recipe is SO tasty! I can't believe that its actually really easy to make!
Vanessa says
My kids loved this - sure did make it disappear fast!
Bernice says
I must admit, we are huge Buster Bar fans in this house. I'll actually send Shaun to DQ to buy a box once in a while for a treat. I can only imagine how quickly this cake would disappear from our freezer...
Kristen says
My husband is in love! His favourite things altogether in one delicious summer treat. The peanuts are such a great addition!