Oreo Ice Cream Bars Recipe
Introduction
Oreo Ice Cream Bars are a delightful and easy-to-make treat combining crunchy chocolate cookie layers with creamy cookies and cream ice cream. Perfect for cooling off on a warm day or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 (13.29-oz.) packages Oreos (about 50 cookies)
- 8 oz. milk chocolate chips, melted
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 (1.5-qt.) container cookies & cream ice cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Line a 9″ x 9″ baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides. Process Oreos in a large food processor until fine crumbs form. Transfer crumbs to a large bowl, then add the melted chocolate and kosher salt. Stir until the mixture has a wet sand-like texture.
- Step 2: Press half of the Oreo mixture (about 1 1/2 cups) firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish. Cover the bowl with the remaining Oreo mixture and refrigerate to keep it chilled.
- Step 3: Spread the cookies & cream ice cream evenly over the pressed Oreo layer, reaching the edges. Freeze the dish until the ice cream is firm, about 1 to 2 hours.
- Step 4: Once the ice cream is firm, gently press the reserved Oreo mixture over the top. Freeze the bars until completely set, at least 8 hours or overnight for best results.
- Step 5: Using the parchment overhang, lift the bars out of the dish and place on a cutting board. Cut into 9 equal squares and serve.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra chocolate punch, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top before freezing the final layer.
- Try swapping the cookies & cream ice cream for your favorite ice cream flavor to customize the bars.
- If you don’t have a food processor, crush Oreos in a sealed plastic bag using a rolling pin until finely ground.
- Use regular salt if kosher salt isn’t available, but reduce the amount to 1/4 tsp to avoid over-salting.
Storage
Store the Oreo Ice Cream Bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the freezer. They will keep for up to 2 weeks. To serve, allow the bars to sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly for easier cutting and eating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use another type of cookie instead of Oreos?
Yes, you can substitute Oreos with other chocolate sandwich cookies or even crushed chocolate chip cookies. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will change slightly.
What is the best way to cut the ice cream bars without them crumbling?
Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This will help you slice through the bars cleanly without cracking the cookie layers.
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Oreo Ice Cream Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 10 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
Description
These Oreo Ice Cream Bars feature a crunchy Oreo crust layered with creamy cookies & cream ice cream, all topped with a delicious Oreo crumble. A perfect no-bake dessert that combines chocolate, cookie crumbs, and smooth ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Crust & Topping
- 1 1/2 (13.29-oz.) packages Oreos (about 50 cookies)
- 8 oz. milk chocolate chips, melted
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
Ice Cream Layer
- 1 (1.5-qt.) container cookies & cream ice cream
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish and crush Oreos: Line a 9″ x 9″ baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides for easy removal later. In a large food processor, pulse the Oreos until they form fine crumbs, then transfer these crumbs to a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Oreo crust mixture: Add the melted milk chocolate chips and kosher salt to the bowl with Oreo crumbs. Stir everything together until the mixture resembles wet sand, ensuring the chocolate coats the crumbs evenly.
- Press crust and chill: Reserve about half of the Oreo mixture (approximately 1 1/2 cups) by covering and refrigerating it. Press the other half firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust layer. This will serve as the base layer for the bars.
- Add the ice cream layer: Spread the cookies & cream ice cream evenly over the Oreo crust, gently smoothing it to the edges of the dish. Place the dish in the freezer and chill until the ice cream is firm, about 1 to 2 hours.
- Add the Oreo crumb topping: Once the ice cream is firm, remove from the freezer and gently press the reserved Oreo crumb mixture over the top to create a crunchy topping layer.
- Freeze bars until fully set: Return the bars to the freezer and freeze for at least 8 hours or up to overnight to ensure the ice cream bars are completely set and firm.
- Slice and serve: Using the parchment paper overhang, carefully lift the entire block of bars out of the dish and onto a cutting board. Cut into 9 equal squares and serve immediately or keep frozen until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- For easier slicing, let the bars sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before cutting.
- You can substitute milk chocolate chips with semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Use parchment paper with overhang to easily remove bars without cracking.
- Store leftover bars tightly wrapped in the freezer for up to 1 week.
- For a nutty twist, sprinkle crushed toasted nuts on top before the final freeze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Oreo ice cream bars, no-bake ice cream dessert, cookies and cream bars, frozen Oreo dessert
