Homemade Chocolate-Covered Ice Cream Bars are a delightful treat combining creamy ice cream with a rich, crisp chocolate coating. Perfect for hot summer days or any time you crave a refreshing yet indulgent dessert, these bars are simple to prepare and customizable with your favorite toppings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe allows you to enjoy the classic combination of smooth ice cream and chocolate shell at home, with the freedom to choose flavors and coatings. The process is straightforward, requires minimal ingredients, and offers endless possibilities for customization—from nuts and cookies to colorful sprinkles. They’re ideal for impressing guests or treating yourself.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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vanilla ice cream (or any flavor you prefer)
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melting chocolate (milk, dark, or white)
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crushed nuts
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crushed cookies
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sprinkles
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popsicle sticks
directions
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Prepare the Ice Cream:
Scoop the vanilla ice cream into a rectangular dish or silicone mold, pressing it down evenly. Insert popsicle sticks into the ice cream and freeze for at least 4 hours or until completely solid. -
Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate in short intervals, stirring until smooth. -
Coat the Ice Cream Bars:
Once frozen, remove the ice cream from the freezer. Cut into bars if using a dish, or carefully remove from the mold. Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. -
Add Toppings:
While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle crushed nuts, cookies, or sprinkles over the bars to add texture and flavor. -
Freeze Again:
Place the coated bars on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes to let the chocolate harden. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chocolate coating is set, the ice cream bars are ready to enjoy as a cool, delicious treat.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Freezing Time: 4 hours (plus 30 minutes after coating)
Total Time: About 4 hours 10 minutes
Calories: Approximately 200 kcal per bar
Variations
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Use flavored ice cream such as chocolate, strawberry, or mint for different tastes.
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Add a layer of caramel or peanut butter between the ice cream and chocolate coating.
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Roll the wet chocolate coating in toasted coconut flakes or mini chocolate chips.
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Use white chocolate and top with freeze-dried fruit powder for a gourmet touch.
storage/reheating
Store the bars in the freezer in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. Enjoy within 1 week for best texture and flavor. No reheating is required—serve directly from the freezer.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought ice cream?
Yes, high-quality store-bought ice cream works perfectly for this recipe.
How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking?
Use high-quality melting chocolate and avoid dipping bars that are too cold to minimize cracking.
Can I prepare these bars ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made several days in advance and stored in the freezer.
What type of chocolate is best?
Use chocolate specifically designed for melting and coating for smooth, crisp results.
Can I use wooden sticks instead of popsicle sticks?
Yes, wooden or sturdy plastic sticks work well.
How do I make the chocolate coating thicker?
Double-dip the bars, allowing the first layer to set before dipping again.
Are there dairy-free options?
Use dairy-free ice cream and vegan melting chocolate to make this recipe dairy-free.
Can I add alcohol flavoring?
A small amount of liqueur can be added to the melted chocolate, but avoid too much as it may affect setting.
What if I don’t have a mold?
Use a shallow dish and cut into bars after freezing.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them frozen in an airtight container to maintain texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Homemade Chocolate-Covered Ice Cream Bars offer a fun and delicious way to enjoy creamy ice cream and crisp chocolate coating in one easy treat. With simple preparation and endless customization options, they’re perfect for warm days, parties, or whenever you want a sweet indulgence. Try making them at home for a refreshing dessert everyone will love.
Print
Homemade Chocolate-Covered Ice Cream Bars
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a cool, creamy delight with these Homemade Chocolate-Covered Ice Cream Bars—easy to make and customizable with your favorite ice cream flavors and toppings. Perfect for summer or any time you want a refreshing, sweet indulgence with a crunchy chocolate shell.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare the Ice Cream:
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Scoop vanilla ice cream into a rectangular dish or silicone mold. Press down evenly.
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Insert popsicle sticks into the ice cream. Freeze at least 4 hours or until solid.
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Melt the Chocolate:
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In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate following package instructions. Stir until smooth.
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Coat the Ice Cream Bars:
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Remove frozen ice cream from freezer. Cut into bars or unmold.
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Dip each bar into melted chocolate, letting excess drip off.
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Add Toppings:
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While chocolate is wet, sprinkle crushed nuts, cookies, or sprinkles on bars.
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Freeze Again:
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Place coated bars on parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze about 30 minutes until chocolate sets.
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Serve and Enjoy:
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Once chocolate hardens, serve these refreshing chocolate-covered ice cream bars immediately.
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Notes
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Use quick-melting chocolate for easier dipping.
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Substitute nuts or cookies with toasted coconut, crushed candy, or mini chocolate chips.
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For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free ice cream and chocolate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing, Dipping
- Cuisine: American