Short description

A fun and customizable treat: creamy ice cream coated in crisp chocolate shell and topped with nuts, cookies, or sprinkles—perfect for warm days or dessert cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Customizable delight: Choose your favorite ice cream flavor and coating mix-ins to suit any taste.
No baking needed: Quick assembly lets you enjoy these treats without turning on the oven.
Kid- and party-friendly: Great for family desserts, summer parties, or a delightful treat after dinner.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor)
Melting chocolate (milk, dark, or white)
Crushed nuts
Crushed cookies
Sprinkles
Popsicle sticks

directions

Prepare ice cream bars
- Soften ice cream slightly to scoop easily.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop ice cream into bar shapes or pack into silicone molds.
- Insert popsicle stick into each bar.
- Freeze until firm, at least 2 hours or overnight.
Melt chocolate coating
- Use microwave: heat chocolate in 20‑second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Or double boiler: melt over simmering water until silky.
Dip frozen bars
- Working one at a time, remove a bar from the freezer.
- Dip briefly into melted chocolate, coating evenly.
- Allow excess chocolate to drip off.
Add toppings
- Immediately sprinkle crushed nuts, cookies, or sprinkles onto the chocolate before it sets.
Set and serve
- Return the bars to the parchment-lined tray and freeze again for 10–15 minutes to fully set.
- Serve straight from the freezer for best texture.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8–12 bars (depending on size)
Prep time: ~15 minutes (plus softening)
Freeze time: 2+ hours
Assemble & coat time: ~20 minutes
Total time: ~2½ hours (mostly unattended freezing)

storage/reheating

Storage: Keep bars stored flat in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Serving: Transfer bars to the refrigerator for 1–2 minutes before serving if the shell is extremely hard.

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat or nondairy ice cream?

Yes—any ice cream that freezes firm works, including dairy-free alternatives.

2. What if the chocolate seizes while melting?

Stir in a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening to smooth it out.

3. Can I double-dip for a thicker shell?

Absolutely—freeze the first coat, then dip again for extra crunch.

4. How do I shape bars without molds?

Scoop ice cream into small rectangles on parchment, insert stick, and shape edges with a flexible spatula before freezing.

5. Can I use flavored melts or candy coating?

Yes—candy melts or flavored coatings are great for color and flavor variations.

6. How can I prevent ice crystals?

Keep the container airtight and freeze promptly after coating.

7. Can I add flavor to the chocolate shell?

Stir in a pinch of sea salt, peppermint extract, or ground nuts for extra flavor.

8. Will bars stick together in the freezer?

Store them in a single layer, or separate layers with parchment.

9. Can I dip bars in melted peanut butter instead?

Yes—melted peanut butter or nut butter makes a delicious alternative coating.

10. Why did my shell crack or split when bitten?

This is normal—chocolate shells tend to snap when biting into cold ice cream. Enjoy the crunch!

Conclusion

These Homemade Chocolate-Covered Ice Cream Bars are a delightful, customizable treat you can enjoy with minimal effort. Whether you opt for classic toppings or get creative with candy and seeds, they’re sure to be a hit. Keep extras in the freezer for a cool indulgence anytime—no oven required!

Homemade Chocolate-Covered Ice Cream Bars

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Author: Douaa
Total Time: 4 hours
Yield: 6–8 bars (depending on size)
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Cool off with these Homemade Chocolate-Covered Ice Cream Bars! Easy to make and fun to customize, these frozen treats feature creamy ice cream coated in rich chocolate and topped with nuts, cookies, or sprinkles—perfect for summer days or party treats.

Ingredients

Vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor)
Melting chocolate (milk, dark, or white)
Crushed nuts (e.g., peanuts, almonds, pistachios)
Crushed cookies (e.g., Oreos, graham crackers)
Sprinkles (rainbow, chocolate, or themed)
Popsicle sticks

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Instructions

Prepare Ice Cream Bars:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop or mold ice cream into bar shapes. Insert a popsicle stick into each.
- Freeze bars for at least 2–3 hours until very firm.
Melt the Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, melt your choice of chocolate until smooth.
Dip and Decorate:
- Working quickly, dip each frozen ice cream bar into the melted chocolate.
- Immediately sprinkle or roll in crushed nuts, cookies, or sprinkles before the chocolate hardens.
Freeze to Set:
- Place decorated bars back onto the baking sheet. Freeze for 30–60 minutes until chocolate is fully set.
Serve:
- Enjoy straight from the freezer or store in a sealed container for up to 1 week.

Notes

Use silicone molds for uniform bar shapes.
Don’t overheat chocolate—stir frequently to keep it smooth.
For a thinner coating, add a bit of coconut oil to the melted chocolate.
You can mix toppings for extra fun textures and colors.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Freezing / Dipping
Cuisine: American