Description
The Ice Cream Crunch Bars recipe is a layered frozen bar that mimics the flavor and texture of fried ice cream. It starts with a crunchy toasted rice cereal–nut mixture, layered with softened vanilla ice cream, then topped with more crunch. Freeze until set, slice into bars, and enjoy that perfect contrast of crispness and creaminess—no frying required.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2½ cups Rice Krispie cereal
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1½ cups shredded sweetened coconut
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 8 tbsp (1 stick) melted butter
- Optional: a few shakes of ground cinnamon
- ½ gallon vanilla ice cream (softened to soft-serve consistency)
Instructions
- Toast the Crunch Layer: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). In a 9×13-inch pan, mix Rice Krispies, pecans, coconut, brown sugar, and cinnamon (if using). Drizzle with melted butter and mix well. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring once or twice until golden and toasted. Let cool completely.
- Prepare the Pan: Line the same pan with foil or parchment, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Layer the Bars:
- Spread half of the cooled crunch mixture evenly in the pan.
- Spoon softened ice cream over the base and gently spread it out (use a hot spoon for easier spreading).
- Top with the remaining crunch mixture and press gently to adhere.
- Freeze: Cover and freeze until firm—preferably overnight.
- Serve: Lift out using the foil/parchment, slice into bars, and serve immediately. Let sit for 5 minutes for best texture.
Notes
For extra indulgence, drizzle the bars with melted chocolate or caramel sauce before freezing. You can also customize the flavor by using different ice cream varieties like mint chocolate chip, cookies and cream, or strawberry. Perfect for make-ahead summer treats and parties!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American