• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Gift of Hospitality logo

  • Home
    • About
  • Recipes
  • Hospitality How-Tos
  • Newsletter
  • Shop
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
    • About
  • Recipes
  • Hospitality How-Tos
  • Newsletter
  • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Recipes » Desserts » Easy Buster Bar Dessert

    Easy Buster Bar Dessert

    Published: Sep 1, 2022 by Kate Shungu · This post may contain affiliate links

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    Jump to Recipe
    slice of buster bar dessert on a white plate.
    slice of buster bar dessert on a white plate.

    This decadent 6-layer Buster Bar Dessert is modeled after Dairy Queen’s famous Buster Bars. With Oreos, chocolate, peanuts, and ice cream, what’s not to love?

    buster bar ice cream layered dessert slice on a white plate.

    Now THIS is a serious ice cream cake! This Easy Buster Bar Dessert is six layers of delicious: an Oreo crust, vanilla ice cream, chocolate fudge, peanuts, whipped topping, and more Oreos on top.

    Similar to this Ice Cream Sandwich Dessert, it’s cool and creamy, easy to make, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. In fact, it’s my husband’s new favorite dessert!

    This particular recipe is from a late 1980s church cookbook, and the inspiration behind this dessert is a Buster Bar from Dairy Queen.

    DQ describes the bar as “layer after layer of chocolatey fudge, peanuts and soft serve dipped in luscious, chocolatey coating”. It’s served on a stick, and I can attest that it is beyond delicious.

    This cake takes it a step further, and makes “buster bars” for a crowd! It’s made in a 9×13 inch pan, so there’s plenty for sharing (or for stashing in the freezer for yourself later…).

    This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links support Gift of Hospitality at no additional cost to you. I receive a commission if you choose to make a purchase through these links.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to make this easy Buster Bar Dessert
    • Can I make Buster Bar Dessert ahead of time?
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Top tips for Buster Bar Dessert
    • More ice cream desserts
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Related recipes

    Ingredients

    oreos, ice cream, peanuts, whipped topping, and other ingredients on a white table.

    You’ll need six ingredients:

    • A family-size package of Oreos (you don’t have to use Double Stuf; regular are fine, too!)
    • We’ll mix the Oreos with butter to create a crust
    • A half gallon of your favorite vanilla ice cream
    • A jar of hot fudge topping
    • Spanish peanuts
    • Whipped topping (such as Cool Whip; you can also use whipped cream)

    How to make this easy Buster Bar Dessert

    Remove the vanilla ice cream from the freezer to soften. You don’t want the ice cream to melt, just for it to be easily spreadable. This takes about 20 minutes at room temperature.

    While the ice cream is softening, place the Oreos in a food processor. Process until finely ground.

    Oreo crumbs in a food processor.

    If you don’t have a food processor, you can place them in a large resealable freezer bag, and pound them with a rolling pin until fine crumbs form.

    Reserve 1 cup of Oreo crumbs for the top of the dessert, then mix the remaining crumbs with 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into a 9×13 inch pan.

    Top the Oreo crust with scoops of the vanilla ice cream.

    scoops of vanilla ice cream on top of an Oreo crust.

    Use an offset spatula to spread the ice cream evenly over the crust. Freeze for at least one hour, or until firm.

    After the ice cream layer is firm, microwave the jar of hot fudge topping until it’s pourable. Let cool slightly.

    Then, pour it over the cake, and top with the Spanish peanuts.

    ice cream layered with chocolate fudge and spanish peanuts in a casserole dish.

    Top the peanut layer with the whipped topping, then sprinkle the reserved Oreo crumbs on top.

    Freeze the dessert for at least two hours, or up to several days.

    Cut into slices and serve!

    buster bar ice cream dessert slice on a plate.

    Can I make Buster Bar Dessert ahead of time?

    Buster Bar Dessert is the perfect make-ahead dessert. The entire dessert can be made and stored in the freezer for several days before serving it. When you’re ready to serve it, just slice and enjoy!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

    Yes! Substitute 3 cups of whipped cream in place of the whipped topping.

    Can I use regular peanuts instead of Spanish peanuts?

    Spanish peanuts are traditionally used in Buster Bars, so I recommend using them if you can find them. If not, substitute salted dry roasted peanuts. The salt is key for the sweet/salty flavor in this dessert!

    Can I make this without a food processor?

    You can crush the Oreos without the food processor. Here’s how: place the Oreos in a large resealable freezer bag. Seal the bag and bang the Oreos with a rolling pin or meat mallet until finely ground. You may need to do this in batches.

    buster bar dessert topped with crushed oreos and peanuts on a white plate with a blue rim.

    Top tips for Buster Bar Dessert

    • Ice cream will get icy if it melts and then re-freezes. To avoid that, leave the ice cream out at room temperature for 20 minutes max before scooping it into the dessert.
    • Similarly, let the hot fudge topping cool slightly after microwaving so it doesn’t melt the ice cream.
    • Want to change it up? You can substitute your favorite flavor of ice cream in place of the vanilla.

    More ice cream desserts

    • Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Dessert starts with a layer of ice cream sandwiches
    • Mississippi Mud Ice Cream Pie is a coffee lover’s dream
    • Strawberry Icebox Cake is made with whipped cream instead of ice cream, but WOW is it good!

    Have you tried this recipe? Please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and/or comment below!

    cup of ambrosia and slice of banana cake.

    📖 Recipe

    layered buster bar ice cream dessert on a blue and white plate, topped with chopped peanuts.

    Easy Buster Bar Dessert

    Published by Kate
    This layered ice cream dessert is a real crowd pleaser. It really does taste like a DQ Buster Bar!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 0 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 15 servings
    Calories 573 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 42 Oreo cookies (approximately one package)
    • 4 tablespoons melted butter
    • ½ gallon vanilla ice cream
    • 1 cup Spanish peanuts
    • 1 (11 oz) jar hot fudge topping
    • 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)

    Instructions
     

    • Remove vanilla ice cream from the freezer to soften slightly.
    • Place cookies in a food processor. Process until finely ground. Reserve 1 cup of Oreo crumbs for the top of the dessert.
    • Place the remaining crumbs in a large bowl and mix with the melted butter. Press firmly in an even layer into a 9×13 inch pan.
    • Top the Oreo crust with scoops of the softened ice cream. Spread it evenly over the crust. Freeze for 1 hour.
    • Microwave the hot fudge topping just until it’s pourable. Let cool slightly. Pour it over the ice cream, then top with the peanuts. Spread the whipped topping on top, and sprinkle with the reserved Oreo crumbs.
    • Freeze the dessert until firm, at least 1 hour or up to several days. Cut into slices and serve.

    Notes

    Don’t leave the ice cream out for more than 20 minutes while softening it. If ice cream melts and then re-freezes, it gets icy. 
    Can’t find Spanish peanuts? Use roasted salted peanuts instead.
    You can make this dish several days in advance. Cover and keep it in the freezer until you’re ready to serve it. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 573kcalCarbohydrates: 66gProtein: 10gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 284mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 48gVitamin A: 637IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 196mgIron: 5mg
    Keyword buster bar dessert
    Tried this recipe?Follow me at @giftofhospitality and let me know how you liked it!

    Related recipes

    • Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Dessert
    • Mississippi Mud Ice Cream Pie
    • Strawberry Icebox Cake
    • Chocolate Delight
    « Easy Zucchini Banana Bread
    Cream of Corn Soup »
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    kate

    About Kate

    I’m a believer, wife, mom, and big fan of old cookbooks. I live in Chicago with my husband and two young sons. I love discovering old fashioned recipes that will transport you back in time! Read more...

      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Pinterest

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome

    Kate from Gift of HospitalityI’m Kate. I love discovering old fashioned recipes that will transport you back in time. Learn more here
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Winter Recipes

    bowl of potato soup topped with chopped bacon and parsley.

    Old Fashioned Potato Soup

    beef stroganoff with mushrooms on a bed of egg noodles on a white plate.

    Beef Stroganoff with Cream of Mushroom Soup

    cheesy mashed potatoes in a green bowl, topped with chives and shredded cheddar.

    Extra Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

    stuffed green pepper in a gray casserole dish with other stuffed bell peppers.

    Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

    old fashioned sloppy joes meat on a brioche bun with pickles.

    Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes

    tuna noodle casserole with potato chips in a white dish.

    Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole

    More Winter Recipes Here....

    Most Popular Recipes

    slice of sausage and egg casserole on a white plate.

    Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole

    asian cabbage salad in a blue and white decorative bowl.

    Asian Cabbage Salad

    crock pot pork chops in sauce on a white oval platter.

    Crockpot Pork Chops with Mushroom Soup

    slice of ding dong cake in a cake pan with more ding dong cake in the pan.

    Easy Ding Dong Cake

    french toast casserole in a white casserole dish.

    Overnight French Toast Casserole

    ritz cracker sandwiches stacked on a white platter

    RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches

    Desserts of the Decades

    Get vintage dessert recipes from throughout the decades, straight to your inbox!

    Web Stories

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    SEEN ON

    as seen on promo graphic

    SEEN ON

    as seen on promo graphic

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign up for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Work with me

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright Gift of Hospitality © 2022