Oreo Chocolate Ice Cream Bars

Oreo ice cream bars have become a summer favorite in my family for their perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey goodness. These bars take everyone’s beloved Oreo cookies and layer them with rich cookies and cream ice cream all wrapped in a dreamy milk chocolate shell. If you want an easy frozen dessert that looks impressive but is secretly simple, this is it. With just three ingredients and a bit of patience for freezing, you can have the ultimate nostalgic treat ready for any hot-weather celebration.

The first time I served these at a backyard barbecue the platter vanished instantly and everyone asked for the recipe. Since then I keep them in my freezer all summer long for easy desserts or afternoon snacks.

Ingredients

• Oreo cookies: I always reach for the classic Nabisco Oreos for their signature flavor and crunch It is important to blend them into a fine crumb for the best texture and to help them hold together Quality chocolate sandwich cookies can also be used if preferred
• Milk chocolate chips: Choose the highest quality milk chocolate chips you can find for maximum flavor I love Guittard or Ghirardelli brands Melting the chocolate serves as the glue for your cookie crust and adds a creamy sweetness that ties everything together
• Kosher salt: Just a pinch of salt will balance out all the sweetness in the bars Use a flaky or high quality kosher salt for best results
• Cookies and cream ice cream: For a truly indulgent treat I recommend a premium ice cream brand like Häagen Dazs But you can also blend crushed Oreos into good vanilla ice cream if that is what you have on hand Look for ice cream that is firm but still scoopable for easy spreading

Step-by-Step Instructions

Line the Pan:

Prepare a nine inch square baking dish by lining it with parchment paper Make sure to leave extra overhanging the sides so it is easy to lift out the bars later This step will make cutting and serving much easier

Blitz the Oreos:

Use a food processor to crush the Oreos to a very fine crumb Consistency matters here since large chunks will make the crust harder to compact If you do not have a food processor crush the cookies in a zip top bag with a rolling pin

Mix the Base:

Combine the crushed Oreo crumbs with melted milk chocolate and the kosher salt Stir thoroughly until the mixture looks like wet sand This chocolate Oreo blend becomes your delicious base and topping

Form the Bottom Layer:

Press half of the Oreo and chocolate mixture into the bottom of your lined baking dish Use a flat measuring cup or spatula to push the crumbs firmly and evenly into the corners Creating a solid layer here ensures the bars hold their shape

Add the Ice Cream:

Scoop out the cookies and cream ice cream It should be slightly softened but not melted Spread the ice cream gently over the Oreo crust making sure it reaches all the edges For best results use a sturdy spatula or gloved hand to pack it into an even layer Keep the remaining Oreo mixture cold while working

Freeze the Layers:

Place the dish in the freezer so the ice cream can firm up This takes between one and two hours depending on your freezer Check that the ice cream is solid before moving on

Finish the Top:

Once the ice cream is set spread the reserved Oreo and chocolate mixture over the top Gently press it down so it forms a cohesive layer Freeze again until the entire dessert is fully set This will take at least eight hours or overnight for the cleanest slices

Cut and Serve:

Lift the cold bars from the pan using your parchment handles Transfer to a large cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into nine even squares Serve straight from the freezer for best texture and flavor

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You Must Know

• Rich crunchy chocolatey layers with real Oreo flavor
• Perfect make ahead dessert for parties and celebrations
• Keeps well in the freezer for up to one month

I always look forward to pressing that final layer of Oreo crumbs onto the ice cream My youngest calls it the cookie blanket and insists on helping every time We sometimes swap in different flavors of Oreos just for fun

Storage Tips

Once cut wrap each bar individually in parchment or wax paper and place in a zip top freezer bag or airtight container These will stay fresh in the freezer for up to one month and are great for snacking on straight from the freezer The crust stays crunchy if wrapped well

Ingredient Substitutions

For a gluten free version just use gluten free chocolate sandwich cookies instead of regular Oreos Feel free to substitute dark or white chocolate chips if you prefer a different chocolate flavor If you need a dairy free treat choose a coconut based cookies and cream ice cream and dairy free chocolate chips

Serving Suggestions

Oreo ice cream bars are perfect all on their own Straight from the freezer is how we eat them Try drizzling with extra melted chocolate or topping with whipped cream and sprinkles for a festive party treat They are also delicious cut into smaller bite size cubes for school events or potlucks

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Cultural and Historical Notes

Oreos have been America’s favorite cookie since 1912 and they lend their flavor to countless desserts Making ice cream sandwiches with them feels both nostalgic and creative Cookies and cream ice cream itself has its roots in classic American soda fountain treats pairing perfectly with the classic sandwich cookie in these bars

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Absolutely! While milk chocolate lends a classic creamy flavor, you can substitute with dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer taste, or even try white chocolate for a sweet twist.

→ What’s the best way to crush the Oreos?

A food processor produces the finest crumb, but you can also use a sturdy zip-top bag and a rolling pin to crush the cookies until sandy with no large pieces.

→ How do I know if the ice cream is the right consistency to layer?

The ice cream should be soft but not melting—think of a firmness allowing you to press and spread it without creating puddles. Allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before spreading.

→ Are gluten-free cookies a good substitute?

Yes, gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies work well in place of traditional Oreos. The texture and flavor are very similar in frozen treats like this.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Cut bars can be wrapped individually and stored in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to one month, making them a grab-and-go dessert anytime.