Ice Cream Crunch Bars! Any ice cream you liked topped with a toasty crispy coconut, crispy rice, cashew topping. Easy to make and so delicious!
These Ice Cream Crunch Bars are one of our new favorite summer desserts. They are so good we’ve been calling them I Scream Bars!
Part of the reason I love these ice cream bars is because they are so easy to make. The topping is made of crispy rice cereal, cashews and coconut. The ice cream inside is any kind you like! The flavor of these reminds of me fried ice cream. These make a great treat for parties!
I like these best with dairy-free ice cream (I like So Delicious Creamy Cashew Vanilla), but they are also amazing with chocolate ice cream or even strawberry. Just use an ice cream that doesn’t have big chunks so the bars are even. Here’s a video on how to make them!
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Ice Cream Crunch Bars
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted cashews, chopped
- 2 cups crispy rice cereal, be sure it's gluten-free
- 1 cup sweetened, shredded coconut
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 pints ice cream, see note above
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Set out the ice cream for 30 minutes to allow it to soften.
- Place the cashews, crispy rice cereal, coconut, salt, brown sugar, and butter on a baking sheet. Toss everything to combine evenly. Bake for 15 minutes total, stirring every 5 minutes for even toasting. Watch the mixture carefully the last 5 minutes so it doesn't burn. The coconut should be nice and toasted.
- Allow the mixture to cool. Place the softened ice cream in a bowl and stir until smooth.
- Line an 8x8 inch pan with foil. Place half the crunch mixture on the bottom of pan. Add the ice cream in 4-5 dollaps over top, then carefully smooth. Add the rest of the crunch mixture on top and press slightly to smooth.
- Chill the bars for at least 6 hours until set. Slice and serve. Enjoy! The bars will keep for 1 week in the freezer.
Recipe Notes
Nature's Path Brown Crispy Rice Cereal.
(Just a note Rice Crispys are not gluten-free because they contain malt syrup.) You can use any ice cream you like here! My favorite is So Delicious Creamy Cashew Vanilla to keep these dairy-free. I've also made these with this homemade ice cream and they were unreal. Any kind you like, as long as there are not big chunky ingredients, will work.
Krista says
Such a great idea and they have a fun, kinda sophisticated flavor.
Jena says
Thank you for posting something that has interchangeable ingredients and dairy free options! It’s certainly challenging at times trying to find sweet treats that are still dairy free. All of the gluten free bloggers and ladies help me out ALL THE TIME! Thank you! Can’t wait to try these out with possibly something from EnjoyLife!
Madeline says
I love chocolate ice cream with peanut butter topping!
Colleen M says
My favorite frozen treat is ICE CREAM! Thanks for the great recipe!
Meena R says
My favorite frozen treat is frozen yogurt!
Jolene says
Chocolate ice cream! With more chocolate, like fudge in it.
Julie says
i love strawberry ice cream
Brianna says
My favorite frozen dessert? No brainer… ICE CREAM!
Megan @ MegUnprocessed says
These crunchy, creamy nutty summer treats look great!
Cyndi br says
Favorite treat is frozen yogurt any flavor