This Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake blends childhood wonder and indulgent grown-up cravings, layering crisp fudge-covered graham crackers with dreamy vanilla ice cream, a ribbon of warm hot fudge, and a sprinkling of roasted peanuts. Freeze between each heavenly layer, then seal the deal with two swirls of crackly chocolate magic shell and a final dusting of peanuts for that satisfying crunch. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a backyard barbecue, or just that triumphant feeling of Friday, this show-stopping treat delivers pure joy in every slice. Ready to swoon? Gather your ingredients, channel your inner kid, and prepare to fall in love at first bite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake
- Decadent layers of ice cream and fudge create a heavenly treat.
- Easy to make and perfect for gatherings or celebrations.
- Crunchy peanuts add a delightful texture contrast.
- Chill it ahead of time for a stress-free dessert option.
- Everyone will love this nostalgic flavor combination!
Recipe Snapshot
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Category | Dessert |
Cuisine | American |
Prep Time | 30 minutes |
Cook Time | 0 minutes |
Extra Time | 240 minutes (chilling) |
Total Time | 270 minutes |
Dietary | Vegetarian |
Serves | 12 |
Best Served | Immediately after slicing |
Ingredients
Get ready to whip up a delicious Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake with these simple ingredients!

- 14 fudge-covered graham crackers – broken into smaller pieces
- 96 ounces vanilla ice cream – two 48-ounce containers
- 16 ounces hot fudge topping – your favorite brand
- 14.5 ounces chocolate magic shell topping – two 7.25-ounce bottles
- 1¼ cups dry roasted peanuts – divided into ½ cup, ½ cup, and ¼ cup
How to Make Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake
This delightful Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake is a fun and easy treat to make! With a prep time of about 30 minutes and a chilling time of at least 4 hours, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to impress your friends and family.

Step 1: Lightly spray a 9Ă—13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Evenly spread broken graham crackers in the bottom.
Step 2: Scoop ice cream onto crackers.
Press and spread evenly.
Step 3: Warm hot fudge in microwave.
Heat for 10–15 seconds; quickly spread over ice cream.
Step 4: Sprinkle ½ cup peanuts over fudge.
Make sure they are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Add remaining ice cream.
Spread it evenly over the peanuts.
Step 6: Sprinkle another ½ cup peanuts.
Spread them out nicely.
Step 7: Heat magic shell bottles.
Heat for 8–10 seconds, shake well. Squeeze half over one side of cake, sprinkle ½ of ¼ cup peanuts; repeat on other side.
Step 8: Cover and freeze.
Chill for at least 4 hours. Slice into 12 pieces and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Making Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake
- Let the ice cream soften slightly for easier spreading.
- Use a spatula to create smooth layers for a polished look.
- Chill the magic shell topping before use for better consistency.
- Consider adding a layer of whipped cream for extra creaminess.
- Slice with a warm knife for clean cuts.
How to Serve this Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake
- Serve with a drizzle of extra hot fudge on top.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess.
- Pair with fresh berries for a fruity contrast.
- Top with a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for a gourmet touch.
- Enjoy with a scoop of your favorite sorbet for a refreshing twist.
- Serve alongside a glass of cold milk or a creamy milkshake.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this cake ahead and store it easily:
Storing Leftovers
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
- Ensure the cake is fully assembled and frozen solid before wrapping.
- Use an airtight container for best results.
- Slice before freezing for easy serving later.
Reheating
- Let the cake sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- For a softer texture, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds.
- Avoid reheating the entire cake to maintain quality.

Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Lightly spray a 9Ă—13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Evenly spread broken graham crackers in the bottom.
- Scoop ice cream onto crackers and press and spread evenly.
- Warm hot fudge in microwave for 10–15 seconds; quickly spread over ice cream.
- Sprinkle ½ cup peanuts over fudge, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Add remaining ice cream and spread it evenly over the peanuts.
- Sprinkle another ½ cup peanuts and spread them out nicely.
- Heat magic shell bottles for 8–10 seconds, shake well. Squeeze half over one side of cake, sprinkle ½ of ¼ cup peanuts; repeat on other side.
- Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours. Slice into 12 pieces and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 350 |
Fat | 20g |
Protein | 5g |
Carbs | 40g |
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can I use a different flavor of ice cream for the Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake?
Absolutely! While vanilla ice cream is traditional, you can use any flavor you love, such as chocolate, cookies and cream, or even a fruity flavor. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change the overall taste of the cake, so choose one that complements the other ingredients well.
2. How can I make this recipe nut-free?
If you want to make the Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake nut-free, simply omit the dry roasted peanuts and consider using crushed cookies or additional fudge-covered graham crackers as a topping instead. This will still give you a delicious crunch without the nuts.
3. Can I prepare this cake in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake a day or two in advance! Just make sure to keep it covered in the freezer until you’re ready to serve. This makes it a great option for parties or gatherings, as you can focus on other preparations while it chills.
4. What can I use instead of chocolate magic shell topping?
If you can’t find chocolate magic shell topping, you can make a homemade version by melting chocolate chips with a little coconut oil. Mix them together until smooth, and drizzle it over the cake just like you would with the store-bought version. It will harden similarly and add a delicious chocolate layer!
Final Thoughts
Get ready to indulge in a delightful trip down memory lane with this Buster Bar Ice Cream Cake! It’s a simple, yet oh-so-rewarding treat that brings smiles to every gathering. So gather your loved ones, whip up this delicious dessert, and enjoy every creamy, crunchy bite. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist going back for seconds!