Peppermint Brownie Ice Cream Bars are the ultimate holiday treat, blending rich, fudgy brownies with cool, refreshing peppermint ice cream. This effortless dessert layers a chewy brownie base, crunchy Oreo cookies, decadent chocolate fudge, and creamy peppermint ice cream, all crowned with fluffy whipped cream. With just five primary ingredients, these bars are not only incredibly easy to assemble but also guaranteed to be a show-stopping favorite at any festive gathering.

A perfectly sliced Peppermint Brownie Ice Cream Bar showcasing its distinct layers: a dark, dense brownie base, a middle layer of creamy light pink peppermint ice cream, and a generous topping of white whipped cream adorned with vibrant red and green peppermint pieces. The texture appears invitingly rich and cold. — A close-up of a delightful Peppermint Brownie Ice Cream Bar, revealing its exquisite layers and inviting textures, making it an irresistible holiday indulgence.

Contents

Peppermint Brownie Ice Cream Bars: The Perfect Festive Treat

If you’re already a devotee of the wildly popular Brownie Oreo Ice Cream Bars, prepare to be captivated by this delightful peppermint twist. We’ve taken that beloved concept and infused it with the invigorating essence of the holidays, incorporating peppermint-crunch ice cream and, if you can find them, festive peppermint Oreos®. To truly elevate the experience, we top it all off with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy, adding an extra layer of crunch and minty zest.

These bars have quickly become a staple at our holiday celebrations, earning rave reviews and securing their spot as a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Their striking visual appeal, combined with the harmonious blend of rich chocolate and refreshing mint, makes them an unforgettable dessert for any party or family meal during the festive season. They are simple enough for even novice bakers to master, yet impressive enough to satisfy the most discerning sweet tooth.

The five essential ingredients for Peppermint Brownie Ice Cream Bars laid out: a box of brownie mix, a package of Oreo cookies, a jar of hot fudge, a tub of peppermint ice cream, and a container of frozen whipped topping. Each ingredient is clearly visible and ready for preparation. — Showcasing the minimal yet impactful five ingredients required to create these incredible Peppermint Brownie Ice Cream Bars, highlighting their simplicity.

Key Ingredients for Layered Peppermint Perfection

Creating these sensational Peppermint Brownie Ice Cream Bars requires only a handful of ingredients, making the process straightforward and enjoyable. Quality matters here, as each component contributes significantly to the final taste and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

Fudge Brownie Mix: Start with a premium fudge brownie mix that you already love and trust. A good quality mix ensures a rich, dense, and chewy brownie base, which is crucial for holding together the layers of this frozen dessert. You’ll need the mix itself, plus any additional ingredients specified on its package (typically eggs, oil, and water). We recommend a “supreme” or “triple chunk” variety for an extra indulgent foundation.
Oreos: These iconic chocolate sandwich cookies add a fantastic textural contrast and an additional layer of chocolatey goodness. While regular Oreos work perfectly, if you can find seasonal peppermint Oreos, they will amplify the minty flavor beautifully. You’ll need a generous amount to create a distinct cookie layer and a few extra for a decorative topping.
Hot Fudge Topping: A thick, rich hot fudge topping is essential for a luscious middle layer that binds the Oreos to the ice cream. Slightly warming the fudge makes it wonderfully easy to spread, ensuring a smooth, even coating that sets nicely once chilled. Choose a brand known for its deep chocolate flavor.
Peppermint Ice Cream: This is where the “peppermint” truly shines! Select a high-quality peppermint ice cream from a brand you adore. Whether it’s a classic mint chip, a peppermint stick, or a peppermint bark swirl, ensure it has a robust peppermint flavor and a creamy texture. If you’re unsure which brand to choose, consider exploring articles like this one: Best Peppermint Ice Cream for recommendations.
Frozen Whipped Topping: A light, airy layer of whipped topping provides a delightful contrast to the rich brownie and fudge. Make sure to thaw it completely before spreading for a smooth, cloud-like finish. For an extra special touch, you can also opt for freshly homemade whipped cream, adding an elegant, gourmet feel.
Optional Garnish: Finely chopped peppermint bark or peppermint crunch candies can be sprinkled on top for an added burst of festive color, flavor, and texture.

A step-by-step visual of the layering process for Peppermint Brownie Ice Cream Bars. First, a pan of freshly baked brownies cools. Next, chopped peppermint Oreos are pressed onto the brownie layer. Finally, a smooth, warm layer of chocolate fudge is spread over the Oreos, preparing the base for the next delicious additions. — Illustrating the initial steps of assembly: a warm brownie base, followed by a generous layer of crushed peppermint Oreos, then smoothed over with rich, warm fudge, creating a solid foundation for the subsequent layers.

Crafting Your Peppermint Brownie Ice Cream Bars: Step-by-Step Guide

Making these impressive Peppermint Brownie Ice Cream Bars is surprisingly simple, thanks to the ease of using a brownie mix and pre-made ingredients. Follow these detailed steps to create your perfect holiday dessert:

Prepare Oven and Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to the temperature specified on your brownie mix package. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing a generous overhang on the sides. This parchment paper sling will be your best friend when it comes to lifting the finished bars out of the pan for clean slicing.
Bake the Brownies: Prepare the brownie batter according to your chosen mix’s instructions. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake the brownies for approximately 2 to 3 minutes less than the minimum time recommended on the package. The goal is for them to be mostly set but still slightly soft and fudgy in the center, as they will firm up further when frozen. Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan for about 20 minutes on a wire rack.
Add the Oreo Layer: While the brownies are cooling, coarsely chop about 24 Oreo cookies. Aim for pieces that are roughly quarter-sized to ensure a good crunch in every bite. Once the brownies have cooled sufficiently, gently but firmly press the chopped cookies into an even layer on top of the brownie base.
Apply the Fudge Layer: To make spreading easier and ensure a smooth layer, warm your hot fudge topping in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or until it’s just warm and pourable but not hot. Dollop spoonfuls of the warm fudge evenly over the Oreo layer, then use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to gently spread it into a smooth, even coating. This step requires a little patience to avoid disturbing the Oreos. Once spread, place the pan in the freezer for about 10 minutes to allow the fudge to set slightly.
Layer the Peppermint Ice Cream: Take the peppermint ice cream out of the freezer and let it soften at room temperature for about 5 to 10 minutes. It should be pliable enough to scoop and spread easily, but not so soft that it’s completely melted. Remove the pan from the freezer, then scoop large dollops of the softened peppermint ice cream over the set fudge layer. Carefully spread the ice cream into an even layer using the back of a large spoon or a spatula. Work quickly to prevent the ice cream from melting too much.
Top with Whipped Cream & Freeze: Once the ice cream layer is smooth, use a spatula to evenly spread the completely thawed whipped topping over the ice cream. For an extra festive touch and added texture, crush the remaining 3 Oreos (using a zip-top bag and a meat mallet or rolling pin works great) and sprinkle them over the whipped topping. You can also add finely chopped peppermint bark or candies at this stage. Tightly cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil, ensuring no air can get in, and freeze overnight (or for at least 8 hours) to allow all the layers to set firmly.
Serve and Enjoy: When ready to serve, remove the pan from the freezer and let the bars sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften just slightly. This makes them easier to cut. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board. For clean, sharp slices, warm a sharp knife under hot running water, wipe it dry, and then cut through the bars. Re-warm and wipe the knife between each cut. Return any leftover bars promptly to the freezer, ensuring they are well-covered.

A close-up view of the Peppermint Brownie Ice Cream Bars in the pan, with softened peppermint ice cream being carefully smoothed over the chocolate fudge and Oreo layer. The next step shows a generous layer of whipped topping being spread on top, followed by a sprinkle of crushed Oreos and peppermint pieces, creating a visually appealing and multi-textured dessert. — Capturing the meticulous process of layering: smooth peppermint ice cream over the chocolate, followed by a decadent blanket of whipped topping and festive sprinkles, ready for its final chill.

Expert Tips for Perfect Peppermint Brownie Ice Cream Bars

Achieving perfectly layered and delicious ice cream bars is easy with a few simple tricks. Keep these expert tips in mind to ensure your Peppermint Brownie Ice Cream Bars turn out flawlessly every time:

Under-bake the Brownie Base: For a delightful texture, slightly under-bake your brownies by about 2-3 minutes. This ensures they remain soft and chewy even after being frozen, preventing them from becoming too hard or crumbly when you bite into the cold bar.
Warm the Hot Fudge: Always warm your hot fudge topping slightly before spreading. This makes it more fluid and easier to create a smooth, even layer over the Oreos without disturbing them. Just 30 seconds in the microwave is usually enough to achieve the perfect consistency.
Soften Ice Cream Just Right: The key to a smooth ice cream layer is to soften it just enough for easy spreading. Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. Avoid letting it get too melty, as this can lead to ice crystals forming when refrozen, compromising the creamy texture.
Thaw Whipped Topping Completely: Ensure your frozen whipped topping is completely thawed before you attempt to spread it. A fully thawed topping will be smooth and easy to spread evenly, giving your bars a beautiful, uniform finish.
Use a Hot, Sharp Knife for Cutting: For impeccably clean and neat slices, use a sharp knife that has been warmed under hot water and then thoroughly wiped dry. Warming the blade helps it glide through the frozen layers more easily. Re-warm and wipe the knife between each cut for the best results.
Strategic Freezing Stages: Don’t rush the freezing process. Freezing the bars for a short period after adding the fudge layer (about 10 minutes) helps to set that layer, preventing it from mixing with the ice cream. This creates distinct, beautiful layers that are a hallmark of these bars.
Parchment Paper is Your Friend: The parchment paper sling is essential. It allows you to lift the entire block of frozen bars out of the pan, making cutting much easier and cleaner than trying to cut them directly in the pan.

A beautifully presented Peppermint Brownie Ice Cream Bar with a bite taken out, showcasing the distinct layers of brownie, Oreos, fudge, peppermint ice cream, and whipped cream, highlighting the dessert's irresistible combination of flavors and textures. — The ultimate reward: a Peppermint Brownie Ice Cream Bar with a perfect bite, revealing all its complementary flavors and textures in one delicious mouthful.

Storage Solutions for Your Ice Cream Bars

How to Properly Store Peppermint Brownie Ice Cream Bars:

Airtight Container: The best way to store your Peppermint Brownie Ice Cream Bars is in an airtight container. This prevents freezer burn and helps maintain their fresh taste and creamy texture.
Tight Wrapping: If you don’t have an airtight container large enough, wrap individual bars or smaller sections tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. This double layer of protection is key to preserving their quality.
Prevent Sticking: To prevent the bars from sticking together, especially if stacking them, place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer.
Enjoyment Window: For the best quality and flavor, these bars are best enjoyed within one month of preparation. While they might last longer, their texture and taste can start to diminish over time.

Explore More Festive Peppermint Treats

If you’re a fan of the refreshing and invigorating flavor of peppermint, especially during the holiday season, you’ll love these other delightful recipes. Expand your festive dessert repertoire with these minty masterpieces:

Peppermint Popcorn: A sweet and salty snack featuring white chocolate and crunchy peppermint bits.
Peppermint Cookies: Incredibly simple, requiring only four ingredients for a quick and delicious treat.
Three-ingredient Peppermint Bark Pretzels: A perfect combination of salty pretzels, sweet chocolate, and cool peppermint crunch.
Peppermint Bark: A classic holiday confection made with three luscious types of chocolate.
Peppermint Fudge: Super simple to make, offering a rich and creamy mint-chocolate experience.

A slice of peppermint brownie ice cream bar, displaying its stunning layers with a rich brownie base, a thick layer of ice cream, and a topping of crushed peppermint, exemplifying a perfect blend of textures and flavors.

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Peppermint Brownie Ice Cream Bars

By Chelsea Lords

Meet your new favorite holiday treat: Peppermint Brownie Ice Cream Bars! A fudgy brownie base layered with Oreos, creamy fudge, peppermint ice cream, and fluffy whipped cream.

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Chilling: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 55 minutes

Yield: 30 servings (depending on size cut)

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Equipment

9 x 13-inch baking pan
Parchment paper optional, but highly recommended
Large Spoon or Offset Spatula
Sharp Knife

Ingredients

1 (17.8-ounce) package fudge brownie mix plus ingredients called for on package (see Note 1)
27 Oreos regular or peppermint, divided (24 for layer, 3 for topping)
1 (11.75-ounce) container hot fudge topping
48 ounces peppermint ice cream
8 ounces frozen whipped topping completely thawed
Finely chopped peppermint bark or peppermint crunch candies, optional for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven according to the directions on your chosen brownie mix package. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, leaving a generous overhang on the longer sides. This overhang will serve as handles to easily lift the bars later.
Prepare the brownie batter exactly as instructed on the package. Pour the prepared batter into your lined baking pan and spread it evenly to form the base layer. Bake the brownies for approximately 2 to 3 minutes LESS than the minimum bake time suggested on the package. They should be set around the edges but still slightly soft and fudgy in the center. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan for about 20 minutes on a wire rack.
While the brownies are cooling, coarsely chop 24 of the Oreo cookies. Aim for distinct pieces to add texture. Once the brownies are cool, gently and evenly press these chopped cookies onto the entire surface of the brownie layer.
Warm the hot fudge topping in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes warm and easily spreadable. Avoid overheating. Dollop spoonfuls of the warm fudge all over the pressed Oreo layer, then carefully use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to gently smooth it into an even layer. This step requires a little patience to ensure the Oreos stay in place. Once smooth, place the pan into the freezer for 10 minutes to allow the fudge to set.
Take the peppermint ice cream out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly. It should be scoopable and spreadable but not fully melted. Remove the pan from the freezer, then scoop large portions of the softened ice cream over the set hot fudge layer. Using the back of a large spoon or a spatula, quickly and carefully spread the ice cream into an even, smooth layer.
Using a spatula, evenly spread the completely thawed whipped topping over the peppermint ice cream layer. If desired, crush the remaining 3 Oreos (using a food processor or a bag and a rolling pin) and sprinkle them over the whipped topping. You can also add finely chopped peppermint bark or crunch candies for extra festive flair. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and freeze the bars overnight (at least 8 hours) until thoroughly solid.
Before serving, remove the pan from the freezer and let the bars sit at room temperature for approximately 5 minutes to soften just enough for cutting. Use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the entire slab of ice cream bars out of the pan and onto a sturdy cutting board. For clean, neat slices, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry. Re-warm and wipe the knife between each cut. Serve immediately and return any leftover bars promptly to the freezer, ensuring they are well-covered to maintain freshness.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: For an exceptionally fudgy and chewy brownie base, we highly recommend using Betty Crocker® Triple Chunk Supreme Brownie Mix. For best results, smooth it into a 9×13-inch pan and bake for exactly 20 minutes, ensuring it’s slightly underbaked as described in the instructions.

Note 2: While peppermint Oreos (often available seasonally at many grocery stores) add a wonderful extra layer of mint flavor, classic regular Oreos work just as beautifully and are always a delicious choice!

Nutrition Note: Please be aware that the nutrition information provided below is an approximation. It does not account for the ingredients required for the brownie mix (such as eggs, oil, or water), and the nutritional values for ice cream can vary significantly by brand. This information should be used as a general guide only.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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