Peppermint Ice Cream Bars are the ultimate easy holiday treat, guaranteed to be a show-stopper at any festive gathering! This delightful no-bake dessert ingeniously uses ice cream sandwiches to create the cakey, tender layers, making assembly quick, simple, and incredibly satisfying. If you’re searching for a festive dessert that delivers on both flavor and convenience, these Peppermint Ice Cream Bars are your perfect solution for a stress-free yet impressive holiday season.
The Magic of Easy Peppermint Ice Cream Bars: Your New Holiday Favorite
You might already be familiar with my viral Ice Cream Sandwich Cake – a recipe beloved by many for its incredible simplicity and surprisingly gourmet taste. It’s a dessert that comes together in mere minutes, yet tastes as if you’ve dedicated hours to its creation. When the cooler months arrived, and my children, surprisingly, still craved ice cream – a delightful debate considering the chill of December – I decided it was the perfect opportunity to infuse this family favorite with some holiday cheer. Thus, the Peppermint Ice Cream Bar was born, a festive adaptation designed to bring joy and peppermint-infused delight to winter celebrations.
And let me assure you, this holiday version exceeded all expectations! It quickly became an instant favorite, possibly even surpassing the original. The cool, refreshing peppermint combined with the classic comfort of ice cream sandwiches creates an irresistible symphony of flavors and textures. If your holiday season is a whirlwind of activities, and you’re looking for a dessert that’s not only quick and straightforward but also undeniably impressive and delicious, then this recipe for Peppermint Ice Cream Bars is precisely what you need. It’s ideal for busy hosts, impromptu gatherings, or simply treating your family to something special without the added stress.
Why These Peppermint Ice Cream Bars Are a Must-Make Holiday Treat
What makes these Peppermint Ice Cream Bars so irresistible and perfectly suited for the festive season? First and foremost, their no-bake nature means you can keep your oven free for other holiday dishes, a huge plus during busy times when kitchen space and time are at a premium. The ingenious use of ice cream sandwiches provides a soft, cake-like base and top layer, effortlessly sandwiching a generous, creamy filling of vibrant peppermint ice cream. This creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors in every bite – cool, minty, creamy, and slightly cakey. Moreover, the visual appeal of these layered bars is undeniable; they look sophisticated and homemade, yet require minimal effort, making them perfect for showcasing at holiday parties. They are fantastic for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a refreshing dessert after a hearty holiday meal. Plus, the vibrant peppermint flavor perfectly captures the essence of winter holidays, making them a festive staple.
Essential Ingredients for Your Peppermint Ice Cream Bars
Crafting these delectable bars requires just a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in the final flavor and texture. Opt for quality ingredients to ensure the best possible outcome for your holiday dessert, guaranteeing a truly memorable treat.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: These form the foundational layers of your bars, acting as a clever substitute for traditional cake. We recommend using regular-sized vanilla ice cream sandwiches for their classic flavor and soft, cake-like exterior. A sharp knife is essential for trimming them to fit snugly in your pan, ensuring a neat and cohesive dessert that holds its shape beautifully. Their familiar taste provides a comforting base.
- Peppermint Ice Cream: The undeniable star of the show! The quality and flavor of your peppermint ice cream will significantly impact the overall taste of these bars, so choose your favorite brand. For easy spreading, it’s crucial to let it soften slightly at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This makes it pliable enough to spread evenly without melting into a liquid mess, creating smooth, vibrant layers.
- Whipped Topping: A light, airy, and creamy layer that crowns your dessert, adding a delightful cloud-like texture. Ensure your whipped topping is fully thawed to room temperature before attempting to spread it. This ensures a smooth, even finish that looks professional and tastes wonderfully rich, perfectly balancing the minty ice cream.
- Crushed Oreos (Optional, but highly recommended for texture): For an added layer of crunch and rich chocolate flavor, sprinkle crushed Oreos generously just before serving. This preserves their crispness, providing a delightful textural contrast to the soft ice cream and fluffy whipped topping, and an extra layer of visual appeal.
- Peppermint Bark or Crunch Candies (Optional, for extra festive flair): These festive additions elevate both the appearance and flavor. Finely chop these candies for an even sprinkle across the whipped topping. They add an extra burst of minty flavor, beautiful holiday colors, and a delightful crunch, making your Peppermint Ice Cream Bars even more irresistible.
Quick Tip: Selecting Your Peppermint Ice Cream
The flavor of your peppermint ice cream is paramount to this dessert’s success. Don’t compromise on taste here! Pick a brand you genuinely love and trust to deliver that refreshing minty punch. If you’re unsure which one to choose from the myriad of options available in the grocery store freezer aisle, this helpful article on the best peppermint ice creams can guide your decision and help you find the perfect match for your festive treat, ensuring your bars are packed with the ideal minty goodness.
Crafting Your Festive Peppermint Ice Cream Bars: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Making these Peppermint Ice Cream Bars is incredibly straightforward, making them perfect for even the most novice of bakers or those short on time during the busy holiday season. Follow these simple steps for a flawless, delicious holiday dessert every time.
- Prepare Your Pan: Begin by lining a standard 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This crucial step is your secret to effortless removal and serving, as the parchment paper should extend up all four sides of the pan, creating convenient handles. This preparation prevents sticking and ensures your beautiful layered creation can be lifted out intact. Allow your peppermint ice cream to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes, just until it softens slightly enough to be spreadable but not so much that it becomes watery or overly melted. This perfect, scoopable consistency is key for creating smooth, even layers.
- First Layer of Sandwiches: Carefully unwrap all 18 regular-sized vanilla ice cream sandwiches. Place nine of these unwrapped sandwiches snugly in a single, even layer at the bottom of your parchment-lined pan. Depending on your pan size and the sandwich dimensions, you might find that two of the sandwiches need a slight trim with a sharp knife to achieve a perfect, seamless fit. This ensures a uniform and stable base for your bars. Refer to the images within the article for visual guidance on how to arrange and trim the sandwiches.
- First Ice Cream Layer: Once your first layer of ice cream sandwiches is meticulously in place, scoop out half of your perfectly softened peppermint ice cream. Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, gently and evenly spread this portion of ice cream over the entire layer of sandwiches. Work quickly to ensure the ice cream remains cool and spreadable, creating a smooth, consistent coating without allowing the sandwiches beneath to melt excessively.
- Second Layer of Sandwiches: Now, create your second structural layer of ice cream sandwiches. Carefully place the remaining nine sandwiches on top of the peppermint ice cream layer, mirroring the arrangement of the first layer. Gently but firmly press down on these sandwiches. This action helps to compact all the layers, remove any potential air pockets, and ensures that your ice cream bars will hold together beautifully and cleanly when cut.
- Second Ice Cream Layer: With the second layer of sandwiches firmly in place, it’s time for the final, generous ice cream layer. Spread the remaining half of the softened peppermint ice cream evenly over the top, smoothing it out with your spatula for a polished finish. This layer will form the top-most part of your delightful ice cream filling, giving your bars a generous and appealing height and ensuring a strong minty flavor profile.
- The Finishing Touch – Whipped Topping: Crown your impressive ice cream layers with the fully thawed whipped topping. Spread it evenly across the top, using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create a beautifully smooth and fluffy finish. For an extra festive touch and delightful textural contrast, this is the perfect moment to sprinkle your optional crushed Oreos and finely chopped peppermint crunch candies or peppermint bark over the whipped topping. The vibrant colors and added crunch will make your bars even more appealing and truly holiday-ready.
- Freeze for Perfection: Once all the delicious layers are assembled and topped, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the covered pan in the freezer for a minimum of 2 hours. However, for truly firm, perfectly set, and easy-to-cut bars, we highly recommend freezing them overnight. This extended chilling time ensures that all layers are thoroughly set and uniformly cold, preventing any messy slices.
- Serve and Enjoy: When you’re ready to indulge in your festive creation, remove the pan from the freezer. Use the parchment paper overhang as convenient handles to gently lift the entire block of Peppermint Ice Cream Bars out of the pan and onto a clean cutting board. To achieve perfectly neat and clean slices, run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it completely dry, and then make each cut. Repeat this warming and drying process for every slice to prevent the ice cream from sticking to the blade and ensure elegant portions. Slice into individual bars of your desired size and serve immediately for the ultimate refreshing holiday treat!
Storage Tips for Your Peppermint Ice Cream Bars
To ensure your delicious Peppermint Ice Cream Bars remain fresh and enjoyable, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer. Proper storage helps prevent freezer burn, which can affect both texture and flavor, and keeps the ice cream at its optimal creamy consistency. For the best quality and flavor, these bars are best enjoyed within 1 month of preparation. This makes them an excellent make-ahead dessert option for holiday entertaining, allowing you to prepare them in advance and simply slice and serve when guests arrive!
More Delightful Peppermint Treats for the Holidays
If you’ve fallen in love with the festive, invigorating flavor of peppermint, you’re in luck! There are plenty more recipes to explore that will bring that cheerful minty kick to your holiday spread. From crunchy snacks to decadent cookies, these peppermint-infused creations are perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply treating yourself.
- Peppermint Popcorn with White Chocolate: A truly addictive sweet and salty crunch, perfectly coated in smooth, melting white chocolate and generously sprinkled with refreshing crushed peppermint. It’s the ideal snack for holiday movie nights or a festive party appetizer.
- Easy 4-Ingredient Peppermint Cookies: Unbelievably simple to make, these cookies deliver maximum peppermint flavor with minimal effort. They are soft, chewy, and packed with minty goodness, making them a fantastic and quick bake for cookie exchanges or unexpected guests.
- Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies: Rich, fudgy, and intensely chocolatey, these decadent brownie-like cookies are elevated with a cool, vibrant peppermint swirl. A truly indulgent holiday treat that chocolate and mint lovers will adore.
- Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies: A delightful, festive twist on a classic snack mix, featuring the irresistible combination of crispy cereal, rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and festive peppermint bark. It’s so good, it’s impossible to stop at just one handful!
- 3-Ingredient Peppermint Bark Pretzels: The perfect blend of salty and sweet, these crunchy pretzels are coated in smooth chocolate and crushed peppermint for an effortlessly elegant and incredibly addictive holiday treat. They’re quick to make and disappear even faster!
Indulge in the Festive Flavor of Peppermint
These Peppermint Ice Cream Bars offer a delightful blend of ease, elegance, and irresistible flavor, making them a standout dessert for any holiday occasion. The combination of classic ice cream sandwiches, creamy peppermint ice cream, and a fluffy whipped topping creates a symphony of textures and tastes that perfectly encapsulates the festive spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this no-bake recipe promises a stress-free experience with spectacular results. So, go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones to this cool, minty, and utterly delicious creation. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a moment of holiday joy in every single bite. Don’t hesitate to make these your go-to festive treat this year!
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Peppermint Ice Cream Bars
Video
Equipment
- 9 x 9-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 18 regular-sized vanilla ice cream sandwiches unwrapped
- 48 ounces peppermint ice cream
- 8 ounces frozen whipped topping thawed to room temperature
- 3 to 4 Oreos crushed, optional
- Finely chopped peppermint bark or peppermint crunch candies, optional
Instructions
- Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This thoughtful preparation step ensures that your frozen ice cream bars can be easily lifted out of the pan once firm, making for a clean and simple serving experience. Allow your peppermint ice cream to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes, just until it softens slightly enough to be spreadable but not so much that it becomes watery or overly melted. This perfect consistency is key for creating smooth layers.
- 1st Layer: Begin by carefully unwrapping all 18 regular-sized vanilla ice cream sandwiches. Place nine of these unwrapped sandwiches snugly in a single layer at the bottom of your parchment-lined pan. You might find that two of the sandwiches need a slight trim with a sharp knife to fit perfectly into the pan, creating a seamless and even base. Refer to the images in the post for visual guidance on fitting.
- 2nd Layer: Once your first layer of sandwiches is in place, scoop out half of the slightly softened peppermint ice cream. Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, gently and evenly spread this portion of ice cream over the entire layer of sandwiches. Aim for a smooth and consistent coating, ensuring every part of the sandwich layer is covered.
- 3rd Layer: Now, create your second layer of ice cream sandwiches. Carefully place the remaining nine sandwiches on top of the peppermint ice cream layer, mirroring the arrangement of the first layer. Gently but firmly press down on these sandwiches. This action helps to compact the layers, remove any air pockets, and ensure that your ice cream bars hold together beautifully when cut.
- 4th Layer: With the second layer of sandwiches firmly in place, it’s time for the final ice cream layer. Spread the remaining peppermint ice cream evenly over the top, smoothing it out with your spatula. This layer will form the top-most part of your ice cream filling, giving your bars a generous and appealing height.
- 5th Layer & Optional Toppings: Complete your masterpiece by spreading the fully thawed whipped topping evenly over the final ice cream layer. For an extra festive touch and textural contrast, this is the perfect moment to sprinkle your optional crushed Oreos and finely chopped peppermint crunch candies or peppermint bark over the whipped topping. The vibrant colors and added crunch will make your bars even more appealing.
- Chill to Perfection: Once all layers are assembled, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the covered pan in the freezer for a minimum of 2 hours. However, for truly firm and easy-to-cut bars, we highly recommend freezing them overnight. This extended chilling time ensures that all layers are thoroughly set and cold.
- Serve and Enjoy: When you’re ready to indulge, remove the pan from the freezer. Use the parchment paper overhang as handles to gently lift the entire block of Peppermint Ice Cream Bars out and onto a clean cutting board. To achieve perfectly neat and clean slices, run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and then make each cut. Repeat this process for every slice to prevent the ice cream from sticking. Slice into individual bars and serve immediately for the ultimate refreshing holiday treat!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. It is recommended to consult a certified nutritionist for precise dietary advice.