Dairy Queen Buster Bar Recipe is an easy to make copycat recipe. Each bar has creamy vanilla ice cream, peanuts and decadent hot fudge topping. Learn how to make this easy buster bar dessert in minutes.

Buster Bars on a platter ready to serve.
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This ice cream dessert is super easy to make for a decadent treat at home. If you love going to Dairy Queen to get their famous buster bars, this recipe is a must try. Everything is made in a plastic cup and it’s so easy to put together the yummy layers.

I love making special treats at home and also make Dairy Queen Ice Cream cake and Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles.

Why this recipe works

With a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy copycat buster bars anytime you want. It is very easy to make, and you will save a bunch of money. Our family loves the convenience of being able to grab a classic buster bar at home.

Supplies

  • Small Plastic Cups (Dixie cups) 
  • Popsicle Sticks 

Ingredients

Ingredients for recipe - ice cream, peanuts, hot fudge, chocolate chips, vegetable oil.
  • Gallon Vanilla Bean Ice Cream 
  • Salted Peanuts 
  • Hot Fudge Sauce
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips 
  • Vegetable Oil 

Substitutions and Additions

  • Nut Free. Omit the nuts and try other variations. You can substitute M&Ms, chocolate chips, crushed heath bars or any candy you like.
  • Homemade fudge sauce. Instead of store bought, try The BEST Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce.
  • Caramel Sauce. The addition of Easy Homemade Caramel Sauce Recipe is delicious in the layers.
  • Peanut Butter. If you love peanut butter, try adding peanut butter in the layers.
  • Magic Shell. Substitute Magic Shell for the hot fudge. I love this Magic Shell Recipe.
  • Ice Cream. Chocolate fans might like to try chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla.

Step by step instructions

Layer of peanuts added to cup.

Step 1. First, add about a teaspoon of peanuts into the bottom of each cup. 

Ice cream layer added on top of peanuts.

Step 2. Next, place a layer of vanilla ice cream on top of the peanuts. Press it down firmly into each cup. 

Chocolate sauce added to cup.

Step 3. Top the ice cream with about 1 tablespoon of hot fudge sauce. Make sure to spread it into an even layer.  

Another layer of peanuts added to cup.

Step 4. Continue with the ingredients again in the cups. Start by adding another layer of peanuts.

Ice cream added to top.

Step 5. Then add another layer of ice cream.

Layer of chocolate added to cup.

Step 6. Top with hot fudge. Pour the chocolate evenly.

Peanuts on top of chocolate.

Step 7. Then top each cup with more peanuts. Carefully place a popsicle stick into the center of each cup. Place the cups on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 2-3 hours until the ice cream cups harden. 

Bars coated in chocolate and frozen.

Step 8. Melt the chocolate chips. Remove the ice cream cups from the freezer and lightly squeeze the outside of the cups to remove the ice cream from the cups. Then dip the frozen ice cream into the melted chocolate coating. Place back on the baking sheet and freeze until set.

Pro Tips

  • Push each layer down. As you add each new layer, firmly press it into the previous layer.
  • Easily Remove the ice cream from cups. You can also dip the cups into cool water or run a butter knife around the outside edge of the cups to release the ice cream if needed. 
  • Don’t overfill the cups. You won’t have enough chocolate to fully coat the bars if you add to many ingredients to each cup.
  • Freeze before coating. The bars need to be completely frozen before you dip them into chocolate.
Buster bars on tray ready to serve.

Storage

Store any leftover bars in a freezer bag in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between Buster Bars and Dilly Bars?

Yes. Dilly Bars consist of ice cream on a stick covered with chocolate. Whereas Buster Bars have peanuts and hot fudge layered in between the ice cream.

Can you make this in advance?

This buster bar recipe is easy to make ahead of time. I like to make it a few days in advance and place in the freezer. The kids love having these at home for snacks.

Can you omit the nuts?

Yes, but you probably want to add something in its place. Ideas include candy, coconut, Oreo cookies or other toppings you love.

Buster Bars on a platter ready to eat.

More Frozen Treat Recipes to try

Make this dessert recipe today for the best treat. Leave a comment and star rating once you do. It is the best summer dessert.

Buster Bar

5 from 2 votes
Dairy Queen Buster Bar Recipe is an easy to make copycat recipe. Each bar has creamy vanilla ice cream, peanuts and decadent hot fudge topping. Learn how to make this easy buster bar dessert in minutes.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Freeze 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings 6
Cuisine American
Course Dessert
Calories 1305

Equipment

  • 6 Small Plastic Cups (Dixie cups)
  • 6 Popsicle Sticks

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Place approximately 1 teaspoon of peanuts into the bottom of each cup.
  • Place a scoop of ice cream on top and press it down firmly into each cup.
  • Then top the ice cream with approximately 1 tablespoon of hot fudge sauce, spreading it into an evenly layer.
  • Continue with this ingredients again in the cups: peanuts, ice cream and hot fudge.  Make sure to press down into the cup once each layer is added.
  • Then top each cup with more peanuts and carefully place a popsicle stick into the center of each cup.
  • Place the cups on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 2-3 hours until the ice cream cups are harden.
  • Place the chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a microwave safe dish that is tall enough to dip the ice cream cups into.
  • Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate chips are fully melted.
  • Remove the ice cream cups from the freezer and lightly squeeze the outside of the cups to remove the ice cream from the cups. You can also dip the cups into cool water or run a butter knife around the outside edge of the cups to release the ice cream if needed.
  • Then dip the frozen ice cream into the melted butter making sure that the outside if fully coated and gently twirl the ice cream to remove any excess chocolate that may drip off.
  • Place back on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Continue this process until all the ice cream pops are coated with the chocolate.
  • Place the baking sheet back into the freezer until the chocolate is set (approximately 30-60 minutes).
  • Then the homemade buster bars are ready to serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Store any leftover bars in a freezer bag in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. 
Make sure to pack down the layers when assembling the cups to ensure that the popsicle sticks stay in while dipping the bars.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 1305kcal, Carbohydrates 143g, Protein 22g, Fat 73g, Saturated Fat 38g, Polyunsaturated Fat 7g, Monounsaturated Fat 23g, Trans Fat 0.1g, Cholesterol 143mg, Sodium 533mg, Potassium 1252mg, Fiber 10g, Sugar 107g, Vitamin A 1358IU, Vitamin C 2mg, Calcium 485mg, Iron 5mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Desserts on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you create delicious desserts on a budget and do not require a ton of time. Together, we are going to make something sweet that the entire family will love!

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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