Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert is like a mud pie with a peanut twist! The combination of crunchy chocolate sandwich cookies, creamy vanilla ice cream, and the rich, gooey chocolate-peanut sauce creates a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. It’s an easy, no-bake dessert that can be made ahead of time, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy the occasion. Plus, it’s a fun, layered dessert that both kids and adults will love, making it perfect for any summer gathering.

Ingredients

1 (20 ounce) package chocolate sandwich cookies
½ cup butter, melted
1 ½ cups chopped Spanish peanuts
½ gallon vanilla ice cream, softened
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
⅔ cup semisweet chocolate chips
½ cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Crust: Crush all but 10 of the chocolate sandwich cookies. Combine the crushed cookies with the melted butter and chopped peanuts in a large bowl. Mix until well combined.
Press the Crust: Press the cookie mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust. Freeze the crust until cold, about 30 minutes.
Add the Ice Cream Layer: Once the crust is cold, spread the softened vanilla ice cream evenly over the crust. Freeze again until the ice cream layer is firm, about 1-2 hours.
Make the Chocolate-Peanut Topping: In a large saucepan, combine the confectioners’ sugar, evaporated milk, chocolate chips, ½ cup butter, and vanilla extract. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 7 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool completely.
Assemble the Dessert: Once the chocolate mixture has cooled, pour it over the set ice cream layer. Freeze the entire dessert until the topping is firm, about 1-2 hours.
Serve and Enjoy: Once fully set, cut into squares and serve.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Additional time: 2 hours (freezing)
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Add a Nutty Twist: For an extra crunch, you can use a mix of different nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, in place of the Spanish peanuts.
Different Ice Cream Flavors: Swap the vanilla ice cream for other flavors like chocolate, caramel, or strawberry for a unique twist.
Make it Chocolatey: Add crushed chocolate sandwich cookies to the ice cream layer for more chocolate flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week.
Reheating: No need to reheat this dessert! Just take it out of the freezer and let it thaw slightly for a few minutes if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular peanuts instead of Spanish peanuts?

Yes, you can use regular peanuts, salted or unsalted, as an alternative to Spanish peanuts.

2. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert is perfect for making ahead! It stores well in the freezer for up to a week.

3. How long does it take for the dessert to set?

The dessert requires about 2 hours of freezing time, with intervals between each layer for the best results.

4. Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Yes! You can substitute chocolate sandwich cookies with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or even a mix of your favorite cookies for a different flavor.

5. Can I add a topping on the ice cream layer?

Yes! You can add crushed cookies, chocolate chips, or chopped fruits like strawberries or bananas to the ice cream layer before freezing.

6. Can I use whipped cream instead of ice cream?

While the ice cream adds creaminess, you can replace it with whipped cream for a lighter version of this dessert. However, the texture will be different.

7. How do I prevent the topping from being too runny?

Make sure the chocolate topping cools completely before pouring it over the ice cream. If it’s too runny, it may not set properly.

8. Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet?

Yes, you can use dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.

9. Can I make this dessert without the chocolate topping?

Yes, if you prefer a simpler dessert, you can skip the chocolate topping and just enjoy the ice cream and cookie crust layers.

10. How do I cut the dessert neatly?

Let the dessert sit out for a few minutes before cutting. This will help soften it slightly, making it easier to slice into neat squares.

Conclusion

Mom’s Ice Cream Dessert is a delightful, no-bake treat that brings together the best of ice cream, chocolate, and crunchy cookie layers. Perfect for summer parties, family gatherings, or a simple dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, this treat is sure to impress. With its rich and creamy layers and a peanut twist, it’s the kind of dessert everyone will love—especially when served cold on a hot summer day!

Mom’s Ice Cream Dessert

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A no-bake dessert with layers of crunchy chocolate sandwich cookies, creamy vanilla ice cream, and a rich chocolate-peanut topping. Perfect for summer gatherings or a sweet family treat.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 24 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Frozen
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Prepare the Crust: Crush all but 10 of the chocolate sandwich cookies. Combine the crushed cookies with the melted butter and chopped peanuts in a large bowl. Mix until well combined.
Press the Crust: Press the cookie mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust. Freeze the crust until cold, about 30 minutes.
Add the Ice Cream Layer: Once the crust is cold, spread the softened vanilla ice cream evenly over the crust. Freeze again until the ice cream layer is firm, about 1-2 hours.
Make the Chocolate-Peanut Topping: In a large saucepan, combine the confectioners’ sugar, evaporated milk, chocolate chips, ½ cup butter, and vanilla extract. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 7 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool completely.
Assemble the Dessert: Once the chocolate mixture has cooled, pour it over the set ice cream layer. Freeze the entire dessert until the topping is firm, about 1-2 hours.
Serve and Enjoy: Once fully set, cut into squares and serve.