My Aunt’s 3-Ingredient Ice Cream Casserole Is Outrageously Delicious

The first time I saw my aunt whip up this outrageously delicious Snickers ice cream casserole in ten minutes flat, I was in awe. She spread vanilla ice cream into a 9×13-inch baking dish, then added a layer of bite-sized Snickers candy bars, a layer of whipped topping, and then sprinkled salted peanuts, chocolate syrup, and caramel syrup over the whole thing.

My 12 cousins and I devoured it immediately, and I’ve been making it ever since. This recipe works so well because it’s simple, keeps well in the freezer, and is packed with nostalgic candy bar flavors.

Tips for Making My Snickers Ice Cream Casserole

Since my aunt made it for us to eat immediately, there was no freezing involved, but I like to do so to make the recipe more make-ahead friendly. I’ve made a few adjustments over the years to make the casserole easier to enjoy from the freezer.

First, I like to give the candy bars a rough chop or a few pulses in the food processor because when they freeze, the caramel inside hardens, and biting into an entire frozen candy bar is a little rough on the teeth. I also wait until I’m ready to serve the Snickers casserole to add any toppings so they stay nice and fresh.

I generally allow the ice cream to sit out for about 15 minutes to soften before spreading it into the bottom of the baking dish. But don’t let it melt all the way! The ice cream should still be frozen, but will be easier to work with if it’s slightly thawed. And don’t worry about spreading the ice cream into a perfectly smooth layer. Just use the spatula to press it down as best as you can. This dessert doesn’t require perfection in any part of the process to be delicious.

How To Make My 3-Ingredient Snickers Ice Cream Casserole

To make 12 servings (one 9×13-inch casserole), you’ll need:

• 1 1/2 quarts vanilla ice cream (like Breyers Natural Vanilla)
• 35 Snickers minis (or 6 full-size Snickers candy bars), roughly chopped
• 1 (16-ounce) container whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
• Toppings of your choice, optional

Pull the ice cream out of the freezer and allow it to soften in its container on the counter for 10 to 15 minutes. Use a spatula to spread it evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. It won’t be perfectly smooth, and that’s okay. Sprinkle the chopped Snickers bars evenly over the ice cream. Use the spatula to spread the entire container of whipped topping over the Snickers pieces.

Transfer the baking dish to the freezer and freeze the casserole until firm, at least 4 hours. If storing for longer, cover the dish. When ready to serve, remove the casserole from the freezer and add the toppings, if desired. Allow the casserole to soften for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing into it for the best texture. Enjoy!

Store any leftovers in the baking dish, covered tightly with plastic wrap, in the freezer for up to 4 days.

Topping Ideas

This casserole is delicious on its own, but you can take it up and over the top by adding some toppings. Some of my favorites are:

• Chopped salted peanuts
• A drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup (or both!)
• Freshly chopped green apple (à la Snickers salad)
• A handful of chocolate chips

Easy Recipe Variations

• Add Snickers ice cream bars: Give your dessert casserole even more Snickers flavor by adding a layer of five full-size Snickers ice cream bars to the bottom of the dish before adding the layer of vanilla ice cream. Since the Snickers ice cream bars are made of soft ice cream, you don’t have to worry about chopping them up—just place them on the bottom of the baking dish whole.
• Swap out the ice cream: Another way to add more Snickers flavor is to use Snickers ice cream in place of the vanilla ice cream called for in the recipe.
• Change up the candy: This style of ice cream casserole works really well with other candies, too. Some of my favorites are Kit-Kat bars, Reese’s cups, and Crunch bars. Just be sure to give them a rough chop, just like with the Snickers, for the best texture in the dessert. When I use Reese’s cups, I like to drizzle the top with melted peanut butter in place of the caramel. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!