Ice Cream Brownie Bars
No-bake ice cream brownie bites start with a chewy, no-bake brownie base and are topped with two layers of coconut whipped topping! They are minimal ingredient, lower in sugar, dairy-free and vegan, and gluten-free! These make the most delicious, healthier frozen dessert that taste almost like a brownie and 3 Musketeer!
Ingredients
Brownie base
- 1 cup oat flour *feel free to sub 1/4-1/2 with your favorite protein powder!
- 3/4 cup cacao powder
- 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp almond, cashew, or peanut butter (or sunflower butter for nut-free) *see notes
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
Filling
- 2/3 tub coconut whipped topping (I like So Delicious), divided *feel free to stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder!
- 2 tbsp cacao powder
- 2 tbsp almond, cashew, or peanut butter
Coating
- 1 3/4 cups chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Make the brownie base – in a food processor or large bowl, combine all of the ingredients. Process or mix well until dough forms. It should stick together but not be super sticky to where it sticks to your hands. Press the dough into the bottom of a parchment-lined loaf pan.
- Assemble the bars – In a bowl, add 1/3 of the tub of coconut whipped topping. Add in the cacao powder and nut butter, mixing well until no lumps remain. Spread this over the brownie layer.
- This is optional, but I like to add the second 1/3 of the whipped topping to a bowl and add in 1 tsp vanilla extract. Then spread this over top of the chocolate layer. You can sprinkle some chopped peanuts, almonds, or cashews over top of the coconut whip for crunch!.
- Freeze! Place the pan in the freezer overnight or for at least 6ish hours until it’s completely solid
- Coat in chocolate – There are two methods here (I wish I would have done the first – it’s much easier!). I’d recommend pouring the chocolate over-top of the frozen bars, spreading it out even, then placing them back in the freezer for 30 minutes. Then you can remove them from the pan and cut into bars. Alternatively, you can drizzle the chocolate over the bars or to use a spoon to pour melted chocolate over them and using the back of the spoon to spread it around the bar. You don’t want to fully dunk them, as the coconut whipped topping will melt!
Video
Notes
*Peanut butter will give these a stronger peanut butter flavor - still delicious but something to note!
Want to up the protein? Feel free to swap 1/4 of the oat flour for your favorite protein powder and/or add a scoop of your favorite protein into the whipped topping prior to spread it on the brownie base!
- Storage: Store brownie bars in and air-tight container in the freezer! They will melt if left out and will become too soft if left in the fridge. They should last up to two months in the freezer (I wouldn't know, we always inhale them LOL).
- Can I use ice cream instead of whipped topping? Yes! Just let the ice cream thaw on the counter for 10 minutes or so until it's less firm, spread it over the brownie base and then freeze until completely solid. Then continue with the remaining steps!