Galaxy Ice Cream Bars

Short description

Galaxy Ice Cream Bars are rich, chocolate-coated frozen treats inspired by the beloved Galaxy chocolate bar. Creamy vanilla ice cream is dipped in a glossy milk chocolate shell, creating a delicious contrast between smooth ice cream and decadent chocolate that cracks at each bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Chocolatey indulgence – the chocolate shell complements and enhances the ice cream inside.

2. Simple but elegant – only a few ingredients, and no need for special machines.

3. Customizable – you can infuse flavors (vanilla, coffee, berry) or add toppings (nuts, sea salt, sprinkles).

4. A treat for all ages – perfect as a dessert, snack or party favor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ice cream (vanilla or flavor of choice), softened slightly

• Milk chocolate, good quality, chopped or in chips

• A little butter or coconut oil (to help with melting and gloss of chocolate)

• Optional: toppings such as chopped nuts, sea salt, sprinkles, or crushed cookies

• Popsicle sticks or wooden ice cream bar sticks

• Optional: parchment paper or silicone mat for setting

Directions

1. Prepare the mold or tray
   Line a baking tray or ice cream bar mold with parchment paper if not using a mold with its own liner. Insert the popsicle sticks into the slightly softened ice cream bars if using molds; if using a block or sheet of ice cream, cut into bar shapes and insert sticks, then freeze until firm.

2. Melt the chocolate
   In a heatproof bowl, melt the milk chocolate and butter (or coconut oil) together. Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts (stirring between bursts) until smooth.

3. Dip the bars
   Remove ice cream bars from freezer. Quickly dip each bar into the melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off. If desired, immediately sprinkle toppings while chocolate is still soft.

4. Set the bars
   Place dipped bars back onto parchment/silicone and return to freezer. Freeze until chocolate shell is fully hardened, at least 1 hour (or more depending on thickness).

5. Serve
   To eat, allow bars to sit out for a few minutes so chocolate shell cracks nicely but ice cream remains firm.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Makes about 8 standard-size bars (depending on bar size).

• Prep time: ~15-20 minutes (including melting and dipping).

• Freezing time: ~1-2 hours to fully set (plus additional freezing if needed for cutting/shaping).

• Total time: Approximately 2 hours (with a lot of waiting in freezer).

Variations

• Flavor variation: Use chocolate ice cream, caramel swirl, coffee, or fruit-flavored ice cream instead of vanilla.

• Chocolate shell variation: Use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or a mix. Add flavor (sea salt, orange zest, chili) to the chocolate.

• Filled center: Before dipping, add a thin layer of sauce (caramel, fudge) inside ice cream shape.

• Decorative toppings: Roll dipped bars in chopped nuts, shredded coconut, crushed cookies, or sprinkles before shell sets.

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container or wrap individually in plastic wrap and foil. Keep in freezer. Best consumed within 1-2 weeks for optimal texture and to prevent ice crystals.

• Thawing / serving: Remove from freezer and let stand at room temperature for 2-3 minutes before eating, so the shell cracks and the ice cream softens just enough. Avoid excessive thawing as re-freezing may degrade texture.

FAQs

What type of chocolate is best for the shell?

Milk chocolate works well for a sweet, creamy shell. Dark chocolate gives a richer, more intense flavor. White chocolate will need stabilizing (a little extra butter or oil) since it’s softer and more sensitive to heat.

Can I use store-bought ice cream or do I need homemade?

You can definitely use store-bought ice cream. For easier work, let it soften a bit so you can shape or cut into bars, then refreeze to harden before dipping.

How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking off when I bite?

Make sure the chocolate shell is thick enough and fully hardened. Also, allow the bar to sit briefly at room temperature before eating so the shell cracks instead of shattering.

Will the chocolate shell stay smooth and shiny?

Using a small amount of butter or coconut oil in the melted chocolate helps with sheen and smoothness. Also don’t overheat the chocolate and tempering helps if you want a really glossy finish.

Can I make this without wooden sticks or molds?

Yes — you can shape ice cream in a loaf pan, freeze until firm, cut into bars, then insert sticks and dip. It may be a bit more effort to cut neatly.

How do I avoid ice crystals in the ice cream?

Keep the ice cream frozen cold, wrap bars well, avoid fluctuations in freezer temperature. Also, don’t leave bars out too long before returning to freezer.

What if I want to add fruit or other mix-ins inside?

You can swirl or fold fruit compotes or sauces into softened ice cream before shaping. Freeze until firm before proceeding with dipping. Avoid very watery fruit so it doesn’t ice up.

Can these bars be made vegan or dairy-free?

Yes: use dairy-free or vegan ice cream (coconut, almond, etc.), use vegan chocolate, and substitute butter with coconut oil. The texture may vary slightly but still enjoyable.

How long will they last in freezer?

Best eaten within 1-2 weeks. After that, ice crystals may form, and taste/texture degrade.

Conclusion

Galaxy Ice Cream Bars are a delightful treat that bring together creamy ice cream and a crisp chocolate shell. They’re easy enough to make at home with modest ingredients, yet special enough to impress. With plenty of opportunities to customize — from fillings and flavors to toppings and chocolate types — this recipe offers both fun and flavor. Try it once, and it may become a favorite go-to dessert for hot afternoons or special occasions.

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