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–+ servings
Ice Cream Pie
Ice Cream Pie is a charmingly retro dessert made by creating a sweet, nutty crumb crust that’s baked and then crumbled to form the base for a luscious ice cream filling. This recipe was likely popular during the mid-century era when no-bake and freezer-friendly desserts were all the rage. Its use of margarine, brown sugar, and nuts provides a crunchy, buttery contrast to the creamy ice cream. Topped with a drizzle of caramel and a final sprinkle of crumbs, it’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for summer gatherings or make-ahead holiday treats.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Freezing time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 245 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ⅓ cup margarine
  • ¼ cup brown sugar (packed )
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup pecans (chopped, or almonds )
  • 1½ quarts vanilla ice cream (softened)
  • ½ cup caramel topping (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Make the Crumb Mixture

  • In a mixing bowl, cream together margarine and brown sugar.
  • Add flour and nuts. Mix well until crumbly.

Step 2: Bake the Crumbs

  • Spread the mixture evenly on a cookie sheet.
  • Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 15 minutes, or until golden.
  • Remove from oven and crumble while still hot into a large bowl.

Step 3: Assemble the Crusts

  • Reserve a small portion of the crumbs for topping.
  • Press the remaining crumbs into the bottom of three 8-inch pie tins to form crusts.

Step 4: Add the Ice Cream

  • Spoon softened vanilla ice cream evenly into the crusts.
  • Smooth the tops.

Step 5: Add Caramel and Crumbs

  • Spoon caramel topping over the ice cream layer.
  • Sprinkle with reserved crumbs.

Step 6: Freeze

  • Place pies in the freezer for at least 2–4 hours, or until firm.

Tips

  • Use almonds or pecans as noted, both give different flavors and textures.
  • Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon to the crumb mixture for warm spice.
  • Swap vanilla ice cream for chocolate, butter pecan, or strawberry.
  • Add a layer of caramel or chocolate sauce before packing in the ice cream.
  • Use the baked crumbs as a topping for extra crunch.
  • For firmer slices, freeze at least overnight.
  • Make in mini pie tins for individual servings.
  • Stir crushed cookies into the crust mixture for variation.
  • Add a splash of almond extract to enhance nut flavor.
  • Use lightly salted nuts to balance sweetness.

Nutrition

Calories: 245kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2.5gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5.6gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 78mgPotassium: 102mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 350IUCalcium: 62mgIron: 0.7mg
Keyword easy dessert, homemade, ice cream pie, nostalgic food, retro dessert, summer treat, vintage
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