Ultimate Icebox Pie

So, the dessert that's been haunting me since my trip to Dallas a few weeks ago? I figured it out.  And it is every bit as good as I had hoped.  So if you're in need of a last-minute Fourth of July dessert, here's a definite crowd pleaser.

God bless America!

Ultimate Icebox Pie

Inspired by Hibiscus Dallas

Ingredients

• 1.5 quarts vanilla ice cream
• 30 classic Oreo cookies { just shy of a whole package, so go ahead and eat a few! }
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2+ cup assorted chopped chocolate candies
• Want to know a secret? I used the last of our Easter candy! Butterfinger Eggs, Crunch Eggs and Caramel Eggs... but I wish I'd had some Reese's!
• To make chopping easier, refrigerate the candy for a few hours before attempting to cut.
• Fudge and/or caramel sauce

Primary Equipment

• Food processor
• Don't have a food processor?  Don't fret.  Just crush your Oreos in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin or meat mallet.
• Springform pan
• 2 large bowls
• Hand mixer
• Cutting board/knife
• Spatula

Instructions

• Refrigerate chocolate candies at least several hours before chopping into chunks.  Return chopped candy to fridge, especially if using anything that contains caramel.
• Preheat oven to 350*.
• Remove ice cream from freezer and set on counter to soften while you make the crust.

• Place Oreo cookies in food processor and pulse until coarsely ground.

• Transfer cookies to bowl and add butter.

• Mix cookies and butter with a fork until well combined.
• Press cookie/butter mixture into a springform pan, covering entire bottom and at least 1/2 inch up the sides.
• Bake crust for 3-4 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
• Meanwhile, whip softened ice cream with hand mixer until fluffy.  You just want it creamy enough to easily mix in your goodies.

• Set aside a few tablespoons of chopped candy for topping.  Fold remaining candy into ice cream, just until evenly incorporated.

• Spread ice cream and candy mixture into cooled crust.

• Sprinkle reserved candy over top of pie and drizzle with caramel and/or fudge.  { I say both! }
• Transfer to freezer and chill overnight.

• Remove springform edge, slice with a warm knife { run under hot water to warm it up } and enjoy!

Next time, I want to try mint Oreo crust and mint chocolate chip ice cream with Andes mints mixed in...