Pb&J Puffed Cereal Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe

Playful PB&J Puffed Cereal Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe

Homemade pb&j puffed cereal ice cream sandwiches deliver childhood nostalgia with a playful twist.

Sweet memories dance between crispy layers of nostalgic breakfast favorites.

Creamy peanut butter and strawberry jam swirl into a cool, dreamy dessert.

Crisp cereal edges provide delightful crunch against smooth, frozen filling.

Weekend treat makers can craft this simple yet spectacular snack in minutes.

Quick assembly means minimal kitchen effort for maximum deliciousness.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this ingenious frozen delight.

Steps to Make These Kid-Approved Treats

Step 1: Melt Peanut Butter Mixture

Heat peanut butter, honey, and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the ingredients:
  • Peanut butter
  • Honey
  • Butter

Blend until smooth and completely combined.

Step 2: Coat Cereal

Remove saucepan from heat. Gently fold puffed rice cereal into the melted mixture, ensuring every piece gets thoroughly coated.

Step 3: Create Base Layer

Prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper. Press half of the cereal mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom, creating a uniform base layer.

Step 4: Chill Base

Place the pan in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes, allowing the base to set and firm up. Keep the remaining cereal mixture at room temperature for the top layer.

Step 5: Add Ice Cream Layer

Once the base is chilled, spread softened vanilla or strawberry ice cream evenly over the cereal base.

Step 6: Complete Sandwich

Top the ice cream with the remaining cereal mixture, pressing gently to create a complete sandwich. Return to the refrigerator to freeze for 2-3 hours.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Remove the ice cream sandwich from the pan using parchment paper. Cut into squares and enjoy immediately.

Tips for Assembling with Ease

  • Crush Carefully: Use a flat-bottomed measuring cup or spatula to press the cereal mixture evenly, ensuring a uniform base and top layer for perfect sandwich structure.
  • Butter Benefits: Lightly grease your hands or utensils with cooking spray to prevent sticky peanut butter mixture from clinging while mixing and pressing.
  • Chill Completely: Allow the base layer to set firmly in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to create a stable foundation that won't crumble when assembling sandwiches.
  • Soften Strategically: Let store-bought or homemade ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping to achieve smooth, easy spreading between cereal layers.
  • Wrap and Store: Cover assembled ice cream sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or wax paper, then place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn and maintain fresh flavor.

Store and Serve Ice Cream Sandwiches Right

  • Store ice cream sandwiches in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
  • Individually wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or wax paper to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.
  • Remove sandwiches from the freezer 2-3 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor and texture.
  • Avoid refreezing partially thawed sandwiches to maintain the best quality and prevent ice crystal formation.

Treats That Go Well with These Sandwiches

  • Serve alongside a cold glass of whole milk to complement the rich peanut butter and sweet jelly flavors. The smooth milk will balance the crispy cereal texture and refresh your palate.
  • Enjoy an espresso or dark roast coffee to create a delightful contrast. The robust coffee notes will cut through the sweetness and highlight the sandwich's complex flavors.
  • Select a light-bodied rosé or sweet dessert wine that echoes the fruity jelly undertones. The wine's subtle sweetness will harmonize with the ice cream's creamy profile.
  • A chocolate stout beer offers deep, malty notes that perfectly match the peanut butter's richness and provide a sophisticated adult twist to this nostalgic treat.

Tweak the Flavor Combo with These Variations

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular puffed rice cereal with gluten-free rice cereal or quinoa puffs. Use certified gluten-free peanut butter to ensure complete allergen safety.
  • Vegan Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil, use maple syrup instead of honey, and choose plant-based peanut butter. Select dairy-free vanilla ice cream for filling.
  • Nut-Free Option: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter. Use alternative seed-based cereals for crunch and texture.
  • Low-Sugar Adaptation: Replace honey with stevia-based sweetener, use sugar-free ice cream, and incorporate unsweetened puffed rice. Reduce overall sweetener content while maintaining recipe structure.

FAQs for Cereal Sandwich Lovers

  • Can I use a different type of cereal?

Yes, you can substitute puffed rice cereal with other crispy cereals like Rice Krispies or corn flakes for a similar texture and crunch.

  • Is homemade peanut butter okay to use?

Absolutely! Homemade or store-bought peanut butter works well. Just ensure it’s smooth and creamy for the best mixing results.

  • What if I want a less sweet version?

Reduce the honey or corn syrup quantity by half, or use a sugar-free alternative like stevia to control the sweetness level.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these?

No special equipment is required. Just a saucepan, square baking pan, parchment paper, and basic kitchen utensils will do the job perfectly.

PB&J Ice Cream Sandwiches with Crunch

  • Make these PB&J Puffed Cereal Ice Cream Sandwiches irresistible with these awesome reasons!
  • Requires minimal cooking skills and just 30 minutes total preparation time, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a speedy sweet treat.
  • Combines classic childhood flavors like peanut butter and jelly with fun ice cream sandwich concept, guaranteed to delight children and adults alike with nostalgic taste.
  • Requires zero oven time, uses refrigeration for setting, making it an ideal no-heat dessert option during hot weather when turning on appliances feels unbearable.
  • Easily adaptable with different ice cream flavors or cereal varieties, allowing personal creativity and accommodating various taste preferences for family gatherings or casual parties.

Ingredients Behind This Frosty Sandwich Snack

Base Ingredients:
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy and rich base that provides nutty flavor and helps bind the cereal.
  • Honey or Corn Syrup: Natural sweetener that helps create a sticky, cohesive mixture for the cereal base.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps melt and combine ingredients smoothly.
Cereal Component:
  • Puffed Rice Cereal: Light and crispy base that gives the sandwich structure and crunch.
Optional Flavor Enhancers:
  • Jelly or Jam: Optional spread that adds fruity sweetness and classic PB&J flavor profile.
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Pb&J Puffed Cereal Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe

Pb&J Puffed Cereal Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe


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4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Cool summer memories collide with childhood favorite “PB&J Puffed Cereal Ice Cream Sandwiches” in this nostalgic dessert. Sweet and creamy layers between crispy cereal promise delightful bites that transport you back to simple, joyful moments.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups (946 ml) puffed rice cereal
  • ½ cup (128 g) creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup (170 g) honey or light corn syrup

Binding Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter

Filling Ingredients:

  • 1 pint (473 ml) vanilla ice cream, softened slightly
  • ⅓ cup (106 g) strawberry or grape jelly

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 9-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides for easy removal.
  2. In a spacious saucepan, combine peanut butter, honey, and butter over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform liquid.
  3. Remove the saucepan from heat and introduce the puffed rice cereal, gently folding until every morsel is thoroughly enrobed in the luscious mixture.
  4. Transfer half of the cereal mixture into the prepared pan, using gentle but firm pressure to create an even, compact base layer that will serve as the foundation for the ice cream sandwich.
  5. Chill the pan in the refrigerator for approximately 15-20 minutes, allowing the base to solidify and develop structural integrity.
  6. Keep the remaining cereal mixture at room temperature, maintaining its workable consistency for the final layer of the sandwich.
  7. Once the base layer has set, carefully spread softened ice cream evenly across the surface, ensuring complete coverage and a smooth finish.
  8. Carefully apply the reserved cereal mixture on top of the ice cream, pressing gently to create a uniform top layer that will complete the sandwich.
  9. Return the assembled dessert to the freezer, allowing it to fully set and the flavors to meld together for at least 2-3 hours before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Swap honey for agave syrup or maple syrup to create a vegan-friendly version of these ice cream sandwiches.
  • Use gluten-free puffed rice cereal to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Chill the baking pan beforehand to help the cereal mixture set faster and create a more stable base layer.
  • Experiment with different nut butters like almond or cashew butter for unique flavor variations that add depth to the classic PB&J profile.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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