The Almond Magnum Ice Cream Bars are a dream come true for those who love a creamy, satisfying dessert without any dairy or refined sugars. Each bite is smooth and rich, thanks to soaked cashews and almond butter, and finished with a dark chocolate shell that gives you that perfect crack with every bite.
Ideal for summer days or anytime your sweet tooth calls, these bars are made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients. They’re freezer-friendly, super satisfying, and perfect for anyone following a vegan or gluten-free lifestyle. With no baking required and simple prep, you can whip up these decadent treats and keep them ready for whenever indulgence strikes.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 1 hour or overnight)
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½ cup almond butter
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⅓ cup maple syrup
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1 tbsp vanilla extract
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½ cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
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¼ tsp sea salt
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1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips (dairy-free if vegan)
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2 tbsp coconut oil
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½ cup chopped almonds
Directions:
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Drain and rinse the soaked cashews thoroughly.
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In a high-speed blender, combine cashews, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla, almond milk, and sea salt. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
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Pour the mixture into silicone popsicle molds. Insert sticks and freeze for at least 6 hours, or until solid.
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Once the bars are fully frozen, prepare the chocolate coating. Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil over a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between until smooth.
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Remove the bars from molds. Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, then sprinkle or roll in chopped almonds.
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Place coated bars on a parchment-lined tray and return to the freezer for 10 minutes to set.
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Enjoy immediately or store in the freezer in an airtight container.
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour soaking)
Freeze Time: 6+ hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal per bar
Servings: 8 bars
The Inspiration Behind Almond Magnum Ice Cream Bars
These Almond Magnum Ice Cream Bars are a homemade, health-forward tribute to the classic store-bought favorite, but crafted with clean, plant-based ingredients that support your well-being. The idea behind recreating this iconic frozen dessert was to combine nostalgic indulgence with the benefits of natural, whole foods. Unlike their commercial counterparts, these bars are free from artificial additives, dairy, and refined sugars, making them an excellent option for those with dietary sensitivities or simply looking to clean up their sweet treat game. The creamy base, created from soaked cashews and almond butter, replicates the rich mouthfeel of dairy-based ice creams, while the dark chocolate shell adds that signature crack with every bite.
A Healthier Way to Indulge
What sets these Almond Magnum Ice Cream Bars apart is their unique combination of decadence and nutrition. While traditional ice cream bars often contain hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, and emulsifiers, this homemade version is rooted in wholesome, easily recognizable ingredients. Cashews provide healthy fats, plant-based protein, and a naturally creamy consistency. Almond butter not only deepens the flavor but also supplies vitamin E and magnesium. The sweetener of choice, typically maple syrup, adds a mellow, natural sweetness without spiking your blood sugar the way refined sugars do.
These ice cream bars are also free from dairy, making them suitable for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant. Using almond milk as a base enhances the nutty flavor profile while keeping the recipe light and easy to digest. The addition of dark chocolate for the coating adds an antioxidant boost and complements the creamy interior with a luxurious finish.
Perfect for a Range of Lifestyles
These bars are a versatile dessert choice for a variety of dietary needs. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo, or simply health-conscious, this recipe fits into your lifestyle seamlessly. It’s a freezer-friendly recipe that keeps well for weeks, so you can enjoy a nutritious indulgence anytime you crave something cold and sweet. They also make an excellent treat for kids, especially for parents wanting to avoid highly processed snacks.
Furthermore, they’re a wonderful make-ahead dessert for entertaining. Serve them at summer BBQs, picnics, or holiday get-togethers to impress guests with a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is satisfying. Since they’re dipped in dark chocolate and sprinkled with almonds, they not only taste indulgent but look visually stunning—especially when presented on a platter or tray.
How This Recipe Supports Wellness Goals
This dessert doesn’t just satisfy a craving—it also helps you meet your wellness goals. If you’re trying to reduce processed foods in your diet, control your sugar intake, or focus on whole, plant-based nutrition, this recipe aligns with all of those objectives. The fats from cashews and almond butter support satiety and brain function. Dark chocolate, in moderation, offers flavonoids that support heart health and mood regulation.
Another benefit is how customizable these bars are. You can easily adjust the level of sweetness, experiment with different nut butters (such as peanut or hazelnut), or change the chocolate coating to suit your preferences. For a superfood twist, you could even add a layer of crushed freeze-dried raspberries, coconut flakes, or a drizzle of tahini on top.
Tips for Best Results
To ensure these ice cream bars turn out as dreamy as possible, there are a few pro tips to follow. First, soaking the cashews properly is crucial—it softens them enough to blend into a smooth, velvety base. A high-speed blender makes a significant difference in achieving the right texture, as you want the mixture to be thick, creamy, and without any graininess.
When freezing the bars, use silicone molds for easy release. If you’re using traditional popsicle molds, allow the bars to thaw slightly at room temperature before unmolding. For the chocolate coating, ensure the bars are fully frozen before dipping to help the chocolate harden instantly and prevent melting. Work quickly when rolling the bars in chopped almonds, and set them back into the freezer immediately after dipping.
Sustainability and Ingredient Quality
One of the underrated benefits of making your own ice cream bars is the control you gain over ingredient quality and sourcing. Choosing organic, ethically sourced almonds and chocolate means your dessert is better for you and for the planet. Many store-bought options contain palm oil or ingredients that may contribute to deforestation and unethical labor practices. With this homemade version, you can support sustainable brands and farmers with your purchases.
Moreover, reducing packaging waste is another plus. Instead of buying individually wrapped ice cream bars, making your own helps reduce single-use plastics. These small changes add up and can make your kitchen a hub for conscious, planet-friendly living.
A Dessert That Kids and Adults Alike Will Love
Despite their healthy label, these Almond Magnum Ice Cream Bars don’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction. The creamy center, with its subtle almond-cashew base, is naturally sweet and rich. The crack of the dark chocolate coating delivers that familiar Magnum-bar satisfaction, making them a hit with both adults and kids. Whether served as a weeknight dessert or a summer afternoon snack, they hit that perfect note between healthy and indulgent.
In fact, getting kids involved in the process—like helping to stir, sprinkle the almonds, or dip the bars—can turn this into a fun, family-friendly kitchen activity. It’s a chance to teach them about real food, making healthy choices, and the joy of creating something delicious from scratch.
Conclusion: A Treat Worth Making Again and Again
The Almond Magnum Ice Cream Bars are more than just a dessert—they’re a lifestyle choice. They prove that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing pleasure. With their creamy texture, rich chocolate coating, and satisfying crunch, they’re the kind of treat that you’ll find yourself coming back to all summer long.
Whether you’re looking to reduce processed sugar, accommodate dietary restrictions, or simply enjoy a delicious, nourishing dessert, these bars check all the boxes. They’re proof that indulgence and nutrition can go hand in hand—and that the freezer aisle doesn’t hold all the answers. Once you’ve made them once, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without a stash of these wholesome ice cream bars in your freezer.