The Dilly Bar from Dairy Queen features a creamy, smooth vanilla soft serve center coated in a crunchy, rich chocolate shell, offering a delightful contrast of textures and refreshing sweetness.
Equipments
- Soft serve machine
- Dipping tank (for melted chocolate coating)
- Stainless steel worktable
- Freezer
- Wax paper or parchment sheets
- Dilly Bar molds or food-safe sticks
- Spatula or spoon
- Chocolate melting pot or double boiler
- Display freezer/storage freezer
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream base
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- Food-safe wooden sticks
Using high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips is crucial for achieving the rich, smooth coating characteristic of a Dilly Bar. The addition of coconut oil helps the chocolate shell harden quickly and maintain a crisp texture, so ensure it is well measured for best results. Your choice of vanilla ice cream base will impact the creamy softness of the center, so select a base with a rich flavor and smooth consistency. Proper equipment like a soft serve machine and dipping tank is essential for replicating the authentic Dilly Bar texture at home. This Dilly Bar copycat recipe allows you to recreate Dairy Queen's iconic treat with simple ingredients and careful attention to technique.
Instructions
- Pour vanilla ice cream base and whole milk into the soft serve machine.
- Churn until the mixture becomes smooth and reaches soft-serve consistency.
- Line a stainless steel worktable with wax paper or parchment sheets.
- If using Dilly Bar molds, pour soft serve into molds or, alternatively, scoop and shape soft serve discs by hand.
- Insert food-safe wooden sticks into each soft serve disc.
- Place shaped soft serve on wax/parchment-lined tray.
- Freeze the soft serve discs until completely firm (at least 1-2 hours).
- Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a chocolate melting pot or double boiler, stirring until completely smooth.
- Pour melted chocolate coating into dipping tank.
- Remove frozen soft serve discs from freezer.
- Dip each disc into chocolate coating, ensuring full coverage.
- Allow excess chocolate to drip off.
- Place dipped bars back onto lined tray.
- Return finished bars to the freezer until chocolate shell hardens completely.
- Store Dilly Bars in display freezer/storage freezer until ready to serve.
Substitution
Creating a Dilly Bar copycat at home involves using a soft serve machine to achieve the creamy vanilla base, but if unavailable, you can substitute with high-quality vanilla ice cream softened to a scoopable texture. The chocolate coating requires melting semi-sweet chocolate chips with coconut oil for a smooth, glossy shell, but vegetable shortening or butter can be used as alternatives if coconut oil is not on hand. When dipping the bars, ensure the melted chocolate is at the right temperature to harden quickly upon contact; cooler kitchen temperatures may affect setting times. If you don't have Dilly Bar molds or sticks, silicone molds and sturdy popsicle sticks or skewers can serve as suitable replacements. Your freezer should be at least -18degC (0degF) to properly harden the bars and maintain their texture for ideal storage.
Tips
Ensure the soft serve base reaches a smooth, consistent texture by avoiding interruptions during churning to prevent icy or grainy results. When shaping soft serve discs, work quickly to prevent melting, and freeze them thoroughly for at least 1-2 hours to maintain structural integrity during dipping. The chocolate coating must be melted to a smooth, pourable consistency with coconut oil, allowing an even, crisp shell once hardened on the frozen bars. Store your finished Dilly Bars in a display or storage freezer immediately to preserve freshness and texture before serving.
Nutritions
The Dilly Bar contains a blend of vanilla ice cream base and whole milk, providing essential nutrients such as calcium and protein, which support bone health and muscle maintenance. The semi-sweet chocolate shell, made from chocolate chips and coconut oil, adds antioxidants and healthy fats that may contribute to heart health. Although high in sugars and saturated fats typical of frozen desserts, this treat can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed occasionally. Your selection of ingredients influences the nutritional profile, allowing for some customization in sweetness and fat content.
Storage
Store your Dilly Bars in a display or storage freezer set at 0degF (-18degC) or below to maintain their creamy texture and keep the chocolate shell crisp. Use wax paper or parchment sheets on stainless steel trays to prevent sticking and preserve the bars' shape. Avoid repeated thawing and refreezing to retain optimal taste and quality.
Variation or Alternatives
You can enhance the Dilly Bar by substituting vanilla ice cream base with a rich custard base for a creamier texture. Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa to increase antioxidant content and deepen flavor. Try adding finely chopped nuts or crushed cookies to the melted chocolate before dipping to introduce crunchy texture variations. Using silicone molds instead of wax paper-lined trays can improve shape consistency and ease unmolding.
Allergies
The Dilly Bar contains dairy ingredients such as vanilla ice cream base and whole milk, which can trigger allergic reactions in individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergy. The semi-sweet chocolate chips may contain traces of soy lecithin and nuts, posing risks for those with soy or nut allergies. You should always check ingredient labels carefully to avoid potential allergens in this treat.
Why this recipe?
Dilly Bar from Dairy Queen is celebrated for its creamy, smooth vanilla ice cream coated in a rich, chocolatey shell that perfectly balances sweetness and texture. The nostalgic flavor and convenient, handheld design make it a favorite treat for all ages, offering a satisfying, refreshing dessert experience. Making a copycat version allows you to customize ingredients, control quality, and enjoy this delightful classic anytime without the need to visit a Dairy Queen. Your homemade Dilly Bar can capture the iconic taste while adding a personal touch that elevates each bite.