Cool Down with Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bars: Delicious Recipes and Ideas
Summer is here, and what better way to beat the heat than with a classic root beer float? Now, imagine that iconic flavor combination transformed into a convenient, delicious bar. Enter Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bars! These frozen treats are a delightful blend of root beer-flavored ice cream swirled with vanilla ice cream, perfectly capturing the essence of a root beer float in every bite. But why stop at simply enjoying them straight from the box? Let’s explore some creative and mouthwatering recipes and ideas to elevate your Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bar experience.
## What Makes Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bars So Special?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s appreciate what makes these bars so crave-worthy:
* **Authentic Root Beer Flavor:** Trader Joe’s has nailed the root beer flavor. It’s not overly sweet or artificial-tasting, striking a perfect balance that will remind you of your favorite root beer. They achieve this by using natural flavorings and quality ingredients.
* **Creamy Texture:** The combination of root beer-flavored and vanilla ice cream creates a luscious, creamy texture that melts in your mouth. The swirl design ensures you get a perfect blend of both flavors in each bite.
* **Convenient and Portion-Controlled:** These bars are individually wrapped, making them perfect for a quick and easy treat. They’re also a great way to manage portion sizes, so you can enjoy a satisfying dessert without overindulging.
* **Nostalgia Factor:** Root beer floats are a classic summertime treat, and these bars bring back those nostalgic memories in a convenient and fun way.
## Recipe Ideas and Creative Uses for Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bars
Now, let’s get to the fun part: the recipes! These ideas range from simple upgrades to more elaborate desserts, all featuring the star of the show: Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bars.
### 1. The Classic Upgrade: Root Beer Float Bar Sundae
This is the simplest way to elevate your Root Beer Float Bar experience. It takes the classic sundae concept and infuses it with root beer flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bar
* Whipped cream
* Chocolate syrup
* Maraschino cherries
* Sprinkles (optional)
* Chopped nuts (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Unwrap a Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bar and place it in a sundae dish or bowl.
2. Generously top with whipped cream.
3. Drizzle with chocolate syrup.
4. Add a maraschino cherry on top.
5. Sprinkle with your favorite sprinkles and chopped nuts (optional).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Caramel Sauce:** Substitute chocolate syrup with caramel sauce for a different flavor profile.
* **Hot Fudge:** For an even richer sundae, warm up some hot fudge sauce and drizzle it over the bar.
* **Different Nuts:** Try different types of nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added texture and flavor.
* **Homemade Whipped Cream:** Make your own whipped cream for a more luxurious experience.
* **Add Fruit:** Consider adding fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas for a healthier twist.
### 2. Root Beer Float Bar Milkshake
Transform your Root Beer Float Bar into a creamy, dreamy milkshake. This recipe is perfect for a hot day or when you’re craving a super-indulgent treat.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bars
* 1/2 cup milk (or non-dairy milk alternative)
* Whipped cream (optional)
* Maraschino cherry (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Unwrap the Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bars and cut them into smaller pieces.
2. Place the pieces into a blender.
3. Add the milk.
4. Blend until smooth and creamy.
5. Pour into a glass.
6. Top with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry (optional).
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Extra Creamy:** Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an even creamier milkshake.
* **Chocolate Boost:** Add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup or cocoa powder for a chocolatey root beer milkshake.
* **Malted Milk Powder:** Add a tablespoon of malted milk powder for a classic malt shop flavor.
* **Thickening Agent:** If your milkshake is too thin, add a few ice cubes and blend again.
* **Garnish:** Rim the glass with crushed graham crackers or chocolate shavings for a more visually appealing milkshake.
### 3. Root Beer Float Bar Brownie Bites
Combine the fudgy goodness of brownies with the refreshing taste of root beer float. These brownie bites are a crowd-pleaser and perfect for parties.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box of brownie mix (plus ingredients called for on the box)
* 2 Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bars, chopped
**Instructions:**
1. Prepare the brownie mix according to the instructions on the box.
2. Gently fold in the chopped Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bars into the brownie batter.
3. Pour the batter into a greased mini muffin tin.
4. Bake according to the brownie mix instructions, checking for doneness a few minutes early as the ice cream might affect the baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs.
5. Let the brownie bites cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Serve and enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Brownie Type:** Use your favorite type of brownie mix – chocolate, fudge, or even peanut butter brownies would work well.
* **Ice Cream Swirl:** Reserve a small amount of chopped Root Beer Float Bars and swirl them on top of the brownie batter before baking for a more visible ice cream swirl.
* **Frosting:** Frost the brownie bites with chocolate or vanilla frosting for added sweetness.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped nuts to the brownie batter for added texture and flavor.
* **Caramel Drizzle:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled brownie bites for a decadent treat.
### 4. Root Beer Float Bar French Toast
Yes, you read that right! This unexpected combination is surprisingly delicious. The Root Beer Float Bar adds a unique sweetness and flavor to classic French toast.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 slices of bread (challah, brioche, or Texas toast work best)
* 2 eggs
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bar, melted
* Butter or oil for cooking
* Powdered sugar (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
2. Melt the Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bar in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat. Let it cool slightly.
3. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated.
4. Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Cook the French toast for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
6. Drizzle the melted Root Beer Float Bar over the cooked French toast.
7. Sprinkle with powdered sugar (optional).
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Bread Choice:** Choose a thick, sturdy bread that can absorb the egg mixture without becoming soggy.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the egg mixture for a warmer flavor.
* **Fruit Topping:** Top the French toast with fresh fruit like berries or bananas.
* **Maple Syrup:** While the Root Beer Float Bar provides sweetness, you can also drizzle with maple syrup if desired.
* **Whipped Cream:** Add a dollop of whipped cream for a more decadent breakfast or brunch.
### 5. Root Beer Float Bar Ice Cream Sandwiches
Upgrade your classic ice cream sandwich with Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bars. This is a simple and satisfying dessert that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
**Ingredients:**
* Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bars
* Your favorite cookies (chocolate chip, oatmeal, or sugar cookies work well)
**Instructions:**
1. Let the Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bars soften slightly at room temperature for a few minutes.
2. Take two cookies of the same size and shape.
3. Carefully remove a Root Beer Float Bar from its wrapper.
4. Place the Root Beer Float Bar between the two cookies.
5. Gently press the cookies together to create a sandwich.
6. Wrap the ice cream sandwich in plastic wrap and freeze for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
7. Serve and enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Cookie Dough:** Bake your own cookies for a truly homemade ice cream sandwich.
* **Dipping:** Dip the ice cream sandwiches in melted chocolate and sprinkles for a more festive look.
* **Cookie Butter:** Spread cookie butter on the cookies before adding the Root Beer Float Bar for a unique flavor combination.
* **Rolled Edges:** Roll the edges of the ice cream sandwich in chopped nuts, sprinkles, or shredded coconut.
* **Soft Cookies:** Use soft-baked cookies for easier biting.
### 6. Root Beer Float Bar Parfaits
Create a layered dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. These parfaits are perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself.
**Ingredients:**
* Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bars, chopped
* Graham crackers, crushed
* Whipped cream
* Chocolate sauce
* Maraschino cherries (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. In a glass or parfait dish, layer the crushed graham crackers, chopped Root Beer Float Bars, and whipped cream.
2. Repeat the layers until the glass is full.
3. Drizzle with chocolate sauce.
4. Top with a maraschino cherry (optional).
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Fruit Layer:** Add a layer of fresh fruit like berries or bananas for added flavor and texture.
* **Yogurt:** Substitute whipped cream with yogurt for a lighter option.
* **Granola:** Use granola instead of graham crackers for a crunchier parfait.
* **Different Sauces:** Experiment with different sauces like caramel, butterscotch, or white chocolate sauce.
* **Presentation:** Use clear glasses to showcase the beautiful layers of the parfait.
### 7. Root Beer Float Bar Popsicles (Remix)
Take the flavors of the Root Beer Float Bar and turn them into homemade popsicles. This is a fun and refreshing way to enjoy the treat, especially on a hot day.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bars, slightly softened
* 1/4 cup milk (or non-dairy milk alternative)
**Instructions:**
1. In a bowl, mash the softened Root Beer Float Bars with a fork until mostly smooth.
2. Stir in the milk until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds.
4. Insert popsicle sticks.
5. Freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until solid.
6. To remove the popsicles, run the molds under warm water for a few seconds.
7. Serve and enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Layered Popsicles:** Create layered popsicles by freezing the root beer mixture in one layer and then adding a layer of vanilla ice cream.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add mini chocolate chips to the mixture for added texture and flavor.
* **Fruit Puree:** Add fruit puree (like strawberry or raspberry) to the mixture for a fruity twist.
* **Yogurt Popsicles:** Substitute some of the milk with yogurt for a tangier popsicle.
* **Popsicle Molds:** Use different shapes and sizes of popsicle molds for a fun presentation.
### 8. Root Beer Float Bar Affogato
An affogato is a classic Italian dessert that combines hot espresso with cold ice cream. Using a Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bar adds a unique and unexpected twist.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bar
* 1-2 shots of hot espresso
**Instructions:**
1. Place a Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bar in a small bowl or cup.
2. Pour the hot espresso over the Root Beer Float Bar.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy as the ice cream melts into the espresso.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Espresso Strength:** Adjust the amount of espresso to your preference. Stronger espresso will create a more intense flavor.
* **Ice Cream Scoop:** Use a scoop of the Root Beer Float Bar instead of the whole bar for a smaller portion.
* **Liqueur:** Add a splash of coffee liqueur or amaretto for an extra kick.
* **Chocolate Shavings:** Garnish with chocolate shavings for added flavor and visual appeal.
* **Whipped Cream:** Top with whipped cream for a more decadent treat.
### 9. Root Beer Float Bar S’mores
Take your s’mores to the next level by adding a slice of a Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bar. The combination of graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallow, and root beer ice cream is a surprisingly delicious and fun twist on a classic campfire treat.
**Ingredients:**
* Graham crackers
* Marshmallows
* Chocolate bars (milk or dark chocolate)
* Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bars, sliced into thin pieces
**Instructions:**
1. Roast a marshmallow over a campfire or in the microwave until golden brown and gooey.
2. Place a piece of chocolate and a slice of Root Beer Float Bar on a graham cracker.
3. Top with the roasted marshmallow.
4. Place another graham cracker on top to create a sandwich.
5. Gently press the graham crackers together and enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Chocolate Type:** Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate, white chocolate, or peanut butter cups.
* **Marshmallow Flavor:** Use flavored marshmallows, such as chocolate or vanilla.
* **Graham Cracker Variation:** Use chocolate graham crackers for a richer flavor.
* **Toasted Coconut:** Sprinkle toasted coconut on the marshmallow before adding it to the s’more.
* **Nutella:** Spread Nutella on the graham cracker for an extra layer of flavor.
### 10. Root Beer Float Bar Ice Cream Cake
Create a show-stopping ice cream cake using Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bars as a key ingredient. This cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any special occasion.
**Ingredients:**
* Chocolate wafers or graham crackers
* 4 Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bars, softened
* Whipped cream
* Chocolate sauce
* Sprinkles (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Line the bottom of a springform pan with chocolate wafers or graham crackers.
2. Soften the Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bars slightly at room temperature.
3. Spread the softened ice cream evenly over the wafer/cracker base.
4. Freeze for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
5. Remove the cake from the springform pan.
6. Frost with whipped cream.
7. Drizzle with chocolate sauce.
8. Sprinkle with sprinkles (optional).
9. Serve immediately or freeze for later.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Cake Layers:** Add additional layers of cake, brownies, or cookies for a more complex ice cream cake.
* **Fruit Filling:** Add a layer of fruit filling, such as berry compote or sliced bananas.
* **Different Frosting:** Use a different type of frosting, such as chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting.
* **Crushed Candy:** Sprinkle crushed candy bars or cookies on top of the cake for added texture and flavor.
* **Decorating Techniques:** Get creative with your decorating techniques, using piping bags, stencils, and edible decorations.
## Tips for Working with Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bars in Recipes
* **Softening:** Allow the bars to soften slightly before incorporating them into recipes. This will make them easier to chop, mash, or spread.
* **Freezing:** After incorporating the bars into a recipe, make sure to freeze the mixture for a sufficient amount of time to allow it to solidify.
* **Handling:** Be gentle when handling the softened bars to prevent them from melting too quickly.
* **Taste Testing:** Don’t be afraid to taste test your recipes as you go along and adjust the ingredients to your liking.
* **Storage:** Store leftover recipes in the freezer in an airtight container.
## Conclusion
Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bars are a versatile and delicious treat that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. From simple sundaes and milkshakes to more elaborate brownie bites and ice cream cakes, the possibilities are endless. So, grab a box of these frozen delights and get creative in the kitchen! These recipes are a great starting point to explore the fun and flavorful world of root beer float-inspired desserts. Enjoy the sweet taste of summer with Trader Joe’s Root Beer Float Bars!