What Is Klondike Made Of? An In-Depth Look at the Classic Bar

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

Did you know that the original Klondike bar doesn't contain traditional ice cream? Instead, what is Klondike made of is a vanilla-flavored frozen dairy dessert enrobed in a thick, signature chocolatey coating. This iconic square has a specific ingredient profile that delivers its memorable texture and flavor.

Quick Summary

The classic Klondike bar consists of a vanilla-flavored frozen dairy dessert surrounded by a crisp chocolatey shell, with key ingredients including nonfat milk, sugar, and coconut oil.

Key Points

Frozen Dairy Dessert Core: The soft center is not legally ice cream in the US, but a vanilla-flavored frozen dairy dessert made with nonfat milk, sugar, and cream due to a lower milk fat content.
Signature Chocolatey Shell: The crisp, crackable coating is primarily composed of coconut oil, sugar, and chocolate liquor, not solid chocolate.
Coconut Oil for the 'Crack': Coconut oil is a key ingredient in the coating, responsible for its low melting point and satisfying snappy texture.
Stabilizers and Additives: The formulation includes various additives like guar gum and mono and diglycerides to maintain texture and shelf life.
Allergen Alert: The Original Klondike bar contains both milk and soy, as noted on the ingredient list.
Variations Exist: Different Klondike flavors, like the Reese's bar, include additional ingredients and different formulations.
Kosher Certified: The original Klondike bar is certified kosher, with the symbol displayed on its packaging.

The Anatomy of the Classic Klondike Bar

The Klondike Bar is a simple yet satisfying frozen treat, famously consisting of two main components: a creamy vanilla-flavored core and a signature crackable chocolatey coating. A quick glance at the ingredients list reveals that what gives it its unique properties is not as simple as milk and chocolate. In fact, many people are surprised to learn that the original bar doesn't contain traditional ice cream. Due to its lower milk fat content, it is officially classified in the U.S. as a 'frozen dairy dessert'. This distinction, though a technicality, helps explain the specific texture and mouthfeel that sets it apart from other ice cream bars.

The Creamy Frozen Core

The velvety center of a Klondike bar gets its rich consistency and sweet flavor from a carefully formulated blend of ingredients. This list, as seen on most packaging, includes: Nonfat Milk, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Cream, Whey, Stabilizers, and Natural and Artificial Flavors. The combination of cream and whey provides the milky, dessert-like flavor profile that people know and love.

The Signature Chocolatey Shell

The satisfying “crack” you hear when you bite into a Klondike Bar is the result of a precise formula for the chocolatey coating. The shell includes fats with a low melting point, such as coconut oil, giving it a quick-setting, snappy texture. Key ingredients of the shell include sugar, coconut oil, chocolate liquor, soybean oil, cocoa, and soy lecithin. Soy lecithin acts as an emulsifier. This formula is what creates the perfect ratio of chocolatey flavor and texture that defines the Klondike experience.

A Closer Look at Stabilizers and Emulsifiers

Processors use various additives in frozen desserts for a reason. Stabilizers like guar gum and locust bean gum help to maintain a consistent texture throughout the product's lifespan. Emulsifiers such as mono and diglycerides ensure that the fat and water components of the mixture remain blended. These ingredients are standard components in many commercially produced desserts and are deemed safe for consumption by regulatory bodies.

Klondike Variations: Beyond the Original

While the original bar is a classic, the Klondike brand offers a variety of flavors, each with its own unique ingredient profile. For example, a Reese's Klondike bar has a peanut butter swirl and includes peanuts, dextrose, and other ingredients not found in the original. These variations showcase the brand's ability to innovate while keeping the core concept of a frozen dessert in a chocolatey shell. For a comparison of the ingredients in the Original and Reese's Klondike bars, you can refer to sources like {Link: icecreamsource https://icecreamsource.com/products/klondike-original-bar-4-5-oz-6-count}.

Health and Nutritional Considerations

Nutritional information for a single original Klondike bar can be found on product packaging or reliable food databases. The company has also expanded its line to include 'No Sugar Added' bars for those looking for an option with reduced sugar content. This offers consumers a choice, but it's always important to check the ingredients and nutritional information for any specific bar you choose. For those who love the concept but want to control the ingredients, making a homemade version is also an option. Recipes can be found online, and often involve simple ingredients like cream, sugar, and milk for the filling, and chocolate mixed with coconut oil for the coating. Stella Parks' version is a notable example. You can explore this method at {Link: Serious Eats https://www.seriouseats.com/homemade-klondike-ice-cream-bars-recipe}.

Conclusion

The question of what is Klondike made of reveals a formula more complex than simple ice cream and chocolate. The classic Klondike Bar is a precisely engineered treat, from its smooth, non-icy frozen dairy dessert core to its famously snappy chocolatey shell. The use of stabilizers, emulsifiers, and specific fats like coconut oil allows for a consistent, delightful eating experience that has made it a beloved dessert for years. While the ingredient list may be longer than a traditional homemade recipe, each component plays a role in creating the signature flavor and texture that loyal fans have come to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, most Klondike bars, including the original, are technically frozen dairy desserts in the US because they do not meet the minimum 10% milk fat content required to be called ice cream.

The distinctive "crack" of the chocolatey shell is created by its primary ingredients of coconut oil and chocolate liquor, with the coconut oil ensuring a low melting point for a crisp texture.

The original Klondike bar does not list any gluten-containing ingredients but is not certified gluten-free because it is made in a facility that also processes other products containing gluten, posing a risk of cross-contamination.

Based on the ingredient list, a classic Klondike bar contains milk and soy. Other flavors may have additional allergens like peanuts or wheat.

Stabilizers and emulsifiers like guar gum and mono and diglycerides are used to create the bar's specific texture, prevent iciness, and extend its shelf life.

No, the chocolatey shell is not vegan because it contains milk ingredients.

Yes, the original Klondike bar is certified kosher, and the packaging displays the symbol to confirm this.

Different Klondike flavors include additional ingredients relevant to their taste profile. For example, the Reese's Klondike bar includes peanuts and peanut butter, while the Cookies & Creme bar contains enriched wheat flour.