Surprising, sweet, and incredibly simple, Ice Cream Bread is the ultimate two-ingredient baking hack that turns ordinary ingredients into a fun and fluffy treat. Using just vanilla ice cream and self-rising flour, this bread bakes up with a cake-like texture that’s perfect for slicing and serving. Toss in rainbow sprinkles for a pop of color and whimsy that’s sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
If you’re a fan of quick breads like our Banana Bread or Easy Pumpkin Loaf, Ice Cream Bread is a must-try. It’s playful, effortless, and delicious enough to serve as dessert, breakfast, or a snack!
What is Ice Cream Bread?
Ice Cream Bread is a clever two-ingredient recipe that uses melted ice cream and self-rising flour to create a soft, slightly sweet loaf. As the ice cream already contains fat, sugar, and flavor, it acts as the base of the batter, while the flour provides the structure and rise. Add-ins like rainbow sprinkles turn this simple loaf into a colorful crowd-pleaser. As the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this fun recipe makes hearts melt.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Here’s why you’ll want to make Ice Cream Bread on repeat:
- Only 2 ingredients: No need to stock up—just grab ice cream and self-rising flour.
- Fun and kid-friendly: Add sprinkles, chocolate chips, or your favorite mix-ins.
- No mixer required: Mix everything by hand in one bowl.
It’s perfect for beginner bakers, quick treats, or when you want to surprise someone with something a little unexpected.
How to Make Ice Cream Bread
Quick Overview
This recipe takes just minutes to mix together and under an hour to bake. The result is a lightly sweet bread with a soft, bouncy texture.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream, slightly melted
- 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
- Rainbow sprinkles (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F.
- Melt Ice Cream Slightly: Let the ice cream sit out for a few minutes to soften.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the melted ice cream and self-rising flour until just combined. The batter may be slightly lumpy.
- Prepare the Pan: Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray.
- Add Batter: Pour the batter into the pan and sprinkle rainbow sprinkles on top (if using).
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
What to Serve with Ice Cream Bread
Serve slices plain, or dress them up with whipped cream, butter, jam, or even more ice cream! It pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a scoop of your favorite frozen flavor. For brunch or a party, cut into cubes and serve on a platter with fruit.
Top Tips for Perfect Ice Cream Bread
- Use full-fat ice cream: Low-fat or dairy-free varieties may affect texture.
- Don’t overmix: Stir until just combined to keep the bread soft and fluffy.
- Customize it: Try chocolate chips, fruit, nuts, or swirls of jam.
- Let it cool fully: This helps set the texture before slicing.
- Double the recipe: Make two loaves with different flavors for variety.
Storing and Freezing Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before slicing.
FAQs
Can I use other flavors of ice cream? Absolutely! Try chocolate, strawberry, or any favorite flavor—just avoid chunky mix-ins.
What if I don’t have self-rising flour? Use 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour + 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder + 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Why does it need to be full-fat ice cream? Full-fat ice cream has the right balance of fat and sugar for proper structure and flavor.
Can I make it gluten-free? Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free self-rising flour blend.
Is it a cake or a bread? It’s a sweet quick bread with a soft, cake-like texture!
Conclusion
Ice Cream Bread is the deliciously easy recipe you didn’t know you needed. With just two ingredients, it’s a fun, colorful, and tasty way to transform ice cream into a sliceable treat. Try it once and you’ll be experimenting with new flavors in no time. Whether you’re baking with kids or just want something quick and sweet, this recipe is pure joy!
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream, slightly melted
- 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
- Rainbow sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9x5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray.
- Let the ice cream sit out for a few minutes until slightly melted.
- In a large bowl, combine melted ice cream and self-rising flour until just mixed. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle rainbow sprinkles on top if using.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Use full-fat ice cream for best results. Customize with chocolate chips, fruit, or flavor variations like strawberry or chocolate. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.