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There is something wonderfully magical about the simplicity and comfort of this Ice Cream Bread Recipe, a delightful treat that transforms just a couple of pantry staples and a pint of your favorite full-fat ice cream into a moist, tender bread with a subtle sweetness and hint of your chosen flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to effortlessly impress friends with a unique loaf, this recipe brings together convenience and deliciousness in perfect harmony. Trust me, once you try this Ice Cream Bread Recipe, it will quickly become one of those nostalgic, go-to recipes you can whip up anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Ice Cream Bread Recipe is a breeze, thanks to its straightforward and minimal ingredients. Each element plays an important role: the ice cream adds moisture and richness, the self-rising flour helps the bread rise beautifully, and the baking powder ensures that perfect lightness. Together, these simple ingredients create a bread that feels special without any complexity.
- Full-fat ice cream (2 cups): Melted ice cream is the base—pick your favorite flavor for a personalized touch and the creamy moisture it provides.
- Self-rising flour (1 ½ cups): This flour contains baking powder and salt, giving the bread its rise and light crumb without extra fuss (homemade version possible below).
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Balances texture, ensuring the bread has body and structure.
- Baking powder (1 ½ tsp): Adds an extra boost to help the loaf rise perfectly fluffy.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness from becoming flat.
How to Make Ice Cream Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
First things first, get your oven warmed up to 350°F. Lining your loaf pan with parchment paper ensures your bread comes out easily without sticking, which makes for a much smoother experience when it’s time to slice and serve.
Step 2: Melt the Ice Cream
Pop your ice cream into the microwave for about 60 seconds to melt it thoroughly. This liquid gold is the foundation of your bread—its flavor and creaminess shine through, so choose a quality ice cream you love.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
In a medium bowl, gently stir together the melted ice cream with the self-rising flour until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here; a light hand will keep your bread tender and soft. Add in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, folding everything in carefully.
Step 4: Bake Your Loaf
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake. Place it in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean—a few moist crumbs are perfect for that tender texture.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set up, then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice it up and get ready to savor every bite of your homemade Ice Cream Bread Recipe.
How to Serve Ice Cream Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch, or spread a pat of butter or cream cheese to melt into the warm slices for a luxuriously creamy bite. Fresh berries or a drizzle of honey can also elevate the experience without overshadowing the bread’s subtle sweetness.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salads or a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert. You can also serve it alongside your favorite coffee or tea, making it perfect for brunch or an afternoon snack that feels special but effortless.
Creative Ways to Present
Try using the bread as a base for a decadent French toast, or cut it into cubes and toast it lightly for a unique take on bread pudding. Wrapping individual slices in wax paper and tying them with a ribbon also makes a thoughtful homemade gift to share this delightful Ice Cream Bread Recipe with loved ones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness. Refrigeration can dry it out, so room temperature storage is best for enjoying its tender texture.
Freezing
To enjoy later, slice and freeze the bread in airtight freezer bags. When you’re ready, take out slices and thaw at room temperature or toast directly from frozen, making it easy to have this tasty bread anytime you crave a quick treat.
Reheating
Rewarm slices in a toaster or in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 5 minutes until warm and slightly crisp on the edges. This refreshes the bread’s delicate crumb and brings back that wonderful freshly-baked aroma.
FAQs
Can I use any flavor of ice cream for this recipe?
Absolutely! The Ice Cream Bread Recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can choose any full-fat ice cream flavor to suit your mood — from classic vanilla to chocolate chip or even fruity sorbets for a twist.
What if I don’t have self-rising flour?
No worries! You can make your own by combining 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. This homemade mix works just as well and lets you keep your pantry fully stocked.
Is this bread sweet or savory?
This bread tends to be subtly sweet because of the ice cream and is best enjoyed as a lightly sweet treat or dessert base. You can adapt the flavor with the ice cream choice, but it’s not designed for savory profiles.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can experiment by substituting the flours with a gluten-free self-rising blend, but keep in mind the texture may vary slightly. For best results, use a reliable gluten-free flour mix that includes leavening agents.
How long does this bread keep fresh?
Freshly baked ice cream bread is best enjoyed within two days at room temperature. After that, it may begin to dry out, so freezing is your best option to preserve its moist, tender texture.
Final Thoughts
This Ice Cream Bread Recipe is one of those joyous discoveries that makes baking approachable and fun, turning simple ingredients into a crowd-pleaser that feels like a special occasion every time. Its tender crumb, subtle sweetness, and endless flavor possibilities make it a great recipe to add to your repertoire. Give it a try, and I promise this easy ice cream bread will make its way into your happy food memories in no time!
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Print
Ice Cream Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Ice Cream Bread is a simple, no-yeast bread made using melted ice cream and flour, resulting in a soft, sweet loaf with minimal ingredients and effort. It is quick to prepare and bake, perfect for a fun and easy baking project using any flavor of ice cream.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Bread Ingredients
- 2 cups full-fat ice cream (1 pint), any flavor, melted (Vanilla Bean recommended)
- 1 ½ cups self-rising flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Melt Ice Cream: Microwave the ice cream for 60 seconds until fully melted. This liquid base replaces typical wet ingredients in bread.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the melted ice cream with self-rising flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake the Bread: Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, indicating the bread is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve as desired.
Notes
- You can make self-rising flour by combining 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt if you don’t have self-rising flour.
- The texture is slightly sweet and soft; customize by choosing different ice cream flavors.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread light and tender.
- This recipe makes 12 slices, ideal for sharing or multiple servings.
- Use full-fat ice cream for best richness and texture.
