What is Ice Cream Bread?
Imagine pulling a warm, golden loaf from the oven… but instead of the usual butter, eggs, and sugar, you made it with just ice cream and flour.
That’s the magic of the ice cream bread recipe. A quirky, two-ingredient wonder that turns your favorite frozen treat into a soft, sweet loaf in under an hour. It’s part science, part kitchen fun, and entirely delicious.
Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this recipe proves you don’t need a mile-long ingredient list to create something memorable.
Learn more about fruit roll up ice cream hack to see how desserts can surprise you just like this one.
Why This 2-Ingredient Dessert is Going Viral
This isn’t just another quick bread recipe. It’s a baking trend that’s taken TikTok, Instagram, and home kitchens by storm.
The idea is simple but genius: the sugar, fat, and flavor in ice cream replace most of the traditional baking ingredients, while the flour adds structure. The result? A moist, cake-like bread with endless flavor possibilities.
From birthday cake sprinkles to rich chocolate swirls, you can tailor every loaf to your cravings. Plus, with only two ingredients, cleanup is almost as fast as the baking.
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Ingredients for the Perfect Ice Cream Bread Recipe
Choosing the Best Ice Cream Flavors for Baking
- Use full-fat ice cream for a softer, fluffier loaf.
- Vanilla, birthday cake, or cookies-and-cream are safe crowd-pleasers.
- Rich flavors like chocolate fudge brownie make it more indulgent.
- Fruity flavors (strawberry, mango) give a refreshing twist.
- Pistachio or coffee ice cream create a more sophisticated bread.
- Avoid overly icy or low-fat ice creams. They can make the bread dense.
Discover great ideas like sweet corn ice cream for unique inspiration.
All About the Flour – Self-Rising vs All-Purpose
- Self-rising flour already has baking powder + salt for an easy rise.
- All-purpose flour works if you add:
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder per cup of flour
- ¼ tsp salt per cup of flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder per cup of flour
- Self-rising = lighter texture; all-purpose = slightly denser crumb.
- Always measure flour correctly, spoon and level, don’t pack it.
Step-by-Step Ice Cream Bread Recipe Instructions
Mixing the Ice Cream and Flour for Best Results
- Let 2 cups of ice cream soften at room temperature for 10–15 mins.
- In a large bowl, mix the ice cream with 1½ cups of self-rising flour (or adjusted all-purpose flour).
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold, don’t overmix.
- Batter should be thick and scoopable.
Don’t miss our rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich for another fun frozen-dessert twist.
Baking Tips for a Moist and Fluffy Loaf
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease or line an 8×4-inch loaf pan.
- Pour batter in, smooth top.
- Bake 35–40 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean.
- Tent with foil if top browns too fast.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Variations and Creative Flavor Twists
Chocolate Chip, Strawberry, and Mint Variations
One of the most exciting things about the ice cream bread recipe is how endlessly customizable it is. For a classic crowd-pleaser, stir in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips before baking. Want a fruity pop? Use strawberry ice cream and add ½ cup of diced fresh berries for bursts of flavor in every slice.
If you’re after something cool and refreshing, mint chocolate chip ice cream creates a dessert that feels both indulgent and light. You can even swirl in chocolate syrup for a richer taste and a marbled effect.
Looking for inspiration? Try mint chocolate chip ice cream as your base flavor.
Seasonal Flavors for Holidays and Special Occasions
In the fall, pumpkin spice ice cream mixed with chopped pecans makes for a cozy, aromatic loaf. Winter holidays call for peppermint ice cream topped with crushed candy canes for a festive crunch.
Spring is perfect for lemon or raspberry ice cream, while summer screams for tropical flavors like coconut pineapple. To make it extra special, top your loaf with a simple glaze, powdered sugar mixed with milk or citrus juice, to match your chosen flavor.
Tips for Perfecting Your Ice Cream Bread Every Time
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Ice Cream Bread
- Using low-fat ice cream → leads to dense, dry bread.
- Overmixing the batter → toughens the loaf and reduces rise.
- Skipping proper flour measurement → can make bread heavy.
- Baking at the wrong temperature → too low = gummy center; too high = burnt top.
- Not checking doneness → always use a toothpick test in the center.
How to Adjust the Recipe for Different Pan Sizes
- 8×4-inch loaf pan → standard recipe, 35–40 minutes bake time.
- 9×5-inch loaf pan → slightly shorter baking time, about 30–35 minutes.
- Mini loaf pans → 18–22 minutes; check early to prevent overbaking.
- Muffin tins → bake 15–18 minutes for fun, single-serve portions.
- For all pan sizes, fill only 2/3 full to prevent overflow.
Storing and Serving Ice Cream Bread
Does Ice Cream Bread Need to Be Refrigerated?
- Short-term storage (1–2 days): Keep in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Refrigeration: Not required unless your kitchen is warm or humid; can extend freshness to 4–5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap loaf tightly in plastic, then foil; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Best Ways to Slice, Serve, and Pair It
- Slice with a serrated knife for clean cuts.
- Serve warm with butter, cream cheese, or fruit jam.
- Top with whipped cream and fresh berries for dessert.
- Toast slices for a slightly crisp edge and soft center.
- Pair with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of ice cream for a double treat.
Check out keto blueberry ice cream cottage cheese for a creative frozen pairing idea.
Nutritional Information and Dietary Adjustments
Making Ice Cream Bread Healthier
- Choose light ice cream or frozen yogurt for a lower-calorie option.
- Choose low-sugar or no-added-sugar ice cream to cut carbs.
- Add mix-ins like nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for extra nutrients.
- Use half whole wheat flour and half regular flour to increase fiber..
- Reduce portion size, small slices still satisfy sweet cravings.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Alternatives
- Vegan: Use dairy-free ice cream (made with almond, coconut, or oat milk) + gluten-free self-rising flour.
- Gluten-free: Swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend with xanthan gum.
- Egg-free: No adjustment needed. Ice cream bread is naturally eggless.
- Sugar-free: Opt for stevia- or monk fruit–sweetened ice cream to lower sugar content.
Learn more about frozen peanut butter banana split cups recipe for a naturally sweet dessert idea.
Conclusion
Why You Should Try This Fun Dessert Today
The ice cream bread recipe proves that great baking doesn’t have to be complicated. With just two ingredients and endless flavor possibilities, it’s a dessert anyone can master. Whether you’re craving something sweet after dinner or need a last-minute bake for guests, this loaf delivers every time.
Love easy desserts? Follow us on Pinterest for more quick and creative recipes you can whip up in no time!
Ice Cream Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Soften ice cream for 10–15 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix ice cream and flour until combined.
- Pour into greased 8×4-inch loaf pan.
- Bake 35–40 mins until toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool before slicing.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Ice Cream Bread FAQs
What does ice cream bread taste like?
The taste is gently sweet, like quick bread, with the ice cream’s flavor shining through. Vanilla yields a cake-like loaf, chocolate is richer, and fruit flavors give a fresh twist.
Can you use all-purpose flour for ice cream bread?
Yes, just add 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt per cup of flour to mimic self-rising flour.
Do they still make Vienetta ice cream cake?
Yes, it’s still produced in select markets and often resurfaces for limited-time releases in the US and abroad.
Does ice cream bread have to be refrigerated?
No, it’s fine at room temperature for 1–2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
