Have you ever made bread using ice cream? If not, you’re in for a delightful surprise! This 3-Ingredient Ice Cream Bread is the perfect blend of science and magic. With just your favorite ice cream, self-rising flour, and a little sugar, you can bake a soft, slightly sweet bread that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snacking.
The best part? You can use any ice cream flavor you like—vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, mint chip, or even cookies and cream! It’s a fun and creative recipe that’s great for kids and adults alike. Let’s dive in and create this customizable, no-fuss treat!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of your favorite ice cream (softened, but not melted)
- 1 ½ cups self-rising flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
Pro Tips for Perfect Ice Cream Bread
- Use full-fat ice cream: Full-fat ice cream gives the bread a better texture and richness. Avoid light or sugar-free varieties, as they may not work as well.
- Soften, don’t melt: Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften. Fully melted ice cream will make the batter too runny.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Stir just until the flour is incorporated to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Customize with mix-ins: Add chocolate chips, sprinkles, crushed cookies, or nuts to take your ice cream bread to the next level.
- Use self-rising flour: If you don’t have self-rising flour, make your own by mixing 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour with 2 ¼ tsp baking powder and ¼ tsp salt.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
Substitutions and Variations
- Ice Cream Flavors: Try unique flavors like caramel swirl, peanut butter cup, or mango sorbet for fun variations.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a non-dairy ice cream to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Toppings: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar, chocolate chips, or crushed nuts on top of the batter before baking for extra flair.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prep Ahead: Mix the batter and pour it into the pan, then refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.
- Storage: Store baked ice cream bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened ice cream, self-rising flour, and sugar (if using). Stir until just combined. The batter will be thick.
Step 3: Pour the Batter into the Pan
Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. If desired, add toppings like sprinkles, chocolate chips, or crushed nuts.
Step 4: Bake the Bread
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once the bread has cooled, slice it and serve! Enjoy it plain or with a spread of butter, cream cheese, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Leftovers and Storage
- Room Temperature: Store leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week if you prefer a chilled texture.
- Freezer: Freeze slices in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
Conclusion
This 3-Ingredient Ice Cream Bread is a dessert miracle that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! With endless flavor possibilities and minimal effort, it’s a great way to experiment with your favorite ice cream flavors. Give it a try, and let us know in the comments which flavor combinations you used and how it turned out. Happy baking! 🍦🍞✨
