How to Make Ice Cream Bread: A Fun Twist on Dessert

Ice cream bread, have you heard of it? This delightful treat is exactly what it sounds like – bread made with ice cream! It’s surprisingly easy to whip up and results in a soft, sweet loaf with a hint of your favorite ice cream flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a fun and delicious way to impress your family and friends.

I remember the first time I tried ice cream bread; I was at a friend’s house, and she pulled this warm, fragrant loaf out of the oven. I was skeptical at first, but one bite later, I was hooked! It was like a cross between a cookie and cake, with a subtle ice cream flavor that was simply irresistible.

Gathering Your Ingredients

You’ll be amazed at how few ingredients you need to create this magical bread:

• 2 cups self-rising flour (If you don’t have self-rising, you can use 2 cups all-purpose flour and add 3 teaspoons baking powder and 1 teaspoon salt.)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 pint (2 cups) of your favorite ice cream, softened

Optional add-ins:

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools of the Trade

Here’s what you’ll need to bring your ice cream bread to life:

• 1 large bowl
• 1 loaf pan (9×5 inches)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Parchment paper (optional, but helps with easy removal)
• Wire rack for cooling

Ice Cream Bread Ingredients

Let’s Get Baking!

Now, for the fun part – let’s bake some ice cream bread:

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2. Prepare your loaf pan: Grease it with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In your large bowl, whisk together the flour and sugar.
4. Add wet ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the milk and add the softened ice cream.
5. Mix it up: Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay.
6. Add your extras: Now’s the time to stir in any additional goodies like chocolate chips, nuts, or vanilla extract.
7. Pour and bake: Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
8. Into the oven: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cooling time: Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Expert Tip from Chef Emily Carter: “For an extra decadent treat, try drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled loaf or dusting it with powdered sugar. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side never hurts either!”

Baking Ice Cream Bread

Serving and Enjoying Your Ice Cream Bread

This bread is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas for serving:

• Warm it up: Pop a slice in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm and gooey treat.
• Top it off: Spread with butter, jam, or even more ice cream!
• Make it a dessert: Serve with fresh fruit and whipped cream for a simple yet satisfying dessert.

FAQs about Ice Cream Bread

Q: Can I use any type of ice cream?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your favorite flavors. Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, cookie dough – the possibilities are endless!

Q: How do I store leftover ice cream bread?
A: Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Serving Ice Cream Bread

There you have it! Baking ice cream bread is a fun and rewarding experience. It’s a delightful treat for any occasion and a fantastic way to use up leftover ice cream. So why not gather your ingredients and give it a try? You might just discover your new favorite dessert! Don’t forget to share your baking adventures with us in the comments below. And be sure to check out our other delicious recipes on Family Cuisine for more culinary inspiration. Happy baking!