Name: Ice Cream Loaf Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups vanilla ice cream, softened; 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (optional); whipped cream and extra sprinkles for topping (optional)

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If you’ve ever wanted to combine your love of ice cream with the cozy comfort of freshly baked cake, get ready to fall head over heels for Ice Cream Loaf Cake. This delightful treat takes minimal effort yet delivers maximum joy, with a moist, tender crumb and playful pops of color from rainbow sprinkles. The magic lies in how the melted ice cream not only sweetens but also tenderizes the cake, making every slice taste like a celebration. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight surprise or a festive occasion, this recipe guarantees smiles all around and proves that sometimes, the happiest desserts are also the easiest.

Ice Cream Loaf Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream, softened
- 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (optional)
- whipped cream and extra sprinkles for topping (optional)

How to Make Ice Cream Loaf Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s good and hot when your batter is ready. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the long sides. This makes it incredibly easy to lift out your Ice Cream Loaf Cake later—no sticking or breaking!

Step 2: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the fully softened vanilla ice cream, self-rising flour, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon, gently combine everything just until the batter is smooth and uniform. The key here is not to overmix; a little lumpiness is okay, and it’ll keep your cake tender.

Step 3: Add Sprinkles for Fun

Now comes the fun part—if you want extra festivity, fold in those optional rainbow sprinkles. Gently turn them through the batter so you don’t lose their joyful colors. If you’re feeling adventurous, mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts are great swaps.

Step 4: Fill and Bake

Pour your prepared batter into the lined pan, smoothing the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly. Slide it into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few tender crumbs.

Step 5: Cool and Decorate

Once baked, let the loaf cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully lift it out using the parchment paper and transfer it to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. Before serving, top with swirls of whipped cream and a shower of extra sprinkles if you want to impress (and delight) your guests!

How to Serve Ice Cream Loaf Cake

Garnishes

Turn every slice into a mini celebration by topping each piece with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a cloud of colorful sprinkles. Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar also make lovely additions if you want to keep things classic or a touch more elegant.

Side Dishes

This dessert is pure joy on its own, but if you’re looking to round out a party menu, serve Ice Cream Loaf Cake alongside fresh fruit salad, a scoop of your favorite ice cream, or even some hot coffee for a cozy contrast. The cake’s gentle sweetness plays well with tangy or bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special occasions, try slicing the cake and layering the pieces with ice cream to make a delightful “sandwich.” Mini loaf pans create adorable, portable treats, while a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce can dress things up for a dinner party. Kids will adore cutting out shapes with cookie cutters for a playful twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers (though there probably won’t be many!) will keep wonderfully when wrapped tightly or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake stays soft, moist, and ready to enjoy whenever you get a craving for something sweet.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Pop them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a treat, simply thaw at room temperature—no one will ever guess it wasn’t freshly baked.

Reheating

While Ice Cream Loaf Cake is scrumptious at room temperature, you can revive that just-baked warmth by microwaving a slice for 10-15 seconds. This is especially wonderful if you plan to top it with a scoop of cold ice cream for contrast.

FAQs

Can I use another ice cream flavor besides vanilla?

Absolutely! Use any flavor you love—chocolate, strawberry, cookies and cream, or even more adventurous choices like pistachio or caramel work beautifully. Just make sure the ice cream is fully softened before mixing.

What if I don’t have self-rising flour?

No worries! Just use all-purpose flour and add 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder plus 1/4 teaspoon salt for every 1 1/2 cups of flour. This will mimic self-rising flour and give your loaf the right lift.

Is Ice Cream Loaf Cake supposed to be dense or fluffy?

You’ll get a marvelously moist, slightly dense crumb—think banana bread rather than a light sponge. The melted ice cream keeps it rich and soft, while the flour adds a satisfying chew.

How do I know when the loaf cake is done baking?

Check by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center. If it comes out with only a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), it’s ready. The top should also be golden and just beginning to pull away from the sides of the pan.

Can I make this Ice Cream Loaf Cake gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the self-rising flour for a gluten-free self-rising blend, or use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour and add baking powder plus salt as noted earlier. The result is still tender and delicious.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know the secret to this joyful dessert, I can’t wait for you to try Ice Cream Loaf Cake in your own kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that always makes people smile, no matter the occasion. Gather your favorite flavor and a handful of sprinkles and watch the magic happen—your friends and family will be asking for the recipe in no time!

Ice Cream Loaf Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this delightful Ice Cream Loaf Cake that combines the creaminess of vanilla ice cream with the sweetness of sprinkles. It’s a simple, yet impressive dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

2 cups vanilla ice cream, softened
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (optional)
whipped cream and extra sprinkles for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare Pan: Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the softened ice cream, self-rising flour, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Gently fold in the sprinkles if using.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Top with whipped cream and extra sprinkles, if desired.