If you are looking for a whimsical, easy-to-make treat that feels like a celebration in every bite, this Ice Cream Bread Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Combining the creamy richness of frozen custard with the fun burst of colorful sprinkles, this bread is as playful as it is delicious. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a soft, tender loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack that brings smiles all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ice Cream Bread Recipe is delightfully simple, relying on just a few key ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the smooth custard base to the light, airy texture provided by self-rising flour, and a fun pop of color from the sprinkles, each component comes together to create something truly special.
- Frozen Custard (2 cups plus 1 tablespoon): Softened to creamy perfection, this forms the moist, rich base that keeps the bread tender.
- Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup): Adds a gentle sweetness and helps with tenderizing the crumb.
- Self-Rising Flour (1 1/2 cups): Makes this bread rise beautifully without extra leavening agents.
- Colorful Sprinkles (1/2 cup): Provides a festive look and subtle bursts of fun flavor throughout the loaf.
- Spray Butter: Essential for greasing the pan to ensure your bread lifts out easily and doesn’t stick.
How to Make Ice Cream Bread Recipe
Step 1: Soften and Cream the Frozen Custard
Begin by placing the frozen custard in a large bowl and stirring it until it reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency. The key here is to get it smooth without melting it completely; this creamy texture sets the stage for a moist bread.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients and Sprinkles
Next, add the powdered sugar, self-rising flour, and colorful sprinkles directly to the custard. Stir everything well until you have a uniform batter dotted with those joyful sprinkles—the batter should be thick but stirrable, not runny.
Step 3: Prepare the Loaf Pan Liner
Lightly spray your loaf pan with spray butter, then line it with two pieces of parchment paper—one cut to fit lengthwise and the other to fit widthwise, both hanging over the sides. This clever lining makes it a breeze to lift the bread out after baking without damaging its delicate crumb.
Step 4: Pour Batter and Add a Sprinkle Topping
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. For a delightful finishing touch, scatter a handful of extra sprinkles on top. This adds a colorful, festive crunch once baked.
Step 5: Baking the Bread
Slide the pan into a preheated 350-degree oven, baking for between 45 minutes and one hour. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover the loaf loosely with foil to prevent burning while the interior finishes baking evenly.
Step 6: Cooling and Removing the Bread
When baked to a gorgeous golden hue, take the loaf out and place it on a wire rack. Let it cool in the pan for 30 minutes before using the parchment paper to gently lift it out onto the rack. Keeping the bread on the paper while it finishes cooling prevents sticking and preserves its soft texture.
Step 7: Chill and Slice
For the best slicing experience, wrap the bread tightly in parchment and foil before placing it in the refrigerator overnight. Chilling firms up the loaf so each slice stays intact, revealing the vibrant sprinkles inside. Cut into one-inch slices, and you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Ice Cream Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread is lovely on its own, but you can brighten it up even more with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce elevate the presentation and add complementary flavors.
Side Dishes
Ice Cream Bread pairs beautifully with coffee or a glass of cold milk. It also makes a delightful companion to a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist that’s sure to impress.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving slices of this bread topped with a smear of softened cream cheese or sweetened ricotta. For a party, cut the loaf into mini squares and serve as bite-sized treats—fun, festive, and perfect for sharing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and wrapped, keep your ice cream bread in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Be sure it’s well wrapped to prevent it from absorbing any other fridge odors and to keep it moist.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this delightful bread later, it freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in layers of parchment and foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing.
Reheating
To revive the freshness, warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds. It will bring back that soft, tender crumb as if it were freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use regular ice cream instead of frozen custard for this recipe?
You can, but frozen custard has a creamier texture and higher fat content which contributes to the bread’s moistness. Using regular ice cream might result in a slightly different texture, but it will still work.
Do I need to use self-rising flour, or can I substitute all-purpose flour?
Self-rising flour contains leavening agents that help the bread rise without extra baking powder or soda. If you don’t have self-rising flour, mix 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt as a substitute.
What kind of sprinkles work best in this bread?
Standard rainbow nonpareils or jimmies work wonderfully because they hold their shape during baking. Avoid chocolate sprinkles or very large decorations as they may melt unevenly or affect texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
This recipe relies on custard and butter spray, so it’s not naturally vegan or dairy-free. However, using dairy-free custard alternatives and a suitable non-dairy spray might work, but results can vary.
How long does the bread keep fresh at room temperature?
Due to the moist custard base, it’s best to store this bread refrigerated after baking and cooling. At room temperature, it may only stay fresh for a day without drying out or spoiling.
Final Thoughts
This Ice Cream Bread Recipe is such a charming, unexpected way to enjoy the flavors of ice cream in a portable, sliceable form that’s perfect for all occasions. Whether you’re making a quick snack or a conversation-starting dessert, this bread’s combination of creamy texture and joyful sprinkle bursts is pure magic. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it out—you just might find yourself baking it again and again!
