If you’re looking for a fun and unbelievably easy treat to make, you’re going to adore this Ice Cream Bread with Sprinkles Recipe. I absolutely love how this bread is super quick to whip up with just a couple of ingredients, and it delivers that sweet, soft, and colorful punch that both kids and adults go crazy for. Keep reading, because I’m going to share all my secrets to getting this nostalgic, sprinkles-studded bread just right every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Ingredients: You only need vanilla ice cream, self-rising flour, and sprinkles—no complicated pantry diving here.
- Quick and Easy: From thawing ice cream to a finished loaf takes just about 40 minutes—I truly love this for last-minute desserts.
- Fun and Festive: The colorful sprinkles add a cheerful twist that makes it perfect for birthdays or just brightening a regular afternoon.
- No Yeast or Rising Needed: Thanks to the self-rising flour, the bread gets just right without any fussing or extra steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I’ve found that keeping the ingredient list short helps with convenience but doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. Using quality vanilla ice cream is key here, and of course, the sprinkles bring that festive sparkle we all love.
- Vanilla ice cream: Make sure it’s full-fat and thawed to a pourable consistency; this is what makes the bread tender and moist—Haagen-Dazs is my go-to.
- Self-rising flour: It has the perfect balance of flour, baking powder, and salt already in it; fresh flour here makes a big difference.
- Rainbow colored jimmie sprinkles: Adds delightful pops of color and a bit of whimsy to the bread’s topping—and a sweet crunch.
Variations
I like to switch things up sometimes, so don’t hesitate to get creative with this Ice Cream Bread with Sprinkles Recipe. It’s surprisingly versatile and can easily reflect your mood or pantry stash.
- Chocolate lover’s twist: Swap vanilla ice cream for chocolate, and toss in mini chocolate chips for an ultra-rich, fudgy bread—my kids beg me to make this often!
- Gluten-free version: Try a gluten-free self-rising flour blend; it’s a bit trickier but works great if you make sure your ice cream is gluten-free too.
- Seasonal sprinkles: Use holiday-themed sprinkles like red and green for Christmas or orange and black for Halloween—such a fun way to celebrate!
How to Make Ice Cream Bread with Sprinkles Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray an 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pan with baking spray, then line it with parchment paper with an overhang on the sides. This overhang is a lifesaver when it comes time to lifting the bread out smoothly—trust me, no crumbling mess!
Step 2: Mix the Ice Cream and Flour
In a large mixing bowl, add the thawed vanilla ice cream and self-rising flour. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir until just combined and there are no big lumps. Resist the urge to overmix here; overdoing it will make your bread dense instead of light and tender.
Step 3: Pour, Sprinkle, and Bake
Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly. Now for the fun part: sprinkle your rainbow-colored jimmie sprinkles generously over the surface. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 4: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 8-10 minutes before carefully lifting it out with the parchment paper. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This cooling step is crucial to avoid squishing the soft crumb when slicing—I learned this the hard way!
Pro Tips for Making Ice Cream Bread with Sprinkles Recipe
- Use Full-Fat Ice Cream: I discovered that low-fat or dairy alternative ice creams don’t have enough fat to create the perfect texture, so stick with a rich vanilla ice cream like Haagen-Dazs.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently folding the ingredients keeps the bread fluffy; over-stirring will make it tough, and no one wants that.
- Check Your Flour’s Freshness: Self-rising flour includes leavening agents that lose potency over time, so make sure your flour isn’t expired for a good rise.
- Use Parchment Paper Overhang: This little trick helps you remove the bread from the pan effortlessly without damaging slices—such a game-changer.
How to Serve Ice Cream Bread with Sprinkles Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping slices with a light smear of butter or cream cheese for extra richness. Adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar also turns it into an elegant afternoon snack. If you want to double down on sprinkles, go ahead—I’ve never met a handful too many!
Side Dishes
For a fun brunch, pair this bread with fresh fruit or a berry compote. It also pairs amazingly well with a hot cup of coffee or tea—perfect for weekend mornings when you want something sweet but not fussy.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthday parties, I’ve served this bread as mini slices on a colorful platter surrounded by sprinkles and matching candies—it instantly steals the show. You can also cut it into cubes and serve it as part of a dessert board alongside ice cream scoops and fruit for a fun interactive treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, I keep leftover ice cream bread stored in an airtight container in the fridge—it stays moist and fresh for 3-4 days. I usually wrap it tightly, so it doesn’t absorb other fridge odors and doesn’t dry out.
Freezing
I often freeze leftovers by wrapping the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil to lock in freshness. When I want to enjoy it, I thaw it overnight in the fridge—it holds up beautifully for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, I reheat individual slices for 20-30 seconds in the microwave or toast them lightly in a toaster oven. This really brings out the sprinkles’ charm and makes the bread feel indulgent again.
FAQs
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Can I use any flavor of ice cream in this Ice Cream Bread with Sprinkles Recipe?
Absolutely! While I developed this recipe with vanilla ice cream, you can experiment with chocolate, strawberry, or other favorite flavors. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the ice cream will heavily influence the outcome, and the sprinkles add a nice contrast to most flavors.
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What if I don’t have self-rising flour?
If you can’t find self-rising flour, you can make your own by mixing 1½ cups of all-purpose flour with 1½ teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt. Just be sure your leavening agents are fresh for the best rise.
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Why shouldn’t I overmix the batter?
Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make the bread dense and tough instead of light and fluffy. Stir just enough to combine the ingredients and you’ll get the perfect soft crumb.
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Can I add extra mix-ins besides sprinkles?
Definitely! Small chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit can be stirred into the batter for more texture and flavor. Just avoid overloading the batter so it bakes evenly.
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How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Look for a light golden crust around the edges and insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Also, the loaf will spring back slightly when you press on the top.
Final Thoughts
I used to think making quick breads was a long, complicated process until I stumbled on this Ice Cream Bread with Sprinkles Recipe. It’s honestly become one of my go-to recipes for fast, joyful baking—especially when I want something a little nostalgic without the fuss. You’ll find this bread is as fun to make as it is to eat, and I can’t wait for you to try it out, share it with friends, and make it your own kitchen classic.
Print
Ice Cream Bread with Sprinkles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ice Cream Bread recipe is an easy, no-yeast quick bread made with just two main ingredients — vanilla ice cream and self-rising flour — plus colorful sprinkles for a fun touch. It bakes into a moist, slightly sweet bread that’s perfect for a simple dessert or snack. Using thawed premium vanilla ice cream, like Haagen-Dazs, ensures rich flavor without the need for additional eggs, sugar, or butter. The bread has a soft crumb and a light golden crust, making it a delightful treat to enjoy plain or toasted.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 14 ounce container (approximately 1 ⅔ cups) vanilla flavored ice cream, thawed to a pourable consistency (Haagen-Dazs brand recommended)
- 1½ cups self-rising flour
- 3 tablespoons rainbow colored jimmie sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray an 8 ½ x 4 ½ inch loaf pan with baker’s spray and line it with parchment paper, ensuring enough overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bread after baking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed vanilla ice cream and self-rising flour. The ice cream should be softened to a pourable consistency for easy mixing.
- Combine Gently: Use a large rubber spatula or wooden spoon to gently stir the mixture just until combined and no large lumps remain. Be careful not to overmix to avoid a dense bread texture.
- Transfer to Pan and Add Sprinkles: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the top with the rainbow colored jimmie sprinkles to add color and texture.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Before Slicing: Let the bread cool in the pan for 8 to 10 minutes, then use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out. Remove the parchment and transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: Warm individual slices for 20–30 seconds in the microwave or lightly toast in a toaster oven.
- Ingredient Tips: Use full-fat, premium vanilla ice cream like Haagen-Dazs for best results; low-fat or dairy-free versions may not work well.
- Flour: Ensure self-rising flour is fresh and contains baking soda and salt, essential for the bread’s rise.
- Mixing: Avoid overmixing to prevent dense bread; a few small lumps are okay.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8 of the loaf)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
