Ice Cream Loaf Cake: A Sweet Slice of Happiness
Imagine a dessert that melds the delight of cake with the creamy indulgence of ice cream—a dessert that’s as visually striking as it is delectable. The Ice Cream Loaf Cake is the ultimate treat for both kids and adults alike, quickly becoming a favorite for those warm summer days or cozy evenings at home. With each slice showcasing layers of luscious ice cream nestled between fluffy cake, you can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia for childhood celebrations.
Not only is this dessert a feast for the eyes, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. Ready to dive into a dessert that’s nothing short of a happiness generator? Let’s bake this stunning Ice Cream Loaf Cake and create sweet memories together!
Are you ready to indulge in a whimsical dessert adventure?
Think back to your fondest dessert memories. Was it the time you licked the beater after making cake batter with your family? Or perhaps those moments spent sharing ice cream cones at the fair? The Ice Cream Loaf Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of those joyful times.
One bite of this sweet, creamy masterpiece will surely transport you back to those cherished moments, all while inviting new ones around the dining table. So, let’s surrender to our cravings and embark on a delightful baking journey filled with sugary goodness and laughter!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ice Cream Loaf Cake is layered with reasons to love it:
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Easy Prep: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip this beauty up in no time.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a kids’ birthday party or a summer barbecue, everyone will adore the combination of cake and ice cream.
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Nostalgic: This cake invokes fond memories of childhood desserts, making it extra special for family gatherings.
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Versatile Flavors: The possibilities are endless; customize it with your favorite flavors and toppings!
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Minimal Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients on hand, making it a go-to recipe whenever a craving strikes.
Ingredients
To create this indulgent Ice Cream Loaf Cake, you’ll need the following:
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup sour cream, at room temperature
- 2/3 cup whole milk, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup sprinkles (because a little fun never hurt!)
- 2 pints ice cream (your choice of flavors)
- 1 (4 ounce) quality semi-sweet chocolate bar, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for the ganache)
- Optional sprinkles for garnish
Each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting this indulgent dessert. The cake flour creates a light, airy texture, while the combination of ice cream flavors will have you swooning with every creamy bite!
Timing: Fast and Indulgent vs. Slow and Luxurious
This Ice Cream Loaf Cake offers a delightful blend of quick preparation and long-lasting indulgence. The active time in the kitchen is relatively short—around 30 minutes! However, you’ll need to exercise a little patience as it requires a freeze time of at least 8 hours to achieve that perfect, creamy layer of ice cream.
So, while you can whip up the components quickly, the wait will be well worth it as the flavors meld together and solidify into a show-stopping dessert.
Step-by-Step
Unleash your inner baker with these easy steps:
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Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal later.
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Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
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Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, egg, granulated sugar, sour cream, whole milk, and pure vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
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Combine: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk gently until just combined. Fold in those fun, colorful sprinkles for an extra burst of joy!
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Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour. Halfway through, cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
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Cool: Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
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Layering: Slice the cooled cake into three even layers using a serrated knife. These will become the layers of our dessert.
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Soften and Assemble: Take out your ice cream and let it soften for about 15 minutes. Line the loaf pan with parchment paper, then layer the bottom cake slice with one pint of your chosen ice cream. Add the middle cake layer and spread the second pint of ice cream on top. Finish with the top layer cake. Cover and freeze for at least 8 hours.
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Make Ganache: To create the luscious chocolate ganache, place the chopped chocolate into a bowl. Heat the heavy cream until it simmers, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes before stirring until perfectly combined.
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Decorate: After removing the cake from the freezer, lift it out of the pan and pour the ganache over it, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle some extra sprinkles to make your cake pop visually.
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Slice: Allow the cake to sit for 3-5 minutes to soften slightly before slicing. Enjoy every decadent bite, savoring that unstoppable combination of cake and ice cream!
Nutritional Information
Each slice of this Ice Cream Loaf Cake is a decadent indulgence, approximately containing around 350 calories. While it’s certainly a treat to behold, remember: it’s perfectly okay to indulge every now and then. This cake not only delivers on taste but also satisfies those nostalgic cravings, making it well worth the occasional indulgence.
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to make this Ice Cream Loaf Cake a bit more diet-friendly or cater to specific dietary needs, here are some ideas:
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Low-Sugar: Use a sugar substitute in place of granulated sugar to reduce the sweetness without sacrificing flavor.
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Dairy-Free Swaps: Choose dairy-free butter, almond milk, and coconut yogurt to create a vegan version that’s equally scrumptious.
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Whole Wheat Flour: Swap out some or all of the cake flour for whole wheat flour for a more wholesome option.
These healthier alternatives allow you to enjoy the treat without derailing your dietary goals.
Serving Suggestions
This Ice Cream Loaf Cake is perfect as a show-stopping dessert at any occasion!
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Summer BBQs: Serve it at your next outdoor party, and watch guests flock to experience a slice of nostalgia.
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Holiday Treats: Spice it up with seasonal ice cream flavors for the holidays—think peppermint or pumpkin spice!
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Coffee Breaks: Pair a slice with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
This dessert has a unique versatility that makes it a fantastic centerpiece for various occasions!
Common Mistakes
Here are a few pitfalls to avoid for a flawless Ice Cream Loaf Cake:
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Overbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time to ensure the cake remains moist. Test with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, it’s perfect.
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Texture Issues: Don’t overmix the batter! A gentle fold will keep the cake tender and light.
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Messy Layers: When removing the loaf from the pan, handle it gently to prevent tearing the layers apart.
With these tips in mind, you’re set up for success in crafting the ultimate Ice Cream Loaf Cake!
Storing Tips
Leftover cake? No problem! Here’s how to store it properly:
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Freezing Portions: Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and pop them in the freezer.
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Reheating: If you want to indulge in a slice that feels freshly baked, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before enjoying. For a warm treat, you can microwave for about 10 seconds.
With proper storage, you can enjoy this delightful dessert long after the initial bake!
Tempt to Bake It ASAP
The Ice Cream Loaf Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a trip down memory lane, a festive centerpiece, and an indulgent end to any meal. With a symphony of textures and flavors that dance together in harmony, this cake will surely become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your mixers, gather your ingredients, and create sweetness in your kitchen today!
FAQs
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Can I use other flavors of ice cream?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to experiment with any flavors your heart desires. -
How long does the cake last in the freezer?
The Ice Cream Loaf Cake can be stored in the freezer for up to two weeks. -
Can I add other toppings?
Yes! Feel free to mix in nuts, fruits, or even chocolate chips for an extra twist. -
What should I do if the cake is too hard to slice?
Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before cutting. -
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the dairy products with dairy-free alternatives for a delicious vegan version.
Now that you have all the secrets to crafting the perfect Ice Cream Loaf Cake, it’s time to satisfy that sweet craving! Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful dessert.
Print
Ice Cream Loaf Cake
- Total Time: 510 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert that combines the fluffy texture of cake with the creamy indulgence of ice cream, perfect for warm summer days.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup sour cream, at room temperature
- 2/3 cup whole milk, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup sprinkles
- 2 pints ice cream (your choice of flavors)
- 1 (4 ounce) quality semi-sweet chocolate bar, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for the ganache)
- Optional sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with nonstick spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, egg, granulated sugar, sour cream, whole milk, and pure vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk gently. Fold in the sprinkles.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, covering with foil halfway through.
- Cool the cake completely in the pan.
- Slice the cooled cake into three even layers.
- Let the ice cream soften for 15 minutes, then layer in the loaf pan with the cake slices and ice cream.
- Cover and freeze for at least 8 hours.
- For the ganache, heat the heavy cream and pour it over the chopped chocolate, letting it sit before stirring.
- Once removed from the freezer, pour ganache over the cake, sprinkle with extra sprinkles, and slice to serve.
Notes
For a lighter version, consider using whole wheat flour or sugar substitutes. Don’t hesitate to customize flavors!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
