This minimalist melted ice cream cake is your new go-to for effortless dessert. You can create a surprisingly elegant and delicious cake with just a handful of ingredients, perfect for any occasion. This recipe showcases a fantastic cake recipe with few ingredients, making baking simple and fun.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Melted Ice Cream: Use your favorite flavor. Vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry work wonderfully.
- Self-Rising Flour: Provides the lift. If you don’t have self-rising, combine all-purpose flour with baking powder and a pinch of salt (see recipe notes for amounts).
- Confectioners’ Sugar: For a simple dusting.
Ingredients
Main:
- 2 cups (approximately 1 pint) melted ice cream (any flavor)
- 1 ½ cups self-rising flour
Optional Topping:
- 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories per serving: 250 (approximate)
- Tools Needed: 8×8 inch baking pan, large mixing bowl, whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with a little butter or non-stick spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, pour in your melted ice cream. Gradually add the self-rising flour to the melted ice cream, whisking until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cake tough.
3. Pour into Pan and Bake
Pour the cake batter evenly into your prepared 8×8 inch baking pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Your cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. This allows it to set properly. You can dust with confectioners’ sugar before slicing and serving.
Variation Ideas
- Add chocolate chips or sprinkles to the batter before baking.
- Swirl in a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Top with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream before serving.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. You can enjoy slices cold or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of self-rising?
Yes, you can! For every 1 cup of all-purpose flour, add 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
What kind of ice cream works best?
Any standard ice cream flavor will work beautifully. Avoid ice creams with large chunks of candy or cookies, as they might affect the texture.
My cake didn’t rise much, what happened?
Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Also, ensure your self-rising flour is fresh, as baking powder loses its potency over time.
Can I make this cake in a different size pan?
Yes, you can. A 9-inch round pan will also work, but your baking time might be slightly shorter. Keep an eye on it!
Does the cake taste like ice cream?
The ice cream provides a subtle flavor and a lot of moisture, making the cake incredibly soft and tender. The distinct ice cream flavor mellows during baking.
Can I add frosting to this cake?
Absolutely! A simple buttercream or glaze would be delicious. Just let the cake cool completely first.