Ever had a tub of ice cream melt a little too much and thought, "What a waste"? Well, not anymore! With this Melted Ice Cream Cake recipe, that melted pint becomes the secret weapon for an unbelievably moist, flavorful cake. It sounds wild, but it works like magic—because ice cream already contains eggs, fat, sugar, and flavor… basically everything your cake needs.
The best part? You only need 3 ingredients. It’s the ultimate lazy dessert hack, perfect for beginner bakers, busy days, or whenever you want dessert without the effort.
Why You’ll Love This Melted Ice Cream Cake
✅ Only 3 ingredients
✅ Super moist, tender crumb every time
✅ Endless flavor possibilities—just change the ice cream!
✅ Minimal prep, no fancy equipment
✅ Fun way to rescue melted ice cream
How Does Melted Ice Cream Cake Work?
It’s simple: melted ice cream acts as both the liquid and flavor base for your cake. Combine it with self-rising flour and a little sugar, and you've got a foolproof batter ready for the oven.
Vanilla ice cream makes a classic cake, but you can get creative—chocolate, coffee, strawberry, cookies and cream… every pint opens a new flavor door.
Ingredients You’ll Need
• 2 cups melted ice cream (any flavor you love)
• 1½ cups self-rising flour
• ½ cup sugar (optional, adjust based on sweetness of ice cream)
Optional Add-ins:
• ½ cup chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts
• Frosting or glaze for topping
How to Make Melted Ice Cream Cake
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or an 8-inch round cake pan.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
1. In a large bowl, combine melted ice cream, self-rising flour, and sugar (if using).
2. Stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—lumpy batter is fine!
3. Fold in any add-ins if desired.
Step 3: Bake
1. Pour the batter into your prepared pan.
2. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 4: Cool & Enjoy
1. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Top with frosting, glaze, or a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.
3. Slice and enjoy your ultra-moist, flavor-packed cake!
Tips & Flavor Ideas
💡 Chocolate ice cream + chocolate chips = double chocolate heaven
💡 Strawberry ice cream + fresh berries for a fruity twist
💡 Coffee ice cream + chopped nuts for a café-style treat
💡 Add a glaze or whipped cream for extra indulgence
💡 Dairy-free ice cream works too—just check for fat content
FAQs
What if I don’t have self-rising flour?
No worries! You can make your own by whisking together:
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
Can I use softened ice cream or does it need to be completely melted?
It should be fully melted for even mixing, but a few creamy streaks won’t hurt.
How should I store this cake?
Wrap it tightly and keep at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Final Thoughts
The next time your ice cream melts—or you just want a ridiculously easy, foolproof dessert—give this Melted Ice Cream Cake a try. It’s simple, customizable, and seriously delicious.
Have you made this? Let me know what flavor combo you tried in the comments! And if you share your creation on Instagram, tag me—I love seeing your baking adventures.