This 2 Ingredient Banana Bread is made with Chunky Monkey ice cream and self-rising flour for an easy shortcut loaf packed with banana, chocolate, and walnut flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
2 Ingredient Banana Bread Made With Ice Cream
If you’ve ever looked at a pint of ice cream and wondered what else you could do with it besides eating it straight from the container, this recipe is for you. This easy 2 Ingredient Banana Bread transforms a pint of Chunky Monkey ice cream and self-rising flour into a moist, flavorful loaf with almost no effort.
Because Chunky Monkey ice cream already contains banana flavor, chocolate chunks, walnuts, sugar, and dairy, it works surprisingly well as the foundation for a quick bread. The result is a soft loaf with plenty of banana flavor and little pockets of melted chocolate throughout.
While the chocolate ganache is completely optional, it turns this simple loaf into a dessert-worthy treat.
Why You’ll Love This 2 Ingredient Banana Bread
- Only 2 ingredients for the bread itself
- No mixer required
- Ready in about 45 minutes
- Perfect use for leftover ice cream
- Moist texture with banana, chocolate, and walnut flavor
- Easy enough for beginner bakers
What Makes This Recipe Work?
This recipe works because premium ice cream already contains many of the ingredients found in traditional quick breads, including dairy, sugar, flavorings, and stabilizers. When combined with self-rising flour, it creates a surprisingly tender loaf with very little preparation.
Chunky Monkey is especially effective because it already includes banana flavor, walnuts, and chocolate chunks, giving the finished bread the flavor profile of classic banana bread without needing additional ingredients.
Ingredient Notes
Because this recipe contains only two ingredients, the quality of those ingredients matters.
- Chunky Monkey Ice Cream: Provides banana flavor, sweetness, dairy, chocolate chunks, and walnuts.
- Self-Rising Flour: Gives the bread structure and helps it rise without additional leavening.
If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own using all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below.
Can You Use Other Ice Cream Flavors?
Absolutely. One of the fun things about this recipe is experimenting with different ice cream flavors.
Some delicious options include:
- Chunky Monkey
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
- Butter Pecan
- Cherry Garcia
- Chocolate Fudge Brownie
- Coffee Ice Cream
Keep in mind that the flavor of the finished loaf will largely depend on the ice cream you choose.
Tips For Success
- Allow the ice cream to melt completely before mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal.
- Let the bread cool completely before adding ganache.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
Storage Instructions
Store the banana bread covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If topped with ganache, refrigeration is recommended, especially in warmer climates.
Can You Freeze Banana Bread?
Yes. Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really make banana bread with ice cream?
Yes. Premium ice cream contains dairy, sugar, flavorings, and other ingredients that help create a moist quick bread when combined with self-rising flour.
What is the best ice cream flavor for ice cream bread?
Chunky Monkey is an excellent choice because it already contains banana flavor, walnuts, and chocolate chunks.
Can I skip the ganache?
Absolutely. The bread is delicious on its own and does not require the ganache topping.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes. The recipe card below includes the conversion needed to make your own self-rising flour substitute.
I hope you enjoy this fun twist on banana bread. If you make it, tag @Livingsweetmoments on Instagram so I can see your creations.
2 Ingredient Banana Bread (Made With Ice Cream)
Ingredients
For Banana Bread
- 1 pint Chunky Monkey ice cream melted
- 1 1/4 cups self-rising flour
For Chocolate Ganache
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- Place the melted ice cream in a large bowl.
- Add the self-rising flour and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 38-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
For the Ganache
- Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat the heavy cream until hot but not boiling.
- Pour the cream over the chocolate.
- Let sit for 2 minutes.
- Whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Pour over the cooled banana bread.
- Allow the ganache to set before slicing.
Notes
- To replace the 1 1/4 cups self-rising flour in this recipe, use 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 7/8 teaspoons baking powder, and a heaping 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Different premium ice cream flavors can be substituted for Chunky Monkey.
- Do not overmix the batter or the bread may become dense.
- The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- The chocolate ganache is optional but adds extra richness.
How many calories?
Hi Rebeccs, I just posted the nutrition facts below the recipe 🙂