The amount of time it takes for ice cream to melt can vary depending on several factors, including the temperature of the environment, the type and consistency of the ice cream, and the size and shape of the container it is stored in.
Generally speaking, ice cream will start to melt within a few minutes of being removed from the freezer and exposed to room temperature air. Soft serve ice cream, which has a higher air content, may start to melt even faster than regular ice cream.
In a warm room with a temperature of around 70°F (21°C), a scoop of ice cream left out on a plate or in a bowl may start to melt and lose its shape within 5-10 minutes. In hotter temperatures, such as in direct sunlight or in a car on a hot day, ice cream can melt much more quickly.
In a container stored in a freezer, ice cream can remain solid for several hours or even days, depending on the temperature of the freezer and the type of container it is stored in. However, once the ice cream is removed from the freezer and begins to thaw, it will start to melt at a faster rate.
In summary, the amount of time it takes for ice cream to melt depends on various factors and can range from a few minutes to several hours or more.