Easy Fried Ice Cream: A Sweet & Crispy Dessert Recipe

Crafting delightful fried ice cream feels like unlocking a magical culinary secret waiting to surprise you.

Sweet dreams of crispy golden exteriors holding creamy cold centers start dancing in your mind.

Chefs around the world have perfected this incredible dessert technique that seems almost impossible.

Mexican restaurants popularized this incredible treat, making it a global sensation.

Contrasting temperatures create an unexpected texture adventure that challenges traditional dessert expectations.

Delicate ice cream balls coated in crunchy, warm shells promise a sensational experience.

You can absolutely master this impressive dessert with just a few simple ingredients and techniques.

One bite will convince you that kitchen magic is real and deliciously within reach.

Fried Ice Cream Standout Reasons

• Quick Dessert Magic: Transform boring ice cream into a crispy, golden-brown treat that surprises and delights with its unexpected hot-and-cold contrast.
• Crowd-Pleasing Crowd-Splitter: Impress guests and family members with a restaurant-style dessert that looks complicated but requires minimal culinary skills.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure: Mix and match different ice cream flavors, cereal coatings, and toppings to create personalized dessert experiences that suit every taste preference.
• Make-Ahead Party Star: Prepare the coated ice cream balls in advance, storing them in the freezer, which means less stress and more fun during dinner parties or special celebrations.

Fried Ice Cream Must-Have Ingredients

• Corn Flakes, Vanilla Wafers, Ground Cinnamon: A crispy mixture that provides a crunchy and flavorful exterior for the ice cream.

• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The smooth and creamy core of the dessert that creates a rich and classic flavor profile.

• Peanut Oil: A high-heat oil perfect for creating a golden and crispy exterior.
• Eggs, Beaten: Used as a binding agent to help the coating stick to the ice cream.
• Chocolate Sauce, Whipped Cream, Maraschino Cherry: Delicious toppings that add extra sweetness and visual appeal to the dessert.

Fried Ice Cream Directions to Follow

Step 1: Whip Up Crunchy Coating

• Crushed corn flakes
• Crushed vanilla wafers
• Ground cinnamon

Blend ingredients until well combined and texture is consistent.

Step 2: Shape Frozen Flavor Bombs

Scoop vanilla bean ice cream and form into perfect round balls.

Gently roll each ball completely in the corn flake mixture.

Place coated spheres on a freezer-safe tray and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.

Step 3: Double-Dip Technique

Pull frozen ice cream balls from freezer.

Dunk each ball into beaten eggs, then roll again in corn flake mixture.

This double coating ensures a super crispy exterior.

Return coated balls to freezer for minimum 3 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Sizzling Transformation

Heat peanut oil in deep fryer or heavy pot until temperature reaches 375°F.

Carefully lower one ice cream ball at a time into hot oil.

Fry quickly for 10-15 seconds until golden brown.

Work swiftly to prevent melting.

Remove immediately and place on paper towel.

Step 5: Decadent Finishing Touches

Plate each crispy ice cream ball.

Drizzle with rich chocolate sauce.

Add a dollop of fluffy whipped cream.

Crown with a bright maraschino cherry for ultimate dessert drama.

Fried Ice Cream Cooking Tips

• Ensure ice cream balls are rock-solid before frying to prevent rapid melting during the cooking process.
• Use a candy thermometer to maintain precise oil temperature for perfect golden-brown coating without burning.
• Double-coat the ice cream balls for extra crunch and a thicker, more protective layer against heat.
• Work swiftly when frying to maintain the crispy exterior and frozen interior, keeping each ball in hot oil for just seconds.
• Make and freeze ice cream balls a day in advance for stress-free dessert preparation and better structural integrity.

Fried Ice Cream Variations to Explore

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace corn flakes and vanilla wafers with gluten-free cereal or crushed gluten-free graham crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
• Tropical Coconut Crunch: Swap corn flakes mixture with toasted coconut flakes and add a hint of rum extract for a Caribbean-inspired treat.
• Nutty Sensation: Mix crushed almonds or pecans into the coating for added crunch and rich, nutty flavor.
• Vegan Alternative: Use coconut milk-based ice cream, replace eggs with plant-based egg substitute, and coat with dairy-free breadcrumbs for a vegan-friendly dessert.

Fried Ice Cream Ways to Serve

• Sweet Sundae Swirl: Top each golden fried ice cream ball with a generous swirl of vanilla or caramel whipped cream, creating a dreamy dessert landscape.
• Mexican Fiesta Finish: Sprinkle cinnamon, drizzle warm chocolate sauce, and add a vibrant maraschino cherry for a festive, colorful presentation that pops with flavor.
• Nutty Crunch Companion: Scatter toasted almond slivers or chopped pecans around the fried ice cream for an extra crispy texture and rich, nutty undertone.
• Tropical Fruit Fusion: Add a side of fresh mango or passion fruit coulis to complement the crispy exterior and creamy vanilla center, bringing a bright, zesty contrast.

Fried Ice Cream Storage Instructions

• Place leftover fried ice cream in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep frozen for up to 2 weeks.
• Wrap each ball individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container to maintain crispy coating and prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat air fryer to 350F and cook for 30-45 seconds until coating turns golden and crispy. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture.
• Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes before serving to soften ice cream slightly and restore crisp coating.

FAQs

• Why use corn flakes and vanilla wafers for coating?

The mixture creates a crispy, crunchy exterior that adds texture and flavor to the ice cream. The crushed cookies and corn flakes provide a golden-brown crunch when fried.

• Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

Peanut oil works best due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. However, you can substitute with vegetable or canola oil if needed. Just ensure the oil is heated to the correct temperature.

• How do I prevent the ice cream from melting during frying?

Keep the ice cream balls frozen solid before frying. Work quickly and fry each ball for only 10-15 seconds. The goal is to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside cold and intact.

Fried Ice Cream Crispy Dessert Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Crispy fried ice cream brings Mexican restaurant magic straight to home kitchens, promising a delightful dance of hot and cold. Crunchy cornflake coating and cool vanilla ice cream create an irresistible contrast you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 quarts vanilla bean ice cream
• 4 eggs, beaten until foamy
• 2 cups crushed corn flakes, measured after crushing
• 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers, measured after crushing

Seasoning:

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Toppings and Frying:

• 10 tablespoons chocolate sauce
• 10 tablespoons whipped cream
• 10 maraschino cherries
• Peanut oil, for frying

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Instructions

1. Craft a delectable coating by pulverizing corn flakes, vanilla wafers, and cinnamon into a fine, fragrant mixture in a mixing bowl.
2. Using an ice cream scoop, create perfectly rounded vanilla bean spheres. Meticulously enrobe each ball with the prepared crumb blend, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Transfer the coated orbs to the freezer for 1-2 hours to solidify.
3. Extract the chilled ice cream spheres from the freezer. Gently submerge each ball into whisked eggs, then re-roll in the crispy crumb mixture, guaranteeing total encapsulation. Return to the freezer for a minimum of 3 hours or preferably overnight.
4. Preheat peanut oil to a precise 375°F in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot. Strategically fry individual ice cream spheres for 10-15 seconds, achieving a golden, crisp exterior. Work swiftly to prevent melting, removing each orb immediately after reaching the desired color.
5. Elevate the dessert by cascading rich chocolate sauce over the fried ice cream. Crown with a billowing dollop of whipped cream and punctuate with a vibrant maraschino cherry.

Notes

• Freeze the ice cream balls thoroughly to prevent rapid melting during frying, ensuring a crispy exterior and cold interior.
• Use extremely cold ice cream and work quickly when coating and frying to maintain the perfect texture and prevent unwanted melting.
• For a gluten-free version, swap corn flakes and vanilla wafers with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice cereal or almond flour-based cookies.
• Try different ice cream flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or cookies and cream to create unique variations of this classic dessert.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 seconds
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 467
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 154 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 59 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg