There's something absolutely magical about the contrast of hot, crunchy coating meeting cold, creamy vanilla ice cream in every spectacular bite. This Fried Ice Cream Recipe creates a restaurant-quality dessert that seems impossible but is surprisingly simple to make at home.
Whether you're craving that classic Mexican restaurant experience or want to impress dinner guests with something truly special, this crispy-coated frozen treat delivers the perfect combination of textures and temperatures that will have everyone wondering how you pulled off such an amazing culinary feat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Fried Ice Cream Recipe brings all the excitement of your favorite restaurant dessert straight to your kitchen with incredible ease and consistently impressive results. The genius lies in the technique that creates that signature crunchy exterior without actually deep-frying, making it much safer and less messy than traditional methods. It's wonderfully customizable, allowing you to experiment with different ice cream flavors and coating combinations to suit any taste preference.
Kids absolutely love the fun factor and dramatic presentation, while adults appreciate the sophisticated balance of hot and cold temperatures. The make-ahead friendly nature means you can prepare everything in advance and simply assemble when ready to serve, making it perfect for entertaining without last-minute stress.
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Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients that create this show-stopping dessert. Most items are readily available at any grocery store, making this accessible treat surprisingly easy to accomplish.
This fried ice cream is super easy - full steps are in the recipe card.
Essential Ingredients
- 1 quart vanilla ice cream, high quality
- 3 cups cornflakes cereal, crushed
- ½ cup shredded coconut, sweetened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- Honey for drizzling
- Whipped cream for serving
Optional Add-ins
Feel free to customize with crushed graham crackers, chopped nuts, or even crushed cookies for different flavor profiles. Some people love adding a pinch of vanilla extract to the coating mixture for extra depth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Ice Cream Scoops
Start by scooping the vanilla ice cream into firm, round balls using an ice cream scoop, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Work quickly to maintain the shape and immediately return the scoops to the freezer for at least 2 hours until they're completely solid. The firmer the ice cream, the better it will hold its shape during the coating and frying process.
Create the Crunchy Coating
In a large bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes, shredded coconut, sugar, and cinnamon, mixing thoroughly until evenly distributed. The mixture should have varied textures with both fine crumbs and slightly larger pieces for maximum crunch. This coating is what gives the dessert its signature texture and visual appeal.
Set Up Breading Station
Arrange three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with your cornflake mixture. This assembly line approach ensures efficient coating and helps maintain the cold temperature of your ice cream scoops. Have everything ready before removing the ice cream from the freezer.
How do you keep fried ice cream from melting? The key is working with completely frozen ice cream balls and having your oil at the correct temperature (375°F) for quick frying that creates the coating without melting the interior.
Coat and Fry Quickly
Remove one ice cream scoop at a time from the freezer and quickly roll it in flour, then beaten egg, and finally the cornflake mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well. Immediately drop into oil heated to 375°F and fry for just 10-15 seconds until golden brown. Remove quickly with a slotted spoon and serve immediately with a drizzle of honey and dollop of whipped cream.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Temperature control is absolutely crucial for success with this dessert technique.
Your oil must be at exactly 375°F to create the crispy coating without melting the ice cream center.
Work with one scoop at a time and have everything ready before you start the frying process.
Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor oil temperature consistently.
For extra insurance, you can double-coat the ice cream by repeating the egg and cornflake steps.
If you're nervous about frying, you can achieve similar results by briefly torching the coated scoops with a kitchen torch.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Storage Instructions
Fried ice cream is best served immediately after preparation for optimal texture contrast. However, you can prepare the coated ice cream balls ahead of time and store them in the freezer for up to 2 days before frying. Keep any leftover components separate and assemble just before serving for the best experience.
Serving Suggestions
This fried ice cream recipe creates the perfect finale for Mexican-inspired dinners, summer barbecues, or any meal that needs a spectacular dessert finale. Serve in chilled bowls with warm honey, cinnamon sugar, and fresh whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with churros, sopapillas, or fresh berries. My family loves it after spicy meals as the cool ice cream provides a refreshing contrast to bold flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without deep frying?
Yes! You can achieve similar results by rolling the coated ice cream in melted butter and toasted coconut-cornflake mixture, then briefly broiling or using a kitchen torch to create the golden exterior.
What's the best ice cream flavor to use?
Vanilla works best as a neutral base, but chocolate, cinnamon, or even coconut ice cream create delicious variations. Avoid flavors with large mix-ins that might interfere with coating.
How do I crush cornflakes properly?
Place cornflakes in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush with a rolling pin, leaving some larger pieces for texture. You can also pulse briefly in a food processor.
Can I prepare the coated balls in advance?
Absolutely! Coated ice cream balls can be frozen for up to 48 hours before frying. This actually helps the coating adhere better and makes the final step much easier.
More Amazing Frozen Desserts
If you're craving more impressive frozen treats that wow every time, these recipes deliver restaurant-quality results with simple home techniques:
Want more fun Dessert ideas? The chocolate lava cake recipe is dramatic, delicious, and always a hit.
Whipped this up already? Show it off on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - your version might inspire someone!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Fried Ice Cream Recipe:
Easy Fried Ice Cream
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Scoop ice cream into firm round balls and freeze them for two hours so they become completely solid.
- Mix crushed cornflakes, coconut, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl to create the textured coating.
- Set up three separate bowls containing flour, beaten eggs, and the cornflake mixture for an efficient assembly line.
- Roll each frozen scoop in flour, dip in egg, and coat with cornflakes to seal the ice cream entirely.
- Fry the coated scoops in 375°F oil for 15 seconds until the exterior turns golden brown.
- Remove quickly and serve immediately with honey toppings before the center begins to melt.
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