If you’ve never experienced the magic of a crisp, golden shell encasing cool, creamy ice cream, you’re in for a real treat with this Homemade Fried Ice Cream Recipe. It brings all the best parts of a nostalgic restaurant dessert straight to your own kitchen — dreamy vanilla ice cream at the center, hugged by a crunchy, cinnamon-kissed coating that shatters blissfully with every bite. You’ll absolutely delight your friends and family with this thrilling twist on everyone’s favorite frozen treat, and the best part? It’s much easier (and more fun!) to make than you’d ever guess.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of staple ingredients, you’ll be amazed how easily this stunning dessert comes together. Each component has an important role to play in creating the unmistakable flavor, texture, and wow-factor of the Homemade Fried Ice Cream Recipe.
- Vanilla ice cream: Select a quality, creamy vanilla — this forms the irresistible, cold center of your treat.
- Cornflakes cereal (crushed): Gives the outer coating its signature crunch and a hint of toasty flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice that complements the vanilla ice cream beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the crispy coating for perfect balance.
- Large eggs: Binds the coating to the ice cream, providing structure for frying.
- Milk: Thins the egg wash for even dipping and an extra-tender crunch.
- Vegetable oil: Neutral-flavored oil for safely frying the coated ice cream at a high temperature.
- Whipped cream, honey, and maraschino cherries (optional): The ultimate finishing touches that make each serving truly indulgent!
How to Make Homemade Fried Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Scoop and Freeze the Ice Cream
Start by creating four generous balls of vanilla ice cream. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them into the freezer. Let them firm up for at least two hours — this step is crucial to help the ice cream hold its shape throughout the frying process. The colder the better, so don’t rush this part!
Step 2: Prepare the Crunchy Coating
In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed cornflakes, ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar. This mixture makes the iconic crispy crust. The cinnamon not only enhances the flavor, but its aroma fills the kitchen with warmth and anticipation.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk until smooth. This egg wash is the secret to getting the cornflake coating to truly cling to the ice cream balls, ensuring maximum crunch with every bite.
Step 4: Coat the Ice Cream
Once your ice cream balls are solid, roll each one in the cornflake mixture so they’re fully covered. Take it a step further — dip each ball into the egg wash, then roll again in the cornflakes to form a thick, even layer. This double-coating is key to a crispy shell that stands up to the fryer!
Step 5: Freeze Again
After coating, place the balls back onto the tray and return to the freezer for at least another hour. This extra chill time prevents any runaway melting when the dessert hits the hot oil.
Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection
Fill a deep, heavy-bottomed pot with about two inches of vegetable oil and bring it to 375°F (190°C). Fry each ice cream ball one at a time for 10 to 15 seconds, just until the exterior turns crisp and golden brown. They cook quickly, so keep your eye on them. Use a slotted spoon to transfer each one to paper towels — then serve right away for ultimate contrast between hot and cold!
How to Serve Homemade Fried Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates this dessert quite like its toppings. A swoosh of whipped cream, a drizzle of golden honey, and a glistening maraschino cherry on top turn each serving of the Homemade Fried Ice Cream Recipe into a festive masterpiece. Try a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, toasted coconut, or even chocolate shavings for your own custom twist!
Side Dishes
This treat is a standout all on its own, but if you’re looking to round out a celebratory meal, consider serving it alongside warm churros, fresh fruit salad, or even a shot of espresso. It fits right in at a fiesta or as a spectacular closer to a Mexican-inspired dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation! Serve the ice cream balls in tall sundae glasses layered with fresh berries, or nestle them on a bed of cinnamon-sugar tortilla strips for extra crunch. For parties, stick a decorative toothpick in each one and arrange them on a platter for easy, jaw-dropping finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers (unbelievable but possible!), place any unfried, fully coated ice cream balls back in an airtight container and freeze. Once fried, leftovers don’t store as well due to the nature of the crispy coating, so they’re best enjoyed immediately.
Freezing
The Homemade Fried Ice Cream Recipe is very freezer-friendly before frying. After double coating, keep the ice cream balls in the freezer for up to one week. Separate layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together and preserve that perfect crunch.
Reheating
Fried ice cream doesn’t reheat well, since the heat can cause the ice cream to melt too quickly and the coating to lose its crunch. For best results, only fry the number of ice cream balls you’ll serve immediately. Leftover pre-fried balls can go straight from freezer to fryer when you’re ready for another round!
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of ice cream for this recipe?
Absolutely! While classic vanilla is traditional, try chocolate, coffee, or even mango for a totally new spin on the Homemade Fried Ice Cream Recipe. Just make sure the ice cream is very firm before coating and frying.
What type Dessert
Any neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil, works great. You want something that won’t impart a flavor and can handle the high heat needed for a quick, crispy fry.
Can this be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply substitute a gluten-free cornflake cereal or use crushed gluten-free cookies for the coating. The rest of the Homemade Fried Ice Cream Recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How do I prevent the ice cream from melting during frying?
Keep the ice cream balls as cold as possible — freezing thoroughly after each step makes all the difference. Fry just long enough to crisp the coating, then serve right away for the perfect hot-and-cold contrast.
Are there any fun coating variations?
So many! Try mixing in crushed cookies, coconut flakes, or even cinnamon toast crunch with your cornflakes. The Homemade Fried Ice Cream Recipe is endlessly adaptable, so let your cravings guide you.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Fried Ice Cream Recipe will wow you every time with its crackling shell and dreamy, cool center. If you’ve ever thought this dessert was restaurant-only, I hope you’re inspired to make it right at home and share the magic with your favorite people. Give it a try — and don’t be surprised when it becomes a regularly requested treat!
Print
Homemade Fried Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the crispy, creamy goodness of Homemade Fried Ice Cream with this easy-to-follow recipe. A classic Mexican-American dessert, this dish features a crunchy cornflake coating and a deliciously creamy vanilla ice cream center.
Ingredients
Vanilla Ice Cream Balls:
- 4 large scoops vanilla ice cream
Cornflake Coating:
- 2 cups cornflakes cereal (crushed)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Egg Wash:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
For Frying and Topping:
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Whipped cream, honey, and maraschino cherries for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Scoop and Freeze: Scoop the vanilla ice cream into four balls and freeze until firm.
- Prepare Coating: Mix crushed cornflakes, cinnamon, and sugar in a bowl. Whisk eggs with milk in another bowl.
- Coat Ice Cream: Roll ice cream balls in cornflake mixture, then in egg wash, and again in cornflakes.
- Freeze Again: Return coated balls to the freezer for an hour.
- Fry: Heat oil, fry each ball briefly until golden brown.
- Serve: Top with whipped cream, honey, and a cherry.
Notes
- Ensure the ice cream is well-frozen to prevent melting during frying.
- Experiment with different coatings like cinnamon toast crunch or crushed cookies.
- Prep Time: 3 hours
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fried ice cream ball
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
