Enjoy Deep Fried Ice Cream at home with this simple recipe. The crispy outside and the creamy ice cream combine for a restaurant style treat for much less.
Fried ice cream is a delicious dessert that satisfies any sweet craving you might have. It is one of my favorite ice cream recipes. Typically, the ice cream is coated in corn flakes and briefly fried to perfection. This treat is topped with chocolate syrup, whipped cream and a cherry. It is one of the most popular Easy Mexican Dessert Recipes and we also love Dulce De Leche Ice Cream.
Table of contents
Why This Recipe Works
It sounds fancy and maybe even a little complicated. I mean fried ice cream? However, it is actually very simple to make at home and your kids will love enjoying this whenever the mood strikes.
You will love how much cheaper this recipe for fried ice cream is to make at home. We usually get this dessert at a Mexican restaurant but now I can make this delicious dessert at home. It’s one of my favorite Ice Cream Desserts and we also make Puppy Chow Ice Cream.
Ingredients
- Vanilla Ice Cream. You can use store bought or No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream.
- Corn Flakes Cereal or Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal. Either option is delicious.
- Toppings. These are optional but I highly recommend them. Try Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe, Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe or chocolate topping. Homemade Caramel Sauce Recipe and Maraschino cherries are always a good option.
View the entire ingredient list at the bottom of the page.
Recipe Variations
- Cinnamon Sugar – Mix the cornflakes with cinnamon and sugar for added flavor. This enhances the sweetness and makes the combination so delicious.
- Chocolate Ice Cream – Change the ice cream to chocolate and top with crusted Oreos.
- Coffee Ice Cream – Choose a coffee ice cream and top with chocolate chips.
- Strawberry Ice Cream – Change the ice cream to strawberry and roll the ice cream balls in crushed cinnamon toast crunch cereal.
- Substitute the cornflakes – Instead of using just cornflakes, roll in shredded coconut or chopped nuts.
How to Make Deep Fried Ice Cream
- Step 1 – Soften Ice Cream – First, set out the carton of ice cream to soften. This usually takes about 30 minutes and will help make scooping much easier.
- Step 2 – Prepare Baking Sheet – Second, get out a baking sheet that will fit in the freezer. Line this with parchment paper.
- Step 3 – Crush Cornflakes – Next, put the corn flakes in a large ziplock bag to crush with a rolling pin. You can also use a food processor if you have one. Either will work fine. You just want the corn flakes into fine crumbs.
Step 4. Place the cornflake crumbs in a bowl and add the cinnamon. Stir to combine.
Step 5. Then melt the butter in a skillet. Stir in the crushed cereal and cook until golden brown. Make sure to watch this closely because you do not want the mixture to burn.
Step 6. By now the ice cream should be ready to scoop. Use your ice cream scooper to scoop and your hands to form into balls. Place on the baking sheet you got out earlier.
Step 7. Roll each ice cream ball in the cornflake mixture. Gently press the corn flake coating into the ice cream as you roll and place on the baking sheet. Freeze until ready to serve. Then add your favorite toppings.
Serving Ideas
There are many different ways to serve this delicious dessert. There are some of my favorite ways.
- Chocolate Sauce
- Whipped Cream
- Cherries
- Drizzle with Melted Peanut Butter and Crusted Oreos
- Top with Crushed Candy Bars or Chocolate Chips
Can I use a Different Flavor of Ice Cream?
Yes, you can use different flavors of ice cream. Try one of these options.
- Chocolate Chip
- Chocolate
- Strawberry
Can I Make it in Advance?
Yes, you can make Deep Fried Ice Cream in advance. Prepare as the recipe indicates and store in the freezer until ready to serve. This is the best recipe to make ahead of time.
Pro Tips
- Freeze Ice Cream – Make sure to freeze the ice cream balls after rolling in the corn flakes mixture.
- Deep Fry – In this recipe we did not deep fry ice cream balls in hot oil. But if you decide to bread in egg whites to get them ready to fry, you can.
- Freezer Space – Make sure you have plenty of room in the freezer to place the baking sheet in there.
- Coat Ice Cream Balls – Make sure to complete coat the ice cream balls completely with the corn flakes mixture.
- Ice Cream Sundae – If you prefer, you can skip rolling the ice cream balls in the corn flakes. Place the ice cream in a bowl and sprinkle the cornflakes mixture over the top.
- Quality Ice Cream – We recommend using quality ice cream when making this fried ice cream recipe.
- Crushing Cornflakes – Crush the cornflakes into finely chopped corn flakes. We like to use a food processor or you can place in a bag and crush with a rolling pin.
More Ice Cream Recipes to Try
- Ice Cream Cone Cupcake
- Homemade Rolled Ice Cream Recipe
- How to make Ice Cream Cake (Copycat Dairy Queen cake)
- Easy Ice Cream Sundae Bar
- Oreo Ice Cream Cake Recipe
- Ice Cream Bread
You are going to love having Fried Ice Cream at home. Try it today and leave a comment!
Fried Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 quart vanilla ice cream
- 6 cups corn flakes cereal or cinnamon toast crunch cereal
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Toppings optional
- Whip cream or whipped topping thawed
- Hot fudge or chocolate topping
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Set ice cream out to soften about 30 minutes
- Line a baking sheet, that will fit in freezer, with parchment paper
- Add corn flakes to a large resealable bag to crush or use a food processor
- Use a rolling pin to crush cereal into fine crumbs
- Add crumbs and cinnamon to medium bowl and stir to combine
- Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat
- Stir in crushed cereal and cinnamon and cook until golden brown and fragrant about 2-3 minutes. Watch closely so the mixture doesn’t burn
- Remove from heat and add to large bowl, allow to cool
- Scoop ice cream with a scoop, form into balls with your hands and place on prepared baking sheet
- Roll ice cream balls in cereal mixture, press into ice cream slightly and return to baking sheet
- Return to freezer until ready to serve
- To serve, add whip cream, chocolate, and cherry, if desired
I used Frosted Flakes instead of Corn Flakes! Absolutely delicious!😋
That sounds delicious – I’m so glad that worked too!
I Love fried ice cream ,I can’t wait to try this at home!
Looks Delicious !
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it!
If using cinnamon toast cereal do you still need to cook it? Or do you eliminate that step as well as cut out the butter and cinnamon.? Thanks
Cheryl – I would still cook it to give the ice cream that “fried” taste. I hope you enjoy it!