If you have a sweet tooth and love a little crispy surprise with your creamy treats, this Homemade Fried Ice Cream Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine scoops of smooth vanilla ice cream, enveloped in a crunchy, cinnamon-spiced coating, fried quickly for a warm, crispy shell that contrasts perfectly with the cold interior. It’s a delightful dance of textures and flavors, making each bite an exciting journey. Whether you’re treating yourself after dinner or impressing guests, this recipe brings that magical restaurant experience right into your kitchen with ease and fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and warmth that make this dish so special. Each element plays a key role, from the creamy vanilla ice cream that forms the heart of the dish to the cinnamon-kissed corn flakes that add that irresistible crunch.
- Half gallon vanilla ice cream: Choose a rich, creamy vanilla ice cream for the best flavor and smooth texture.
- 5 cups corn flakes cereal: These provide the crunchy coating that becomes golden and crispy when fried.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Used to bind the coating and add richness with a subtle buttery flavor.
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the cinnamon and salt.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice to the crust, a classic pairing with vanilla.
- â…› tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors by highlighting sweetness and spice.
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract: Boosts the vanilla flavor even more, making every bite aromatic.
- Chocolate sauce: A luscious drizzle that complements the crisp coating and ice cream inside.
- Caramel sauce: Adds a rich, buttery sweetness perfect for drizzling on top.
- Whipped cream: Light and airy, it adds a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth element for topping.
- Maraschino cherries: A classic garnish that adds a pop of color and a fun bite at the end.
How to Make Homemade Fried Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ice Cream Balls
Start by scooping generous balls of vanilla ice cream and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop the tray into the freezer for at least 1 hour, allowing the ice cream to harden enough to handle without melting during frying.
Step 2: Make the Crunchy Coating
While the ice cream chills, melt the unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl. Then, crush the corn flakes into small, coarse crumbs and add them to the bowl. Stir in the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract, coating everything evenly in that delicious butter mixture.
Step 3: Coat the Ice Cream Balls
Remove the ice cream balls from the freezer. Roll each one thoroughly in the corn flakes mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating. For an extra crispy shell, repeat the coating process once more. Place the coated ice cream balls back on the baking sheet and freeze again for at least 30 minutes until very firm.
Step 4: Fry the Ice Cream Balls
Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 375°F (190°C). Carefully drop one ice cream ball at a time into the hot oil for about 10–15 seconds, just long enough to crisp the coating but not melt the ice cream inside. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towels immediately.
How to Serve Homemade Fried Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
To make your homemade fried ice cream look as good as it tastes, pile on the garnishes with gusto. Drizzle warm chocolate and caramel sauce generously over each ball, then top with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream and a bright maraschino cherry for a classic finish.
Side Dishes
This dessert stands well on its own, but if you want to turn it into an indulgent treat, consider serving it alongside fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a crunchy nut brittle for that contrasting texture. A small espresso or a cold glass of milk also pairs wonderfully to balance the sweet richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl and have fun! Serve your Homemade Fried Ice Cream Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets for a rustic touch, or nestle scoops inside hollowed waffle cones for a portable, playful presentation. For parties, garnish each plate with edible flowers or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover fried ice cream balls, store them in an airtight container in the freezer to keep their texture intact. Avoid stacking them to prevent sticking, and separate layers with parchment paper.
Freezing
You can prepare the coated ice cream balls well in advance and freeze them for several weeks. Just make sure they are well wrapped or stored in a single layer to maintain that perfect crispy coating before frying.
Reheating
Reheating fried ice cream isn’t recommended as it risks melting the inside and losing the crisp crunch of the shell. It’s best enjoyed fresh right after frying for that ideal textural contrast.
FAQs
Can I use different ice cream flavors in this Homemade Fried Ice Cream Recipe?
Absolutely! While vanilla is classic, feel free to try chocolate, strawberry, or any other favorite flavor—just keep in mind how the coating and frying will complement that particular choice.
What’s the best oil to fry the ice cream balls?
Use a neutral, high smoke point oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil to get that crisp coating without imparting unwanted flavors.
How long should I freeze the ice cream balls before frying?
Freeze them for at least 1 hour after scooping and again for 30 minutes after coating to ensure they’re firm enough to withstand frying without melting.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free ice cream and a vegan butter substitute. Make sure the coating ingredients are also free from animal products, and it will be just as delightful.
Why is my coating falling off when frying?
This usually happens if the ice cream balls aren’t frozen long enough before frying or if the coating isn’t pressed firmly enough. Double coating and proper freezing times help keep that crispy shell intact.
Final Thoughts
Making this Homemade Fried Ice Cream Recipe is like inviting a party into your kitchen, full of fun textures and luscious flavors that delight every time. It’s impressive, unique, and surprisingly easy once you know the steps. So, go ahead—treat yourself and your loved ones to this magical dessert that’s sure to become a beloved classic in your home.
Print
Homemade Fried Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Fried Ice Cream recipe offers a fun and indulgent dessert combining creamy vanilla ice cream with a crunchy, cinnamon-spiced corn flakes coating. Fried to golden perfection, this treat is topped with classic sauces, whipped cream, and maraschino cherries for an irresistible finish perfect for parties or special occasions.
Ingredients
Ice Cream
- Half gallon vanilla ice cream
Coating
- 5 cups corn flakes cereal
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- â…› tsp salt
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Toppings
- Chocolate sauce, as desired
- Caramel sauce, as desired
- Whipped cream, as desired
- Maraschino cherries, as desired
Instructions
- Prepare the ice cream balls: Scoop the vanilla ice cream into 6 equal-sized balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 1 hour until firm.
- Make the coating mixture: In a bowl, crush the corn flakes cereal into fine crumbs. Melt the unsalted butter and stir it together with the crushed cereal, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Coat the ice cream balls: Remove ice cream balls from the freezer. Quickly roll each ball in the corn flakes coating, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well. Place the coated balls back on the baking sheet and freeze again for at least 30 minutes to firm up the coating.
- Fry the coated ice cream: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Carefully fry each coated ice cream ball for about 10-15 seconds until the coating is golden and crispy. Remove immediately with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Place the fried ice cream balls on serving plates. Drizzle generously with chocolate sauce and caramel sauce. Top with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- Work quickly when coating and frying the ice cream to prevent melting.
- You can substitute corn flakes with crushed tortilla chips or cookie crumbs for different textures.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to get a crisp coating without melting the ice cream.
- Frying time is very short; monitor closely to avoid burning the coating.
- For a dairy-free option, use non-dairy ice cream and butter substitute.
