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Fried Ice Cream: A Crunchy, Creamy Treat that Delights!

benjamen_scott
Published : December 16, 2025

“Fried Ice Cream is the ultimate dessert that combines extreme creativity and nostalgia!”

With the perfect balance of creamy vanilla ice cream and a crispy coating, Fried Ice Cream is a tantalizing treat that takes merely moments to prepare and offers a unique eating experience. Every bite is a contrast of textures, resulting in a delightful explosion of flavor in your mouth. It’s a dessert that transports me back to my childhood, making it perfect for all ages to enjoy.

Delicious fried ice cream served with chocolate sauce and sprinkles

Why is Fried Ice Cream the Perfect Summer Treat?

“Summer brings the heat, and Fried Ice Cream is a fabulous way to beat it!”

This dessert shines during the summer months when the heat can be intense. The cold, refreshing ice cream paired with the crispy warm coating makes for a delightful sensation, melting comfort on a sunny day. This dessert is not only a crowd-pleaser; it’s also remarkably easy to prepare. The kids will love it, and it adds a festive touch to any gathering. You can whip it up quickly when unexpected guests arrive or make it the centerpiece of a summer barbecue. Plus, it pairs well with fruity salads or a simple cranberry cream cheese bite as a light side dish.

What Makes This Fried Ice Cream Special?

“This recipe features a unique blend of flavors that everyone will savor!”

Ingredient Swaps

This version features crushed cornflakes, lending a distinctive crunch that sets it apart from standard batter methods. You can even customize it with crushed nuts for an added nutty flavor!

Flavor Balance

The hint of cinnamon complements the vanilla ice cream perfectly, adding warmth to every bite. You can always add a splash of vanilla extract into the egg wash for an extra flavor hit!

Unique Technique

Frying frozen ice cream balls might sound daunting, but the process is simple, giving an impeccable golden crust that’s flaky yet tender. You can learn more about the science behind frying at this Wikipedia page.

What Ingredients Do You Need for Fried Ice Cream?

“Get ready for a simple list of ingredients that creates a masterpiece!”

IngredientsQuantity
Vanilla ice cream1 quart
Cornflakes, crushed2 cups
Shredded coconut (optional)1/2 cup
Cinnamon1/2 teaspoon
Eggs2
Milk1 tablespoon
Vegetable oil (for frying)As needed
Chocolate sauce (for drizzling)As needed
Whipped cream (for serving)As desired

The main ingredient here, vanilla ice cream, serves as the canvas for the crunch and warmth. Thanks to its natural sweetness, it beautifully offsets the crispy, golden exterior. I also find shredded coconut contributes a delightful tropical touch, this option is perfect for those who enjoy extra flair in their desserts. You’ll be surprised at how these simple ingredients come together beautifully in this delightful dessert. Don’t forget to take a peek at a refreshing pairing, like a pumpkin cream hand pie.

ingredients for Fried Ice Cream

How Do You Make Fried Ice Cream Step-by-Step?

“Follow these easy steps for an unforgettable dessert experience!”

Step 1

Scoop your vanilla ice cream into balls and place them on a baking sheet. This step is crucial; aim for equal-sized scoops to ensure consistent frying. Freeze for at least two hours to firm them up nicely.

Step 2

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. This mixture will help the cornflakes stick to the ice cream balls later.

Step 3

In another bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes, shredded coconut, and cinnamon. This will create a wonderful, crunchy coating that is both flavorful and texturally inviting.

Prep Time15 minutes
Fry Time10-15 seconds
Freeze Time3 hours
Fried Ice Cream A delicious mix of crispy and creamy that will amaze your taste buds!

Once your ice cream spheres are frozen solid, dip each frozen ball into the egg mixture, then immediately roll in the cornflake mixture to ensure it’s fully coated. Freeze the coated ice cream balls for another hour to set everything together. Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Once hot, fry the coated ice cream balls for about 10-15 seconds until they turn golden brown, carefully keeping an eye on them, you want perfect crispiness without melting the ice cream. Remove them and drain them on paper towels to get rid of excess oil. Drizzle with chocolate sauce, top with whipped cream, and indulge immediately!

What Are Some Variations and Serving Suggestions for Fried Ice Cream?

“Explore different takes on this classic dessert to personalize your plate!”

Diet Swap

Looking for a dairy-free option? You can use coconut or almond ice cream instead of traditional vanilla ice cream without compromising the essence of this dessert!

Flavor Variation

Feel free to play with flavors! Swap out vanilla for chocolate or strawberry ice cream. You can also consider adding sprinkles or crushed cookies to the cornflake mixture for an extra fun twist! Or pair it with some homemade kebabs for a festive experience!

Serving Idea

Enhance the visual appeal by serving on a colorful plate or in individual bowls with stylish garnishes like fresh mint, or berries to make it pop. You could also serve it alongside some fruit salad for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fried ice cream.

Suggested PairingsTips
Fresh Fruit SaladTo balance sweetness, serve with fresh berries.
Mango SorbetAdd a tropical flair to your plate!

Final Thoughts on Fried Ice Cream

Fried Ice Cream has all the charm of a nostalgic dessert, perfect for family gatherings or a fun evening with friends. The process is straightforward, making it a perfect choice for new bakers wanting to impress their guests. Don’t hesitate to make this delightful dessert for your next summer barbecue or celebration while snapping a quick photo for Pinterest! Let’s face it, this dish deserves to be shared. I encourage you to save the recipe and give it a try! This recipe will surely become a household favorite!

FAQ

Can you make Fried Ice Cream ahead of time?

For optimal results, prepare the ice cream balls and coat them ahead of time. You can store them in the freezer for up to 24 hours before frying. However, for the best texture, fry them just before serving.

What can I do if my ice cream melts while frying?

If your ice cream begins to melt while frying, it might be due to low freezing time or too high of an oil temperature. Ensure your oil is hot enough without being excessive, and consider freezing the coated ice cream longer before frying.

What oil is best for frying the ice cream?

Vegetable oil is ideal for frying due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, ensuring the focus remains on the ice cream and its delicious coating.

Can I add flavors to the ice cream?

Absolutely! You can use different flavored ice creams like chocolate, mint, or coffee to add an exciting twist to your Fried Ice Cream.

Is Fried Ice Cream suitable for kids?

Yes! Fried Ice Cream is a fun and irresistible treat for kids and adults alike. With its playful presentation and deliciously contrasting textures, it’s likely to be a hit at family gatherings.

Print
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Indulge in this classic dessert pulling from nostalgia and joy, Fried Ice Cream combines creamy vanilla ice cream with a crunchy, golden coating, making it a fun and delicious treat for any occasion! Perfect for summer parties or cozy family dinners! fried ice cream

Fried Ice Cream

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Indulge in this classic dessert combining creamy vanilla ice cream with a crunchy, golden coating, making it a fun and delicious treat for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 quart vanilla ice cream
  • 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • Vegetable oil (for frying, as needed)
  • Chocolate sauce (for drizzling, as needed)
  • Whipped cream (for serving, as desired)

Instructions

  1. Scoop vanilla ice cream into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze for at least 2 hours.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, combine crushed cornflakes, shredded coconut, and cinnamon.
  4. Dip frozen ice cream balls into the egg mixture, then roll in the cornflake mixture to coat.
  5. Freeze the coated ice cream balls for another hour.
  6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
  7. Fry the coated ice cream balls for 10-15 seconds until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
  8. Drizzle with chocolate sauce, top with whipped cream, and serve immediately.

Notes

For a dairy-free option, substitute with coconut or almond ice cream. Feel free to customize flavors or toppings according to your taste.

  • Author: Benjamin Scott
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 minute
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

About the Author

benjamen_scott

Benjamin Scott is a CookMinutes recipe developer specializing in quick, flavorful, and time-saving meals. His clear, practical cooking style helps busy home cooks prepare delicious dishes with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

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