Mexican Fried Ice Cream Recipe

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting Mexican Fried Ice Cream at a restaurant, you know it’s a treat like no other. Imagine the creamy, cool goodness of ice cream, coated in a crispy, cinnamon-sugar crunch, then fried to perfection. It’s a dessert that somehow manages to be both indulgent and refreshing at the same time. Honestly, this dessert is an absolute showstopper—perfect for impressing guests or simply satisfying your own sweet tooth on a cozy evening. Trust me, once you try making it at home, you’ll never want to go back to regular ice cream again!

Why You’ll Love Mexican Fried Ice Cream

This dessert isn’t just about flavor—it’s about the whole experience! Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

Irresistible Texture:

The crispy, golden coating contrasts beautifully with the cold, creamy ice cream inside. That crunch-to-cool ratio is everything. Every bite feels like a little celebration.

Sweet & Spicy Flavor:

The cinnamon-sugar coating gives a warm, comforting sweetness with just the right hint of spice. Combine that with the rich, vanilla ice cream and you’ve got a dessert that’s pure magic.

Perfect for Special Occasions:

Whether it’s a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or a summer celebration, Mexican Fried Ice Cream is a perfect showstopper. It’s unique and fun to eat, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Quick & Easy:

Even though the process of frying may seem tricky, this recipe is pretty simple and straightforward. With a few key ingredients, you can make this fabulous dessert in no time.

Customizable:

You can make it your own! Add different toppings like whipped cream, honey, chocolate sauce, or even a sprinkle of chili powder for a little extra kick.

Ingredients

For this showstopping dessert, you only need a few ingredients to bring the magic to life:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The base of the dessert. Creamy and rich, vanilla is the classic choice, but feel free to get creative with other flavors like chocolate or cinnamon!
• Cornflakes: The crispy coating that gives this dessert its signature crunch. You’ll crush them up to make a golden, crispy shell.
• Cinnamon: This is key for that warm, signature flavor that complements the ice cream perfectly.
• Sugar: To sweeten up the cinnamon and create that irresistible sugary crust.
• Butter: Helps the cornflakes crisp up beautifully when fried.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying. You don’t need too much, just enough to coat the bottom of your pan.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are available in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to make this crispy, creamy dream dessert!

Step 1: Scoop the Ice Cream

Start by scooping out the ice cream into large balls. You want them to be about 2 inches in diameter—think of the size of a typical scoop of ice cream. Place each scoop onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for at least 1 hour, or until they’re firm and well-chilled. This helps them hold their shape when frying.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

While the ice cream is freezing, crush the cornflakes in a bowl. You can either use a food processor or put them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. You want the pieces to be small but still a little chunky.

In a separate bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar until well combined.

Step 3: Coat the Ice Cream

Once the ice cream scoops are frozen solid, it’s time to coat them. First, roll each scoop of ice cream in the crushed cornflakes, pressing gently to make sure they’re well-coated. Then, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they’re fully covered. You can repeat this process for an extra-thick, crunchy coating if you like!

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll want the oil to be hot but not smoking—aim for around 350°F (175°C). You can test if it’s ready by dropping in a small piece of cornflake; if it sizzles right away, you’re good to go!

Step 5: Fry the Ice Cream

Carefully place each coated ice cream ball into the hot oil, one at a time. Fry for just about 30 seconds, or until the coating turns golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to leave them in the oil for too long, as the ice cream inside will start to melt.

Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried ice cream from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Serve the fried ice cream immediately! Top with whipped cream, drizzles of honey, chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon if you like. You can also add a cherry on top for that classic sundae touch!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: [Calories per serving]
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including freezing time)

How to Serve Mexican Fried Ice Cream

Mexican Fried Ice Cream is delicious on its own, but here are some fun ways to elevate your dessert experience:

Whipped Cream:

Top each fried scoop with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a smooth, fluffy contrast to the crispy exterior.

Chocolate Sauce:

A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce adds an extra indulgent layer to the dessert. You can also try caramel sauce for a sweeter, buttery finish.

Honey:

Drizzling honey over the fried ice cream gives it a touch of sweetness and brings out that beautiful cinnamon flavor.

Fruit Toppings:

Fresh fruit, like berries or sliced bananas, pairs wonderfully with the rich ice cream. It adds a refreshing, slightly tart contrast.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make sure your Mexican Fried Ice Cream turns out perfect every time:

Freeze the Ice Cream Well:

The key to making this dessert work is making sure the ice cream scoops are frozen solid. The colder they are, the easier they are to coat and fry without melting.

Use Cornstarch for Extra Crunch:

For an extra crispy coating, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to your crushed cornflakes before coating the ice cream. This will make the coating even crunchier.

Watch the Frying Time:

Fry the ice cream quickly—30 seconds is all it takes. If you leave it too long, the ice cream will melt and the coating could burn.

Don’t Skip the Freezing Step:

If you skip freezing the ice cream scoops, they’ll melt too fast when you fry them, so make sure you give them plenty of time to chill before coating and frying.

Custom Flavors:

If you want to get creative, try using different ice cream flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or even cinnamon ice cream for a fun twist.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cereal instead of cornflakes?
A1: Yes! You can try using crushed Frosted Flakes, Rice Krispies, or even graham cracker crumbs for a different texture.

Q2: Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
A2: The ice cream scoops can be prepared in advance and frozen, but it’s best to fry them right before serving to ensure the ice cream stays frozen and the coating stays crispy.

Q3: What kind of oil should I use for frying?
A3: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil or canola oil. Avoid using olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and could affect the flavor.

Q4: Can I make the cinnamon-sugar coating without using sugar?
A4: You can use a sugar substitute, like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener, but the texture and flavor may change slightly.

Q5: Can I make a vegan version of this fried ice cream?
A5: Yes! You can use non-dairy ice cream and a plant-based butter substitute. Just make sure your coating ingredients are vegan-friendly too.

Q6: How do I prevent the ice cream from melting too fast?
A6: Freezing the ice cream scoops long enough is key. You can also try frying one or two at a time, so the oil stays hot and the ice cream has time to cook without melting.

Q7: Can I bake the ice cream instead of frying it?
A7: Fried is the traditional way, but if you want a healthier version, you can bake the ice cream scoops in a hot oven at 400°F for 2–3 minutes. The texture will be different, though—it won’t be as crispy.

Q8: Can I make this dessert without frying?
A8: For a no-fry version, try freezing the ice cream scoops, then coating them with the cornflake mixture and serving them cold, topped with your favorite sauce and whipped cream.

Q9: How can I make the ice cream balls smaller?
A9: Simply scoop out smaller portions of ice cream and freeze them just the same. They’ll fry faster, and you can serve more individual portions!

Q10: Can I make these in advance for a party?
A10: Yes! Prepare the ice cream scoops and the coating in advance, but fry them just before serving to ensure the crispy texture and cold ice cream.

Conclusion

Mexican Fried Ice Cream is a fun, indulgent dessert that brings the perfect balance of creamy and crispy, sweet and spicy. Whether you’re serving it up for a special occasion or just treating yourself, it’s bound to be a hit. With its crunchy, cinnamon-sugar coating and cool, creamy ice cream center, it’s an unforgettable dessert that’s definitely worth the little bit of effort. So go ahead—treat yourself to a scoop (or two) of this crispy, decadent, and totally irresistible treat!

Enjoy every bite!

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