fried ice cream dessert is gonna blow ur mind! Made it last weekend for family dinner and everyone was fighting for seconds. The crunchy cinnamon coating paired w/ creamy vanilla ice cream is seriously addictive. No deep frying needed – just a simple no-bake dessert that tastes exactly like traditional Mexican fried ice cream but way easier to make at home. Perfect for parties cuz you can make it ahead and everyone goes crazy for it.
Why You’ll Love This Fried Ice Cream Dessert
Listen, we all know making actual fried ice cream is a pain – it melts too fast and makes a huge mess. This version gives you all that amazing texture and flavor without the headache. My aunt actually showed me this recipe years ago after she got tired of the traditional method. What’s awesome is you can customize it however you want – add different ice cream flavors, toppings, whatever you’re feeling.
Best part? Takes like 30 mins to throw together and then just freeze until ready. Great for those times when you need impressive dessert but don’t have hours to spend in kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crunchy Coating:
- 4 cups corn flakes – these give that authentic fried crunch, don’t substitute w/ other cereals
- 1/2 cup butter – unsalted works best but salted ok in pinch
- 1/2 cup sugar – helps caramelize the cereal
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – adds that classic fried ice cream flavor, can add more if you’re a cinnamon lover
For the Filling:
- 1.75 quart vanilla ice cream – get good quality stuff, it makes difference
- 1 cup whipped topping – helps ice cream stay softer when frozen
- Honey for drizzling – adds sweetness and authentic touch
Optional Toppings:
- Chocolate syrup – adds nice contrast to cinnamon
- Caramel sauce – for extra sweetness
- Whipped cream – for serving
- Maraschino cherries – for that sundae vibe
- Chopped nuts – adds extra crunch
If ur dairy-free, you can use coconut-based ice cream and whipped topping and it still tastes amazing.
How to Make Fried Ice Cream Dessert
Step 1: Prepare the Crunchy Coating
- Crush corn flakes into small pieces but not powder – want some texture. Can do this in ziplock bag w/ rolling pin for less mess.
- Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat
- Add crushed corn flakes and sugar to melted butter, stir constantly for about 3-5 mins until golden and fragrant
- Mix in cinnamon, stir well
- Remove from heat and let cool completely – should smell amazing and look golden brown
Step 2: Prepare the Ice Cream Layer
- Take ice cream out of freezer about 15 mins before starting so it softens a bit
- In large bowl, mix softened ice cream and whipped topping until just combined – don’t overmix or it’ll get too soft
- Work quickly so ice cream doesn’t melt too much
Step 3: Assemble the Dessert
- Take 9×13 baking dish, sprinkle about 2/3 of cornflake mixture evenly on bottom
- Carefully spread ice cream mixture over cornflake layer, try to make it even
- Top with remaining cornflake mixture, pressing gently so it sticks
- Drizzle with honey if using now, or can add when serving
Step 4: Freeze and Serve
- Cover with plastic wrap or lid
- Freeze at least 4 hours or overnight until firm
- When ready to serve, let sit at room temp for about 5 mins so it’s easier to cut
- Cut into squares and add toppings of choice
Delicious Variations of Fried Ice Cream Dessert
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream – Use chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla and add chocolate chips to cornflake mixture
- Strawberry Shortcake Version – Mix crushed strawberries into vanilla ice cream and add 1/2 tsp vanilla extract to cornflake mix
- Caramel Pecan Delight – Swirl caramel sauce into ice cream before freezing and add chopped pecans to topping
- Tropical Twist – Use coconut ice cream and add 1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes to cornflake mixture
- Coffee House Special – Use coffee ice cream and add 1 tbsp instant espresso powder to cornflake mixture for coffee lovers
- Berry Blast – Add mixed berry compote between ice cream and top layer for fruity surprise
FAQ About Fried Ice Cream Dessert
Can I make this fried ice cream dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! Actually works better when made day before. Can stay in freezer up to 5 days covered properly. Perfect for planning ahead for parties or family gatherings.
How do I store leftover fried ice cream dessert?
Cover tightly with plastic wrap or put in airtight container. Stays good in freezer for about 1 week before ice crystals start forming. Make sure to cover any cut edges well.
Can I use a different cereal instead of corn flakes?
Tried with few different ones and corn flakes def work best for authentic fried taste. But cinnamon toast crunch actually makes amazing alternative if you want extra cinnamon flavor. Just reduce added sugar if using sweetened cereal.
Why is my fried ice cream dessert too hard to scoop?
Probably didn’t let it sit out long enough before serving. Let it sit at room temp for 5-10 mins depending on how warm your kitchen is. If still too hard, might’ve packed ice cream too densely.
Can I make individual servings instead of one large dessert?
For sure! Use muffin tin lined with plastic wrap. Follow same layering but make individual portions. Great for portion control and cute presentation.
Is there a way to make this fried ice cream dessert healthier?
Yes, try using light ice cream and reduced fat whipped topping. Can also cut sugar in half in cornflake mixture. Still tastes great but fewer calories.
What’s the best way to serve this dessert for a party?
Cut into squares before party starts, place on tray in freezer. When ready to serve, put out toppings like chocolate sauce, caramel, whipped cream so everyone can customize. Looks impressive but super easy.
Make This Fried Ice Cream Dessert Your New Go-To
Made this for my kid’s birthday instead of cake last month and now they request it every weekend! There’s something magical about the contrast between crunchy cinnamon coating and cold creamy ice cream that ppl just can’t resist.
While traditional fried ice cream is amazing at restaurants, this version lets you enjoy those same flavors at home without stress. I keep ingredients on hand so can whip it up whenever we need quick dessert that impresses.
If you love this easy dessert, you’ll probably also enjoy my Raspberry Bars or Banoffee Pie Recipe with Caramel and Cream. For another cool and refreshing treat, try my Key Lime Pie Lasagna next time!
Make it your own and don’t forget to let me know how it turned out for you!
Fried Ice Cream Dessert
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin or food processor (for crushing cereal)
- Spatula or spoon
Ingredients
Crunchy Coating:
- 4 cups corn flakes crushed but not powdered
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Filling:
- 1.75 quarts vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup whipped topping
For Drizzling:
- Honey optional
- Optional Toppings:
- Chocolate syrup
- Caramel sauce
- Whipped cream
- Maraschino cherries
- Chopped nuts
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crunchy Coating
- Crush the corn flakes into small pieces (use a ziplock bag and rolling pin).
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in crushed corn flakes and sugar. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant.
- Mix in cinnamon and stir well.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Ice Cream Layer
- Let ice cream sit at room temp for 15 minutes to soften.
- In a bowl, mix softened ice cream with whipped topping until just combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Dessert
- Sprinkle 2/3 of the cornflake mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
- Spread the ice cream mixture evenly on top.
- Top with the remaining cornflake mixture and press gently.
- Drizzle with honey if desired.
Step 4: Freeze and Serve
- Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before slicing into squares.
- Serve with your choice of toppings.