The most delicious oxymoron out there! Enjoy cold and creamy vanilla ice cream that’s been coated in a crunchy crust and then fried. It’s a unique dessert that is sure to please.
Fried ice cream is one of our go-to restaurant desserts to order when we go out. The first time we saw it on the menu, we’ll admit that we had to ask ourselves, what is fried ice cream?! Well, folks, it’s exactly what it sounds like! Although ice cream melts (of course) it is possible to deep fry it — with a little bit of prep work, that is. You’re going to want to serve fried ice cream while the outside is still hot and crispy and the inside is cold and creamy. This is one of those desserts that will surely impress your guests. It also works as a fun weeknight treat for the family! There are also so many ways to make these sweet treats unique to your own specific taste preferences. Once you try it, you’ll never believe how you lived without knowing this special way to prepare a classic dessert.
What is Fried Ice Cream?
Fried ice cream is a popular dessert mostly seen in restaurants. It usually features a ball of vanilla ice cream that has been rolled in some sort of batter that is then deep-fried. Legend has it a Philadelphia-based company coined the term back in the late 19th century!
Where Does This Dish Originate From?
There is much debate about where this deep-fried dessert originates from! Some believe that it is a Chinese dessert, and there is evidence that shows it was eaten in China back in the 1800s. Others believe that it is a Mexican dish, as it is sometimes seen in Mexican restaurants.
How Does The Ice Cream Not Melt?
You may also be scratching your head over the fact that it’s even possible to fry an ice-cold dessert. You’ll notice on the recipe card below that this recipe calls for you to double freeze the ice cream balls before you fry them. The added time in the freezer really helps firm them up. Plus, you only have to deep fry them for about 20 seconds, so they aren’t exposed to heat for a very long time.
Crunchy Crust Options:
Here’s where you can get creative. Our crunchy crust calls for corn flakes, a bit of cinnamon, and coconut flakes. The coconut is optional, but we love the added texture it brings to the mix. If there are no nut allergies in your house, you can also feel free to add some crushed-up nuts like almonds or pecans. In any case, when you crush your corn flakes make sure to leave a few larger pieces as this also helps add to the crunch you’ll love!
Ice Cream Options:
Our ice cream treat recipe (along with most recipes out there) calls for vanilla ice cream. Here’s another opportunity to make this recipe all your own! You may want to also try:
- Chocolate
- Pistachio
- Chocolate chip
- Strawberry
…or your favorite flavor! The choice is yours.
Do I Have to Deep Fry My Fried Ice Cream?
If you want to avoid deep frying, there is another way to prepare this special dessert! You’ll have to combine some salted butter, cereal, coconut flakes, and cinnamon in a skillet to cook. Then, once that mixture has cooled you can roll the ice cream in it for a treat that hasn’t been fried at all. See the recipe card below for specific instructions.
Make-Ahead Instructions:
These specially prepared ice cream balls are great to make in advance! If you do want to make them several days beforehand, we recommend wrapping them in plastic wrap before placing them in the freezer. This will help keep out any odors or tastes that may be lingering in your freezer. You should fry the ice cream balls within one week for the best results.
Storage Instructions:
This dessert dish is best eaten fresh, especially to get that amazing contrast of hot and cold. That said, if you do have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can deep fry them once more for the same results. They will keep in the freezer for about a week.
If you like this recipe, you may be interested in these other delicious dessert recipes:
- Creamy Berry Trifle
- Easy No Bake Cheesecake
- How to Make Bananas Foster
- Bakery Style Cookies (6 Flavors!)
Watch the video below where Caytlin will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, Facebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.
Fried Ice Cream
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream divided into 4 round balls
- 2 eggs beaten
- 2 cups corn flakes sweetened, crushed
- 1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Make 4 ice cream balls about the size of a small orange and place them on a sheet or plate. Set in freezer to firm up for at least 1 hour.
- In one dish, beat eggs. In another mix together crushed corn flakes, coconut flakes and cinnamon.
- After the ice cream balls have firmed up, remove from freezer and roll them one at a time into the crushed corn flake mixture, then the beaten egg then back into the mixture of corn flakes and cinnamon.
- Place them back on the sheet and into the freezer to solidify for another 1-2 hours. The trick to successfully frying ice cream is very solid ice cream.
- To fry, preheat at least 4 inches of cooking oil in a deep dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Monitor the heat source and adjust as needed to maintain a consistent temperature. Working in batches, carefully lower the balls into the oil and flash fry for about 20 seconds until they have become more golden. Remove from oil and enjoy immediately or re-freeze.
Fried Ice Cream Cheater Method:
- Form the balls and place in freezer.
- In a skillet, melt 1/2 cup of salted butter and add in the crushed cereal, coconut flakes and cinnamon. Stir and let the coating mixture cook together until it has deepened in color and the coconut is more golden.
- Pour the mixture onto a baking sheet and let cool.
- Roll the balls into the cooled mixture. Top with whipped cream and a chocolate drizzle and enjoy!
Nutrition
