Ingredients

For the Ice Cream Balls:

• 1 quart vanilla ice cream
• 3 cups crushed cornflakes cereal
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For Coating and Frying:

• 3 egg whites
• 2 quarts oil for frying

Steps to Make Classic Fried Ice Cream

Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 3 hours freezing time)

Cooking Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Step 1: Prepare the Ice Cream Balls

1. Scoop the vanilla ice cream into 8 equal balls, about ½ cup each. Place the ice cream balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Freeze the balls for at least 1 hour, or until they are firm.

Step 2: Make the Coating

1. In a medium bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes cereal with the ground cinnamon.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy.

Step 3: Coat the Ice Cream Balls

1. Remove the ice cream balls from the freezer. Roll each ball in the crushed cornflakes mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
2. Dip the coated ice cream balls into the egg whites, then roll them in the cornflakes mixture again for a double coating.
3. Place the coated ice cream balls back on the baking sheet and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until they are rock solid.

Step 4: Fry the Ice Cream

1. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature.
2. Carefully lower one ice cream ball into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Fry for about 10–15 seconds, just until the coating is golden brown.
3. Remove the ice cream ball from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
4. Repeat with the remaining ice cream balls, frying one at a time to maintain the oil temperature.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the fried ice cream immediately, garnished with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, or fresh fruit for an extra indulgence.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 23g
• Sugar: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 180mg

Why This Recipe is Timeless

Fried ice cream is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. Its enduring appeal lies in the surprising contrast of temperatures and textures. The crispy, golden coating provides the perfect shell for the creamy, cold ice cream inside.

This dessert is a nostalgic reminder of simpler times, evoking memories of enjoying unique treats at county fairs, festivals, or your favorite Mexican restaurant. Despite its indulgent nature, fried ice cream remains approachable, as it can be made with everyday pantry ingredients like cornflakes and cinnamon.

Its versatility also makes it timeless. While vanilla ice cream is the classic choice, you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or even coffee to suit your personal taste. Similarly, the toppings can be customized endlessly, from drizzles of honey to crushed nuts or sprinkles.

Fried ice cream brings joy to any occasion and adds a touch of whimsy to your dessert table. Whether you’re making it for kids or adults, this dish always manages to impress and delight.

FAQs

1. Can I use flavored cereal for the coating?

Yes! Flavored cereals like Frosted Flakes or cinnamon-flavored varieties can add an extra layer of sweetness and flavor to the coating.

2. What type of oil should I use for frying?

Neutral oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil, are best for frying ice cream.

3. Is it safe to fry ice cream?

Yes, as long as the ice cream balls are frozen solid and your oil is at the correct temperature, the coating will fry quickly without melting the ice cream inside.

4. Can I bake or air-fry the ice cream instead of deep-frying?

Unfortunately, this recipe works best with deep frying, as the high heat ensures the coating crisps up quickly while keeping the ice cream intact. Baking or air-frying may cause the ice cream to melt before the coating sets.

Tips for Perfect Fried Ice Cream

1. Freeze Thoroughly: Ensure the ice cream balls are frozen solid before frying to prevent them from melting.
2. Double-Coating for Crunch: The extra layer of cornflakes mixture ensures a thicker, crunchier coating that holds up well during frying.
3. Work Quickly: Fry each ball for no more than 10–15 seconds to avoid melting the ice cream.
4. Control the Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil at 375°F (190°C). If the oil is too hot, the coating may burn; if it’s too cool, the ice cream may melt.

Storage Tips

1. Unfried Ice Cream Balls: If you’re not frying all the ice cream balls at once, you can store the coated balls in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week. Fry them directly from frozen when ready to serve.
2. Leftovers: Unfortunately, fried ice cream doesn’t store well once fried, as the coating loses its crunch and the ice cream may melt. It’s best enjoyed fresh!

Conclusion: A Dessert Worth Celebrating

Fried ice cream is not just a dessert—it’s a celebration of contrasts, creativity, and culinary curiosity. Its timeless appeal lies in the way it surprises and delights, offering a unique combination of warmth and coolness, crunchiness and creaminess.

This recipe brings a restaurant-quality dessert to your home kitchen, making it accessible for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a birthday, or simply treating yourself to something special, fried ice cream is guaranteed to impress.

The beauty of this dessert lies in its versatility and the joy it brings to those who taste it. With its rich history, playful presentation, and unforgettable flavor, fried ice cream is a dish that never goes out of style.

So gather your ingredients, clear some space in your freezer, and prepare to wow your family and friends with this extraordinary treat. With a little preparation and a lot of love, you’ll create a dessert that will be remembered and cherished for years to come. Enjoy every crunchy, creamy bite!