Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Fried Ice Cream is an irresistible treat that’s not only fun to make but also delightful to eat. With the creamy richness of vanilla ice cream surrounded by a golden, crispy cornflake coating, this dessert combines textures that everyone loves. Plus, it’s easy to prepare—there’s no deep frying required! The cinnamon-sugar topping brings warmth and sweetness, while the whipped cream and maraschino cherry add the finishing touch. It’s the perfect dessert for a family gathering, special occasion, or when you just want to treat yourself.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 6 cups vanilla ice cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups Corn Flakes cereal, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 6 maraschino cherries (with stems)
Directions
- Prepare the Ice Cream Balls: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place it in the freezer. Scoop 6 balls of vanilla ice cream (about 1 cup each) onto the baking sheet. Freeze the ice cream balls for at least 1 hour to firm them up.
- Prepare the Cornflake Coating: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the crushed Corn Flakes and ground cinnamon. Stir frequently for 6-8 minutes or until the Corn Flakes turn golden brown and crisp. Remove the mixture from heat and transfer it to a wide bowl. Stir in the sugar to combine.
- Coat the Ice Cream: After the ice cream has firmed up in the freezer, take the ice cream balls out and roll them in the cornflake mixture, pressing gently to ensure they are coated evenly. Return the coated ice cream balls to the freezer for another hour to set.
- Serve: Just before serving, top the fried ice cream with a dollop of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including freezing time)
Variations
- Different Ice Cream Flavors: While vanilla is classic, you can use other ice cream flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or even cinnamon for an exciting twist on this dessert.
- Toppings: Try adding a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce on top, or sprinkle some crushed nuts for extra texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cornflakes if you need a gluten-free version of this recipe.
Storage/Reheating
Fried Ice Cream is best served fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store the coated ice cream balls in the freezer for up to 2 days. To maintain the crispiness, it’s best to serve them immediately after coating.
FAQs
1. Can I make Fried Ice Cream ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ice cream balls and coat them in the cornflake mixture ahead of time. Just freeze them until ready to serve. It’s a great dessert to make in advance for a party or gathering.
2. Can I use other cereals instead of Corn Flakes?
Yes, you can use other cereals like Rice Krispies or frosted flakes if you prefer. The cornflakes give the classic crunchy texture, but any crispy cereal will work.
3. How do I get the ice cream balls to stay firm?
Make sure to freeze the ice cream balls for at least 1 hour before coating them. This will help them hold their shape during the coating process and prevent them from melting too quickly.
4. Can I skip the butter when making the cornflake coating?
The butter helps the Corn Flakes crisp up and stick to the ice cream, so it’s not recommended to skip. However, you can substitute the butter with a non-dairy alternative like margarine.
5. Can I use a different fruit topping instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can top the Fried Ice Cream with fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or even banana slices for a refreshing twist.
6. How do I prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly when coating it?
Freezing the ice cream balls before rolling them in the cornflake mixture is key to keeping them firm and helping them stay solid. Work quickly when coating to prevent melting.
7. Can I use homemade ice cream for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade ice cream will work perfectly, but make sure it’s firm enough to form balls before starting the coating process.
8. How do I get the cornflake coating to stick well?
Press the cornflake mixture gently into the ice cream ball when rolling it to ensure a good coating. Freezing the coated ice cream balls for another hour will help the coating adhere.
9. How can I make this dessert more decadent?
You can make this dessert richer by adding a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce on top or sprinkling crushed nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts for extra crunch.
10. Can I bake the coated ice cream instead of frying it?
This recipe doesn’t require frying or baking, as the ice cream balls are frozen and rolled in the cornflake coating. Baking or frying would alter the texture of the ice cream and may cause it to melt.
Conclusion
Fried Ice Cream is the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and sweet. This easy recipe allows you to enjoy all the delicious flavors of fried ice cream without the hassle of deep-frying. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of freezing time, you can create a fun and delicious dessert that everyone will love. Serve it as a special treat for family and friends, or enjoy it as an indulgent snack whenever you’re craving something sweet and satisfying.
Fried Ice Cream
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including freezing time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fried Ice Cream is a fun and indulgent dessert with a crispy cinnamon cornflake coating, creamy vanilla ice cream center, and topped with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. It’s the perfect balance of crunch and cold, sweet creaminess.
Ingredients
6 cups vanilla ice cream
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups Corn Flakes cereal, crushed
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cup whipped cream
6 maraschino cherries (with stems)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place it in the freezer. Scoop 6 balls of vanilla ice cream (about 1 cup each) onto the baking sheet. Freeze the ice cream balls for at least 1 hour to firm them up.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the crushed Corn Flakes and cinnamon. Stir for 6-8 minutes or until golden and crisp. Remove from heat and stir in sugar. Transfer to a bowl.
- Roll the firm ice cream balls in the cornflake mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly. Return the coated ice cream balls to the freezer for another hour to set.
- Before serving, top each ice cream ball with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can use other ice cream flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or cinnamon.
Try adding chocolate or caramel sauce on top for a richer taste.
Use gluten-free cornflakes if necessary for a gluten-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
