Why You’ll Love This Fried Ice Cream Recipe
If you’ve ever craved a dessert that’s both creamy and crispy, you’re in for a treat with this fried ice cream recipe. The moment you bite into that crunchy outer layer, the warm sensation contrasts beautifully with the cold, creamy ice cream inside.
It’s a delightful explosion of textures and flavors that’ll leave you wanting more. Plus, it’s a fun dessert to make, perfect for impressing friends or family. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, too!
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make this indulgent treat sooner. Give it a whirl!
Ingredients of Fried Ice Cream
When it comes to whipped cream, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup, fried ice cream is a dessert that invites creativity. The ingredients are pretty straightforward, but each one plays a role in crafting that delightful contrast of crispy and creamy. So, let’s gather what we need for this sweet adventure.
Here’s the ingredient list for our fried ice cream:
- 1 pint ice cream (your favorite flavor)
- 2 beaten eggs (you’ll feel like a chef cracking those eggs)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that extra touch of flavor)
- 2 1/2 cups sweetened corn flakes (the crunch factor)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (because cinnamon makes everything better)
- Cooking oil (for deep frying, make sure it’s hot enough)
- Whipped cream (for serving, if you’re feeling fancy)
Now, before you dash off to the grocery store, let’s chat about a few considerations. First, the type of ice cream you choose can really change the game. Think about your favorite flavors—whether it’s classic chocolate, rich vanilla, or something wacky like cookie dough, the ice cream will be the star of the show.
Just make sure it’s good quality, as it makes a difference when you take that first bite. And don’t forget about the corn flakes! If you want to shake things up, you can even try other cereals for a unique twist, although sweetened corn flakes give that perfect crunch.
Finally, the frying oil should be hot enough to create that golden crust, but not so hot that it burns. It’s all about balance, right? So, gather your ingredients, and let’s get ready to fry up some fun!
How to Make Fried Ice Cream
Alright, let’s plunge into the magical world of making fried ice cream. First things first, grab that 1 pint of ice cream. You can choose your favorite flavor—whether it’s chocolate, vanilla, or something wild like mint chocolate chip, just make sure it’s a flavor that makes you happy. Scoop out about four generous scoops (around 1/2 cup each), and plop them into a small pan.
Pop that pan into the freezer for about an hour or until those scoops are firm enough to handle. We want them rock solid because we’re about to take them on a wild ride through a crispy coating and hot oil.
Once your ice cream is frozen solid, we’ll need to prepare our magical coating. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 2 beaten eggs and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This egg mixture is going to help our crunchy coating stick to the ice cream.
Now, in a pie plate, combine 2 1/2 cups of sweetened corn flakes with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This is where the fun begins. Dip each frozen ice cream ball into the egg mixture and then roll it in that delicious cereal-cinnamon blend. Make sure each ball is well-coated because this is what gives you that enticing crunch.
After they’re all dressed up, return them to the freezer for another hour to get nice and firm again.
Now, here comes the part that might make you feel like a kitchen hero. Heat your cooking oil in a deep fryer or heavy saucepan to about 375°F. It’s a good idea to use a thermometer here—nobody wants burnt ice cream.
Once your oil is hot and ready, carefully drop one or two of those coated ice cream balls into the oil. Fry them for about 15 seconds, just until they turn golden brown. Trust me, the smell will be heavenly.
After frying, drain them on paper towels and return them to the freezer while you fry the rest. Once all are done, serve them immediately, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Just imagine that first bite—the crispy exterior giving way to creamy ice cream inside. It’s a dessert that’s sure to impress, and it might just become your new favorite treat.
Fried Ice Cream Substitutions & Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making fried ice cream, it’s time to get creative with substitutions and variations that can elevate your dessert experience.
You can try different ice cream flavors like chocolate, mint, or strawberry to switch things up. For the coating, crushed graham crackers or even crushed cookies can add a unique twist.
If you’re avoiding eggs, a mixture of milk and cornstarch works well as a binder. Don’t forget to sprinkle some toppings like nuts or chocolate sauce after frying for extra flavor.
The options are endless, so have fun experimenting!
What to Serve with Fried Ice Cream
Serving fried ice cream with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience to a whole new level.
I love to drizzle warm chocolate or caramel sauce over the top, adding a rich sweetness. Fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas add a revitalizing touch, balancing the richness.
Don’t forget a dollop of whipped cream; it’s a must! For a bit of crunch, I sometimes sprinkle chopped nuts or extra cornflakes on top.
If I want to impress, I even add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a mint leaf for garnish. These simple additions make each bite even more delightful!
Additional Tips & Notes
When you’re ready to make the most of your fried ice cream experience, a few additional tips can really enhance the process.
First, use the best quality ice cream you can find; it makes a noticeable difference in flavor. I recommend working quickly during the frying to maintain the ice cream’s shape.
If you’re having trouble with the coating sticking, try chilling the coated balls for an additional 30 minutes before frying.
Finally, experiment with toppings like chocolate or caramel sauce, and don’t skip the whipped cream! Enjoying this treat fresh out of the fryer is a must.