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    Home » Dessert » Ice Cream » Fried Ice Cream

    Fried Ice Cream

    Published: Aug 14, 2020 · Modified: Apr 25, 2023 by Tonia Larson

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    ↓ JUMP TO RECIPE ↓ JUMP TO VIDEO

    Fried Ice Cream has a warm, crunchy shell with cold vanilla ice cream inside. Yes, it really is deep fried and served with cinnamon chips.

    fried ice cream drizzled in chocolate sauce

    My first experience with fried ice cream was at a teen birthday party for a friend at a restaurant called Chi Chi’s. We were amazed that they could fry ice cream without it melting!

    coating ingredients in a bowl

    Start by crushing corn flakes and vanilla wafers separately. Then, mix the crumbs with ground cinnamon and divide it into two bowls.

    What other kinds of coatings can be used?

    • cornflakes
    • vanilla wafers
    • graham crackers
    • cinnamon toast crunch
    • shredded coconut
    • chopped nuts
    scooping vanilla bean ice cream from the container

    What flavor of ice cream is inside fried ice cream?

    The classic ice cream choice for fried ice cream is vanilla but other flavors would be delicious as well. Here are some combinations we would like to try:

    • chocolate ice cream coated in crushed Oreos
    • coffee ice cream with cocoa pebbles
    • strawberry ice cream covered in fruity pebbles
    • chocolate chip ice cream coated in crushed chips ahoy
    a scoop of ice cream in the coating ingredients

    Next, make 1/4 cup scoops of vanilla ice cream and coat them with the corn flakes mixture. Freeze the ice cream balls for 1-2 hours.

    coated ice cream balls in a pan

    Remove the coated balls of ice cream from the freezer.

    dipping in the egg coating

    Coat them with beaten eggs and cover with more of the cornflakes mixture.

    coating with crushed corn flakes

    Repeat a second time for full coverage. Return the ice cream balls to the freezer for a minimum of 3 hours or overnight.

    frozen fried ice cream balls prior to dipping in fryer

    If you want to store the coated ice cream balls for a longer period of time, wrap each ball with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.

    When ready to fry, heat the oil in a deep-fryer (or use a heavy pot, and a thermometer). Fry one ball of ice cream at a time (leave the other balls in the freezer) for 10-15 seconds, until golden. Serve immediately or return to the freezer.

    topdown view of the fried ice cream dessert on a plate

    Put the fried ice cream on top of cinnamon tortilla chips (find my fried tortillas recipe here) in a shallow bowl. Drizzle with chocolate sauce, add a dollop of whipped cream, and top with a maraschino cherry.

    What can I use for toppings?

    • chocolate sauce (find my recipe here)
    • caramel sauce (find my recipe here)
    • strawberry sauce (find my recipe here)
    • honey
    • whipped cream (find my recipe here)
    • cherries
    • powdered sugar
    • sprinkles
    fried ice cream dessert with a bite out of it

    Can I make fried ice cream without deep frying?

    Yes, you can make faux fried ice cream without deep frying it. Instead, you’ll fry the coating in a pan before adding it to the ice cream balls. Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a skillet. Add the crushed corn flakes, crushed vanilla wafers, and ground cinnamon. Stir fry for 2-5 minutes until golden brown and toasted. Remove from heat and cool. Then, scoop the ice cream and coat the balls with the toasted coating. Place in the freezer until ready to serve.

    delicious fried ice cream dessert with a cherry on top

    Does this recipe work for fried ice cream bars or cupcakes?

    Yes, you can use this recipe to make fried ice cream bars or cupcakes. Follow the instructions above for frying the coating in a skillet. Mix the vanilla ice cream with 8 ounces of cool whip. Spread 1/3 of the corn flakes mixture in the bottom of a 9-inch pan or divide between muffin tin cups. Spoon the vanilla ice cream mixture over the top and spread to cover the bottom. Top with the remaining corn flakes mixture. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.

    a close up photo of delicious fried ice cream dessert with a bite out of it

    Want to make more fair food? Try these recipes next:

    These kid-approved Mini Corn Dogs are hand dipped in a sweet, honey flavored cornmeal batter and deep fried until golden and crispy.

    Fluffy Shave Ice drizzled with flavored syrup is the best way to cool off on a hot summer day! Top your snoball with gummies, sprinkles, or whipped cream.

    Make this easy Funnel Cake Recipe and surprise your family with fair food at home! Just add your favorite toppings to these sweet, crispy funnel cakes.

    Make this loaded Nachos recipe to serve at your next party or surprise your family with sheet pan nachos dinner with all of their favorite toppings!

    fried ice cream drizzled in chocolate sauce

    Fried Ice Cream

    Fried Ice Cream has a warm, crunchy shell with cold vanilla ice cream inside. Yes, it really is deep fried and served with cinnamon chips.
    4.55 from 40 votes
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    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 2 minutes minutes
    Additional Time: 4 hours hours
    Total Time: 4 hours hours 22 minutes minutes
    Servings: 10
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    Deep Fryer
    Pure Peanut Oil
    Skimmer Spoons Set
    Maraschino Cherries

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups crushed corn flakes measure after crushing
    • 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers measure after crushing
    • 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1.5 quarts vanilla bean ice cream
    • 4 eggs beaten until foamy
    • 10 tablespoon chocolate sauce
    • 10 tablespoon whipped cream
    • 10 maraschino cherries
    • peanut oil for frying

    Instructions

    • Mix together the crushed corn flakes, crushed vanilla wafers, and ground cinnamon.
    • Scoop 1/4 cup scoops of ice cream and coat them in the corn flakes mixture. Freeze for 1-2 hours.
    • Remove from the freezer. Coat with beaten eggs and cover with the corn flakes mixture. Repeat for full coverage. Return to the freezer for a minimum of 3 hours or overnight.
    • Heat oil in a deep fryer (or heavy pot) to 375˚F. Deep fry one ice cream ball at a time (leave the rest in the freezer) for 10-15 seconds until golden brown. Serve immediately or return to the freezer.
    • Top with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and a maraschino cherry.
    • Optional: Serve with cinnamon tortilla chips.

    Video

    Notes

    Nutrition facts were calculated using three tablespoons of oil since most of it wasn’t absorbed. Your results may vary depending on your oil temperature, length of cooking time, and the fryer you use.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1Fried Ice Cream Ball | Calories: 725kcal | Carbohydrates: 104g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 132mg | Sodium: 638mg | Potassium: 468mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 51g | Vitamin A: 1572IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 214mg | Iron: 14mg
    Course: Ice Cream
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Author: Tonia Larson

    More Ice Cream

    • White chocolate sauce and a copycat Starbucks white chocolate mocha.
      White Chocolate Sauce
    • A scoop of 3 ingredient ice cream.
      3 Ingredient Ice Cream
    • No churn chocolate ice cream in a white bowl.
      No Churn Chocolate Ice Cream
    • A cherry on top of a cookies and cream milkshake.
      Oreo Milkshake

    About Tonia Larson

    Hi! I’m Tonia, the owner and recipe creator at The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 12+ years! My family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and delicious desserts include mouthwatering photos, dynamic videos, and step-by-step instructions to help you cook at home.

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    Tonia Larson and Brian LarsonHi, We are Brian and Tonia Larson! We hope you enjoy our family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and tasty desserts!
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