Easy Fried Ice Cream

Buckle up, ice cream lovers! This homemade Easy Fried Ice Cream recipe is a game changer. The secret? It isn’t actually deep-fried. That means less mess, less work, but all the goodness of a crispy fried ball of ice cream. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat at home, this dessert will impress everyone with its delightful texture and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, you can whip up this dessert in just 10 minutes.
• Crispy Texture: The corn flake coating gives a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy ice cream.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite sauces and fruits to make each serving unique.
• No Deep Frying Required: Enjoy all the taste without the hassle and mess of frying.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a weeknight dessert, this recipe fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Easy Fried Ice Cream, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor or rolling pin
• Plastic wrap
• Baking sheet
• Medium skillet
• Shallow bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor or rolling pin: Essential for crushing corn flakes into the perfect size for coating.
• Plastic wrap: Helps shape the ice cream mounds neatly before freezing.
• Medium skillet: Used to melt butter and mix the crunchy coating evenly.
• Shallow bowl: Ideal for rolling the ice cream balls in the cornflake mixture without making a mess.

Ingredients

To create your delicious Easy Fried Ice Cream, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Ice Cream Base

• Half gallon vanilla ice cream

For the Crunchy Coating

• 5 cups corn flakes cereal
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ⅛ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

For Serving

• Chocolate sauce
• Caramel sauce
• Whipped cream
• Maraschino cherries

How to Make Easy Fried Ice Cream

Step 1: Prepare Ice Cream Mounds

1. Prepare 6 large pieces of plastic wrap.
2. Scoop out the ice cream onto each sheet, creating 6 mounds that are 2 ½ inches in size (roughly 1 ⅓ cups per mound).
3. Wrap each mound with plastic wrap, shaping them into balls with flat bottoms by gently pressing. If needed, place wrapped mounds in the freezer to keep them firm as you work.
4. Place the wrapped ice cream on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1 hour.

Step 2: Crush Corn Flakes

1. Use either a food processor or place corn flakes in a Ziploc bag and crush them with a rolling pin until small pieces form.
2. Set aside for later use.

Step 3: Make Crunchy Coating

1. In a medium skillet set over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Once melted, stir in crushed corn flakes, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract.
3. Stir continuously and cook for about 2 minutes until the mixture deepens in color and releases a toasty aroma.

Step 4: Coat Ice Cream Balls

1. Remove the corn flake mixture from heat and transfer it to a shallow bowl.
2. You can either roll the balls in the warm mixture or allow it to cool completely before coating.
3. Roll each ice cream ball into the cornflake mixture using your hands to press it into the ice cream evenly.

Step 5: Serve or Freeze Again

1. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, whipped cream, and maraschino cherries.
2. Alternatively, keep them in the freezer until you’re ready to serve for later enjoyment!

With these simple steps, you’ll have an irresistible dessert that’s sure to be loved by all!

How to Serve Easy Fried Ice Cream

Serving Easy Fried Ice Cream is all about creativity and personal preference. You can dress it up with a variety of toppings and accompaniments to create an indulgent dessert experience.

Classic Toppings

• Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the ice cream for a rich, decadent flavor.
• Caramel Sauce: A sweet caramel drizzle adds a buttery sweetness that complements the ice cream perfectly.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream provides a light and fluffy texture that balances the crispy coating.

Fun Additions

• Maraschino Cherries: Top each serving with a cherry for a pop of color and a sweet burst of flavor.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle crushed almonds or walnuts on top for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Fresh Berries: Add strawberries or raspberries for a fruity contrast that brightens the dish.

How to Perfect Easy Fried Ice Cream

Perfecting your Easy Fried Ice Cream is simple with a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.

• Bold Freezing Method: Make sure to freeze the ice cream balls until they are solid. This prevents them from melting too quickly when coated.
• Bold Texture Control: Crush the corn flakes to your desired size. Finer pieces will create a smoother coating, while larger pieces add extra crunch.
• Bold Flavor Balance: Adjust the cinnamon and sugar levels in the corn flake mixture to suit your taste. Experimenting can lead to delightful variations.
• Bold Serving Temperature: Serve immediately after coating for optimal texture. The contrast between crispy and cold is what makes this dessert special.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Fried Ice Cream

Pairing side dishes with Easy Fried Ice Cream can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits brings freshness and balances the richness of fried ice cream.
2. Chocolate Chip Cookies: Warm cookies provide a comforting texture that complements the cold ice cream.
3. Rice Krispie Treats: These chewy treats add an additional layer of sweetness and texture alongside your fried ice cream.
4. Pecan Pie Bites: Miniature pecan pies enhance the dessert table with their nutty richness, making them perfect companions.
5. Banana Bread: Moist banana bread offers a homey touch and pairs well with creamy desserts like fried ice cream.
6. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up a sundae station with various toppings, allowing guests to customize their desserts alongside fried ice cream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Easy Fried Ice Cream turns out perfect, avoid these common mistakes.

• Using melted ice cream: Make sure to keep the ice cream frozen solid when scooping. If it melts too much, it won’t hold its shape.
• Skipping the freezing step: Don’t forget to freeze the mounds after wrapping them. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy texture.
• Not crushing the cereal finely enough: Ensure the corn flakes are crushed into small pieces. Larger chunks won’t stick well to the ice cream.
• Overheating the corn flake mixture: Keep an eye on the skillet while cooking the corn flakes. Overheating can cause them to burn and taste bitter.
• Serving without toppings: Don’t underestimate the power of toppings! Adding chocolate or caramel sauce enhances flavor and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Easy Fried Ice Cream in an airtight container.
• It can last for about 2-3 days in the refrigerator, but best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing Easy Fried Ice Cream

• For longer storage, keep it in the freezer.
• Properly wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container, it lasts up to 2 months.

Reheating Easy Fried Ice Cream

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5 minutes. This keeps the outside crisp.
• Microwave: Heat on low for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to melt the ice cream.
• Stovetop: Place in a non-stick pan over low heat for a minute or two, turning gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to common questions about making Easy Fried Ice Cream.

Can I use different flavors of ice cream for Easy Fried Ice Cream?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with various flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or mint for a unique twist that suits your taste.

How do I prevent melting while making Easy Fried Ice Cream?

Keep all ingredients chilled and work quickly. If necessary, return scooped mounds to the freezer between steps.

What toppings pair best with Easy Fried Ice Cream?

Consider using chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, whipped cream, or fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas for added flavor and texture.

Can I make Easy Fried Ice Cream ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day before serving and store it properly in the freezer until you’re ready to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Fried Ice Cream recipe is not only delightful but also versatile. Customize it with your favorite ice cream flavors and toppings! It’s a fun dessert that everyone will love, so give it a try at your next gathering!