Description
Looking for a dessert that’s crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside? Mexican Fried Ice Cream is the perfect treat! This indulgent dessert combines cold, velvety ice cream with a sweet, crunchy coating that’s flash-fried to golden perfection. It’s an easy, fun, and customizable recipe that will impress at any gathering. Topped with caramel, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream, this classic Mexican-inspired dessert is an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Ice Cream Balls:
- 4 large scoops vanilla ice cream (or preferred flavor)
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes or cinnamon cereal
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Coating & Frying:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Toppings (Optional):
- Chocolate syrup or caramel sauce
- Whipped cream
- Chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or peanuts)
- Cinnamon sugar
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ice Cream Balls
- Scoop 4 large balls of ice cream and place them on a parchment-lined tray.
- Freeze the scoops for at least 2 hours until firm.
Step 2: Coat the Ice Cream Balls
- In a bowl, mix crushed cornflakes, cinnamon, and salt.
- Roll each frozen ice cream ball in the mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks.
- Place the coated ice cream balls back in the freezer for another 30 minutes.
Step 3: Create the Batter
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and milk together.
- In another bowl, add flour.
Step 4: Double Coating for Extra Crispiness
- Remove the ice cream balls from the freezer.
- Roll each ball in flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, and coat again with the cornflake mixture for a thicker shell.
- Freeze again for 1 hour to ensure the coating stays intact during frying.
Step 5: Fry the Ice Cream Balls
- Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a slotted spoon, carefully lower one ice cream ball into the oil and fry for 8-10 seconds until golden brown.
- Remove immediately and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Repeat with remaining ice cream balls.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Place fried ice cream balls in bowls.
- Drizzle with chocolate syrup or caramel sauce, top with whipped cream, and add a cherry for the perfect finishing touch!
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can freeze the coated ice cream balls for up to 3 days before frying.
- No Deep Frying? Try a mock fried version by rolling ice cream balls in crushed cereal, cinnamon sugar, and drizzling with honey instead.
- Crust Variations: Instead of cornflakes, try crushed cookies, graham crackers, or shredded coconut for unique flavors.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut ice cream and almond milk to make it completely dairy-free!
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Category: Desserts
- Cuisine: Mexican, Dessert
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fried ice cream ball
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g