There’s a unique thrill that comes from biting into something unexpectedly delightful, and that’s exactly what you’ll find with this No-Fry Fried Ice Cream. Picture this: a warm, crunchy cornflake coating encasing a devilishly cold scoop of creamy ice cream. It’s the kind of indulgence that feels fancy but can be whipped up in mere minutes right in your own kitchen!
I recently discovered the pure joy of making this dessert while looking for an exciting way to treat my family and friends without the hassle of deep frying. Gone are the days of greasy pots and splatters; this version is all about simple, delicious fun. Whether it’s a cozy family night or a gathering with friends, you can easily customize flavors and toppings, making it a crowd-pleaser for everyone. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this quick, easy recipe that promises to be a showstopper!
Why is Fried Ice Cream a Must-Try?
Indulgent, this dessert gives you the joy of a guilty pleasure without the frying fuss. Quick to prepare, you can whip it up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for any occasion. Customizable, feel free to switch up your ice cream flavor or toppings to suit your taste. Family-friendly, even the kids will love this fun treat, and it’s an excellent way to introduce them to cooking! Ready to elevate your dessert game? Dive into this easy recipe that will have everyone raving.
Fried Ice Cream Ingredients
• The perfect ingredients for your delight!
For the Cornflake Coating
- Cornflakes – Provides that irresistible crunchy texture; feel free to use crushed gluten-free cereal for a gluten-free option.
- Butter – Adds richness and helps the cornflakes crisp up beautifully; vegan butter is a great substitute for a dairy-free version.
- Cinnamon – Enhances the flavor profile; it’s optional, so you can skip it for a different taste if desired.
For the Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream – This classic flavor serves as the creamy base; however, feel free to use any flavor that your family enjoys.
For Serving
- Honey – A drizzle of honey adds a touch of sweetness; consider it your finishing touch for an added wow factor.
- Whipped Cream – A dollop brings extra indulgence; customize your toppings based on what you love!
This Fried Ice Cream is sure to impress with its delightful texture and rich taste. Enjoy every bite!
How to Make Fried Ice Cream
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Prepare Cornflake Coating:
Crush cornflakes in a resealable bag, leaving some chunks for delightful texture. Melt butter in a skillet; stir in the crushed cornflakes and cinnamon, cooking for about 2 minutes until golden brown. -
Cool Coating:
Spread the cooked cornflakes in a dish and let them cool completely. This step is essential to prevent melting your ice cream too quickly! -
Scoop Ice Cream:
Form 8 even balls of vanilla ice cream, working swiftly to keep their shape. If they start to soften, pop them back in the freezer for a few minutes. -
Coat the Ice Cream Balls:
Roll each ice cream ball in the cooled cornflake mixture until they are fully coated. For extra crunch, freeze the coated balls for a bit longer if desired. -
Final Freeze:
Place the coated ice cream balls on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 10–15 minutes to ensure they firm up perfectly.
Optional: Drizzle with honey or chocolate sauce before serving for an extra touch of indulgence.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Fried Ice Cream
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Perfect Temperature: Keep ice cream balls semi-frozen while coating; if they become too soft, they’ll be hard to manage and lose shape.
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Crunch Factor: For an enhanced crunch, coat the balls a second time in the cornflake mixture before the final freeze.
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Watch the Heat: When cooking the cornflakes, maintain a steady temperature to avoid burning; lower the flame if necessary to ensure even browning.
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Flavor Variations: Feel free to get creative with your ice cream flavors for this fried ice cream; chocolate, strawberry, or even mint can elevate your dessert game.
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Serving Style: Experiment with toppings like caramel sauce, fresh fruits, or even sprinkles to customize your fried ice cream for different occasions.
Make Ahead Options
These No-Fry Fried Ice Cream balls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cornflake coating up to 24 hours in advance by cooking it, letting it cool completely, and storing it in an airtight container. Furthermore, you can form ice cream balls and freeze them for up to 3 days before coating them. Simply make sure to keep the balls tightly wrapped in the freezer to maintain their shape and texture. When you’re ready to serve, simply roll the frozen ice cream balls in the prepared cornflake mixture, and give them a quick freeze for 10-15 minutes prior to indulgence. This way, you’ll have a delightful dessert that’s just as delicious and impressively easy for busy weeknights!
What to Serve with Fried Ice Cream?
Picture a warm evening with delightful treats; these pairings will create the perfect sweet finale to your night.
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Fresh Berries: A vibrant mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a refreshing tartness, beautifully balancing the rich, creamy ice cream. Their natural sweetness complements every bite of the fried delight.
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Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce enhances the indulgence of the fried ice cream, adding a luxurious touch. It melts slightly on contact, giving you a gooey, delightful experience.
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Caramel Drizzle: Smooth caramel brings a rich, buttery sweetness that pairs perfectly with the crunchy exterior of the dessert. Combine with a pinch of sea salt for a sophisticated twist.
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Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this coconut version adds a tropical flair to your dessert, making each bite feel like a vacation treat. The coconut flavor works harmoniously with the ice cream.
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Sprinkles: A sprinkle of colorful fun adds a playful touch, making this dessert visually appealing and appealing to the kids. It’s an easy way to elevate the festive feel of fried ice cream.
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Chilled Fruit Salad: A chilled fruit salad made of melons and citrus fruits acts as a refreshing palate cleanser. Each bite offers a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the dessert.
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Almond Milkshake: A creamy almond milkshake can serve as a delightful beverage alongside your fried ice cream. This nutty flavor perfectly contrasts with the sweet, crunchy treat.
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Mint Leaves: A sprig of fresh mint offers a pop of color and a hint of coolness, making it an ideal garnish that brightens the dish. The minty aroma elevates the sensory experience.
Storage Tips for Fried Ice Cream
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Fridge: Best enjoyed fresh, but if necessary, you can keep your fried ice cream in the fridge for up to 1 day. Place it in an airtight container to maintain its crispy texture as much as possible.
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Freezer: For longer storage, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 days. To prevent freezer burn, ensure the container is well-sealed before placing it in the freezer.
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Reheating: If you’re ready to enjoy your frozen fried ice cream, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps soften the ice cream while keeping the cornflake coating crunchy.
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Serving Freshness: While you can store fried ice cream, it’s best served immediately after preparation to enjoy the full contrast of temperatures and textures that make this dessert a hit!
Fried Ice Cream Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to make this delightful dessert uniquely yours by playing around with flavors and textures!
- Gluten-Free: Use crushed gluten-free cornflakes or any gluten-free cereal to make this treat safe for those with dietary restrictions.
- Vegan: Swap out butter for a plant-based alternative and choose a dairy-free ice cream for a completely vegan version that’s just as indulgent.
- Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts like almonds or pecans into the cornflake coating for an extra layer of crunch and flavor. Mix it in before cooking the cornflakes for an even distribution.
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the cornflake mixture for a sweet-and-spicy twist that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s an unexpected delight!
- Flavor Infusion: Experiment with different ice cream flavors like cookie dough, mint chocolate chip, or coffee for a fun flavor twist that complements the crunch.
- Chocolate Coating: Dip the coated ice cream balls in melted chocolate before the final freeze for an extra decadent layer that adds a rich taste.
- Fruit Twist: Top with sliced fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas drizzled in honey for a refreshing touch that balances the creamy richness.
- Coconut Flakes: Swap some cornflakes with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist that adds an exotic flavor and texture contrast.
Transform your Fried Ice Cream into a personal favorite that everyone will love!
No-Fry Fried Ice Cream Recipe FAQs
What type of cornflakes should I use for the coating?
You can use regular cornflakes for a classic crunch or switch to gluten-free cereal if you need a gluten-free option. I often opt for unsweetened varieties to control the sweetness of the dessert better, but really, the choice is yours—feel free to experiment!
How should I store leftover fried ice cream?
Leftover fried ice cream is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 days. Just make sure to seal it well to avoid freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to soften slightly while maintaining the crunchy coating.
Can I freeze the already coated ice cream balls again?
Absolutely! For an even crunchier texture, after coating your ice cream balls, you can freeze them for an additional 10-15 minutes before serving. This extra freezing step helps the coating adhere better and enhances the overall crunchiness.
What should I do if my cornflake coating burns?
If your cornflake coating burns, don’t worry! Just lower your cooking temperature and stir more frequently. If it’s too late, simply let it cool, and then you can start fresh with a new batch of cornflakes. It’s key to keep an eye on them and adjust as necessary to achieve that beautiful golden brown.
Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary reasons?
Of course! You can easily make this No-Fry Fried Ice Cream suitable for various dietary needs. Swap out regular butter for vegan butter, use any ice cream flavor you prefer, and go with gluten-free cornflakes. If you have nut allergies, simply keep toppings free from nuts or replace them with seeds or other alternatives.
Is there a way to make this dessert lower in sugar?
Certainly! To make a lower sugar version of fried ice cream, consider using lower-sugar ice cream options, or you might even try making your own with a sweetener of your choice. For toppings, opt for fresh fruit, like berries, or a small drizzle of honey or agave for an all-natural sweet touch.
No-Fry Fried Ice Cream That’ll Wow Your Taste Buds!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Crush cornflakes in a resealable bag, leaving some chunks.
- Melt butter in a skillet; stir in cornflakes and cinnamon, cooking for about 2 minutes until golden brown.
- Spread cooked cornflakes in a dish and let cool completely.
- Form 8 even balls of vanilla ice cream, keeping them semi-frozen to maintain shape.
- Roll each ice cream ball in the cooled cornflake mixture until fully coated.
- Place coated ice cream balls on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 10-15 minutes.
- Drizzle with honey or chocolate sauce before serving if desired.