Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fried Ice Cream Dessert delivers the perfect contrast of textures and temperatures—crispy, warm coating on the outside and cold, creamy ice cream on the inside. It’s a festive, fun treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, and it’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or when you want to impress with a restaurant-style dessert.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

vanilla ice creamcornflakes (crushed)ground cinnamonsugarbutterhoney (optional)whipped cream (optional)maraschino cherries (optional)chocolate or caramel sauce (optional)

directions

Scoop the vanilla ice cream into firm balls and place them on a baking sheet.

Freeze the ice cream balls for at least 1 hour or until very firm.

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add crushed cornflakes, cinnamon, and sugar.

Toast the mixture, stirring constantly, for 3–4 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool completely.

Roll each frozen ice cream ball in the cornflake mixture, pressing to coat evenly.

Return coated ice cream balls to the freezer for at least 30 minutes before serving.

For serving, drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce, top with whipped cream, honey, and cherries if desired.

Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesFreezing time: 1.5 hoursTotal time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

Use cinnamon toast crunch or crushed cookies instead of cornflakes.

Add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne for a spiced twist.

Try flavored ice creams like chocolate, caramel swirl, or mango.

Add chopped nuts to the coating for extra crunch.

Make mini bite-sized versions for parties or buffets.

storage/reheating

Store coated ice cream balls in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week.Do not reheat—serve directly from the freezer with warm sauce if desired.

FAQs

Is the ice cream actually deep-fried?

Traditional versions are, but this no-fry method mimics the crunch without hot oil.

Can I use store-bought toppings?

Yes, caramel, fudge, or fruit sauces work great for quick finishing touches.

What’s the best way to crush cornflakes?

Place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin or pulse in a food processor.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and freeze them up to a week in advance.

Do I have to use vanilla ice cream?

No, use your favorite flavor—coffee, strawberry, or dulce de leche are great options.

Is this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cornflakes and toppings to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.

How do I keep the coating crunchy?

Let the coating cool fully before rolling the ice cream, and keep frozen until serving.

Can I really skip deep frying?

Yes, this baked-coating method gives all the crunch with none of the mess or risk.

What if I want to deep-fry?

Use frozen solid ice cream coated in crushed cornflakes mixed with flour and egg, then fry quickly in hot oil.

How long should I freeze before serving?

At least 30 minutes after coating, or until very firm.

Conclusion

Fried Ice Cream Dessert is a delightful blend of crispy, creamy, hot, and cold that feels indulgent and exciting. Whether you go for the no-fry version or try the classic deep-fried approach, it’s a crowd-pleasing treat that elevates any occasion. Easy to customize and fun to eat, it’s a dessert you’ll return to again and again.