There’s a certain joy that fills the kitchen when the temperatures rise and a craving for something sweet beckons. Picture this: a blissful scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, perfectly frozen, then lovingly enveloped in a crunchy cornflake coating. The contrast of textures is nothing short of magical, especially when that first warm bite hits your tongue.
My journey to discover the delightful crispy fried ice cream began on a hot summer day when fast food just wouldn’t do. Surprisingly, I stumbled across a quick and easy recipe that not only jazzed up my usual dessert routine but also turned into an instant hit at gatherings. With just a handful of ingredients and a short fry time, you can elevate dessert to an indulgent treat that dazzles.
Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply treating yourself, this crispy fried ice cream will quickly become your go-to guilty pleasure. Trust me, it’s worth the few extra steps! Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
Why is Crispy Fried Ice Cream so special?
Unforgettable crunch: The combination of crispy cornflakes and creamy ice cream creates a surprising yet delightful contrast that elevates any dessert experience.
Easy preparation: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this indulgent treat in no time.
Perfect for gatherings: Impress your guests with a fun dessert that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious – perfect for parties or family dinners.
Versatile toppings: Customize your fried ice cream with a variety of delicious toppings, from chocolate sauce to fresh fruit, ensuring everyone’s taste buds are satisfied.
A taste of nostalgia: This classic diner-style dessert brings back memories while offering a new twist that will become a family favorite.
Quick satisfaction: With a total time of just over 4 hours, most of that is freezing time, allowing you to enjoy this treat without too much wait!
Ready to add some flair to your dessert table? You’ll love how easy it is to bring joy to your kitchen with this recipe!
Crispy Fried Ice Cream Ingredients
For the Ice Cream Balls
• Vanilla ice cream – Choose high-quality vanilla for the creamiest and richest flavor.
• Egg whites – These help create a light, crispy coating; they’re perfect for binding the cornflake crumbs.
For the Coating
• Corn flakes – Crushing them into fine crumbs adds the perfect crunch to your crispy fried ice cream.
• Vegetable oil – The oil should be hot enough for frying (375°F) to achieve that golden, crispy exterior.
Here’s everything you need to create this delightful dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds! Happy cooking!
How to Make Crispy Fried Ice Cream
-
Scoop the vanilla ice cream into eight ½-cup balls and place them in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until they are fully solid. This step is crucial for perfect frying!
-
Beat the egg whites in a small bowl until they are frothy but not stiff—a nice airy consistency will help the coating stick beautifully.
-
Crush the corn flakes into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or your hands. Spread these crumbs evenly on a plate to create a delightful crispy coating for your ice cream.
-
Dip each frozen ice cream ball into the beaten egg whites, making sure they are fully coated. Then roll them in the crushed cornflakes until every inch is covered—this gives that signature crunch!
-
Return the coated ice cream balls to the freezer for 30 minutes. This extra firming will ensure they hold their shape during frying.
-
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy to achieve that perfect golden brown finish.
-
Fry each ice cream ball for 10–15 seconds. You want them to be golden and crisp without melting, so keep an eye on them!
-
Remove the fried ice cream balls using a slotted spoon, letting them drain on paper towels. Serve immediately and enjoy with your favorite toppings!
Optional: Drizzle with chocolate sauce or sprinkle some cinnamon for extra flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Fried Ice Cream balls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can scoop and freeze the vanilla ice cream into balls up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for effortless assembly later. Once they’ve firmed up, dip each ball in the beaten egg whites and roll them in crushed corn flakes, then return them to the freezer for an additional 30 minutes to maintain that perfect texture. This step not only keeps them from melting too quickly but also ensures they’re just as delicious when you’re ready to fry. When it’s time to serve, simply heat your oil and fry them for about 10-15 seconds, delivering a warm treat that the whole family will adore!
Expert Tips for Crispy Fried Ice Cream
Perfect Freezing: Ensure the ice cream balls are frozen solid for at least 4 hours. This prevents melting while frying, giving you the ideal crispy fried ice cream.
Egg White Consistency: Beat the egg whites until frothy, but don’t overbeat. Stiff egg whites may crack during frying, ruining the crunchy coating.
Cornflake Crumbs: For the crispiest outcome, crush corn flakes finely but not into powder. This balance helps maintain the texture while ensuring a good coating.
Oil Temperature: Use a cooking thermometer to monitor the oil’s temperature at 375°F. If it’s too cool, the coating absorbs too much oil; too hot, and it will burn.
Frying Time: Keep frying time short—10–15 seconds is all you need. This prevents the ice cream from melting and keeps the crispy exterior intact.
Serving Immediately: Serve the crispy fried ice cream immediately after frying. They lose their delightful crunch if left sitting too long. Enjoy!
What to Serve with Crispy Fried Ice Cream?
To round out your dessert experience, consider these delightful pairings that elevate each bite into pure bliss.
-
Chocolate Sauce: This rich sauce drizzled atop the warm, crispy fried ice cream adds a luscious sweetness that complements the flavors beautifully.
-
Fresh Berries: A vibrant medley of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries not only adds freshness but also a burst of tangy flavor that contrasts with the creaminess.
-
Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds an airy texture that perfectly balances the crispy exterior, making it a dreamy addition.
-
Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar enhances the warmth of the fried ice cream, adding a nostalgic twist reminiscent of classic fair treats.
-
Toasted Nuts: Chopped almonds or pecans provide a crunchy element that complements the crispy fried ice cream while introducing a nutty flavor profile.
-
Vanilla Ice Cream Scoop: Pairing crispy fried ice cream with a traditional scoop of vanilla ice cream keeps the indulgence going and adds a soothing creaminess to contrast with the crunch.
Imagine a plate where the warmth of the crispy fried exterior meets the cold creaminess of ice cream, each element harmonizing to create an unforgettable dessert experience.
How to Store and Freeze Crispy Fried Ice Cream
Fridge: Keep any leftover crispy fried ice cream in an airtight container for up to 2 days, though best enjoyed fresh.
Freezer: If you want to freeze the fried ice cream, wrap each ball in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating: For a quick refresh, place the frozen balls in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to regain some crispiness, but avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Serving Tip: Remember, the crispy fried ice cream is best served immediately after frying, so make it fresh for the ultimate treat!
Crispy Fried Ice Cream Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize your crispy fried ice cream experience with these delightful variations!
-
Chocolate Dipped: Drizzle melted chocolate over the fried ice cream for an extra layer of sweetness.
This decadent twist is perfect for chocolate lovers looking to indulge. -
Coconut Flakes: Swap corn flakes for crushed sweetened coconut for a tropical flavor.
It adds a unique crunch that’s both sweet and chewy, making your dessert feel like a mini getaway! -
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cornflake crumbs for a surprising twist.
The heat complements the sweetness wonderfully, giving your taste buds an exciting adventure! -
Nutty Crunch: Mix crushed nuts like almonds or pecans into your cornflake coating for added texture.
The nutty flavor elevates the classic recipe, creating a gourmet touch to your crispy treat! -
Berry Blast: Serve with a berry compote or fresh strawberries on the side for a fruity contrast.
This refreshing addition cuts through the richness and balances the dessert beautifully. -
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free corn flakes or crushed rice cereal for a delicious gluten-free version.
Everyone can enjoy this treat, and it still delivers the same beloved crunch! -
Vanilla Bean Swirl: Add vanilla bean paste to the ice cream for a more robust flavor.
This extra layer of vanilla goodness elevates your dessert into a creamy delight everyone will love! -
Caramel Drizzle: Finish with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for a sweet, gooey finish.
The combination of crispy, creamy, and sticky is simply irresistible, turning every bite into a celebration!
Crispy Fried Ice Cream Recipe FAQs
What type of vanilla ice cream should I use?
Absolutely! Choose a high-quality vanilla ice cream for the best flavor. Look for ice creams with a simple ingredient list containing real vanilla to create that creamy and rich texture.
How should I store leftover crispy fried ice cream?
If you have any leftover crispy fried ice cream, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, for the best taste and texture, enjoy it fresh right after frying!
Can I freeze crispy fried ice cream?
Definitely! To freeze, wrap each fried ice cream ball in plastic wrap individually, then place them into a sturdy freezer-safe zip-top bag. They can be stored for up to 2 weeks. Just remember, they taste best when freshly made!
What can I do if the cornflake coating is coming off during frying?
No worries! To avoid this, make sure your ice cream balls are frozen solid for at least 4 hours and that you’ve dipped them thoroughly in the egg whites before rolling in cornflake crumbs. A gentle pressing motion can help the crumbs adhere better, securing that delightful crispy fried ice cream coating.
Is crispy fried ice cream safe for pets or those with allergies?
Great question! Since this recipe contains dairy and egg whites, it’s not suitable for pets, as these can be harmful to them in larger amounts. Additionally, check for any allergies to eggs or dairy in your guests before serving. For allergies, you could consider using dairy-free ice cream options and egg substitutes like aquafaba for a vegan-friendly version!
How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
The best way to ensure your oil is at the right temperature (375°F or 190°C) is to use a cooking thermometer. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of cornflakes into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface almost immediately, the oil is ready for frying!
Crispy Fried Ice Cream: A Fun Twist on Classic Dessert
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Scoop the vanilla ice cream into eight ½-cup balls and place them in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until they are fully solid.
- Beat the egg whites in a small bowl until they are frothy but not stiff.
- Crush the corn flakes into fine crumbs and spread these crumbs evenly on a plate.
- Dip each frozen ice cream ball into the beaten egg whites, then roll them in the crushed cornflakes.
- Return the coated ice cream balls to the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 375°F.
- Fry each ice cream ball for 10–15 seconds until golden and crisp.
- Remove the fried ice cream balls using a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels. Serve immediately.