Crunchy Fiesta: Mexican Fried Ice Cream Recipe You’ll Adore

Dessert lovers swoon over this delectable crispy Mexican fried ice cream that captures the essence of sweet indulgence.

Mexican palates have perfected this delightful treat with its crunchy exterior and creamy center.

Layers of golden, crisp coating envelop smooth, cold ice cream in a magical contrast of textures.

Vanilla ice cream works best when rolled in a mixture of crushed cornflakes and cinnamon.

Each bite delivers a symphony of warmth and coolness that dances across your taste buds.

The recipe transforms a simple dessert into a culinary adventure that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico.

Prepare to embark on a delicious journey that promises to delight and surprise.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 4

FAQs

• What is the purpose of freezing the ice cream balls before coating?

Freezing helps the ice cream maintain its shape during the coating process and prevents melting when rolling in the corn flake mixture.

• Can I use a different type of cereal instead of corn flakes?

You can substitute corn flakes with crushed graham crackers or crushed vanilla wafers for a similar crunchy texture.

• How do I prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly when coating?

Work quickly and keep the ice cream balls frozen solid before coating. Have all your ingredients prepared in advance and work in a cool environment.

• Is this dessert kid-friendly?

Yes, this dessert is perfect for kids. The sweet, crunchy coating and colorful cherry make it a fun and delicious treat that children will love.

Ingredients for Fried Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy canvas that forms the heart of this delightful dessert, choose a high-quality brand for rich, smooth texture.

• Corn Flakes, Butter: Delivers irresistible crunch and golden toasted flavor, select fresh crisp cereal for maximum crispiness.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice that complements the sweet ice cream perfectly.

• Granulated Sugar: Creates sweet crystalline layer that adds delicate crackle when biting into the dessert.
• Whipped Cream: Provides light, airy contrast to the rich ice cream and crunchy coating.
• Hot Fudge Sauce: Brings decadent chocolate richness that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Maraschino Cherry: Offers bright pop of color and sweet-tart flavor as a playful garnish.

Tools for Making Fried Ice Cream at Home

• Large Baking Sheet: Essential for freezing ice cream balls evenly and keeping them stable.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents ice cream from sticking and makes handling easier.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for toasting corn flake coating and creating crispy texture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients like cinnamon and sugar.
• Small Mixing Bowls: Great for preparing cinnamon-sugar mixture and coating ingredients.
• Ice Cream Scoop: Helps create uniform, perfectly shaped ice cream balls.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring corn flakes while toasting and mixing ingredients.

How to Fry Ice Cream Without a Mess

• Create Frosty Globes

Grab your favorite ice cream and shape into rounded scoops. Transfer these chilly spheres onto a tray lined with parchment paper. Slide the tray into the freezer and let them harden completely for a few hours.

• Toast Crispy Coating

Heat butter in a pan until it sizzles. Toss crushed corn flakes with a dash of cinnamon, stirring constantly until they transform into a golden, fragrant mixture. Allow the crunchy blend to cool down and rest.

• Dress Up the Treats

Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Rescue the frozen ice cream balls from their chilly retreat. Gently roll each scoop through the sweet dust, then lovingly wrap them in the toasted corn flake embrace.

• Finish with Flair

Position the dressed-up delights onto serving plates. Crown each globe with a cloud of whipped cream. Add a luxurious drizzle of chocolate sauce and top with a vibrant maraschino cherry. Serve immediately and watch faces light up with pure joy.

Flavor Tweaks to Level Up Your Dessert

• Tips to Perfect Frozen Delight
• Ensure ice cream balls are rock-solid before coating to prevent melting during breading process. Freeze for minimum 4 hours or overnight for best results.
• Toast corn flakes slowly and evenly to develop deep golden color and rich nutty flavor. Watch carefully to avoid burning the coating.
• Work fast when rolling and coating ice cream balls. Keep extra balls in freezer while working to maintain optimal temperature and prevent softening.
• Swap traditional ingredients for healthier alternatives like gluten-free corn flakes, low-fat ice cream, or dairy-free frozen dessert for those with dietary restrictions.
• Experiment with different ice cream flavors like chocolate, vanilla, or dulce de leche. Try alternative coatings such as crushed graham crackers, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes for unique taste combinations.

Fun Ways to Serve Mexican Fried Ice Cream

• Fiesta Flavor Explosion: Drizzle hot chocolate sauce over the crispy coated ice cream for a decadent Mexican-inspired dessert.
• Sweet Cinnamon Charm: Sprinkle extra ground cinnamon on top to enhance the warm, aromatic flavor profile of the dish.
• Tropical Cherry Twist: Garnish with multiple maraschino cherries and a light dusting of toasted coconut flakes for added texture and visual appeal.
• Creamy Companion Delight: Serve alongside a small shot of Mexican coffee or horchata to complement the cool, crunchy ice cream dessert.

Keep Fried Ice Cream Ready in the Freezer

• Wrap each coated ice cream ball individually in plastic wrap, then store in an airtight container. These delightful treats can stay frozen for up to 2 weeks without losing their crispy coating.
• Place parchment paper between each ice cream ball to prevent sticking and maintain their perfect shape during freezer storage.
• Keep the ice cream balls in the coldest part of your freezer, typically the back area, to maintain their firm texture and prevent unwanted melting.
• Prepare the corn flake coating and roll the ice cream balls up to 24 hours before serving, ensuring a stress-free dessert experience that's ready when you are.

Crispy Mexican Fried Ice Cream Recipe

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Paloma’s Mexican Fried Ice Cream blends crispy cinnamon-coated vanilla ice cream with sweet caramel and chocolate drizzles. Crunchy corn flake coating and whipped cream complete this delightful dessert that celebrates traditional Mexican flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 large scoops vanilla ice cream
• 2 cups (480 ml) corn flakes, crushed
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) granulated sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) unsalted butter, melted
• whipped cream
• hot fudge sauce
• maraschino cherries

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Form four robust ice cream spheres using an ice cream scoop, arranging them on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze for three hours until completely solidified.
2. Crumb Creation: Heat a skillet and melt butter until golden. Blend crushed corn flakes and cinnamon, stirring consistently to achieve a uniform toasted mixture with a rich, aromatic profile. Cool the crumb mixture to room temperature.
3. Coating Process: Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. Remove frozen ice cream spheres from freezer. Gently roll each sphere first through the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then carefully encase with the toasted corn flake crumble, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage.
4. Serving: Transfer the coated ice cream spheres to serving plates. Embellish each dessert with a generous dollop of whipped cream, drizzle hot fudge sauce, and crown with a vibrant maraschino cherry. Serve immediately to maintain the delightful temperature and textural contrast.

Notes

• Freeze Firmly: Ensure ice cream spheres are rock-solid before coating to prevent melting during the breading process.
• Crisp Coating Technique: Toast corn flakes carefully to achieve a golden, crunchy texture without burning; stir constantly for even browning.
• Quick Assembly Strategy: Work swiftly when coating ice cream to maintain its frozen state and prevent premature melting.
• Temperature Control: Serve immediately after coating to preserve the crisp exterior and cold, creamy interior contrast.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg