Have you ever heard of Fried ice cream? It might sound a bit strange, but it’s a delightful dessert that combines crispy and creamy textures in one amazing bite.
Despite the name, there’s no actual frying of ice cream involved.
Let’s dive into this unique treat and learn how to make it right at home!
About Fried Ice Cream
Fried ice cream is one of the most popular dessert items on Mexican restaurant menus. The combination of the hot, crunchy exterior and the cold, creamy interior makes this an irresistible treat! Though it may sound difficult to accomplish at home, this fried ice cream recipe is fun and easy to make for parties or special occasions.
Fried ice cream, also known as crispy fried ice cream or ice cream fritters, originated in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It was likely inspired by Japanese tempura, which is seafood or vegetables fried in a light, crispy batter.
The sweet cinnamon coating gives this dessert a delicious Mexican flair. Fried ice cream has become a staple at many Mexican restaurants, fairs, and theme parks.
A Quick Overview of the Fried Ice Cream Recipe
Making fried ice cream at home is all about working quickly and keeping the ice cream as cold as possible. We’ll coat balls of frozen ice cream in a Cornflakes or bread crumbs coating, then quickly fry them for a few minutes until crispy and golden brown on the outside.
Vanilla and cinnamon ice cream are ideal flavors, but feel free to get creative with your favorite ice cream variety! The cinnamon-sugar coating adds both taste and visual appeal.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute (per ice cream ball)
Additional Time: 4 hours (for freezing)
Total Time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Yield: 10 fried ice cream balls
Ingredients
To get started, gather these ingredients:
- 1 quart Vanilla ice cream (or any flavor you like)
- 4 cups crushed Cornflakes or bread crumbs (for coating)
- 1 cup a mix of cinnamon and sugar (optional)
- 4 Egg wash (made from egg white and a bit of milk).
- 2 quarts Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)
- Toppings like chocolate syrup or whipped cream
If you’re intrigued by unique ice cream dishes like fried ice cream, you might also enjoy creating homemade peach ice cream.
Selecting the Best Ice Cream
Almost any ice cream variety will work for this recipe, so choose your favorite flavor or get creative with combinations. Classic flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, or dulce de leche work very well and complement the cinnamon sugar coating. Just be sure your ice cream is very firm before frying – if it’s melted too much, it will be nearly impossible to coat and fry.
Some great flavor combinations to try:
- Vanilla or cinnamon
- Cookies & cream
- Coffee or espresso
- Mint chocolate chip
- Spiced pumpkin or gingerbread
- Strawberry cheesecake
You can also use frozen yogurt, sorbet, or ice cream sandwiches. Just keep in mind that softer or fruit-based varieties may melt faster when frying.
Equipment You’ll Use
You’ll need a few kitchen tools:
- A deep frying pan or pot
- A slotted spoon
- Bowls for coating ingredients
- A freezer for pre-freezing coated ice cream balls
Preparation Steps
Coating the Ice Cream Balls
- Begin by scooping out portions of vanilla ice cream using the Ice Cream Scoop and shaping them into balls. Then, pop them into the freezer for about an hour so they get nice and firm.
- Take your frozen ice cream balls and dip each one into the egg wash mixture. Next, roll them around in crushed cornflakes or bread crumbs until they’re coated all over.
- Place the coated ice cream balls onto a tray and put them back in the freezer for 2 hours. This extra chill time helps the coating stick well.
Final Coating and Pre-Frying Preparation
- Take your coated ice cream balls out of the freezer. Give them another dip in the egg wash, and then roll them in the coating again for an extra crispy layer.
- If you like a touch of sweetness, sprinkle some cinnamon-sugar mixture over the coated balls.
- Put the balls back in the freezer for another 1 to 2 hours. This step makes sure everything holds together during frying.
Frying the Ice Cream Balls
- Now it’s time to heat up some oil. Pour your chosen oil into a deep pan or pot and heat it over medium heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully lower one of the coated ice cream balls into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Keep it in there for just 15 to 30 seconds until it turns a lovely golden brown.
- Take the fried ice cream ball out of the oil using the slotted spoon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels. This helps drain away any excess oil.
Serving and Presentation
With your fried ice cream balls ready, it’s time to make them look and taste even better:
- Place them on a nice serving dish.
- Drizzle some chocolate syrup or caramel sauce over the top.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream for that extra indulgence.
- If you have them, pop a cherry on top for a fun finishing touch.
- Now, enjoy the amazing contrast between the crispy outer layer and the cool, creamy inside!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 465
- Fat: 37g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 5g
Tips and Variations
- Experiment with different ice cream flavors to create unique combinations.
- If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or cereal for coating.
- Keep an eye on the oil temperature to prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly.
Exploring different ice cream recipes can be delightful, such as the process of making fried ice cream or trying out a goat milk ice cream recipe.
Conclusion
Making fried ice cream at home is a fun and delicious adventure. The crunchy coating and the smooth ice cream inside create a dessert experience like no other. Don’t be afraid to get creative with flavors and toppings. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ll have a fantastic treat to impress your family and friends!
Fried Ice Cream
Equipment
- 1 Deep frying pan
- 1 slotted spoon
- 1 Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 Quart Vanilla ice cream or any flavor you like
- 4 Cups Crushed Cornflakes for coating
- 1 Cup mix of cinnamon
- 4 Egg wash
- 2 Quarts Oil for frying
- Toppings like chocolate
Instructions
- Shape vanilla ice cream into balls and freeze for 1 hour.
- Dip balls in egg wash, roll in crushed cornflakes, and freeze for 2 hours.
- Double-dip in egg wash, coat again, add cinnamon-sugar if desired, and freeze for 1-2 hours.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a pot.
- Fry each ball for 15-30 seconds until golden.
- Place fried balls on paper-towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
