Ingredients
1/2 gallon (about 8 cups) premium vanilla ice cream
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon (for flour mixture)
1/2 tsp salt
2 large eggs
2 tbsp milk
4 cups cornflakes, crushed into fine crumbs
2 tbsp granulated sugar (for crumb mixture)
1 tsp ground cinnamon (for crumb mixture)
3–4 cups high smoke point oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut) for frying
Optional toppings: honey, chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, whipped cream, fresh berries, maraschino cherries
Instructions
Step 1: Using a large ice cream scoop, create 6-8 evenly sized balls of firm ice cream. Work quickly and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Step 2: Place the scooped ice cream balls into the freezer for at least 30 minutes, or until very firm. This initial freeze is crucial.
Step 3: Prepare the first coating mixture: In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix well. In another shallow dish, whisk 2 large eggs with 2 tablespoons of milk for the egg wash.
Step 4: For the primary coating: Crush about 4 cups of cornflakes into fine crumbs. In a third shallow dish, combine the crushed crumbs with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Stir thoroughly.
Step 5: Retrieve the firm ice cream balls from the freezer. Working one at a time, roll each ice cream ball first in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg wash, and finally roll thoroughly in the spiced cornflake crumbs, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating. Repeat for all balls.
Step 6: Place the coated ice cream balls back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Return them to the freezer for a minimum of 3-4 hours, or ideally, overnight. This extended freezing time is essential.
Step 7: When ready to serve, heat about 3-4 inches of high smoke point oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately.
Step 8: Carefully, and one or two at a time, lower the frozen, coated ice cream balls into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Fry for only 25-45 seconds, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy.
Step 9: Quickly remove the fried ice cream balls from the oil with the slotted spoon. Drain briefly on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings!
Notes
The key to a successful fried ice cream recipe is thorough freezing of the ice cream balls, both before and after coating. Don’t skip the overnight freeze for best results. Work quickly when handling the ice cream to prevent melting.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: How To
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14.5g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: fried ice cream, fried ice cream recipe, homemade fried ice cream, dessert recipe, easy fried ice cream, crispy ice cream, hot and cold dessert, Mexican dessert

