Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Contrast of textures: The crispy coating perfectly complements the smooth, creamy ice cream.
- Customizable: Use your favorite ice cream flavors and toppings to make it your own.
- Quick and easy frying: Only takes 10-15 seconds to achieve a golden crust.
- Impressive presentation: This dessert looks and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.
- Perfect for parties: A unique treat that will surprise and delight your guests.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 scoops of your favorite ice cream (vanilla or chocolate work well)
- 1 cup cornflakes, crushed
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying
- Honey or chocolate syrup (for drizzling)
Directions
- Scoop the ice cream into balls and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze for at least 2 hours or until firm.
- In a bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes, shredded coconut (if using), and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and flour until smooth.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the ice cream balls from the freezer. Dip each ball into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then roll in the cornflake mixture to coat evenly.
- Carefully place the coated ice cream balls into the hot oil, frying for about 10-15 seconds until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Drizzle with honey or chocolate syrup before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 2 hours (freezing)
- Cook time: 10-15 seconds per scoop
- Total time: About 2 hours and 15 minutes
Variations
- Flavor swap: Experiment with different ice cream flavors like strawberry, matcha, or coffee.
- Crunch options: Replace cornflakes with crushed graham crackers, pretzels, or cookie crumbs.
- Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cornflake mixture for a spiced twist.
- Toppings: Try caramel sauce, fruit compote, or whipped cream as alternatives to honey or chocolate syrup.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free cornflakes and flour substitutes.
Storage/Reheating
Fried ice cream is best enjoyed fresh, but here’s how to handle leftovers:
- Storage: Freeze any unfried, coated ice cream balls in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Reheating: Avoid reheating as it compromises the ice cream’s texture. Simply fry the frozen balls directly when ready to serve.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought ice cream for this recipe?
Yes, any store-bought ice cream works perfectly. Just ensure it’s firm enough to hold its shape during frying.
2. What type of oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are ideal for frying fried ice cream.
3. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the coated ice cream balls in advance and store them in the freezer. Fry just before serving.
4. Can I skip the egg mixture?
The egg mixture helps the coating adhere better. For an egg-free version, use a thick batter made of flour and water.
5. How do I prevent the ice cream from melting during frying?
Ensure the ice cream balls are frozen solid before frying and fry them quickly in hot oil.
6. Is it safe to fry ice cream?
Yes, as long as you freeze the ice cream solid and fry for only a few seconds.
7. Can I bake instead of fry?
Baking won’t achieve the same crispy texture, but you can toast the coating separately and roll the frozen ice cream balls in it.
8. What if I don’t have a deep fryer?
You can use a deep skillet or a saucepan with enough oil to submerge the ice cream balls.
9. How do I crush the cornflakes?
Place them in a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin, or use a food processor for finer crumbs.
10. Can I add nuts to the coating?
Yes, chopped nuts like almonds or pecans add extra crunch and flavor.
Conclusion
Fried ice cream is a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. The combination of creamy ice cream and crispy, golden coating creates a memorable treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out some fun variations, this dessert is sure to impress. Give it a try and savor the delightful contrast of hot and cold in every bite!
