Why is my ice cream melting too quickly when I try to form balls?

Ice cream melts rapidly at room temperature. Try working with smaller portions at a time, keeping the rest in the freezer. You can also pre-scoop the ice cream onto a frozen baking sheet, then return it to the freezer for 30 minutes before shaping into balls.

Can I use any type of cereal for the coating?

Absolutely! While cornflakes provide that classic texture, you can experiment with other cereals like Rice Krispies, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, or even crushed cookies. Just ensure they're crushed finely enough to adhere to the ice cream.

How far in advance can I make fried ice cream?

You can prepare these up to 3 days ahead of time. Store them in a covered container in the freezer, and they'll be ready whenever you need a quick impressive dessert. For best texture, though, same-day preparation is ideal.

Can I actually deep-fry this ice cream for a more authentic version?

While this recipe is designed as a no-fry alternative, you can deep-fry the coated ice cream balls if you prefer. You'll need to coat the frozen balls in beaten egg and another layer of crumbs, then fry at 375°F for just 10-15 seconds. It's tricky but doable for the adventurous!

Easy Homemade Fried Ice Cream Recipe

Description

This Easy Homemade Fried Ice Cream recipe is a delightful dessert that combines the creaminess of ice cream with the crunchy texture of toasted cornflakes. Perfect for special occasions or just a fun treat, this dessert is easy to customize with your favorite toppings like chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or cherries. It’s a no-fry method that’s quick, simple, and irresistibly delicious!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Ice Cream Balls:

4 cups ice cream

For the Coating:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cups crushed cornflakes
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon granulated sugar

For Serving:

Chocolate sauce
Whipped cream
Cherries

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Instructions

Form the Ice Cream Balls
Take one cup of ice cream and form it into a smooth ball using clean hands. Repeat with the remaining ice cream and place each ball on a plate in the freezer to harden.
Prepare the Coating
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the crushed cornflakes and cinnamon. Stir constantly to coat the cornflakes evenly with butter and cinnamon. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the cornflakes become fragrant and slightly deeper in color.
Add Sugar and Cool
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sugar. Transfer the coating mixture to a shallow dish and allow it to cool completely.
Roll and Coat the Ice Cream Balls
Once the coating is cool, roll each ice cream ball in the mixture, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs stick evenly. Place each coated ball on a clean plate and return to the freezer for an additional 10–15 minutes until fully set.
Serve and Enjoy
Top the frozen ice cream balls with your favorite toppings such as chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and cherries. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade fried ice cream!

Notes

Work Quickly: Ice cream melts fast, so keep your freezer door closed as much as possible. Form a ball of ice cream, freeze it, then coat it.
Use Gloves: Wearing gloves can help prevent your hands from getting sticky or too cold, and they also help you form neater ice cream balls.
Rolling Pin Magic: For finer crumbs, crush the cornflakes using a rolling pin in a sealed plastic bag. This ensures a smoother and more even coating.
Have Toppings Ready: Set out your favorite toppings—such as caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or fruit sauce—before you pull the ice cream from the freezer to avoid melting.
Try a Different Ice Cream Flavor: Vanilla is classic, but feel free to use flavors like cookies and cream, mint chocolate chip, or anything else you enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ice cream ball
Calories: 380
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 190mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 49g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 40mg