Mexican Fried Ice Cream Recipe
Mexican Fried Ice Cream is a dessert that takes ice cream to the next level. This sweet, crunchy treat is made by coating scoops of ice cream with a crispy, cinnamon-sugar crust and then quickly frying it, creating a contrast of warm and cold. It’s a perfect dessert for parties or family gatherings and will impress anyone who tries it!
Ingredients:
- For the Ice Cream:
- 4 scoops of vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor)
- 1/2 cup cornflakes (crushed)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/4 cup cinnamon-sugar mixture (1/4 cup sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for frying)
- For the Toppings:
- Honey (for drizzling)
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Chocolate syrup or caramel sauce (optional)
Instructions:
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Scoop the Ice Cream:
- Start by scooping 4 generous scoops of vanilla ice cream. Place them on a baking sheet or tray and freeze for at least 1 hour. This step ensures the ice cream stays solid during the frying process. Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies
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Prepare the Coating:
- Crush the cornflakes in a Ziploc bag or by pulsing them in a food processor until you have coarse crumbs.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes, shredded coconut (if using), and cinnamon-sugar mixture. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly mixed.
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Coat the Ice Cream:
- After the ice cream scoops have firmed up in the freezer, take them out and immediately roll each scoop in the cornflake mixture, making sure to coat the entire surface evenly. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks well to the ice cream. Return the coated ice cream scoops to the freezer and freeze for another 1-2 hours to harden further.
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Fry the Ice Cream:
- In a small frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat until melted and hot but not smoking.
- Carefully place the coated ice cream scoops into the hot butter for about 10-15 seconds per side, just enough to crisp up the coating. The ice cream should remain firm and not melt. You want the crust to turn golden and crispy, but the ice cream inside should stay cold.
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Serve the Mexican Fried Ice Cream:
- Once the ice cream is fried, remove it from the pan and place it on a serving plate. Drizzle with honey and top with whipped cream or any other toppings you like (chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, etc.).
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Enjoy Immediately:
- Serve the Mexican Fried Ice Cream immediately while it’s still crispy and cold! Enjoy the warm, crunchy exterior and the cold, creamy interior.
Tips for the Best Mexican Fried Ice Cream:
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Freezing is Key: Make sure the ice cream scoops are fully frozen before coating and frying. This prevents the ice cream from melting too quickly in the hot butter.
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Coating Variations: You can mix in some chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or pistachios for an extra crunchy texture. Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy
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Alternative Coating Options: If you prefer, you can replace the cornflakes with crushed graham crackers, crushed pretzels, or even crushed vanilla wafer cookies for a different twist.
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Flavor Variations: While vanilla is traditional, you can use any flavor of ice cream you prefer, such as chocolate, cinnamon, or even coffee-flavored ice cream.
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Make Ahead: You can prep the ice cream scoops and coating ahead of time. Simply freeze the coated ice cream balls and store them in a tightly sealed container in the freezer until you’re ready to fry.
Why You’ll Love Mexican Fried Ice Cream:
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A Unique Combination of Flavors and Textures: The contrast between the crispy, warm outer coating and the cold, creamy ice cream inside makes every bite a unique experience.
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Easy to Make at Home: This dessert is easier to make than it seems, and with a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality treat at home.
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Perfect for Parties: Mexican Fried Ice Cream is a fun dessert to serve at parties, family gatherings, or as a treat for a special occasion like Cinco de Mayo. Butter Biscuits
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different ice cream flavor? Yes, you can use any flavor of ice cream that you like! Chocolate, strawberry, or even cinnamon would work great for this dessert.
Q: Can I make this dessert ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the ice cream scoops and freeze them with the coating before frying. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container and freeze until you’re ready to fry and serve. Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Herb Pasta
Q: What’s the best way to fry the ice cream? Fry the ice cream for just a few seconds on each side—only long enough to crisp up the coating. The goal is to create a warm, crispy shell while keeping the inside cold.
Q: Can I make this dessert healthier? While traditional fried ice cream is indulgent, you could try making a lighter version by baking the coated ice cream at a high temperature instead of frying, though the texture may be different. Billion Dollar Buttery Biscuits