The Best Mexican Fried Ice Cream Recipe For Sweet Tooths

Creamy vanilla ice cream wrapped in a crispy, golden-brown crunch defines this irresistible Mexican fried ice cream that sends taste buds on a delightful adventure.

Originating from traditional Mexican dessert techniques, this treat blends sweet and crunchy textures in one amazing bite.

The magic happens when cold ice cream meets hot, crackling coating, creating a sensational contrast that delights everyone.

Cinnamon and cornflake breading adds a perfect layer of warmth and texture to the cool, smooth center.

Drizzled with honey or chocolate sauce, this dessert transforms an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

You’ll fall in love with every spoonful of this classic Mexican dessert that offers pure culinary bliss.

Grab a spoon and dive into a world of delectable indulgence.

Great Pairings for Mexican Fried Ice Cream

• Pair Crisp Cinnamon Churros: Break freshly made churros alongside the Mexican fried ice cream for a classic complementary texture and warm cinnamon flavor that matches the coating.
• Sip Spiced Mexican Hot Chocolate: Brew rich, authentic Mexican hot chocolate with hints of cinnamon and cayenne to balance the sweet, cold dessert and create a delightful temperature contrast.
• Complement with Caramel Sauce: Drizzle additional caramel sauce around the plated dessert to enhance the honey's sweetness and provide extra depth to the creamy vanilla base.
• Garnish with Fresh Berries: Add a small cluster of mixed berries like strawberries or raspberries to introduce a tart, fresh element that cuts through the dessert's richness.

Sweet Twists on Fried Ice Cream

• Gluten-Free Twist: Replace frosted flakes with crushed gluten-free corn flakes or rice cereal to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Version: Substitute dairy vanilla ice cream with coconut milk or almond milk-based vegan ice cream. Use maple syrup instead of honey for a plant-based sweetener.
• Chocolate Lover's Option: Mix cocoa powder into the crushed frosted flakes coating for an extra chocolate flavor. Top with dark chocolate sauce instead of traditional chocolate syrup.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use sugar-free vanilla ice cream and replace honey with sugar-free maple syrup. Garnish with fresh berries to add natural sweetness without additional sugar.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cereal for coating?

Yes, you can substitute frosted flakes with cornflakes, graham crackers, or even crushed pecans for a unique crunch and flavor profile.

• How far in advance can I prepare Mexican fried ice cream?

You can prepare the coated ice cream balls up to 24 hours before serving. Keep them tightly covered in the freezer until ready to serve.

• Is it necessary to freeze the ice cream between steps?

Yes, freezing helps the ice cream maintain its shape and prevents melting during the coating process. The initial freezing and second freezing are crucial for creating the perfect texture.

• Can I make this dessert ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! You can prepare the coated ice cream balls a day in advance and keep them in the freezer. Just add the honey, whipped cream, and toppings right before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Why Mexican Fried Ice Cream Is a Fun Dessert

• Quickly Craft Sweet Treat: Simple dessert that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-style indulgence with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids and adults will love creating and customizing this interactive dessert together, making it perfect for playful kitchen moments.
• No-Bake Dessert Delight: Zero oven time means less hassle and more enjoyment, allowing anyone to whip up a gourmet-looking treat without complex cooking techniques.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to personalize with different toppings like chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or sprinkles, ensuring every palate finds their perfect sweet satisfaction.

What You Need for Mexican Fried Ice Cream

Main Ingredients:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Smooth and creamy base for the frozen dessert.

• Frosted Flakes: Crunchy cereal with sweet sugar coating.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm and aromatic spice that adds a mexican touch.

Garnish and Topping Ingredients:

• Honey: Golden sweet liquid that adds natural sweetness.
• Chocolate Syrup: Rich and smooth chocolate sauce.

• Whipped Topping, Maraschino Cherry: Fluffy cream and bright red cherry for festive presentation.

Supporting Ingredients:

• Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface for easy ice cream preparation.

Steps to Make Mexican Fried Ice Cream

Step 1: Prep Freezing Surface

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: Form Ice Cream Balls

Scoop vanilla ice cream into round balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Freeze for one hour to firm up.

Step 3: Create Crunchy Coating

• Crushed frosted flakes
• Ground cinnamon

Step 4: Roll and Shape Ice Cream

Remove ice cream from freezer and roll each scoop in the crunchy mixture.

Press and shape into a compact ball, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Secondary Freezing

Place coated ice cream balls back on parchment paper and return to freezer for two additional hours.

Step 6: Final Garnishing

• Honey
• Chocolate syrup

• Whipped cream
• Maraschino cherry

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Transfer decorated ice cream balls to serving plates and enjoy the crispy, sweet Mexican-style dessert right away.

Tips for Crispy Mexican Fried Ice Cream Shell

• Ensure ice cream is rock-hard before coating to prevent melting during the rolling process.
• Crush frosted flakes into fine, even crumbs for a more uniform and crispy coating that sticks well.
• Work swiftly when rolling ice cream in the frosted flakes mixture to prevent unnecessary melting.
• Allow the coated ice cream to freeze for at least 2 hours to create a solid, crunchy exterior.
• Plate and garnish the Mexican fried ice cream immediately after removing from the freezer to maintain its crisp texture and prevent melting.

Storing and Serving Mexican Fried Ice Cream

• Store leftover Mexican fried ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 days. Wrap each scoop individually in plastic wrap before placing in the container to prevent freezer burn.
• Do not attempt to reheat this dessert. The crispy coating and ice cream texture will be compromised if warmed. Serve directly from the freezer for best results.
• Keep the coated ice cream scoops separated to maintain their shape and prevent sticking. Use wax paper between layers if stacking in the freezer.
• Consume within 24-48 hours for the crunchiest frosted flakes coating and freshest flavor. The longer it sits, the softer the coating becomes.

Mexican Fried Ice Cream Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Mexican fried ice cream delivers a delightful fusion of crispy, cinnamon-coated vanilla goodness. Sweet, golden-brown exteriors give way to cool, smooth centers that will transport taste buds to a festive flavor celebration.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 (1 cup) scoops of vanilla ice cream
• 3 cups of crushed frosted cornflakes
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Optional Toppings and Drizzles:

• 3 tablespoons of honey
• Canned whipped topping
• Chocolate syrup
• 4 maraschino cherries

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Instructions

1. Prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet and carefully form four generous scoops of vanilla ice cream, positioning them neatly on the surface.
2. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and allow the ice cream to firm up for approximately one hour.
3. Create a crispy coating mixture by thoroughly blending ground cinnamon with crushed frosted flakes, ensuring even distribution of the spice.
4. Extract the chilled ice cream scoops from the freezer and meticulously roll each scoop through the cinnamon-frosted flakes mixture.
5. While coating, gently compress and reshape the ice cream into compact, uniform spheres to ensure complete coverage.
6. After each scoop is entirely enrobed in the crunchy mixture, return them to the parchment-lined sheet.
7. Return the coated ice cream balls to the freezer and allow them to solidify for an additional two hours.
8. Moments before serving, remove the frozen treat from the freezer and delicately drizzle honey over each crisp-coated sphere.
9. Enhance the presentation by adding a dollop of whipped topping, a graceful swirl of chocolate syrup, and crown with a vibrant maraschino cherry.
10. Serve the Mexican fried ice cream immediately to preserve its perfect temperature and textural contrast.

Notes

• Freeze the ice cream scoops beforehand to help them maintain shape during coating, preventing quick melting.
• Use slightly softened ice cream for easier coating, but ensure it’s not too soft to lose its structure.
• Crush frosted flakes finely and evenly for a consistent, crispy exterior that adheres well to the ice cream.
• Alternative coating options include crushed graham crackers, cornflakes, or toasted coconut for varied textures and flavors.
• Make this dessert gluten-free by using gluten-free cereal or crushed nuts as a coating alternative.
• Prepare the coated ice cream balls in advance and store in the freezer for up to 3 days before serving.
• Skip honey for a vegan version or replace with agave syrup for similar sweetness.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg