If you’ve ever craved a dessert that’s both crispy and creamy, Mexican fried ice cream is the perfect choice. This fun and indulgent dessert combines the cool, smooth texture of vanilla ice cream with a crunchy, cinnamon-sprinkled coating. You get the thrill of a fried dessert without complicated frying—just a quick toast of the cereal coating, and your treat is ready. Perfect for celebrations like Cinco de Mayo or any warm afternoon, this dessert will impress anyone you serve it to. The balance of sweet, creamy, and slightly crunchy textures makes every bite a delightful experience.
Why We Love Mexican Fried Ice Cream
You’ll fall in love with Mexican fried ice cream for several reasons. First, it’s a visual showstopper. Those perfectly rounded scoops, coated in golden, cinnamon-flavored cereal crumbs, look beautiful on any plate. Second, it’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need any special equipment, and most of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry. Third, the taste is unforgettable. Creamy vanilla ice cream meets crunchy, lightly toasted cereal, and then it’s topped with chocolate sauce and whipped cream for a sweet finish. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures that will keep you coming back for more.
Beyond its flavor and appearance, Mexican fried ice cream is versatile. You can change the ice cream flavor, switch up the toppings, or even adjust the coating for a slightly different texture. It’s also a fun way to involve kids in the kitchen—they can help shape the ice cream balls or press the crumbs onto the ice cream. The end result is a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Mexican Fried Ice Cream
- 4 large scoops vanilla ice cream
- 2 cups Frosted Flakes, crushed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon (14 g) unsalted butter
- Toppings: whipped cream, chocolate sauce, maraschino cherries
How to Make Mexican Fried Ice Cream
Making Mexican fried ice cream is surprisingly easy and doesn’t require deep frying. The first step is shaping your ice cream. Using plastic gloves or a sandwich bag over your hand can make it easier to shape the ice cream into smooth, round balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least four hours. This step is crucial because the ice cream needs to be very firm before adding the coating.
Next, prepare the crispy coating. Crush the Frosted Flakes into small pieces and mix them with cinnamon. Heat butter in a small skillet over medium heat, then add the cereal mixture. Sauté for about three minutes, or until the cereal becomes lightly toasted and fragrant. Toasting the cereal adds flavor and ensures the coating stays crisp when it touches the ice cream.
After the coating is ready, take the ice cream balls from the freezer and roll them in the toasted cereal mixture. Press the crumbs gently onto the ice cream so they stick well. The cold ice cream will help the coating set without melting. You now have the base for a stunning dessert that’s ready for toppings.
Finally, add your favorite toppings. Whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and a maraschino cherry are classic choices, but you can also add caramel drizzle, crushed nuts, or sprinkles. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect combination of creamy ice cream, crunchy coating, and sweet toppings.
How to Serve Mexican Fried Ice Cream
Serving Mexican fried ice cream is all about presentation and keeping the ice cream from melting too quickly. Place each coated ice cream ball on a small plate or shallow bowl. Add a swirl of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and a bright maraschino cherry on top. You can also add a few extra cereal crumbs around the base for a decorative touch.
This dessert works well as a fun party treat or a celebratory dessert for family dinners. Since it’s visually appealing, it makes a great centerpiece for dessert tables. Serve it immediately after adding toppings so the ice cream stays firm and the coating remains crunchy. Pair it with other simple desserts like fresh fruit or cookies to create a delightful dessert spread.
Expert Tips for Making Mexican Fried Ice Cream
To make your Mexican fried ice cream perfect every time, here are some expert tips. First, make sure the ice cream is very firm before shaping. If it’s too soft, the coating won’t stick properly, and the ice cream may melt too quickly. Freezing it for at least four hours is ideal.
Second, when crushing the cereal, aim for a mix of fine crumbs and slightly larger pieces. This ensures the coating is both crunchy and substantial without overwhelming the ice cream. Toast the cereal carefully over medium heat to avoid burning, which can create a bitter taste.
Third, when rolling the ice cream in the coating, press gently but firmly. This ensures the crumbs adhere without damaging the shape of your ice cream ball. Wearing gloves or using a plastic bag around your hand can make this easier.
Lastly, don’t skip the toppings—they add flavor, texture, and visual appeal. While chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and cherries are classic, feel free to get creative. Drizzle caramel, add a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even crushed nuts for extra texture.
How to Store Mexican Fried Ice Cream
Mexican fried ice cream is best served immediately, but if you need to store it, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Keep the ice cream balls frozen and covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. Store them in the coldest part of your freezer to maintain their shape and prevent freezer burn.
Avoid adding toppings before storage, as whipped cream and sauces do not freeze well. You can prepare the coating in advance and toast the cereal, then assemble the dessert just before serving. This method ensures your fried ice cream stays fresh and maintains the perfect contrast of textures.
Variations of Mexican Fried Ice Cream
Mexican fried ice cream is versatile and easy to adapt to your tastes. Try different ice cream flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or cookies and cream for a twist. You can also experiment with the coating by using corn flakes, graham cracker crumbs, or even crushed cookies for a different crunch.
For toppings, consider caramel sauce, fresh berries, sprinkles, or chopped nuts. You can even make mini versions for bite-sized treats or layer multiple flavors of ice cream to create a colorful dessert. This dessert is highly customizable, so you can make it unique every time you serve it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Fried Ice Cream
What is Mexican fried ice cream?
Mexican fried ice cream is a dessert where ice cream is coated with a crispy cereal or crumb mixture, lightly toasted, and topped with sweet sauces and whipped cream. It offers a fun combination of textures and flavors.
Can I use other cereals instead of Frosted Flakes?
Yes, you can use corn flakes, graham cracker crumbs, or even crushed cookies. Adjust the sugar slightly if needed to maintain sweetness.
How long should I freeze the ice cream before coating?
Freeze the ice cream balls for at least four hours. This ensures they are firm enough to hold the coating without melting.
Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes, you can shape and freeze the ice cream balls in advance. Keep the coating separate and add it right before serving for the best texture.
What toppings work best for Mexican fried ice cream?
Classic toppings include whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and maraschino cherries, but caramel, nuts, or sprinkles are also great options.
Is it possible to make it smaller for serving?
Absolutely! You can make mini fried ice cream balls for parties or individual servings. Adjust the coating and toppings accordingly.
Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free ice cream and butter alternatives. Make sure the cereal is also free from dairy ingredients.
Mexican Fried Ice Cream
Equipment
- Skillet
- Parchment-lined tray
Ingredients
- 4 large scoops vanilla ice cream
- 2 cups Frosted Flakes crushed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- to taste toppings whipped cream, chocolate sauce, maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Using gloves or a sandwich bag, shape ice cream into 4 smooth balls. Place on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 4 hours.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add crushed Frosted Flakes and cinnamon, sauté for about 3 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Remove ice cream balls from the freezer and roll them in the toasted cereal mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Top with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately.
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