Fried ice cream is a dessert that defies expectations. Imagine a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a cold, creamy ice cream core.
This indulgent treat has taken dessert menus by storm, especially in Mexican restaurants, but its popularity has spread far beyond borders. Whether you’re in the USA, UK, or any other part of the world, fried ice cream is a dish that captivates food lovers.
In this ultimate guide, we will explore everything you need to know about this delicious treat, from the history and ingredients to the step-by-step recipe and creative variations.
What is Fried Ice Cream?
Fried ice cream is a dessert where a scoop of ice cream is quickly deep-fried in hot oil, creating a crispy outer shell while keeping the ice cream inside frozen and creamy.
The magic of this treat lies in the temperature contrast, the heat of the oil, which crisps the coating, doesn’t melt the ice cream inside. The result is an irresistible combination of textures: crunchy, warm, and cold in each bite.
A Brief History of Fried Ice Cream
Although fried ice cream is most commonly associated with Mexican cuisine, it has roots in Asian and American desserts. The concept of frying ice cream likely originated in Japan, where a similar technique using tempura batter was employed.
It gained widespread recognition and popularity in the United States during the 1980s, thanks to Mexican restaurants that began offering it as a novelty item. Over time, fried ice cream became a beloved treat in various countries, especially in the USA and UK.
Ingredients You Need for Fried Ice Cream
Making fried ice cream at home is surprisingly simple. You only need a few ingredients, and you can customize the recipe based on your preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients required:
Classic Ingredients List
- Ice Cream
- Cornflakes
- Eggs
- Milk
- Cinnamon
- Flaked Coconut
Optional Add-ins and Toppings
- Chocolate sauce
- Caramel sauce
- Fresh fruits
- Whipped cream
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fried Ice Cream
Follow these easy steps to make fried ice cream at home.
Step 1: Preparing the Ice Cream Balls
The first step in making fried ice cream is to shape the ice cream into balls.
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Scoop the ice cream: Using an ice cream scoop, take generous portions of ice cream and roll them into smooth, round balls.
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Freeze the ice cream balls: Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for at least 4 hours, or overnight. The firmer the ice cream, the better the results.
Step 2: Coating the Ice Cream
Next, you’ll prepare the crunchy coating. This coating is what gives fried ice cream its signature crispy texture.
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Prepare the egg wash: In a bowl, whisk together eggs and a little milk.
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Crush the cornflakes: Crush the cornflakes into small pieces. You can place them in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or pulse them in a food processor.
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Coat the ice cream: Roll each ice cream ball in the egg wash, then coat it with the crushed cornflakes. For an extra-thick coating, repeat the process (coating the ball twice). This will ensure a crispy outer layer.
Step 3: Frying the Ice Cream
Frying the ice cream is the trickiest part, but with the right technique, it’s easy.
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Heat the oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). You need the oil to be hot enough to cook the coating quickly without melting the ice cream inside.
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Fry the ice cream: Carefully lower one ice cream ball into the hot oil. Fry it for about 30 seconds, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried ice cream and place it on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
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Serve immediately: Fried ice cream is best served immediately while it’s still hot and crispy on the outside.
Deep Fried Ice Cream
Are you looking for delicious ice cream-based dessert recipes? You’ll like our recipe for Sherbet Ice Cream
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Fried Ice Cream
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Choose the right ice cream: Hard, dense ice cream works best for frying. Soft or melting ice cream can make the frying process tricky.
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Freeze the balls long enough: The key to success is to make sure the ice cream balls are completely frozen before frying. This prevents them from melting too quickly during the frying process.
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Oil temperature is crucial: Maintain a constant oil temperature of around 375°F (190°C). If the oil is too hot, the coating will burn before the ice cream is fried. If it’s too cold, the ice cream will melt before the coating crisps up.
Nutritional Information and Health Considerations
While fried ice cream is undeniably a treat, it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional content. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the calories and nutritional facts for a typical serving of fried ice cream (based on a single scoop):
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Nutrient |
Amount per serving |
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Calories |
350 – 500 |
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Total Fat |
20 – 30g |
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Saturated Fat |
8 – 12g |
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Carbohydrates |
40 – 60g |
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Sugar |
25 – 35g |
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Protein |
3 – 5g |
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Fiber |
1 – 2g |
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How Fried Ice Cream is Made in Different Countries?
Mexican Fried Ice Cream
In Mexico, the outer layer of fried ice cream is often flavored with cinnamon, which adds a warm, sweet contrast to the ice cream. Sometimes, a drizzle of honey or chocolate syrup is added for extra sweetness. This dessert is commonly served at Mexican restaurants, often as part of a larger family meal or celebration.
Asian Fried Ice Cream
In some Asian countries, especially Japan, tempura batter is used for the crispy coating. The batter adds a light, airy crunch, and the fried ice cream is sometimes dusted with matcha powder (green tea powder) to create a more traditional Japanese flavor profile.
American Fried Ice Cream
In the U.S., fried ice cream is typically made with a cornflake or cookie crumb coating, often enhanced with chocolate chips or caramel drizzles. The U.S. style is known for being particularly indulgent, with toppings like whipped cream, sprinkles, and fresh fruit adding more layers of flavor.
Can I make Fried Ice Cream with Homemade Ice Cream?
Of course, you can, and it’s encouraged! Try our recipes for Neapolitan Ice Cream or Nostalgia Ice Cream to keep things simple. You can also make something really special with a flavorful ice cream recipe like Cardamom Ice Cream Recipe or Salty Ice Cream
Fried Ice Cream Variations
Once you master the basic fried ice cream recipe, you can start experimenting with different flavors, coatings, and dietary options.
Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Fried Ice Cream
- Strawberry Fried Ice Cream
- Green Tea Fried Ice Cream
Coating Variations
- Graham crackers
- Chopped nuts
Dietary Options
- Gluten-Free Fried Ice Cream
- Vegan Fried Ice Cream
How to Serve Fried Ice Cream?
Fried ice cream is best served immediately after it’s fried, but you can add a creative touch to its presentation:
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Top with whipped cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream is a classic topping for fried ice cream. You can also use whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
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Garnish with fresh fruit: Berries or slices of banana make for an elegant and refreshing garnish.
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Add sauces: A drizzle of chocolate, caramel, or honey takes this dessert to the next level.
FAQ’s
What is fried ice cream made of?
Fried ice cream is made of ice cream coated in a crispy shell, typically made from cornflakes, breadcrumbs, or tempura batter.
How is fried ice cream made without melting?
Fried ice cream is made by freezing the ice cream balls until very firm, then quickly deep-frying them for a few seconds to create a crispy outer shell while keeping the inside cold.
Is fried ice cream a Mexican thing?
Fried ice cream is often associated with Mexican cuisine but has roots in various cultures, including Asian countries.
Is fried ice cream Chinese or Japanese?
Fried ice cream is believed to have originated in Japan, where tempura batter is used, before becoming popular in other countries.
Conclusion
Fried ice cream is a fun and decadent dessert that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just treating yourself, it’s a dessert that combines the best of both worlds: crispy and creamy. Now that you have the perfect recipe and tips, it’s time to get in the kitchen and start frying.
