An easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream is a delightful treat that combines cold, creamy ice cream with a crunchy cinnamon coating. This dessert is perfect for parties, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for something special. With its unique blend of textures and flavors, this recipe will surely impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth without the need for actual frying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: This recipe requires minimal effort and ingredients, making it accessible for everyone.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon sugar and crispy corn flakes creates an irresistible taste that complements the ice cream.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize your dessert with hot fudge, whipped cream, and cherries or your favorite toppings.
- No Frying Needed: Enjoy a healthier version of fried ice cream without the mess or hassle of frying.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it at birthday parties, summer barbecues, or just as a delicious treat after dinner.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making this delightful dessert, gather the essential tools to ensure a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Small skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Ideal for freezing the ice cream balls and preventing them from melting too quickly.
- Small skillet: Perfect for toasting the corn flakes, enhancing their flavor and crunchiness.
- Mixing bowls: Useful for combining the cinnamon sugar mixture and keeping your workspace organized.
- Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurements for consistent results every time.

Ingredients
To make Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Ice Cream Balls
- 4 large scoops ice cream
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
For the Corn Flakes Coating
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cups corn flakes (crushed)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Toppings
- Whipped Cream
- Hot fudge sauce
- Cherries
How to Make Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream
Step 1: Prepare the Ice Cream Balls
- Scoop the ice cream into large balls using an ice cream scoop.
- Place each ball on a baking sheet or plate.
- Freeze for at least 3 hours to firm them up.
Step 2: Prepare the Corn Flakes Coating
- Crush the corn flakes in a mixing bowl and sprinkle with additional cinnamon.
- Heat butter in a small skillet over medium heat until melted.
- Add crushed corn flakes to the skillet and sauté for about 3 minutes until toasted.
Step 3: Mix Cinnamon Sugar
- In another small bowl, combine sugar with remaining ground cinnamon.
Step 4: Coat the Ice Cream Balls
- Remove the ice cream balls from the freezer.
- Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Press the toasted corn flakes onto each ball firmly to adhere.
Step 5: Serve Your Dessert
- Top each coated ice cream ball with hot fudge sauce, whipped cream, and cherries as desired.
- Enjoy immediately for a refreshing treat!
How to Serve Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream
Serving your Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream can be a fun and creative experience. You can enhance the dish with various toppings and accompaniments that elevate its flavors and presentation.
Classic Toppings
- Whipped Cream: A light and airy topping that complements the creamy ice cream perfectly.
- Hot Fudge Sauce: Drizzle this rich chocolate sauce for an indulgent touch.
- Cherries: Add a bright red cherry on top for a pop of color and sweetness.
Flavor Variations
- Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle toasted coconut on top for a tropical twist.
- Chopped Nuts: Use crushed almonds or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Fresh Fruits: Serve with sliced strawberries or bananas for freshness.
Presentation Ideas
- Chocolate Drizzle: Swirl melted chocolate around the plate for an elegant look.
- Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Lightly dust extra cinnamon sugar over the top before serving for added flavor.
How to Perfect Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream
Creating the perfect Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert is a hit every time.
- Use Hard Ice Cream: Make sure your ice cream is very firm; this makes it easier to shape into balls.
- Chill the Serving Dish: Pre-chill your plates or bowls to keep the ice cream from melting quickly when served.
- Toast Corn Flakes Properly: Ensure corn flakes are golden brown; this adds a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
- Customize Flavors: Experiment with different ice cream flavors like chocolate or strawberry to find your favorite combination.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream
Pairing side dishes with your Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some delicious options:
- Churros: These sweet dough pastries complement the fried ice cream with their crunchy exterior and soft interior.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the richness of the ice cream.
- Mexican Hot Chocolate: This spiced hot beverage pairs beautifully, enhancing the overall dessert experience.
- Sopapillas: Light, fluffy pastries drizzled with honey offer a delightful contrast in texture and sweetness.
- Tres Leches Cake: This moist cake soaked in three kinds of milk serves as a delicious side that can stand up to the fried ice cream’s richness.
- Flan: The creamy caramel custard brings a smooth finish, perfect alongside the crunchy fried ice cream.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream can be fun, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Not freezing the ice cream long enough: Ensure you freeze the shaped ice cream balls for at least 3 hours. This helps them hold their shape during preparation.
- Using uncrushed corn flakes: To achieve the right texture, crush your corn flakes finely before toasting. Large pieces won’t adhere well to the ice cream.
- Skipping the cinnamon sugar mix: The cinnamon sugar coating adds essential flavor. Don’t forget to roll your ice cream in it before adding the corn flakes.
- Overheating the butter: When toasting corn flakes, keep the heat on medium and stir frequently. Burnt corn flakes will ruin your dessert’s taste.
- Neglecting toppings: Toppings like hot fudge and whipped cream elevate this dessert. Don’t skip them for a more delicious experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
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- Duration: Store your Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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- Container: Use an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Freezing Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream
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- Duration: You can freeze it for up to 1 month for optimal taste and texture.
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- Container: Place in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
Reheating Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes. This is not typically necessary as this dessert is best served cold.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 10 seconds if needed. Be careful not to melt the ice cream completely.
- Stovetop: Avoid reheating on the stovetop as it may cause melting or uneven warming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream.
Can I use different flavors of ice cream?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with various flavors like chocolate or strawberry for unique twists on this dessert.
How do I make a vegan version of Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream?
You can use vegan ice cream and swap regular butter with a plant-based alternative. Everything else remains the same!
What toppings go well with Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream?
Hot fudge sauce, whipped cream, and fresh cherries are classic choices that enhance the flavors beautifully.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it several hours in advance; just store it properly in the freezer until serving.
Final Thoughts
Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream is a delightful treat that combines creamy, crunchy, and sweet elements all in one bite. Its versatility allows you to customize flavors and toppings according to your preferences. Give it a try, and enjoy a fun twist on a classic dessert!

Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 4 servings. 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream, a unique dessert that combines creamy ice cream with a crunchy cinnamon coating. This no-fry version offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an ideal treat for parties, family gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet cravings. With its irresistible cinnamon sugar and crispy corn flake coating, this dessert is customizable with your favorite toppings like hot fudge and whipped cream. Get ready to impress your guests with this fun and easy-to-make dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients
- 4 large scoops ice cream
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cups crushed corn flakes
- Toppings: whipped cream, hot fudge sauce, cherries
Instructions
- Scoop ice cream into large balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze for at least 3 hours.
- Crush corn flakes and sprinkle them with additional cinnamon. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add crushed corn flakes and toast for about 3 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine sugar with remaining ground cinnamon.
- Roll frozen ice cream balls in the cinnamon sugar mixture and press the toasted corn flakes onto each ball.
- Serve immediately topped with hot fudge sauce, whipped cream, and cherries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ice cream ball (100g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg