An Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe gives you the taste of traditional fried ice cream without the frying. Imagine creamy ice cream coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar and crispy corn flake crust! It’s an indulgent treat that will impress your friends and family at gatherings, parties, or simply for a special night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this dessert in no time.
- No Frying Required: Enjoy the classic fried ice cream experience without dealing with hot oil.
- Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings like hot fudge, whipped cream, or fresh fruit for extra flavor.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: This recipe is a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen, making it perfect for family cooking sessions.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual dinner, this dessert fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet or plate
- Small skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Freezer-safe container
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Ideal for placing the ice cream balls in the freezer without spilling.
- Small skillet: Perfect for toasting the corn flakes evenly, enhancing their flavor and crunch.
Ingredients
To create this easy Mexican fried ice cream, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Ice Cream Base
- 4 large scoops ice cream
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
For the Coating
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cups corn flakes (crushed)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
For Garnish
- Whipped Cream
- Hot fudge sauce
- Cherries
How to Make Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream
Step 1: Freeze the Ice Cream
Scoop the ice cream into round balls. Place them on a baking sheet or plate and freeze for at least 3 hours. This step is crucial as it ensures your ice cream holds its shape during coating.
Step 2: Prepare the Corn Flakes Mixture
Crush the corn flakes finely and sprinkle them with cinnamon. In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the crushed corn flakes and sauté for about 3 minutes until they are toasted and golden brown.
Step 3: Mix Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the white sugar with the remaining ground cinnamon. This mixture will give your ice cream that classic fried flavor.
Step 4: Coat the Ice Cream Balls
Once frozen, take out the ice cream balls. Roll each ball first in the cinnamon sugar mixture, then coat with the toasted corn flakes. Press down gently so that they stick well to each ball.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Top each coated ice cream ball with hot fudge sauce, whipped cream, and cherries for a beautiful presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream!
How to Serve Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream
Serving Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream is a delightful experience that enhances the dessert’s appeal. Here are some creative ways to present this delicious treat.
Classic Toppings
- Whipped Cream: A generous dollop adds creaminess and a lovely visual appeal.
- Hot Fudge Sauce: Drizzle over the top for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
- Cherries: A cherry on top makes for a classic dessert finish.
Flavorful Sauces
- Caramel Sauce: This sweet sauce complements the cinnamon flavor perfectly.
- Chocolate Syrup: For chocolate lovers, this is a must-have addition.
- Fruit Sauce: Consider a berry or mango sauce for a fruity twist.
Unique Serving Ideas
- Ice Cream Sundae Style: Layer with other flavors and toppings in a sundae glass.
- Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Lightly dust the serving plate with cinnamon sugar for added flair.
- Mini Bowls: Serve smaller portions in mini bowls for bite-sized indulgence.
How to Perfect Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream
To achieve the best results with your Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream, consider these helpful tips.
- Bold Freezing Time: Ensure ice cream balls are frozen for at least 3 hours to maintain shape while coating.
- Bold Toasting Corn Flakes: Toast until golden brown to enhance flavor and crunchiness.
- Bold Use of Butter: Use enough butter to properly coat corn flakes but avoid making them greasy.
- Bold Cinnamon Sugar Mix: Adjust cinnamon and sugar levels based on personal taste preferences for perfect sweetness.
- Bold Presentation Matters: Serve immediately after assembling to keep the crispiness intact.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream
Pairing side dishes with your Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream can elevate the meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Churros: These deep-fried pastries dusted with cinnamon sugar complement the dessert beautifully.
- Tres Leches Cake: A moist cake soaked in three kinds of milk adds richness to your serving experience.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of the ice cream.
- Mexican Hot Chocolate: The spiced chocolate beverage offers warmth and depth alongside dessert.
- Sopapillas: These fluffy pastries, drizzled with honey, pair well with ice cream’s creaminess.
- Flan: This creamy caramel custard provides a smooth contrast in texture and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for to ensure the best results.
Skipping the Freezing Step: Failing to freeze the ice cream balls for at least 3 hours can lead to melting during preparation. Make sure to give them enough time to harden properly.
Overcooking Corn Flakes: If you toast the corn flakes too long, they may become burnt and bitter. Keep an eye on them and only toast until golden brown.
Not Using Enough Cinnamon Sugar: Using too little cinnamon sugar can result in a bland flavor. Coat the ice cream thoroughly for that authentic taste.
Improper Coating Technique: Rushing the coating process may lead to uneven coverage. Press the corn flakes gently into the ice cream ball for an even layer.
Ignoring Toppings: Skipping toppings like hot fudge or whipped cream can make your dessert less appealing. These add flavor and visual appeal, so don’t skip them!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but this may affect texture.
- Container: Use an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness.
Freezing Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream
- Duration: You can freeze it for up to 2 weeks.
- Container: Place in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a zip-top bag.
Reheating Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream
Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5 minutes; this is not typical as it’s usually served cold.
Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds on low power. Be careful not to melt it completely.
Stovetop: Gently warm over low heat for a few seconds if needed, but this is uncommon as it should be enjoyed frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream?
Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream is a fun dessert that features cold ice cream coated with crunchy corn flakes and cinnamon sugar, topped with chocolate sauce and whipped cream.
Can I use different flavors of ice cream?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors like chocolate or strawberry to customize your Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream experience.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream, use gluten-free corn flakes instead of regular ones.
Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the ice cream balls ahead of time and keep them frozen until you’re ready to serve your Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream is a delightful blend of textures and flavors that everyone will love. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences. Whether you prefer chocolate sauces or fresh fruit toppings, this dessert is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy making your own unique version!

Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful world of Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream, a frozen treat that captures the essence of traditional fried ice cream without the frying. This no-fry dessert features creamy ice cream, coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar and crispy corn flake crust, making it an impressive addition to any gathering or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 large scoops ice cream
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cups corn flakes (crushed)
- Whipped cream, hot fudge sauce, cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Freeze the ice cream into round balls on a baking sheet for at least 3 hours.
- Crush corn flakes and mix with cinnamon. Toast in melted butter over medium heat until golden brown.
- Combine sugar and remaining cinnamon in a bowl.
- Roll frozen ice cream balls in the cinnamon sugar mixture, then coat with toasted corn flakes.
- 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 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Ensure ice cream is thoroughly frozen to maintain shape during coating. Adjust cinnamon and sugar levels according to personal taste preferences. Experiment with different ice cream flavors for a unique twist.