Mexican fried ice cream is a delightful dessert that combines the creamy coldness of ice cream with a crispy, cinnamon-sugar crust. It’s a popular treat in Mexican restaurants and a fun recipe to make at home. If you’ve ever wondered how to make Mexican fried ice cream, you’re in the right place! This article will walk you through the simple steps to create this crunchy, creamy delight that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
What Is Mexican Fried Ice Cream?
Despite its name, Mexican fried ice cream isn’t always deep-fried in hot oil. Many homemade versions achieve the signature crunchy coating by rolling ice cream balls in a toasted cereal and cinnamon-sugar mixture, then freezing them to create a crispy shell without the need for frying. This method makes it easy and safe to prepare at home while still delivering that irresistible texture contrast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the basic ingredients to make Mexican fried ice cream:
– Ice cream: Vanilla is the classic choice, but feel free to use your favorite flavor.
– Corn flakes or Frosted Flakes: Crushed to create the crunchy coating.
– Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the coating.
– Sugar: Usually white sugar, mixed with cinnamon for sweetness.
– Butter: Used to toast the cereal crumbs for extra flavor.
– Optional toppings: Honey, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and maraschino cherries for garnish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mexican Fried Ice Cream
1. Prepare the Ice Cream Balls
Scoop the ice cream into round balls, about 4 ounces each. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate and freeze for at least 3 to 4 hours until they are very firm. This step is crucial to prevent the ice cream from melting during the coating process.
2. Make the Crunchy Coating
Crush the corn flakes or Frosted Flakes into fine crumbs. In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the crushed cereal. Toast the mixture for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it’s golden and fragrant. In a separate bowl, combine sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix the toasted cereal crumbs with the cinnamon sugar to create the coating.
3. Coat the Ice Cream Balls
Remove the ice cream balls from the freezer. Roll each ball first in the cinnamon sugar mixture, then press them into the toasted cereal crumbs until fully coated. This double coating ensures a flavorful and crunchy crust. If rolling is tricky, you can gently press the crumbs onto the ice cream with your hands or a spoon.
4. Freeze Again
Place the coated ice cream balls back on the baking sheet and freeze for at least another hour to firm up the coating and keep the ice cream solid.
5. Serve with Toppings
When ready to serve, remove the ice cream balls from the freezer. Drizzle with honey or chocolate syrup, add a dollop of whipped cream, and top with a maraschino cherry for the classic presentation. You can also add other toppings like caramel sauce or fresh fruit if you like.
Tips for Perfect Mexican Fried Ice Cream
– Use firm ice cream: The colder and firmer the ice cream, the easier it is to coat without melting.
– Toast the cereal crumbs: This adds a nutty flavor and extra crunch.
– Freeze thoroughly: Don’t skip the freezing steps; they prevent melting and help the crust stick.
– Experiment with cereals: Try Cinnamon Toast Crunch or other flavored cereals for a unique twist.
– Try different ice cream flavors: Chocolate, strawberry, or butter pecan can be delicious alternatives.
Optional: The Traditional Deep-Fried Version
If you want to try the authentic restaurant-style fried ice cream, you can deep-fry the coated ice cream balls very briefly (about 2 seconds) in hot oil at 350°F. This creates a crispy shell while keeping the inside cold. However, this requires careful timing and equipment, so many home cooks prefer the no-fry method.
Mexican fried ice cream is a fun, easy dessert that combines creamy, cold ice cream with a sweet, crunchy coating. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy this restaurant favorite right at home. Whether you choose the no-fry or traditional fried method, it’s sure to be a hit!
Give it a try and enjoy a sweet taste of Mexico anytime you want!