Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream delivers all the flavor and crunch of the restaurant favorite—without the need for deep frying. With creamy vanilla ice cream coated in a buttery, crispy cinnamon-cereal crust, this dessert offers a fun mix of textures and flavors. It’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for a festive finish to any Mexican-inspired meal.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

vanilla ice cream
cornflakes cereal (crushed)
unsalted butter
granulated sugar
ground cinnamon
honey (optional, for drizzling)
whipped cream (optional)
maraschino cherries (optional)

directions

Scoop vanilla ice cream into balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 2 hours, or until very firm.

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add crushed cornflakes, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir and cook for 4–6 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let cool completely.

Roll the frozen ice cream balls in the cooled cereal mixture, pressing gently to coat.

Return coated ice cream balls to the freezer for 30 minutes to set.

Serve with optional toppings like honey drizzle, whipped cream, and a cherry on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 servings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Freezing time: 2.5–3 hours
Total time: about 3 hours

Variations

Use cinnamon-flavored cereal for extra spice.
Try chocolate or caramel ice cream for a twist.
Add shredded coconut or chopped pecans to the coating mix.
Drizzle with chocolate sauce instead of honey.

storage/reheating

Store coated ice cream balls in the freezer for up to 1 week.
Keep toppings separate and add just before serving.
Do not thaw or reheat—serve directly from the freezer.

FAQs

Is this really not fried?
Correct—it mimics the fried coating by toasting cereal in butter for crunch and flavor.

Can I use a different cereal?
Yes, any crunchy cereal like Rice Krispies or Frosted Flakes works well.

Do I need to freeze the balls twice?
Yes, freezing after coating helps them hold their shape and stay firm when serving.

Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely—just store in the freezer and top right before serving.

Why did my coating fall off?
Make sure the ice cream is very firm and press the coating on well while it’s still cold.

Conclusion

Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream is a no-fry, no-fuss take on a classic treat—crisp, creamy, and irresistibly fun. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a dessert with wow factor, this recipe brings delicious results with minimal effort.

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