A fried ice cream recipe that requires no deep-frying? Yes, that is possible with Mexican Fried Ice Cream Dessert! With just a few ingredients found in your pantry and freezer, treat yourself. Serve your guests this delicious and easy-to-make dessert this summer or at any party at home!
If you enjoy fun and sweet desserts, try our Cinnamon Roll Bites or creamy Easy Banana Pudding Ice Cream next.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Getting ready for a Cinco de Mayo party or any party? This recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require frying. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for making with kids.
You can make it dairy-free or vegan by swapping ice cream and butter with plant-based versions. It’s flexible and customizable to your needs.
Mix the whipped cream well until it really shows soft peaks. I promise, your ice cream mixture would taste so much better if your whipped cream is creamed very well.
Ingredients
Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Cornflakes
- Vanilla ice cream
- Heavy whipping cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
1. Place cornflakes in a large ziplock bag. Crush lightly using a rolling pin or your hands. But make sure to keep some texture.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
3. Add the crushed cornflakes into the bowl and mix until well coated. Set aside.
Layer the Dessert:
4. Let the vanilla ice cream sit out for about 15 minutes to soften.
5. In a 9x13-inch baking pan or baking sheet, press half of the cornflake mixture into the bottom to create a crust.
6. Using a small ice cream scoop or spoon, scoop the softened ice cream onto the crust.
7. Gently spread each ice cream ball evenly over the crust without pressing too hard.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cornflake mixture evenly over the top.
9. Place the dessert in the freezer to firm up while you make the whipped cream.
Make the Whipped Cream:
10. In a clean bowl, beat together the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Finish and Freeze:
11. Remove the dessert from the freezer and spread the whipped cream over the top layer.
12. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon for garnish.
13. Return the pan to the freezer and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
14. Serve and enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
- Ingredient Swap
Swap vanilla ice cream with chocolate, strawberry, or even vegan coconut ice cream.
Use honey instead of sugar or top with fresh fruit for a lighter twist. - Variation
Add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for more flavor.
Feel free to add your favorite chocolate chips, chocolate syrup/caramel sauce, or cherries. - Mistake to Avoid
Avoid letting the cornflake mixture sit too long in the large bowl, or it will lose its crunch. - Storage Tips
- This dessert stands up well to freezing for 2 weeks, but is best enjoyed fresh.
FAQs
Mexican Fried Ice Cream Dessert
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1½ cups brown sugar
- 6 cups corn flakes
- ½ gallon vanilla ice cream softened
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- Place corn flakes in a large ziplock bag and crush lightly using a rolling pin or your hands — not too fine; keep some texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Add the crushed corn flakes into the bowl and mix until well coated. Set aside.
Layer the Dessert:
- Let the vanilla ice cream sit out for about 15 minutes to soften.
- In a 9x13-inch baking pan, press half of the corn flake mixture into the bottom to create a crust.
- Using a small ice cream scooper or spoon, scoop the softened ice cream onto the crust.
- Gently spread the ice cream evenly over the crust without pressing too hard.
- Sprinkle the remaining corn flake mixture evenly over the top.
- Place the dessert in the freezer to firm up while you make the whipped cream.
Make the Whipped Cream:
- In a clean bowl, beat together the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Finish and Freeze:
- Remove the dessert from the freezer and spread the whipped cream over the top layer.
- Sprinkle with ground cinnamon for garnish.
- Return the pan to the freezer and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
- Serve and enjoy!
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Got guests coming, and you need an awesome dessert? This Mexican Fried Ice Cream Dessert is all the creaminess and crunchiness you'll need!
Cath says
Make some more yummy and easy recipes! I love them, Lainey!
Lainey says
For sure, Cath! Keep visiting the blog for more new recipes!
zidane says
The combination of crispy coating and creamy ice cream makes this cake look very satisfying. It seems like a balanced mix of texture and flavor.
Simply Bakings Kitchen Team says
Thank you! 😊 That contrast is exactly what makes it so fun to eat—the crispy outside with the creamy ice cream inside is such a satisfying combo. I’m glad you noticed the balance of textures and flavors! 🍰✨