Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fried Ice Cream Dessert is a no-fry twist on the classic restaurant favorite, delivering the same delicious flavor and texture without the mess. With a crunchy, cinnamon-sugar coating layered over creamy vanilla ice cream, this dessert is easy to assemble and perfect for parties or weeknight indulgence. It captures the magic of fried ice cream in a convenient, oven-free format.

ingredients

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

vanilla ice creambuttercornflakes (crushed)cinnamongranulated sugarsaltwhipped topping (like Cool Whip)honeyoptional toppings: chocolate syrup, maraschino cherries, chopped nuts

directions

Let the vanilla ice cream soften slightly at room temperature until easy to mix, then fold it together with whipped topping in a large bowl.

Spread the mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch pan and place it in the freezer to firm up for at least 1 hour.

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add crushed cornflakes, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant—about 5 minutes. Let it cool completely.

Sprinkle the cooled cornflake mixture evenly over the frozen ice cream layer and gently press it down.

Return the dessert to the freezer for another hour or until fully set.

When ready to serve, cut into squares and drizzle with honey. Add optional toppings like chocolate syrup or cherries if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooling and assembly time: 2 hoursTotal time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Swap vanilla ice cream for dulce de leche, chocolate, or cinnamon-flavored varieties.

Use crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs in place of cornflakes.

Add a dash of nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the topping for seasonal flair.

Serve in individual cups for a party-friendly version.

storage/reheating

Store Fried Ice Cream Dessert tightly covered in the freezer for up to 1 week.Remove from the freezer a few minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly.Do not refreeze once it has fully thawed for best texture.

FAQs

Does this dessert actually get fried?

No, this is a no-fry version that mimics the taste and crunch of traditional fried ice cream using a skillet and cornflake topping.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it’s perfect for making ahead. Just keep it in the freezer until you’re ready to serve.

What type of cornflakes should I use?

Plain, unsweetened cornflakes work best to control sweetness and maintain crunch.

Can I use homemade whipped cream?

Yes, just make sure it’s stabilized or whipped stiff enough to hold its shape in the freezer.

Is it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cornflakes and confirm that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free if needed.

Can I make this with non-dairy ice cream?

Absolutely. Use your favorite non-dairy ice cream and whipped topping alternatives for a dairy-free version.

Why use honey for serving?

Honey adds a rich, floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon crunch and creamy ice cream.

Do I need to bake anything?

No baking is required—just a quick stovetop prep for the topping.

What if I don’t have a 9×13 pan?

You can use any similar-sized dish or divide the mixture into smaller pans.

Can I add fruit?

Yes, sliced bananas or strawberries make excellent additions just before serving.

Conclusion

Fried Ice Cream Dessert brings all the flavor and texture of the classic fried treat with none of the hassle. It’s cool, creamy, and crunchy in every bite—ideal for gatherings or whenever you want to impress with minimal effort. Give this crowd-pleaser a try, and it’s sure to become a repeat favorite.