Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fried Ice Cream Dessert delivers all the joy of traditional fried ice cream—crunchy, creamy, and indulgent—without the mess of deep frying. With layers of sweet vanilla ice cream, a buttery cinnamon-sugar cereal crust, and a drizzle of honey or chocolate, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for gatherings or weeknight treats.

ingredients

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

vanilla ice creambuttercornflakes cereal (crushed)cinnamon granulated sugarchocolate syrup or honeywhipped cream (optional)maraschino cherries (optional)

directions

Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it soften slightly so it’s easier to spread.

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

Add crushed cornflakes, cinnamon, and sugar to the skillet. Stir continuously and toast the mixture until golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Let it cool completely.

In a 9×13-inch pan, spread half of the toasted cornflake mixture as the base layer.

Spread the softened ice cream evenly over the crust, then top with the remaining cereal mixture.

Cover the pan with foil or plastic wrap and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours or overnight.

Cut into squares to serve. Drizzle with honey or chocolate syrup and top with whipped cream and cherries if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.Preparation time: 20 minutesFreezing time: 4+ hoursTotal time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Variations

Use caramel syrup instead of chocolate or honey for a richer topping.

Try cinnamon toast crunch or crushed graham crackers instead of cornflakes.

Use flavored ice cream like dulce de leche or cinnamon for a twist.

Layer with crushed peanuts or coconut flakes for added texture.

storage/reheating

Store leftover dessert tightly wrapped in the freezer for up to 1 week.To serve, allow it to sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before slicing.

FAQs

What type of cereal works best?

Classic cornflakes give the right crunch and flavor, but you can experiment with other cereals like Cinnamon Toast Crunch or Frosted Flakes.

Does this taste like real fried ice cream?

Yes, the toasted cereal coating mimics the flavor and crunch of traditional fried ice cream without the hassle of frying.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely, this dessert is perfect for making a day in advance.

Can I use low-fat ice cream?

Yes, but the texture and richness may be slightly different.

Can I serve it in individual portions?

Yes, press the mixture into muffin tins for mini servings.

How do I crush the cornflakes?

Use a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.

Can I add fruit?

Yes, chopped strawberries or bananas make a great addition on top.

Is this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cereal to make the recipe gluten-free.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, but butter offers the best flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger pan or make in two batches for more servings.

Conclusion

Fried Ice Cream Dessert brings all the magic of the classic treat into a no-fry, no-fuss format. With layers of crunchy cereal and creamy ice cream, it’s an irresistible dessert that’s both nostalgic and easy to prepare. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or anytime you crave something cool and sweet.