Emilie Meyer
Fried ice cream is a delicious dessert that can be made in a 9x13 pan. This fried ice cream is not actually fried; rather, it is a mock version of the famous fried ice cream dessert that was popularized in the 1970s and 1980s by the Chi-Chi's Mexican restaurant chain. This mock version is much easier to make and involves cooking crushed corn flakes on the stove with butter and sugar to create a similar taste to the original. The crunchy corn flake mixture is then layered with softened vanilla ice cream, cinnamon, and honey, and frozen until set. The final product is a creamy, cinnamon-spiced ice cream treat with a sweet and crispy topping.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pan size | 9x13 |
| Type of ice cream | Vanilla |
| Quantity of ice cream | 2 quarts |
| Type of corn flakes | Plain |
| Quantity of corn flakes | 3 cups |
| Type of sugar | Brown |
| Other toppings | Honey, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, caramel, cherries |
| Preparation time | 25 minutes |
| Freezing time | 5 hours or overnight |
| Softening time | 15-20 minutes |
| Number of servings | 12-15 |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of a 9x13 pan for fried ice cream
A 9x13 pan is the perfect size for making fried ice cream. This dessert typically involves creating a crust made from cornflakes, sugar, and cinnamon, which is then topped with a layer of ice cream and further toppings. The 9x13 pan provides a spacious surface to assemble the dessert, ensuring an even distribution of the crust and allowing for a generous amount of ice cream and toppings.
The dimensions of a 9x13 pan are particularly important for achieving the right thickness and proportions for the fried ice cream. With this pan size, you can create a dessert that is neither too thin nor too thick, resulting in a pleasant balance of textures and flavours. The pan's rectangular shape also facilitates even cooking and browning of the crust during the frying process, contributing to the overall quality and consistency of the final product.
Using a 9x13 pan allows for a generous serving size, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends. The pan's capacity enables you to create a substantial dessert that can accommodate a variety of toppings and additional ingredients, such as whipped cream, honey, or chocolate sauce. This versatility in toppings and servings makes the 9x13 pan a versatile choice for customising the dessert to suit different tastes and occasions.
Additionally, the 9x13 pan's size and shape contribute to the visual appeal of the fried ice cream. The rectangular shape allows for neat slicing and presentation of the dessert, making it aesthetically pleasing and easier to serve. The pan's dimensions also create a visually impressive dessert, with a generous surface area for decorating and garnishing, ensuring a delightful presentation for guests or customers.
Furthermore, the 9x13 pan is a standard size that is commonly available in kitchens and restaurants. Its versatility makes it a practical choice for preparing a variety of dishes beyond just fried ice cream. This pan size is often used for baking cakes, casseroles, and other desserts, making it a versatile and convenient option for those looking to create a diverse range of culinary delights.
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How to make fried ice cream in a 9x13 pan
This recipe for fried ice cream is a mock version of the famous dessert, as the ice cream is not actually fried. However, it is a delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert that is much easier to make.
First, set out the ice cream to soften at room temperature. You will need two quarts of your favourite ice cream—French vanilla is a great option. For the crunch, you will need to crush some corn flakes. Place the corn flakes in a gallon-sized ziploc bag, seal, and then use a rolling pin to crush them. You can also crush them in your pan using a measuring cup. Next, melt some butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the crushed corn flakes and stir to combine. Keep stirring for about three minutes, until the corn flakes are toasted and fragrant. Turn off the heat and add in some brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir until combined, then transfer the mixture to a sheet pan and let it cool.
Now, take your 9x13 pan and press the corn flake mixture into the bottom. You can use a cooking spray to help it stick. You want to create an even layer that covers the bottom of the pan. Next, take your softened ice cream and spread it over the corn flake layer. Use a metal spatula to smooth it out. Top the ice cream with the remaining corn flake mixture and drizzle with honey. Finally, cover the pan and place it in the freezer for at least five hours to set. Take it out about 15-20 minutes before serving so it can soften slightly, then slice and serve. Top with whipped cream and enjoy!
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Why cornflakes are a key ingredient
Cornflakes are a key ingredient in fried ice cream as they provide a crispy texture and sweet flavour that complements the creamy vanilla ice cream. They also serve as a crunchy coating that, when fried, creates a delicious contrast between the crispy exterior and the soft, creamy interior of the ice cream.
Cornflakes are versatile and can be used in different ways to create fried ice cream. They can be crushed and mixed with cinnamon and sugar to create a crispy coating for the ice cream balls, providing a crunchy texture in each bite. The crushed cornflakes can also be mixed with butter and toasted in a pan to create a fragrant, golden crust that surrounds the ice cream. This method, often called "mock fried ice cream," is easier to prepare and delivers a similar taste to the traditional fried version.
The versatility of cornflakes allows for customisation to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For a sweet and crunchy topping, cornflakes can be drizzled with honey, chocolate, or caramel sauce, and topped with whipped cream. For a gluten-free option, gluten-free cornflakes can be used as a direct substitute without sacrificing taste or texture.
Additionally, cornflakes are a convenient and accessible ingredient found in most pantries, making them an ideal choice for creating a quick and easy fried ice cream dessert at home. Their neutral flavour pairs well with various toppings and sauces, making them a versatile base for customisation and experimentation.
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The role of cinnamon in fried ice cream
Fried ice cream is a delightful dessert with a creamy texture and a unique taste. While traditional fried ice cream involves deep-frying balls of ice cream wrapped in tortillas and cinnamon, the modern version is a no-fry dessert that can be made in a 9x13 pan. This version involves creating a cornflake crust with cinnamon and brown sugar, surrounding a thick layer of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cinnamon in fried ice cream plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavour and aroma of this dessert.
Cinnamon is a key ingredient that adds a distinct flavour and aroma to the fried ice cream. It is a spice derived from the bark of the Cinnamomum tree, known for its sweet and spicy flavour. In fried ice cream, cinnamon is used in two ways: mixed with the cornflake crust and infused into the ice cream itself. When combined with brown sugar, cinnamon creates a delicious, sweet coating for the cornflakes, adding a crunchy texture to the dessert.
The role of cinnamon in the ice cream mixture is equally important. By infusing cinnamon into the vanilla ice cream, a unique, spicy glow is created, providing a contrasting sensation to the cold treat. Cinnamon has a way of burying itself into the ice cream, creating a lingering warmth that spreads throughout the body. This intriguing trick of the mind makes cinnamon ice cream a delightful choice, especially when served with pie, cake, or fresh fruit.
Additionally, cinnamon has health benefits that make it a popular spice. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can provide potential health advantages when consumed. Cinnamon also has a long history of use in traditional medicine, believed to help with various ailments. In terms of taste, cinnamon pairs well with other spices such as ginger, nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom. It also combines excellently with chocolate, making it a versatile ingredient.
Overall, the role of cinnamon in fried ice cream is essential to its unique flavour and sensory experience. The combination of cinnamon with the creamy ice cream and crunchy cornflake crust creates a delightful dessert that is sure to impress family and friends. By infusing cinnamon into the ice cream and incorporating it into the cornflake coating, a well-rounded and flavourful dessert is created, perfect for any occasion.
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Variations on the fried ice cream recipe
Fried ice cream is a versatile dessert that can be customised in numerous ways. Here are some variations on the fried ice cream recipe:
- Ice cream flavour: While vanilla ice cream is a popular choice for fried ice cream, you can use any ice cream flavour you like. Just make sure the flavour complements the cinnamon in the cornflake coating. Some suggested alternatives include French vanilla, huckleberry, and Cinnabon ice cream.
- Coating variations: The traditional coating for fried ice cream is made with cornflakes, but you can experiment with different ingredients. For example, you can substitute some of the corn flakes with sweetened shredded coconut or chopped pecans. Another option is to use crushed vanilla wafers or Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal instead of corn flakes.
- Toppings: There are endless possibilities for toppings, allowing you to customise your fried ice cream to your taste preferences. Popular choices include chocolate or caramel sauce, whipped cream, honey, cherries, and strawberries. You can also get creative and use other sundae toppings, such as hot fudge sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Gluten-free option: If you or your guests have gluten intolerance, you can make a gluten-free version of fried ice cream by using gluten-free corn flakes. This simple substitution ensures that everyone can enjoy the dessert.
- Deep-fried option: While the recipe for fried ice cream in a 9x13 pan does not involve deep frying, you can create a more traditional version by deep-frying balls of ice cream wrapped in tortillas and cinnamon. This method, made popular by the Chi-Chi's Mexican restaurant chain in the 1970s and '80s, adds a unique twist to the dessert.
- Presentation: Fried ice cream can be served in various ways. You can shape the ice cream into uniform balls for a neat presentation, or simply scoop it out and drop it into the cornflake mixture for a more rustic look. It can be served as individual servings or, in the case of the 9x13 pan recipe, sliced into bars.
These variations offer a range of options for customising your fried ice cream, allowing you to experiment with different flavours, textures, and presentation styles to create a unique and delicious dessert.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need cornflakes, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla ice cream, honey, and whipped cream.
First, crush the cornflakes. Then, melt the butter in a pan and add the crushed cornflakes, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir the mixture until it is toasted and fragrant. Once cooled, press the mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9x13 pan. In a separate bowl, mix the softened ice cream and cinnamon. Spread the ice cream mixture over the cornflake mixture, and sprinkle the remaining cornflake mixture on top. Cover the pan and freeze for at least five hours before serving.
It takes about 25 minutes to prepare the fried ice cream, and then it needs to be frozen for at least five hours before serving.
Before serving, let the fried ice cream sit out for 15-20 minutes to soften. Slice it into bars and drizzle honey, chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, or any other desired toppings over the top. Add a mound of whipped cream and a cherry for the perfect dessert!
