Deep-Frying Ice Cream: A Unique, Tasty Treat

Making fried ice cream in a deep fryer is a simple yet impressive recipe that can be made at home. The process involves creating ice cream balls, freezing them, coating them in a crunchy layer, and then deep-frying them for a short time. The result is a unique dessert with a smooth and creamy inside and a crunchy exterior. This guide will take you through the steps to make this mouth-watering treat, along with some tips and tricks to ensure success.

Shaping the ice cream

Some recipes suggest using a piece of saran wrap when shaping the ice cream balls. This helps to keep your hands clean and can make it easier to form the ice cream into a dense ball. Simply scoop the ice cream onto the saran wrap and mould it into the desired shape before placing it in the freezer.

When shaping the ice cream, it is important to work quickly to prevent the ice cream from melting. It is also a good idea to freeze the plate or sheet pan that you will be using beforehand, to help keep the ice cream cold during the shaping process.

Once the ice cream is shaped and frozen, it can be coated in the chosen topping, such as crushed cornflakes, cinnamon sugar, or a combination of cookies, cornflakes, pecans, and cinnamon sugar. This coating adds a crunchy texture to the final dish and helps to keep the ice cream cold during frying.

After coating, the ice cream should be returned to the freezer for at least 10–15 minutes to allow the coating to set and the ice cream to re-freeze before frying. This step is crucial to ensuring that the ice cream stays cold and solid during the frying process.

Preparing the coating

Step 1: Choose Your Base

The base of your coating is essential as it provides the crunch and texture contrast to the creamy ice cream. Cornflakes are a popular choice and can be crushed into smaller pieces. Alternatively, you can use crushed cookies such as vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or even Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal for added spice. For a nuttier flavour, pulse some pecans or shredded coconut in a food processor until finely chopped, and mix with your chosen base.

Step 2: Add Sweetness and Spice

To enhance the flavour of your coating, mix in some cinnamon and sugar. Cinnamon adds a warm, spicy note, while sugar provides sweetness and a delightful crispy texture when fried. You can adjust the amount of cinnamon and sugar to your taste preferences.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash

An egg wash acts as a binding agent, helping the coating adhere to the ice cream. Beat a few eggs in a shallow bowl until they are foamy and well combined. This mixture will be used to dip the ice cream balls before coating them with the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Combine and Mix

In a shallow dish, combine your chosen base (cornflakes, crushed cookies, or cereal) with the cinnamon and sugar mixture. Mix everything together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavours. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness.

Step 5: Double or Triple Dip

Once you have your coating mixture ready, it's time to double or even triple dip your ice cream balls. First, roll the ice cream ball in the egg wash, ensuring it is evenly coated. Then, roll it in the cornflake mixture, pressing the coating around the outer surface for a thicker, crunchier layer. Repeat this process for a second or even third time for an extra-thick coating.

Remember to work quickly and keep the ice cream balls frozen throughout the process to prevent melting. Now you're ready to fry your coated ice cream balls and enjoy a delicious, indulgent treat!

Coating the ice cream

Firstly, prepare your coating mixture. This typically involves crushing cornflakes into small pieces—a zip lock bag or a food processor can be used for this. You can also add other ingredients to the cornflakes for extra flavour and texture. Cinnamon, sugar, and pecans are popular additions, but you can experiment with other options like sweetened shredded coconut, vanilla wafers, or even cocoa crispies. Mix your chosen ingredients together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavours.

Next, prepare your ice cream balls. Start with a firm, frozen ice cream that is easy to scoop and shape. Using an ice cream scoop, form the ice cream into balls, packing them tightly to ensure they hold their shape. Place these ice cream balls back in the freezer to refreeze and harden.

Now, it's time to coat the ice cream. Set up a dipping station with your coating mixture, beaten eggs (or egg whites) in a separate bowl, and a shallow dish filled with the coating mixture. Remove the ice cream balls from the freezer, and carefully roll them in the coating mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Then, dip them into the beaten eggs, and back into the coating mixture for a second time. This double coating helps to create a thicker, crunchier shell.

For an even thicker coating, you can repeat the dipping process a few more times, or use a combination of different coatings. Some recipes suggest using bread, such as sliced white bread or graham crackers, to completely cover the ice cream ball before the final coating. This creates an extra layer of insulation to prevent melting during frying.

Once you are happy with the coating, return the ice cream balls to the freezer for at least an hour, or even overnight, to ensure they are completely frozen solid before frying. This step is crucial to prevent melting and to achieve the desired crunchy texture.

Frying the ice cream

When you are ready to fry, heat your oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy saucepan. The ideal temperature for the oil is between 365-375 degrees Fahrenheit (180-190 degrees Celsius). Be careful when placing the ice cream into the hot oil, as it may pop and cause splashing. Fry the ice cream balls for around 10-15 seconds, or until they are golden brown. It is important to rotate them occasionally to ensure even colouring on all sides.

Once the ice cream balls are golden, drain them quickly on paper towels. This will help to remove any excess oil. Now, your fried ice cream is ready to be served and enjoyed!

Draining and serving

Once your ice cream is fried to perfection, it's time to drain off any excess oil. Place the ice cream balls on paper towels, which will absorb the oil and prevent your dessert from becoming too greasy. It's important to act quickly at this stage, as the ice cream will start to melt.

After draining, it's now time to serve your fried ice cream. This decadent treat can be garnished and decorated in a variety of ways. For a classic approach, dust the ice cream with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. If you're feeling indulgent, drizzle chocolate sauce, honey, caramel sauce, or maple syrup over the ice cream. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream and top it off with a cherry. Get creative and experiment with different toppings and sauces to find your favourite combination.

If you're feeling extra fancy, you can even flambé your fried ice cream by adding a little brandy or cognac and igniting it before serving. This will give your dessert a dramatic flair and impress your guests.

Remember to serve the fried ice cream immediately after frying, as it will start to melt. Enjoy your delicious and unique creation!

Frequently asked questions