There’s something about fried ice cream that just brings me right back to summer evenings at my parents’ house. I remember the first time I made this Fried Ice Cream Delight for my family, it felt a little bit like magic—who knew you could get all that crunch without actually frying anything at all? My mom always believed in shortcuts, especially on busy days, and this recipe is the perfect example. It’s easy, it’s a crowd-pleaser, and it’s got that wow factor without all the fuss or mess of deep frying.
Whenever we host a get-together, this dessert is on the table without fail. I love how the golden, buttery corn flakes stay crispy on top, while the creamy vanilla frozen yogurt in the middle stays perfectly chilled. The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment or culinary skills—just a bit of patience while it sets in the freezer. Sometimes, my children will sneak into the kitchen, hoping to swipe a spoonful before it’s fully set, and honestly, who can blame them? The smell of warm cinnamon and brown sugar toasted together is downright irresistible.
Fried ice cream might sound like a special-occasion treat, but this recipe makes it so accessible that you could whip it up even on a weeknight. The ingredients are simple: corn flakes, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and of course, plenty of creamy Chapman’s Vanilla Frozen Yogurt. Even if you’re not a dessert expert, you’ll find this easy fried ice cream recipe a breeze to follow. My husband jokes that the hardest part is waiting for it to freeze, but he never complains when it’s finally time to slice and serve.
If you’re looking for a unique dessert for your next party, or just want to treat your family to something special, you can’t go wrong with this Fried Ice Cream Delight. Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce and a maraschino cherry on top, and suddenly, you’ve created a little celebration out of an ordinary day. Trust me, once you try this crunchy, creamy no-fry ice cream dessert, it’ll become a tradition in your kitchen too. Ready to make some sweet memories? Let’s dive in!
How to Make Fried Ice Cream Delight
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Ingredients
- 4 cups corn flakes cereal
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 liters Chapman’s Vanilla Frozen Yogurt
- Chocolate sauce, for serving (optional)
- Maraschino cherries, for serving (optional)
Directions
- Set your oven to preheat at 350°F and place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking tray.
- Put the corn flakes in a zip-top bag and crush them up using your hands or a rolling pin. Transfer the crumbs to a bowl, then stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until every piece is coated.
- Spread this corn flake mixture out on your prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes so it becomes golden and crisp. Once toasted, set aside to cool completely.
- Meanwhile, let the frozen yogurt soften at room temperature for about 20 minutes, just until it’s easy to scoop and spread.
- In a 9×13-inch pan, sprinkle half of your cooled corn flake mixture to cover the bottom evenly. Spoon the softened frozen yogurt over the crumbs and smooth it out into a flat layer.
- Scatter the rest of the toasted corn flakes over the frozen yogurt and gently press them down so they stick.
- Slide the pan into your freezer and let it chill for 5 to 6 hours, or until set firm. When it’s time to serve, cut into squares and add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a maraschino cherry on top if you like!
Ingredient Tweaks for Your Pantry
If you don’t have corn flakes, try using crisped rice cereal or crushed graham crackers for a different twist. Granola can add a nutty crunch, or swap the vanilla frozen yogurt for classic vanilla ice cream or even a dairy-free alternative if needed. You can also use honey or maple syrup in place of brown sugar, and a dash of nutmeg or pumpkin spice can stand in for cinnamon to suit your family’s taste and pantry staples.
Best Ways to Store Leftover Fried Ice Cream Delight
Keep any leftover fried ice cream dessert tightly covered in the freezer—either with plastic wrap directly on the surface or in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed within a week for maximum crunch and flavor, but it’ll keep for up to two weeks. If the corn flake topping starts to soften, a quick toast in the oven can bring some of that crispness back before serving.
Perfect Pairings for Fried Ice Cream Delight
This dessert shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of iced tea. For a party, serve it alongside fresh berries, or add a sprinkle of chopped nuts for texture. You can also plate it with warm caramel sauce or serve with cinnamon sugar-dusted tortilla chips for a playful twist.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Fried Ice Cream Delight
Make sure your corn flake mixture is completely cooled before assembling, or it’ll melt the frozen yogurt. When spreading the yogurt, work quickly so it doesn’t get too soft. For clean cuts, dip your knife in hot water before slicing. Want extra crunch? Double-toast the topping! And don’t skip the gentle pressing step—this helps the topping stick for that classic “fried” texture.
Seasonal Twists for Fried Ice Cream Delight
In summer, swap vanilla yogurt for strawberry or mango for a fruity spin. Come autumn, mix a little pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice into the yogurt for a festive treat. Winter calls for a peppermint twist—add crushed candy canes to the topping. In spring, try lemon or berry swirl frozen yogurt for a bright, fresh flavor. Adapt this simple recipe year-round to match what’s in season or on hand!
FAQs:
Can I make Fried Ice Cream Delight in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare this dessert up to two days ahead of time. Just keep it covered tightly in your freezer until you’re ready to serve. The crunchy topping might soften a bit over time, but it still tastes great. If you want to refresh the texture, toast a little extra corn flake mixture and sprinkle it on top right before serving.
What if I don’t have vanilla frozen yogurt?
No worries! You can use regular vanilla ice cream, frozen custard, or even a flavored frozen yogurt like chocolate, caramel, or coffee. Non-dairy frozen desserts work nicely too. Just make sure whichever frozen base you choose is softened enough to spread, and adjust the sweetness as needed depending on your choice.
How do I keep the corn flake topping crunchy?
The key to that satisfying crunch is letting the toasted corn flakes cool completely before topping your dessert. Store any leftovers tightly covered in the freezer to prevent humidity from making them soggy. If needed, you can toast up a fresh batch of corn flake mixture right before serving to add on top for extra crunch.
Can I use other cereals for the coating?
Yes! Feel free to get creative with cereals you have at home. Crisped rice, crushed graham crackers, or even unsweetened bran flakes can be used as a substitute for corn flakes. Each cereal brings its own unique flavor and texture to the dessert, so experiment to find your favorite combination.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free corn flakes or another gluten-free cereal for the base and topping. Double-check that your frozen yogurt and other mix-ins are gluten-free as well. With these simple swaps, you can enjoy Fried Ice Cream Delight without worry, making it perfect for guests with dietary restrictions or sensitive tummies.
How do I prevent the dessert from getting icy or hard in the freezer?
To keep your Fried Ice Cream Delight creamy, let the frozen yogurt soften just enough before spreading, and freeze the assembled dessert in a lidded container or tightly covered pan. Serve it within a week for the best texture. If it’s too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps it become the perfect scoopable consistency.
Fried Ice Cream Delight
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- medium bowl
- 9x13 inch pan
Ingredients
Corn Flake Coating:
- 4 cups corn flakes cereal
- 6 tablespoons salted butter melted
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Ice Cream Layer:
- 2 liters Chapman's Vanilla Frozen Yogurt
For Serving:
- to taste chocolate sauce optional
- to taste maraschino cherries optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
For Corn Flake Coating:
- In a zip-top bag, crush the corn flakes and transfer to a medium bowl. Combine with melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, mixing well.
- Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet and bake for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown. Allow to cool completely.
For Ice Cream Layer:
- Let the frozen yogurt soften at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
- In a 9x13-inch pan, spread half of the cooled corn flake mixture on the bottom. Then scoop the softened yogurt on top, spreading it evenly.
- Finish with the remaining corn flake mixture, gently pressing it down.
- Freeze for 5 to 6 hours until firm. Cut into portions and serve drizzled with chocolate sauce or topped with maraschino cherries if desired.
