Healthy Fried Ice Cream Hack: No Frying Required!

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The History of Fried Ice Cream?

Now, let’s clear something up. I always thought fried ice cream was a Mexican dessert—turns out, that’s only half true. When I dug a little deeper, I discovered that fried ice cream may have first been served at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.

Its connection to Mexican cuisine came later, thanks to the beloved (and now-defunct) Chi-Chi’s restaurant, which made it a Tex-Mex menu staple. Chi-Chi’s may be gone, but the craving it sparked lives on—and you can whip up a simple copycat version at home with just two ingredients. (Or three, if you’re feeling extra and want to drizzle on some dulce de leche. Highly recommend.)

Instead of frying, we’re taking a shortcut that doesn’t skip flavor. Crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal creates a perfectly sweet and spiced crust that mimics that fried shell texture—no stovetop required. This easy hack transforms ordinary ice cream into a showstopping treat that’s part nostalgic diner dessert, part cereal lover’s dream.

Ingredients

How To Make Ice Cream Balls

To make them, start with firm scoops of your favorite ice cream—vanilla is classic, but cinnamon, dulce de leche, or coffee work beautifully too. Freeze the scoops on a parchment-lined tray until solid. Meanwhile, crush your Cinnamon Toast Crunch into coarse crumbs and mix in a little extra cinnamon and sugar for max flavor.

Once the scoops are solid, roll each one in the crushed cereal mix, pressing gently to help the coating stick. Want it extra crunchy? Double-dip those babies. Pop them back in the freezer until it’s time to serve. Finish with a drizzle of honey, caramel, or chocolate sauce for a dreamy combo of textures and flavors.

These cereal-coated ice cream balls are endlessly customizable. Make them with non-dairy ice cream for a dairy-free frozen dessert, or opt for gluten-free cereal if needed. And because they’re make-ahead friendly, they’re ideal for parties, summer cookouts, or spontaneous dessert cravings. Store them in an airtight container with parchment between layers, and you’re good to go for up to five days. (Just hold the toppings until serving for max crunch!)

For more party-ready desserts, pair these no-fry fried ice cream balls with Mini S’mores Pies—a bite-sized treat with big campfire flavor. Or serve them alongside our classic Banana Pudding for a nostalgic dessert duo that’ll make your Southern heart sing.