Make the finale of your next Mexican fiesta extra sweet with these (Un)Fried Ice Cream balls. They’re simple to make and the perfect way to end your meal.
I have been under the wrong impression for quite some time. I had been led to believe that fried ice cream was a Mexican treat. However, when I started doing a little research for this post, I learned otherwise.
Fried ice cream, as it turns out, may have actually been served for the first time at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. It appears that it has gotten tied to Mexican cuisine thanks to Chi-Chi’s restaurant placing it on its menu.
Though Chi-Chi’s is no longer in business, you can create a simple clone at home using only two ingredients. (Or three if you like the extra sweet creamy goodness of dulce de leche.)
All it takes is some cinnamon toast cereal and some frozen ice cream or yogurt and a few kitchen tools.
How To Make (Un) Fried Ice Cream
To make (Un) Fried Ice cream, start by crushing approximately 2 cups of cinnamon toast cereal. You can either place the cereal in a zip top bag and beat it – a good way to work out some frustration – or place it in a blender and pulse.
It only takes pulsing a few times. Sometimes the little larger pieces of cereal provide the right “crunch.”
Pour the cereal into a medium-sized bowl or place on top of some plastic wrap. Using a medium-sized cookie dough scoop, scoop a small ice cream ball and place on top of the cereal. Use your hands to roll the ice cream ball around to get it coated well.
Place each coated ice cream ball into the well of a mini muffin pan and freeze for at least 1 hour.
Un-Fried Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2-3 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal crushed
- 2-3 cups Frozen Yogurt or Ice Cream softened
- Dulce de Leche optional
Instructions
- Place cereal in a zip top bag and crush to small pieces. Alternatively, place cereal in blender and pulse.
- Using a medium cookie dough scoop, scoop yogurt or ice cream and place on top of prepared cereal. Roll the ball around until well coated. You may need to press the cereal firmly on the balls to help it adhere. Place in mini-muffin pan well that has been lined with plastic wrap. Repeat until all of the cereal has been used.
- Freeze balls for at least an hour. When ready to eat, just remove balls, place in bowl, and add dulce de leche if desired.
Video
Nutrition
For extra deliciousness, drizzle dulce de Leche on top of the (un)fried ice cream and enjoy!
Other Recipes You Might Like:
- Brownie Sheet Cake – This recipe creates a brownie-like cake topped with a luscious chocolate frosting.
- Southern Buttermilk Biscuits – This recipe was adapted from an old Southern-recipe, using 3 simple ingredients: butter, buttermilk, and self-rising flour. They might be just like your grandma’s.
- Easy Peanut Butter Pie – This is a super simple no-bake pie that combines peanut butter and vanilla pudding in to one delicious cool treat.
Sandra Caster says
Thanks, you are taking me back to the days when my boys were young, we went to Chi Chi’s many times. This is easy peasy
Crystal Green says
This looks really good. I would have never thought to do this. Thank you for this desert idea.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
I tried it!! Thank you!
Toni says
this.looks.so.good!!
Emily @FamilyNLifeLV says
I’ve been sugar free for 28 days now – But I am wanting ice cream after reading this!
Lynda says
Don’t do it! I would love to be sugar free for just seven days. Keep up the good work.
Stefani says
This looks really good.
Leilani says
Wow that looks interesting! I’ll have to try it sometime.
Meghan @JaMonkey says
I worked at a Mexican restaurant in high school and learned this recipe. They used corn flakes though and then sprinkled the cinnamon and sugar after it was fried.
Kathleen says
I’ve never tried this, but it looks amazing!
courtney says
Oh my gosh – yum!!
Shell Feis says
Oh my goodness that sounds amazing!
Theresa says
This looks really really good.
Ashley - Embracing Grace says
This looks absolutely amazing!
Tricia Nightowlmama says
OH I would love to give this a try looks so tasty
Mellisa says
Yum, what a great recipe!
HilLesha @To the Motherhood says
Looks delish!
Maryann says
what a clever idea.
Kelly @ A Girl Worth Saving says
Holy smokes! I wish I would have tried this when I wasn’t Paleo.
Marcie W. says
This look like absolute heaven!
Colleen says
This looks so good and better then the grilled chicken and green beans i just ate LOL
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
I’ve got to try this! I’m book marking this page!
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
Yep, I tried it at Chi Chi’s ad I miss that place. This looks so delicious!
Jenn says
You would post this on day one of my sugar fast. 😉
Sheilacakes says
Looks amazing. There is a Chi-Chi’s in Brussels Wanna go sometime?
Tammy says
We’ve always made it with seasoned cornflakes – what a great idea to use cinnamon toast crunch!
Elaina- @atimeout4mommy says
omg this sounds delicious!
April Golightly says
I love fried ice cream so much.
Robin Gagnon {Mom Foodie} says
Neat trick. I may have to try it 🙂
Donna says
What a great idea!
Penelope (NYC Blogger) says
Ooh, looks yum!
Jennifer @ The Quirky Momma says
What a cool recipe. My family would really like that. I think I’ll surprise them this weekend!
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy.com says
I love how easy that is to make. Awesome.
nicole @nicky_olea says
Oh yummy! Gonna try this for desert soon!
Lolo says
I LOVE fried ice cream!! I need to make this!
Jennifer says
Oh this is a MUST for the next time I make dessert!
Katy says
Who knew? All I know is that I love fried ice cream where ever it came from. Thanks for sharing the recipe and info.
patti says
I really want to try this. Fried ice cream is so good, but this looks just as delicious.