- Prepare the Ice Cream Balls:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using an ice cream scoop, quickly scoop out balls of ice cream (about the size of a tennis ball) and place them on the lined baking sheet. Work quickly to keep the ice cream from melting. Freeze the scoops for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes, ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar.
- Coat the Ice Cream:
- Working quickly, roll each frozen ice cream ball in the cornflake mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Press the mixture onto the ice cream gently to adhere. Return the coated ice cream balls to the freezer and freeze for another 1 hour, or until very firm.
- Prepare for Frying:
- In a deep fryer or large pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Ice Cream:
- Carefully lower one or two coated ice cream balls into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Fry for about 15-20 seconds, turning them quickly to ensure they are evenly golden brown. Be cautious not to fry for too long, as the ice cream will melt.
- Remove the fried ice cream balls from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Work quickly to fry the remaining ice cream balls.
- Serve:
- Immediately transfer the fried ice cream balls to serving dishes.
- Drizzle with honey, chocolate sauce, or top with whipped cream if desired.
- Serve immediately while still crispy on the outside and cold on the inside.
Tips for Perfect Fried Ice Cream:
- Keep it Cold: Work quickly with the ice cream balls to prevent them from melting. Freezing them thoroughly before frying is crucial.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F (175°C) to achieve a crispy coating without melting the ice cream too quickly.
- Double Coating: For an extra crispy crust, you can dip the ice cream balls in the cornflake mixture a second time before freezing and frying.
Variations to Try:
- Different Coatings: Experiment with different coatings such as crushed cookies, nuts, or even coconut flakes for varied textures and flavors.
- Flavor Infusions: Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract to the cornflake mixture for a flavor twist.
Conclusion:
Homemade Fried Ice Cream is a delightful dessert that combines crispy, warm coating with creamy, cold ice cream for a truly indulgent treat. Follow this recipe to create a restaurant-worthy dessert at home and enjoy the delightful contrast of textures and flavors!