The first time I had tasted fried ice cream was at El Ranch Viejo a family owned restaurant in Washington State. I asked the owner how they were made and this recipe is close to what he had explained to me and is close to what Mexican restaurants serve. I did alter the recipe some because these frozen goodies do not lend to pictures very nicely and Instead of the cinnamon tortilla strips, I made tortilla bowls and sticks. I did not add the toppings. This made it much easier to get good pictures. He served his with honey cinnamon and tortilla strips, but we make them using what topping we have on hand. They are very good with caramel! Follow through and let's make some fried ice cream!

This is an entry for the copycat contest and if you think it is worthy of your vote I thank you in advance!

Step 1: Author's Notes

Fried ice cream is not difficult to make, however they are a little time consuming because they need to be double dipped and left in the freezer overnight before frying for the best results. Restaurants use commercial freezers which freeze foods a lot colder than home versions. I only make what is needed for the next day.

Step 2: Ingredients

This recipe makes approximately 4 fried ice cream balls.

4 Scoops of French vanilla ice cream
4 Cups Corn Flakes ( crushed)
Cinnamon optional
High temperature cooking oil for frying
1 Lightly beaten egg

Your choice of toppings:

Honey sprinkled with cinnamon, chocolate, caramel, maraschino cherries, or whipped cream

In addition you will need a covered glass dish or plastic wrap, heavy bottom frying pan, slotted spoon, parchment paper, and paper towels.

If making the tortilla bowls, you will need:

5 uncooked flour tortillas found in the cheese section of the grocery store.
1 Stick of melted butter
Cinnamon sugar
Ramekin dish and pastry brush

Step 3: Make Tortilla Bowls

Heat the flour tortillas in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
Using the pastry brush spread a light coat of the melted butter on both sides.
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on both sides of the tortillas.
Carefully place the coated tortillas in the ramekin bowl and shape as shown in pictures.
Poke the bottom and sides with a fork.
Bake at 350 degrees F for about 15 minutes or until light brown.

I made the tortilla sticks the same as the bowls except, instead of shaping them in the shape of the bowl I rolled them into logs and baked them on a cookie sheet in the oven, turning often to brown evenly.

Step 4: Scoop Ice Cream

Scoop out four ice cream balls and place them in a large plastic bag or glass dish with lid for at least 1 hour, or until frozen solid again.

While they are freezing prepare the cornflakes mixture in the next step.

Step 5: Prepare Cornflakes

I have had the best results using crushed cornflakes.
I simply crush them through the bag with my hand.

Step 6: Set Up Dipping Station

Set up a dipping station with the ice cream and cornflakes. (first dipping)
Thoroughly coat each ball with the cornflakes mixture and place them into the glass dish to be frozen again for at least 2 hours.
Remove the ice cream balls from the freezer.
Dip the coated balls into the egg mixture and then into the cornflakes for a second dipping.
Place them in a covered container again but this time freeze overnight. This part is very important to do because if the ice cream is not frozen solid the cornflakes may fall off during the frying process.

My husband enjoys his treats very sweet where as I like as little sugar as possible. You may notice I added cinnamon sugar to the cornflakes just for him; but personally I think they were too sweet.

Step 7: Fry Coated Ice Cream

Fry the coated ice cream balls in the hot oil until light brown or about 20-25 seconds.
It is best to serve immediately allowing each guest to garnish their own ice cream with their choice of toppings.
When we are using the honey or caramel for the topping we sprinkle cinnamon over the top.

Step 8: Sunshiine's Final Thoughts

It has been a long time since I have made these but every time I do; they disappear very quickly! I hope you like them as much as we do!

I wish to thank instructables, our sponsors, authors, and loyal readers for their support in making this a great place to share.
Have a safe and Happy Halloween.

sunshiine