Fried Ice Cream Dessert

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Creamy ice cream is coated with a crunchy nut and coconut mixture, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for dessert lovers and special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 6 cups Rice Chex
  • 1 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1 cup coconut
  • 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream, softened

Instructions

  1. Combine Rice Chex, walnuts, and coconut in a bowl.
  2. In a small saucepan, bring brown sugar and butter to a boil, then pour over the cereal mixture.
  3. Press half of the cereal mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan.
  4. Spread the softened vanilla ice cream evenly over the cereal layer.
  5. Top with the remaining cereal mixture.

Tips & Substitutions

For a twist, you can substitute the walnuts with pecans or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version. If you prefer a different flavor, try using chocolate or strawberry ice cream instead of vanilla. Ensure the ice cream is softened to make it easier to spread, and consider chilling the dessert briefly in the freezer before serving to help it hold its shape.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the fried ice cream dessert with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce on top for added sweetness. It pairs beautifully with Cheese And Buttered Corn-On-The-Cob as a side for a fun summer meal. Garnish with whipped cream or fresh fruit for a refreshing touch.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. To reheat, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes until it softens slightly, making it easier to scoop. Avoid refreezing once it has been thawed to maintain the texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Fried Ice Cream Dessert contains roughly 3282 calories, with 11g protein, 221g carbohydrates, and 267g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), protein (21% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

3282 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.7g 21% DV
Total Fat 267.3g 100% DV
Carbs 220.9g 80% DV
Fiber 7.2g 26% DV
Sugar 179.5g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 371.4mg 16% DV
Potassium 536.7mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 600mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 39.9mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 1.4mg 2% DV
Calcium 214.2mg 16% DV
Iron 3.7mg 21% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the layers ahead of time and assemble the dessert a few hours before serving. Just keep it covered in the freezer to maintain its texture. However, it's best served fresh to enjoy the crispy cereal topping.

What can I use instead of Rice Chex?

If you don't have Rice Chex, you can use cornflakes or any crispy cereal as a substitute. Just ensure it has a similar texture to maintain the crunchiness of the dessert.

Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this fried ice cream dessert is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products. Always check the ice cream label to ensure it meets your dietary preferences, as some brands may use gelatin.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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