Fried Ice Cream

Prep: 30 min Cook: 1 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Fried ice cream offers a delightful contrast of crispy exterior and cold, creamy center, with sweet coconut cookie coating adding a tropical flair. Perfect as a fun dessert for gatherings or special occasions, it combines textures and flavors that excite the palate and surprise guests.

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Ingredients

  • 3 eggs
  • 1 pkg. plain coconut cookies
  • 5 large scoops hard frozen vanilla ice cream
  • shortening for deep frying

Instructions

  1. Dip each scoop of frozen vanilla ice cream in beaten eggs.
  2. Roll the coated ice cream in crushed coconut cookies.
  3. Repeat the dipping and coating process for a thicker crust.
  4. Freeze the coated ice cream for at least 24 hours.
  5. Deep fry the frozen ice cream in hot shortening for about 1 minute until golden.

Tips & Substitutions

For a crunchier and thicker crust, use a food processor to finely crush the coconut cookies and consider adding a pinch of salt for enhanced flavor. If you don’t have coconut cookies, vanilla wafers can work as a substitute. Ensure the ice cream is very hard frozen to prevent it from melting during frying. Try pairing this dessert with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added indulgence.

Serving Suggestions

Serve fried ice cream immediately after frying for the best texture. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, such as strawberries or bananas, and a scoop of whipped cream. For an added twist, consider drizzling some caramel or chocolate sauce on top. This dessert is a delightful finish to a meal, and would be perfect alongside a slice of Pineapple Chess Pie for a sweet feast.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover fried ice cream should be stored in an airtight container in the freezer. To reheat, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly, or briefly microwave on low power, but be cautious to avoid melting the coating. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored for up to one week.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Fried Ice Cream contains roughly 792 calories, with 11g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), protein (21% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

792 kcal 40% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.6g 21% DV
Total Fat 44.6g 57% DV
Carbs 95.7g 35% DV
Fiber 8.9g 32% DV
Sugar 8.8g 18% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 348.5mg 15% DV
Potassium 322.8mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 155.3mg 52% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 192.8mcg 21% DV
Vitamin C 0.2mg
Calcium 221.6mg 17% DV
Iron 1mg 5% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg

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 fried ice cream ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the coated ice cream and freeze it for up to 48 hours before frying. Just ensure the ice cream is properly wrapped to prevent freezer burn. However, it's best to fry it right before serving for the optimal texture and flavor.

What type of ice cream works best for this recipe?

Hard frozen vanilla ice cream is ideal for fried ice cream. You can also experiment with other flavors like chocolate or coffee, but keep in mind that the flavors may alter the overall taste. Just ensure the ice cream is firm to prevent it from melting while frying.

How do I know when the fried ice cream is done?

The fried ice cream is done when it turns a golden brown color, which usually takes about 1 minute in hot shortening. Be attentive to avoid overcooking, as it can lead to a melted center. Remove it promptly and let it drain briefly on paper towels before serving.

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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