If you’re on the hunt for a fun, nostalgic dessert that combines the crunch of corn flakes with the creamy dreamy coolness of ice cream, you have to try this Fried Ice Cream Dessert Casserole Recipe. It’s like all the best parts of fried ice cream reinvented into a luscious, sliceable casserole that makes serving a breeze. Each bite gives you that perfect balance of toasted crunch, sweet cinnamon warmth, and smooth vanilla indulgence—plus a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress anyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Fried Ice Cream Dessert Casserole Recipe are delightfully simple, but each one plays a vital role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and visual appeal. From the golden toasted Corn Flakes that provide crunch to the rich buttery base and luscious vanilla ice cream, every element comes together in harmony.
- Unsalted butter, ¾ cup: Melted for toasting the corn flakes and adding a rich, buttery depth.
- Corn Flakes cereal, 3 cups crushed: The crispy foundation and topping that adds a delightful toasted crunch.
- Ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon: Infuses warmth and subtle spice into the coating.
- Sugar, ¼ cup: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the cinnamon.
- Vanilla ice cream, 9 cups: The creamy heart of the casserole that cools and soothes every crunchy bite.
- Whipped cream, 4 cups: Light, fluffy topping that adds smooth creaminess and visual contrast.
- Honey, ½ cup: A sweet drizzle that brightens flavors and adds glossy finish.
- Maraschino cherries, 12 with stems: Colorful, classic garnishes that bring charm and a hint of fruity sweetness.
How to Make Fried Ice Cream Dessert Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cornflake Coating
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the crushed corn flakes and the ground cinnamon. Stir frequently for 6 to 8 minutes, allowing the mixture to brown and toast evenly. This toasting creates a deep, nutty flavor and irresistible crunch that’s essential to the dish. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the sugar to coat everything with a sweet, cinnamon-kissed finish.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread half of your toasted cornflake mixture evenly across the bottom. It forms a crunchy base that adds contrast to the creamy layers to come. Next, scoop the vanilla ice cream over the cornflake layer, spreading it smoothly with a knife or offset spatula to create an even layer without breaking the crust underneath. This is the luscious center that makes the casserole feel like a frozen delight.
Step 3: Top with Remaining Cornflakes
Sprinkle the rest of the toasted cornflake mixture evenly over the ice cream. This step crowns the dish with more crunch and that inviting golden-brown texture. It’s what makes this dish truly resemble the beloved fried ice cream experience but in casserole form.
Step 4: Freeze the Casserole
Cover your casserole tightly and place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours. This chilling time is crucial so the ice cream firms up perfectly and the layers meld together into one harmonious treat. Patience here pays off with a sliceable, scoopable dessert everyone will adore.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
When it’s time to wow your guests, cut the casserole into slices. Top each portion with fluffy whipped cream, a generous drizzle of honey, and a classic maraschino cherry for that perfect finishing touch. This presentation is not only beautiful but highlights all the textures and flavors in one perfect bite.
How to Serve Fried Ice Cream Dessert Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes can elevate your Fried Ice Cream Dessert Casserole Recipe from delicious to dazzling. A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness and a creamy contrast to the crunchy layers, while a drizzle of honey brings a sticky, sweet brightness. Crown the top with a maraschino cherry for a pop of color and a hint of fruity brightness, making each slice feel celebratory.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or pineapple to add natural sweetness and acidity that cuts through the richness. For an extra indulgent treat, serve alongside warm caramel or chocolate sauce for guests to drizzle as they please—combining hot and cold textures for a truly special experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn your Fried Ice Cream Dessert Casserole Recipe into a show-stopping centerpiece? Try layering the casserole into individual parfait glasses for a pretty presentation or assemble mini portions in ramekins for a charming party dessert. You can also make a colorful fruit salsa topping or sprinkle some toasted nuts for added texture and flavor variety.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Fried Ice Cream Dessert Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully when covered and stored in the freezer. Just make sure it’s wrapped tightly to avoid ice crystals or freezer burn. Properly stored, it will maintain its texture and flavor for up to one week, so you can enjoy that magic all over again.
Freezing
This dessert is essentially made to be frozen! After assembling, freeze it as instructed to firm up. Freezing locks in the perfect texture of creamy ice cream and crispy coating. To keep it fresh longer, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil for double protection from freezer aromas.
Reheating
Unlike baked casseroles, this Fried Ice Cream Dessert Casserole Recipe is best enjoyed cold and does not need reheating. Simply let it sit out for a few minutes before serving if it’s too hard to cut, or slice immediately and serve chilled for the best texture contrast.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cereal?
Absolutely! While Corn Flakes give that classic crunch and toasty flavor, you can experiment with Rice Krispies or even crushed graham crackers for a variation. Just be sure to toast them with butter and cinnamon for the best texture.
How long does the casserole need to freeze?
At least 4 hours is recommended to ensure the ice cream is firm enough to slice cleanly. For best results, freezing overnight is ideal, especially if you want to prepare it ahead of time.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the vanilla ice cream with a dairy-free or coconut milk-based version and use a non-dairy whipped topping. The buttery cornflake coating can be made with a vegan butter alternative too.
What’s the best way to serve the casserole?
Serve it chilled and sliced, topped with whipped cream, honey drizzle, and a maraschino cherry. Offering fresh fruit or warm sauce on the side can also enhance the experience for your guests.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead for a party?
Definitely! In fact, the Fried Ice Cream Dessert Casserole Recipe is perfect for making ahead since it requires freezing. Prepare it a day or two in advance, keep it well-wrapped in the freezer, and it will be ready to astonish your guests anytime.
Final Thoughts
This Fried Ice Cream Dessert Casserole Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of textures, flavors, and sweet moments shared around the table. Its ease of preparation combined with the wow factor makes it a treasured recipe to keep on hand. I encourage you to gather your ingredients, embrace the nostalgia, and create this amazing treat for your next gathering—it’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Fried Ice Cream Dessert Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 23 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Fried Ice Cream Dessert Casserole is a delightful treat combining toasted cinnamon cornflakes with creamy vanilla ice cream, layered to create a crunchy and creamy dessert. Finished with whipped cream, honey drizzle, and maraschino cherries, this no-bake frozen dessert is perfect for gatherings and easy to prepare ahead of time.
Ingredients
Coating
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups Corn Flakes cereal, crushed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup sugar
Main
- 9 cups vanilla ice cream
Toppings
- 4 cups whipped cream
- ½ cup honey
- 12 maraschino cherries, with stems
Instructions
- Prepare the Cornflake Coating: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the crushed corn flakes and ground cinnamon. Stirring frequently, cook the mixture for 6-8 minutes until the corn flakes are browned and toasted. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the sugar until evenly combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the toasted cornflake mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Scoop the vanilla ice cream over the cornflakes and use a knife or offset spatula to smooth it into an even layer.
- Top with Cornflakes: Sprinkle the remaining half of the cornflake mixture evenly over the top of the ice cream layer, covering it completely.
- Freeze the Casserole: Cover the baking dish and freeze the assembled casserole for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream is firm and the dessert is fully set.
- Serve: When ready to enjoy, cut the casserole into slices. Garnish each serving with a generous dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of honey, and a maraschino cherry for an attractive and delicious finish.
Notes
- Ensure the corn flakes are fully toasted and browned for optimal crunch and flavor.
- For easier slicing, let the casserole sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before cutting.
- This dessert can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the freezer until serving.
- Use quality vanilla ice cream for the best taste and texture.
- Adjust cinnamon and sugar quantities to suit your taste preferences.
