Imagine the delightful crunch of classic fried ice cream, followed by the creamy, cold burst of vanilla, all without the hassle of a deep fryer. This innovative **Fried Ice Cream Pie** delivers that exact experience, blending simple ingredients to perfectly capture the iconic taste of your favorite Mexican restaurant dessert. It’s an effortless culinary marvel that promises all the flavor with none of the mess or oil. Whether you’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo, hosting a summer gathering, or simply craving an extraordinary treat, this no-bake ice cream pie is your answer to a truly unforgettable dessert.
When I first heard claims that this “fried” ice cream pie could genuinely replicate the taste of the deep-fried version found in Mexican restaurants, I admit, I was highly skeptical. How could something so traditionally rich and complex be achieved without a hot oil bath? Yet, my curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to try this intriguing recipe. The results were truly astounding. I was, to put it mildly, mind-blown!
It genuinely tastes exactly like the fried ice cream you’d savor after a hearty Mexican meal. The resemblance is so uncanny that many of my family members immediately declared, “I want this for my birthday next year!” Seriously, it’s that good and has quickly become a requested favorite in our home. Its simplicity belies its incredible flavor profile, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive celebrations.
The Magic of No-Fry Fried Ice Cream Pie
Traditional fried ice cream, a beloved dessert, often seems like a culinary paradox. The idea of dropping a perfectly frozen scoop of ice cream into scorching hot oil sounds like a recipe for a soggy disaster. Yet, skilled chefs manage to transform it into a crispy, creamy, unforgettable treat. This delightful contradiction is part of its charm. Our **no-bake Fried Ice Cream Pie** captures this very essence, offering the same delightful texture and flavor contrast without any of the challenging deep-frying steps. It’s a clever adaptation that proves sometimes the most brilliant ideas are the ones that initially make the least sense, especially when they result in such a delicious and easy-to-make dessert.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its utter simplicity. There’s nothing truly “fried” about this **easy ice cream pie**, yet it delivers an identical taste experience, saving you from the splattering oil, potential burns, and general mess associated with deep-frying. Enjoy the rich, authentic taste without the extensive kitchen work, making it an ideal choice for home cooks seeking a high-impact dessert with minimal effort.
Tracing the Origins of Fried Ice Cream
The precise origins of fried ice cream are somewhat shrouded in mystery, with various theories vying for credit. Some culinary historians suggest it made its grand debut at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, delighting visitors with its novel combination of hot and cold. Others believe its creation can be attributed to innovative Japanese tempura restaurants, where the technique of frying delicate ingredients in a light batter was already perfected. Regardless of its exact birthplace, fried ice cream quickly gained immense popularity in the United States, especially becoming a beloved staple on the menus of Mexican-American restaurants, such as the once-ubiquitous Chi-Chi’s. Our **no-fry fried ice cream pie** intelligently adapts this cherished dessert, capturing that unique crunchy, creamy contrast in an accessible, homemade format. It’s a testament to how classic flavors can be reinvented, offering a smart and equally delicious alternative to a dessert that has always been wonderfully unexpected.
Unlocking the Flavor: The Secret to This Amazing Ice Cream Pie
Achieving the authentic taste of **Mexican restaurant fried ice cream** in a no-bake pie is surprisingly straightforward, thanks to a few ingenious ingredient choices. The magic lies in the crust, which masterfully mimics the buttery crunch of a fried pastry. Crushed cornflakes provide a light, crisp texture, while finely ground cashews (or almonds) introduce a rich, buttery flavor and a hint of nuttiness, reminiscent of the traditional deep-fried coating. Together, these components create a remarkably convincing base that perfectly complements the creamy ice cream filling, delivering that familiar, irresistible flavor profile without any hot oil in sight.
The greatest advantage of this approach is the sheer ease of preparation. There’s no hot oil to manage, no messy splattering, and absolutely no need to worry about your ice cream melting prematurely inside a hot crust. The most challenging aspect of this recipe is simply exercising patience as the pie sets up beautifully in the freezer. But rest assured, with just a little waiting time, the reward is an incredibly satisfying and delicious dessert that will impress everyone.
Essential Ingredients for Your Fried Ice Cream Pie
Crafting this delightful **no-bake dessert** requires a few key components, each playing a crucial role in replicating that authentic fried ice cream experience. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The creamy foundation of our pie. For a lighter option, you can easily substitute frozen yogurt. Opt for a high-quality vanilla bean variety for the best flavor.
- Cool Whip®: This adds an airy lightness and helps the ice cream achieve the perfect consistency for spreading. Low-fat or fat-free versions work just as well if you prefer.
- Ground Cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon is essential for that distinctive **Mexican dessert** flavor profile, adding warmth and a subtle spice.
- Corn Flakes: Crushed, these form the crispy, “fried” outer layer. They are critical for mimicking the texture.
- Butter: Melts down to coat the cornflakes and cashews, creating a rich, golden, and cohesive crust. Salted or unsalted butter will work fine.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the crunchy topping and helps in caramelization.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness in the topping.
- Cashews or Almonds: Finely chopped, these nuts provide the rich, buttery depth and additional crunch that makes the “fried” coating so authentic.
For an extra touch of festivity and flavor, consider these garnishes:
- Maraschino Cherries: For a pop of color and classic charm.
- Chocolate Syrup: A decadent drizzle is always welcome.
- Redi-Whip or Fresh Whipped Cream: A cloud of cream adds a luxurious finish.
Keep reading for invaluable tips, creative substitutions, and answers to frequently asked questions about this incredibly easy and delicious **Fried Ice Cream Pie recipe**.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make This Easy Fried Ice Cream Pie
This **no-bake ice cream pie** is remarkably simple to assemble, making it a perfect project for any home cook. The most challenging part, honestly, is patiently waiting for it to freeze solid! But the anticipation only makes the first bite even more rewarding.
Step 1: Prepare the Crunchy Topping. In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the crushed cornflakes, chopped cashews, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir the mixture continuously until everything is well combined and lightly toasted. The goal is a fragrant, golden-brown crumb mixture. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. This step is crucial for maintaining the crispness of your “fried” topping.
Step 2: Prepare the Ice Cream Filling. Let your vanilla ice cream soften slightly at room temperature until it’s pliable but not completely melted. This makes it easier to work with. Once softened, gently fold in the Cool Whip and ground cinnamon until they are thoroughly combined. The Cool Whip adds a delightful airy texture, while the cinnamon infuses the ice cream with that signature warmth.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie. In a deep-dish 9-inch pie plate, carefully spread half of the cooled crumb mixture evenly across the bottom. Gently pat it down to create a firm, consistent layer. Next, spoon the softened ice cream mixture over the crumb base, spreading it smoothly to the edges. Finally, generously sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top of the ice cream, covering it completely.
Step 4: Freeze. Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring it’s sealed to prevent freezer burn. Place the pie in the freezer until it is completely solid. For the best results and a perfectly scoopable consistency, freezing it overnight is highly recommended. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and the pie to firm up properly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve. Before serving, remove the pie from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to slightly soften, making it easier to cut. Slice the pie into 8 generous portions. Garnish each slice with a dollop of Redi-Whip or fresh whipped cream and a vibrant maraschino cherry for a classic touch.
Finish with a generous drizzle of chocolate syrup over each slice. Serve immediately and watch as this incredible **no-fry dessert** disappears!
Any leftover pie can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months, ensuring you can enjoy a taste of Mexico anytime you wish.
Why You’ll Adore This No-Bake Fried Ice Cream Pie
This **no-fry fried ice cream pie recipe** isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. Its ingenious combination of textures and flavors makes it a standout. The satisfying crunch of the cornflake and cashew crust perfectly contrasts with the smooth, cool vanilla ice cream, while a hint of cinnamon ties it all together. It’s the ultimate hassle-free solution for satisfying that craving for **Mexican fried ice cream** without the daunting task of deep-frying. Don’t forget to save this delicious recipe! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest dessert board so you can easily find it whenever a craving strikes!
Pro Tips and Essential Tools for Making Perfect Fried Ice Cream Pie
To ensure your **easy ice cream pie** turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips and recommended tools:
- I found my 9-inch deep dish ceramic pie plate worked perfectly for this recipe, allowing ample space for all the delicious layers.
- A mini food chopper is ideal for quickly and efficiently chopping the cashews or almonds, ensuring a consistent texture for your crust.
- To transfer softened ice cream (or frozen yogurt) to a larger mixing bowl, an ice cream scoop is quite handy. Then, use a heavy-duty rubber spatula to gently fold in the Cool Whip and cinnamon.
- For an even quicker and easier mixing process, utilize the paddle attachment on your Kitchen Aid Mixer. Set it to the lowest speed to gently fold all the ingredients together, being careful not to overmix or melt the ice cream too much.
- Freezing is Key: Don’t rush the freezing process. An overnight freeze is truly essential for the pie to set properly, making it easy to slice and preventing a messy presentation.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different ice cream flavors! Coffee ice cream, dulce de leche, or even a hint of chocolate could be delightful. You can also vary the nuts in the crust, using pecans or walnuts for a different flavor profile.
Discover More Irresistible Ice Cream Dessert Ideas
If you share our profound love for **ice cream and frozen treats**, you’re in for a treat! This Fried Ice Cream Pie is just the beginning. We’ve gathered a collection of family-tested and proven winner dessert ideas that are guaranteed to bring smiles to any occasion. Sometimes it’s wonderfully hard to decide which delicious frozen dessert to make first. But with so many options, there’s always another time and another chance to celebrate with a fantastic treat!
Here are some favorite frozen desserts of mine to inspire your next sweet craving:
- Dairy Queen Apple Pie Blizzard Copycat: Recreate this iconic fast-food favorite at home.
- Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake (pictured): A decadent cake for cookie dough lovers.
- Copy Cat Baskin Robbins Daiquiri Ice: A refreshing, zesty frozen treat.
- Pineapple Dole Whip (Just like Disney’s!): Bring the magic of the theme park home.
- Coffee & Donuts Ice Cream Cake: The perfect combination for coffee and dessert enthusiasts.
- Chocolate Waffle Cookie Dessert: A fun and textural chocolate delight.
- Shirley Temple Float: A nostalgic and fizzy refreshment.
- Margarita Pie: A tangy, cool, and festive dessert.
With so many tempting options, your dessert menu will never be boring! Now, let’s get to the full recipe details for this incredible “Fried” Ice Cream Pie!
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print Recipe
“Fried” Ice Cream Pie
Ingredients
- 1/2 container of 1.5 quart vanilla ice cream can substitute reduced calorie or frozen yogurt
- 4 oz. Cool Whip® can substitute low fat or fat free
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 1/2 cups crushed corn flakes
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped cashews or almonds
- 8 maraschino cherries for garnish
- chocolate syrup for garnish
- Redi-Whip for garnish (or can substitute cool whip)
Instructions
- In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the crushed cornflakes, cashews, sugar and salt. Mix well to combine. Cool to room temperature.
- Allow ice cream to soften. When soft enough, fold in Cool Whip and cinnamon.
- In a deep dish 9″ pie plate, pour half the crumb mixture on the bottom. Pat to an even layer. Spread the ice cream mixture over the crumbs. Top the ice cream mixture with the remaining crumbs.
- Cover pie with plastic wrap and place pie in freezer until frozen. (overnight is best)
- Before serving, cut pie into 8 slices. Garnish each slice with Redi-Whip and a maraschino cherry. Drizzle with chocolate syrup. Serve.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on May 15th, 2015. It was updated to improve user experience, and re-shared April 28, 2025.