This “fried” ice cream pie isn’t fried at all. The ingredients blend together perfectly to make it taste exactly like fried ice cream you get in a Mexican restaurant.
Simple ingredients that you may never suspect would taste just like fried ice cream at your favorite Mexican restaurant, come together and do exactly that. This FRIED ICE CREAM PIE isn’t fried at all — it’s so delicious!
When I read that this fried ice cream pie tastes just like Fried Ice Cream that you get in a Mexican restaurant, you can say I was skeptical. I decided to try it out … all I can say is MIND BLOWN!
It REALLY does. My family hasn’t loved a dessert this much in a VERY long time. More than one of them said, “I want this for my birthday next year.” Seriously, it’s THAT good.
Fried Ice Cream Pie You Don’t Have To Fry
Fried ice cream pie makes almost zero sense. Ok…I know. I know.
It actually doesn’t make sense at all.
But when you get right down to it, regular fried ice cream doesn’t make much sense either. Seriously, whoever came up with that idea must be a couple of scoops short of a banana split.
But sometimes the very best ideas are the ones that don’t make sense at all. With those kinds of things, figuring out why it works so well when it shouldn’t work at all… Well, that is half the fun!
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The Origins Of Fried Ice Cream Pie
Fried ice cream pie has very mixed origins because fried ice cream has a winding history. Some say it was invented in the 1893 World’s Fair where I think pretty much everything tasty was invented, like ice cream sundaes for example. If you told me that is where fried Twinkies were invented too then I wouldn’t be surprised.
But, maybe fried ice cream was invented in Japan in a tempura restaurant. That makes sense too. Sooner or later, someone had to run out of ideas for what to put tempura batter on.
Then the legend took a new turn. A Mexican chain restaurant named Chi-Chi’s started serving it. Soon, it became a very popular dessert in many Mexican-American eateries. Lo and behold, fried ice cream became associated with Mexican menus.
Finally, fried ice cream pie comes into the picture. Some genius took the idea of fried ice cream, and decided frying ice cream was perhaps too difficult to make. Or perhaps, a deep fryer wasn’t handy that day. However, the idea of making a fried ice cream pie without having to fry anything must’ve been a 100 watt light bulb idea of a moment.
The Secret To Fried Ice Cream Pie
Getting “fried” ice cream pie to taste like fried ice cream involves a bit of a magic trick. Turns out, crushed corn flakes and ground cashews combine to mimic the flavor of fried pie dough. Who would’ve figured?
The fats in cashews, the crunch of corn flakes blend into a taste exactly like the fried ice cream you got last time you went out for Mexican food. The best part?
You didn’t have to figure out if the oil was hot enough. You didn’t have to worry about oil popping or splattering. No, second guessing whether or not the ice cream has turned into a warm milkshake inside the dough.
In this case, the toughest part of the recipe is waiting for the pie crust and ice cream to set up in the freezer. The wait can be brutal.
What ingredients do I need to make Fried Ice Cream Pie?
This recipe doesn’t require anything fancy at all. Butter, cornflakes, cashews, sugar and salt make up the crust and the topping. The inside is vanilla ice cream, Cool Whip, and cinnamon. Want to get fancy when you serve it? Top with whipped cream, chocolate syrup and a Maraschino cherry.
You can also use almonds for the crust/topping mixture, but I use cashews because my hubs loves them.
Crush the cornflakes in a plastic bag with your rolling pin. I use my mini food chopper to do the cashews.
Press half of the cornflake mixture into the deep dish pie plate with the back of a spoon.
After you cream together the ice cream, cool whip and cinnamon, carefully spread it into the crust.
Top with remaining cornflake mixture, cover with plastic wrap and freeze it overnight. You want it to be good and frozen, it’ll cut much nicer.
Serve with chocolate syrup, whipped cream and a Maraschino cherry.
Want to lighten up this fried ice cream pie? Swap out the vanilla ice cream for frozen vanilla yogurt, and the use fat-free Cool whip topping instead of the original.
Like I said before, if someone told me that cornflakes used just right could taste just like fried ice cream, I wouldn’t have believed them.
It is truly amazing. I highly recommend you try it. Soon.
chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream cake
More Ice Cream Dessert Ideas
Do you love ice cream, and frozen treats in general, as much as we do?? These dessert ideas are family tested and proven winners. Sometimes it gets hard to decide which dessert to make. But there is always another time and another chance to celebrate with a tasty treat!
Here are some favorite frozen desserts of mine:
- Dairy Queen Apple Pie Blizzard
- Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake (pictured)
- Copy Cat Baskin Robbins Daiquiri Ice
- Pineapple Dole Whip (Like Disney’s!)
- Coffee & Donuts Ice Cream Cake
- Chocolate Waffle Cookie Dessert
- Shirley Temple Float
- Margarita Pie
Helpful Tools for making Fried Ice Cream Pie
I used my 9″ deep dish red ceramic pie plate when I made this recipe. It held it nicely, plus I loved the pop of red with the cherries. Don’t you love the presentation?
My Kitchenaid Mini Chopper works perfectly for chopping up the cashews.
Transfer ice cream (or frozen yogurt) to a larger bowl by scooping with an ice cream scoop when it is softened. Fold in cool whip and cinnamon with a heavy-duty rubber spatula.
What’s even quicker and easier? Use the paddle attachment on your Kitchen Aid Mixer. Set on the lowest setting to fold it all together, just don’t let it melt too much!
This fried ice cream pie makes a great dessert for Cinco de Mayo, too!
My mouth is watering … let’s get to the recipe! 
"Fried" Ice Cream Pie
This "fried" ice cream pie isn't fried at all. The ingredients blend together perfectly to make it taste exactly like fried ice cream you get in a Mexican restaurant.
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 tempurature.
- 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
This recipe was adapted from Renee's Cooking Adventures for the Secret Recipe Club in 2015
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 399Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 59mgSodium: 289mgCarbohydrates: 46gFiber: 1gSugar: 34gProtein: 5g
Nutrition isn't guaranteed accurate.
This recipe was originally posted on May 15th, 2015. It was updated to improve user experience, and re-shared April 17th, 2020.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to know! Snap a picture, share the photo on social media with the hashtag #AnAffairFromTheHeart – I’d love to see what you made! – Michaela
Kate says
I had no idea what “fried” pie would look like…but I am all ready to give this a try. Good thing I do not have to wait for my birthday!
Michaela Kenkel says
Trust me, don’t wait! If you love fried ice cream, it tastes so much like it it’s CRAZY!! My kids are begging for me to make it again!
Becca from It's Yummi! says
Oh my word… mind blowing is right! I am so smitten with this recipe and I will definitely be trying it!
Michaela Kenkel says
Becca — it’s seriously like one of life’s greatest mysteries! How on earth the ingredients taste JUST like the restaurants… you have got me!?!? it just does! Crazy!
Jessie Weaver says
I have never had fried ice cream, but I think my family would like this pie! Looks amazing. Beautiful, as always. (Love following you on FB!)
Michaela Kenkel says
Jessie,
Thanks for the kind words! I know your family would like it if they love ice cream and cinnamon. (not to mention maraschino cherries/whipped cream/ and chocolate syrup! 😉 What kids don’t!) Happy to have “met” you through the SRC!
Renee's Kitchen Adventures says
Thank you Micheala! I’m so glad you enjoyed both recipes! Your photography is gorgeous and makes that pie look mouthwatering! I’m looking forward to your take on the stuffed peppers too!! Thanks again!
Michaela Kenkel says
Renee, I was tickled pink to get your blog this month! I will be making more from you I just know it! 🙂 Thanks again for ALL of your tasty recipes and talent!
Allison says
Oh man, this looks so good! Fried ice cream is always hit or miss from me when I order it at a restaurant, but when its good, I have to resist ordering two!! :-p I’m definitely going to have to try out this pie recipe!
Michaela Kenkel says
Allison, I hope that you enjoy it as much as we did! I see myself making this A LOT this summer!
Kelly says
You just brought up sooooo many wonderful memories! I remember ordering “fried ice cream” at a restaurant back in the midwest called “Chi-Chi’s!” LOVED that place! I’ll definitely have to try this pie this summer! 😀
colleen @ secrets from the cookie princess says
First, this looks adorable. Second it sounds amazing. Can’t wait to try!
Mary (The Godmother @ Goodie Godmother) says
Corn flakes? I never would have guessed! It looks delicious!
Michaela Kenkel says
Right?? I thought the SAME thing!
Saundra @ Famished Fish says
Did you say Fried Ice Cream? (Screech!) That’s me, stopping to drool on your page. Hold on, let me get a napkin. And then PIN this and then visit Renee!!! I love WW too!
Michaela Kenkel says
HAHAHA! Sandra – Thanks for the grins! ( and the PINS!! ) 😉
jane edwards says
I made this last weekend. It is outstanding. My new favorite dessert! The cornflakes stayed crispy for a few days in the freezer!
Michaela Kenkel says
Mine, too!! I was so excited to find this great recipe! THanks for popping in to share with me! <3
Andrea says
OMG! This is one seriously awesome pie! Felt like I was back at my favorite Mexican restaurant.
Kait | Slumber & Scones says
How fun! I love the taste of fried ice cream, and it’s crazy to think that I can get that same flavor without having to fry anything, or go out for Mexican. I can’t wait to try this.
Krissy Allori says
This pie looks so good. I love everything about it. The weather is getting warmer here and this would be the best warm weather treat for my family.
Nart | Cooking with Nart says
Okay, so I tried this and it was the most indulgent dessert I’ve ever had!!! Thank you so much for such an amazing recipe. My whole family enjoyed it. 🙂
Biana says
What a great idea for a fried ice cream pie, so perfect for summer!
Vicky says
Ahhhh. This just speaks to my sweet tooth! Such a pretty dessert and yummy too!
Anita says
For the longest time, I’ve been meaning to recreate fried ice cream at home, but have always changed my mind last minute because it sounds so scary. But with your recipe, I can finally make it the easy way. It was a big hit at home. 🙂
Rebecca says
love how much easier this is than frying ice cream. brilliant idea to use the corn flakes
Jacqueline Debono says
This looks like such a fabulous summer dessert! On my to make list for when ice-cream season starts!
Sara Welch says
Such a delicious treat and easy too! Looking forward to enjoying this for dessert again, tonight!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
Yum! This fried ice cream is totally mouthwatering! I’m drooling right now! Let me check my pantry for some ingredients. My son will be super delighted to have this.
THOMAS SPRATT says
CAN THE FRIED PIE RECIPE BE MADE INTO A SPOON AND SERVE 13″ X 9′ OBLONG PAN INSTEAD OF A PIE PAN
Michaela Kenkel says
I would think that would work just great! You may need to increase the amount of the corn flake mixture thought o have enough!
Sarah says
Has anyone ever made this with peanuts? My daughter is allergic to cashews so we avoid tree nuts. I’ve made it before for others with the cashews (divine!) but wanting to try it for dessert tomorrow and figured I would ask! Thanks ?
Michaela Kenkel says
Hi, Sarah! Any nuts would be just fine! I am happy you like the recipe! 🙂