All of the fried ice cream flavor without the mess of frying. These fun fried ice cream bars are a great make ahead too. They are perfect for Cinco de Mayo, potlucks and BBQs too!

Serving of not fried ice cream bars with sweet caramelized cornflake mixture with fluffy cinnamon vanilla ice cream, ready to eat.

Creamy ice cream coated in crunchy caramelized goodness. Fried ice cream is a staple dessert at Mexican restaurants in America.

You can get the flavor easily at home and you don’t have to break out a deep fryer. This recipe is simple and the results are delicious!

I actually first posted this recipe a handful of years ago when the blog was in its infancy. I had maybe three readers at the time and they were probably all my mom, just on different devices!

Pan of crushed cornflake bits coated in butter and sugar mixture to make crunchy bits of unfried ice cream bars.

Ice cream, whipped topping, and cinnamon mixture in mixing bowl, ready to be put into pan between layers of cornflake mixture.

So I thought I should share it again so none of you miss out on the deliciousness! Plus it was a great time to spiff up the printable recipe card.

Even better, Little Dude and I thought we’d make a video to show you how easy it is to make. As always we had fun doing it and he is a natural.

MiMi made this recipe for us for first time quite a few years ago. One of my sisters had suggested a girls night at MiMi’s so all three of us sisters, MiMi and Grandma got together for a midweek fiesta.

Pan of no fry fried ice cream bars featuring vanilla ice cream mixture with a bit of cinnamon inside with caramelized cornflake bits underneath and on top for crunch.

two plates of fried ice cream bars, one with chocolate syrup drizzle, both with whipped cream and cherry.

We had taquitos, guacamole and margaritas followed by these delicious fried ice cream bars. They are the stuff of dreams.

Since then every time somebody mentions fried ice cream, I tell them about these. I know at least a several folks have tried the recipe and loved it as well.

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So with Cinco de Mayo coming up, I knew this recipe needed to see the light of day again. It has become a staple at our family dinners this time of year.

fried ice cream bars with crunchy cornflake topping and crust

Of course we can’t have family dinner right now. We are all trying to stay healthy.

Those of us who are essential workers don’t want to risk bringing anything to those who have the option to stay home. So instead I’m taunting my family with pictures of sweets or dropping them off on the porches of those who live nearby.

Little Dude mixed together the filling after caramelizing the corn flakes. In a matter of a few minutes, it was headed to the freezer.

I LOOOOOVE how easy this is. You get the crunch and flavor of fried ice cream with none of the mess of frying.

Serving of no fry fried ice cream bars in bowl with pan of remaining cornflake topped ice cream treat in the background.

Looking down on a bowl of fried ice cream bars showing creamy ice cream texture and crunchy cornflake topping.

Plus you have the added bonus of being able to make them well in advance and serve when you are ready. Try doing that with the real deal!

Anyway, my family always goes crazy for this. The pan is always decimated by the time we come home.

If I’m lucky, there will still be a slice or two left. I have to debate whether I should hide them or share them with the guys.

If you like ice cream based desserts, try out my Oreo ice cream cake. It’s just like what you can get at Dairy Queen, but you can customize it to your tastes!

Or for another fun Tex-Mex inspired recipe try the sopapilla cheesecake bars I’m sharing later this week.

Do you celebrate Cinco de Mayo and if so how?

Bowl of fried ice cream bars with creamy vanilla and cinnamon ice cream mixture with caramelized bits of cornflakes for crunch.

4.83 from 47 ratings

No-fry Fried Ice Cream Bars

Author: Carlee

Servings: Servings

If you want the flavor of fried ice cream without the mess, this ice cream bar recipe is for you. It is simple to put together and no oil splatters. They're even better than the restaurant version!

Prep: 15

Cook: 8

Additional Time 2

Total: 2 23

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

Pull out ice cream and let soften
1½ quarts vanilla ice cream
Crush the cornflakes into small crumbs.
3 cups cornflakes
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sugar. and cook until butter and sugar are fully incorporated and starting to bubble.
½ cup butter, ½ cup granulated sugar
Turn the heat up to medium-high and cook and stir until it bubbles and the sugar is incorporated into the butter.
Stir in cornflake crumbs and cook for another 3-5 minutes. You want the corn flakes to toast and caramelize a bit. Spoon about half (or slightly more than half) of the corn flakes into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan and press to form a crust
3 cups cornflakes
Mix together ice cream, whipped topping and cinnamon
8 oz. Cool Whip, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Spread ice cream mixture over corn flake crust
Sprinkle remaining corn flakes over the ice cream.
Cover and freeze for a minimum of two hours.
Slice and serve drizzled with honey or chocolate sauce.

Notes

These bars are great on their own. They are also wonderful drizzled with honey or chocolate sauce. A dollop of whipped cream and a cherry makes them extra special.