Mexican Fried Ice Cream – A Guilt-Free Twist on a Restaurant Favorite

Get ready to enjoy a lighter spin on a classic restaurant dessert with this Mexican Fried Ice Cream recipe. Creamy, crunchy, and full of cinnamon-sugar flavor, it delivers all the texture and taste of the deep-fried version—without the frying. Perfect for celebrating special occasions or treating yourself on a weeknight, this fun and festive dessert is lower in calories but big on satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Frying Needed – All the crunch, none of the oil.
Lighter Ingredients – Made with frozen yogurt and low-fat cereal.
Fun and Festive – Great for Cinco de Mayo, birthdays, or anytime treats.
Easy to Make Ahead – Perfect for prepping and freezing in advance.

Ingredients

• 3 cups fat-free or light vanilla frozen yogurt
• 1½ cups crushed low-fat cinnamon cereal (like Cinnamon Toast Crunch or a similar brand)
• 1 tbsp light butter or butter spray
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp zero-calorie sweetener or sugar substitute (optional)
• Light whipped topping (for garnish)
• Sugar-free chocolate syrup or honey (for drizzle)
• Optional: maraschino cherries or a dash of cinnamon on top

Instructions

1. Scoop and Freeze
Scoop the frozen yogurt into 6 even balls using an ice cream scoop. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 1–2 hours until firm.

2. Toast the Coating
In a medium skillet, melt the light butter over medium heat. Add the crushed cereal, cinnamon, and sweetener (if using). Toast for 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant. Let cool completely.

3. Coat the Ice Cream
Once the yogurt scoops are frozen solid, roll each one in the cooled cereal mixture, pressing gently to coat thoroughly.

4. Serve or Store
Serve immediately with a dollop of whipped topping and a drizzle of chocolate syrup or honey. Or return coated scoops to the freezer in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 160
Carbs: 26g
Fat: 4g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 2g
(Smart indulgence with built-in portion control!)

Tips for Success

• Firm Scoops Are Key: Make sure the frozen yogurt is well frozen before coating to prevent melting.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform portions and easier rolling.
• Make It Your Way: Use your favorite light frozen yogurt flavor—vanilla, cinnamon, or even chocolate.
• For a Party: Freeze scoops in advance and coat just before serving for extra crunch.

Why This Recipe Works

This no-fry take on Mexican Fried Ice Cream captures the warm-spice crunch of the original while keeping things cool, creamy, and light. Using everyday pantry ingredients, it’s an easy dessert that feels special—without the post-dessert guilt.

Mexican Fried Ice Cream just got a makeover—and your sweet tooth will thank you. With this lighter version, you get the fun and flavor of the classic dessert in a form that fits your healthier lifestyle. Whether you’re planning a fiesta or simply craving something sweet, this cool treat checks all the boxes: crispy, creamy, and crowd-pleasing.