Cinnamon Crunch Ice Cream Bites
Indulge in the delightful contrast of creamy vanilla ice cream coated in a crispy, cinnamon toast crunch shell with our Cinnamon Crunch Ice Cream Bites recipe. This inventive dessert mimics the texture of fried ice cream without the hassle of frying, offering a sweet, crunchy treat that's quick to prepare and perfect for sharing. Ideal for summer gatherings or as a fun family dessert, this recipe takes just a few simple ingredients to create a deliciously memorable experience. Enjoy these bite-sized delights straight from the freezer for an extra refreshing twist!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
2
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal
3 cups (crushed)
Vanilla Ice Cream
6 scoops (1/2 cup each)
Instructions
1
Start by crushing the cinnamon toast crunch cereal in a shallow pan until you achieve a fine texture.
2
Working quickly, take one scoop of vanilla ice cream at a time and roll it in the crushed cereal, ensuring an even coating.
3
Place each coated scoop onto an ungreased jelly roll pan (approximately 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1 inch) to prevent sticking.
4
Once all scoops are coated, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the freezer to harden for about 2 hours or until firm.
5
After the ice cream has set, preheat your oven's broiler to high.
6
Remove the pan from the freezer, and carefully uncover it to expose the coated ice cream scoops.
7
Arrange the pan so that the scoops are 6 inches away from the heating element of the oven.
8
Broil the ice cream scoops for approximately 30 seconds, keeping a close watch until the cereal coating turns a light golden brown.
9
Once done, remove from the oven and serve immediately, or return to the freezer until ready to enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cinnamon Crunch Ice Cream Bites?
They are a delicious dessert consisting of vanilla ice cream scoops coated in crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal to mimic fried ice cream.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 cups of crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and 6 scoops of vanilla ice cream.
How long does the preparation take?
It takes about 10 minutes to prep, followed by 2 hours of freezing and 30 seconds of broiling.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe produces approximately 6 servings.
Do I need to fry the ice cream?
No, this is a no-fry recipe that uses a broiler to crisp the cereal coating without the hassle of frying.
How do I crush the cereal for the coating?
You can crush the cereal in a shallow pan or a plastic bag until it achieves a fine texture.
What type of ice cream is best to use?
Vanilla ice cream is traditional for this recipe, but you can use any flavor you prefer.
How long should I freeze the coated bites?
Freeze them for at least 2 hours or until they are completely firm before the broiling step.
How far should the bites be from the oven heat?
Place the pan about 6 inches away from the broiler heating element.
How long do I broil the ice cream scoops?
Broil them for approximately 30 seconds until the coating is a light golden brown.
Should I grease the baking pan?
No, use an ungreased jelly roll pan to prevent the scoops from sticking or getting greasy.
Can I make these ice cream bites in advance?
Yes, you can keep the coated scoops in the freezer until you are ready to broil and serve them.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is an easy recipe that only requires two main ingredients and simple assembly steps.
What size should the ice cream scoops be?
Each scoop should be approximately 1/2 cup in size for this specific recipe.
Can I use a different cereal besides Cinnamon Toast Crunch?
Yes, while the original recipe uses Cinnamon Toast Crunch, other crunchy cereals can be substituted.
Can I use dairy-free ice cream?
Yes, any variety of dairy-free vanilla ice cream will work for these bites.
Why do I need to cover the pan while freezing?
Covering the pan with plastic wrap or foil prevents freezer burn and protects the flavor while the ice cream hardens.
What happens if I broil the scoops for too long?
If broiled for too long, the ice cream will begin to melt significantly rather than staying firm.
Can I store leftover bites?
Yes, store any leftover bites in the freezer in an airtight container until you are ready to enjoy them.
Is this a good dessert for summer?
Yes, it is a refreshing and frozen treat that is perfect for summer gatherings and family desserts.
Does this recipe contain ground cinnamon?
No extra cinnamon is needed as the spice comes from the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal coating.
What is a jelly roll pan?
It is a rectangular baking sheet with a small 1-inch rim, commonly used for cakes and small batches.
Should I serve the bites immediately after broiling?
Yes, for the best texture contrast, serve them immediately after removing them from the oven.
Can I add extra toppings to the bites?
You can add toppings like honey, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream to enhance the flavor.
Why is it important to crush the cereal finely?
Crushing the cereal finely helps it adhere more evenly and securely to the surface of the ice cream.
Does the ice cream stay cold during the broiling process?
Yes, the quick 30-second broiling toasts the outside while the frozen core remains cold.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is a fun and simple dessert that both children and adults will enjoy making and eating.
What if the cereal coating doesn't stick?
Work quickly so the ice cream surface is slightly tacky, which helps the crushed cereal stick better.
Can I use a toaster oven to broil these?
Yes, as long as the toaster oven has a broiler setting and enough space to maintain the 6-inch distance.
Is there any traditional baking involved?
There is no actual baking; the oven is only used for a very brief 30-second broiling step.