Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes
4. How To Serve Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes
5. Why You'll Love This Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes Recipe
6. Recipe FAQ
7. Serving FAQ
8. Storage FAQ
9. JUMP TO RECIPE

Ice cream cone cupcakes are a fun and easy treat that everyone loves. They bake right inside the cone—no mess, no fuss! You can decorate them with sprinkles, frosting, or candy to match any party theme. Kids and adults both grab them fast, so bake a big batch!

This recipe is simple to make, and you can follow the full guide below. We’ve included step-by-step photos, helpful directions, and must-know pro tips. Plus, we answer all the most frequently asked questions so you get perfect results every time.

Make these easy cupcakes in an ice cream cone in under an hour for birthdays, bake sales, or fun after-school snacks. They bake right in the cone, so you skip the cupcake liners and cleanup.

Kids love the sweet surprise inside, and you can decorate them with frosting, sprinkles, or candy. These cupcakes bring big smiles and make every party table more fun.

What you'll need to make these ice cream cone cupcakes:

• 1 (15.25-ounce) box of white cake mix
• 3.5 ounces of instant vanilla pudding
• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup of vegetable oil
• ½ cup of milk
• 1 cup of sour cream
• 32 cake-style ice cream cones

For The Frosting:

• 1 cup of unsalted butter, room temperature
• 6 cups of powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons of clear vanilla extract
• Rainbow sprinkles, as needed

Give your cupcakes in ice cream cones a festive makeover with fun swaps and tasty add-ins! These easy changes turn every batch into a party. Here are some top substitutions and additions:

• Substitute Cake Mix: Use chocolate, funfetti, or strawberry cake mix to match your party theme or flavor craving.
• Add Mini Chocolate Chips: Mix mini chocolate chips into the batter for a fun surprise in every bite.
• Swap Frosting Flavors: Use chocolate, strawberry, or lemon frosting instead of vanilla to change the flavor and color.
• Top with Candy: Add gummy bears, mini M&M’s, or crushed cookies for extra color and crunch.
• Use Colored Ice Cream Cones: Choose colored or themed cones to match birthdays, holidays, or classroom parties.

Follow along with our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and tips and tricks to make the best cake with ice cream cones. We’ll guide you through every step, so your cupcakes turn out fun and tasty. Let’s get started!

FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, dry vanilla pudding mix, eggs, oil, milk, and sour cream with an electric mixer.

Mix until everything is just combined, being careful not to over-mix.

SECOND STEP: Place each of the ice cream cones upright in the well of a muffin pan. Fill each cone half full with the prepared cupcake batter.

THIRD STEP: Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 16 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cupcake comes out clean. 

FOURTH STEP: Remove from the oven and let cool completely before frosting. 

STEP FIVE: In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla.

Turn on low and mix until all the powdered sugar is mixed into the butter. Turn on high and whip for 30 seconds until the vanilla buttercream frosting is light and fluffy.

SIXTH STEP: Place the frosting into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Frost the tops of the cupcakes and top them with sprinkles.

These cupcakes are best served the same day they are prepared.

You can serve ice cream cone cupcakes year-round for all kinds of parties and celebrations. They’re kid-friendly, fun to decorate, and easy to grab.

• Birthday Parties: Kids go crazy for cupcakes baked in cones, especially with colorful frosting and candy on top. Serve with fun treats like Jello pie or strawberry mousse for an extra sweet spread.
• Holiday Celebrations: Switch up frosting colors and toppings to match every holiday, from Halloween to Easter. Pair with easy recipes like reindeer chow or Greek yogurt bark for a festive dessert table.
• School Events or Bake Sales: These cupcakes travel well and make clean-up easy—no forks needed! Serve with Rice Krispie treats or peanut butter Cheerio bars to keep the crowd happy.

Ice cream cone cupcakes recipes are a big hit with our readers, and it’s easy to see why. They’re fun, fast, and perfect for every party or sweet celebration.

• Easy to Make: You only need cake mix, cones, and frosting to whip up this quick and simple dessert.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids love decorating their own cupcakes with frosting, sprinkles, and candy.
• Great for Parties: These cupcakes travel well, look cute, and never leave a mess behind.
• Bake Right in the Cone: Skip cupcake liners and messy wrappers—just bake and serve in the cone.
• Customizable Flavors: Swap cake mix and toppings to match birthdays, seasons, or school colors.
• Always a Crowd Favorite: These always go first on the dessert table—so make extras just in case!

Baking cupcakes in ice cream cones is always a hit, and we know your family will love making and eating them too!

Here are the top questions readers ask when making ice cream cone cupcakes. Follow these tips to make each batch turn out great!

How do I keep the cones from tipping over in the oven?
To keep the cones steady while baking, place them in a muffin tin or use a cone baking rack.

Can I use any brand of cake mix for ice cream cone cupcakes?
Yes, you can use any cake mix for ice cream cone cupcakes as long as you follow the baking directions on the box.

How full should I fill the cones with cake batter?
Fill each cone just a little over halfway with batter, so the cupcakes don’t overflow while baking.

Why do my cones get soft after baking?
If your cones turn soft, the cupcakes may need to cool longer before storing, or you added too much batter.

Do I need to frost the cupcakes after they cool?
Yes, frost the ice cream cone cupcakes once they cool, so the frosting doesn’t melt and slide off.

Can kids help make these cupcakes?
Yes, kids can help scoop the batter and decorate the cupcakes with sprinkles, candy, or fun frosting colors.

How do I know when the cupcakes are done baking?
Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. It should come out clean when fully baked.

Can I use colored cones for special occasions?
Yes, colored cones work great for holidays or parties and make the ice cream cone cupcakes even more festive and fun.

Can I bake these ahead of time for an event?
Yes, you can bake the cupcakes ahead of time. Just wait to frost them until closer to party time.

Why does the cake rise too high over the cone?
If the cake overflows, you likely filled the cone too full. Stick to halfway for the perfect cupcake top.

What’s the best way to serve ice cream cone cupcakes at a party?
Stand the cupcakes upright in a cupcake holder or deep tray so they stay steady and easy to grab.

Can I decorate the cupcakes before serving?
Yes, decorate them right before serving with frosting, sprinkles, or candy so they look bright and fresh.

Are these cupcakes good for outdoor events?
Yes, serve them at picnics or BBQs, but keep them shaded so the frosting doesn't melt in the sun.

Should I serve ice cream cone cupcakes with utensils?
No need for forks or spoons—guests can hold the cones and enjoy them mess-free.

How can I make these cupcakes match a holiday theme?
Use holiday-colored frosting and toppings to match birthdays, Christmas, Halloween, or school events.

Can I set up a cupcake decorating station for guests?
Yes, kids and adults love decorating their own cupcakes with frosting bags, candy, and fun toppings.

Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below to store your ice cream cone cupcakes the right way. With a few simple steps, you can keep them fresh and party-ready without the frosting sliding or cones getting soggy.

Can I make ice cream cone cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cupcakes one day ahead. Wait to frost them until right before serving so they stay fresh and firm.

What’s the best way to store unfrosted ice cream cone cupcakes?
Place the unfrosted cupcakes upright in a deep container. Cover them lightly with foil and store at room temperature overnight.

Can I frost them and store them for later?
No, wait to add frosting until just before serving. Frosting too early makes the cones soggy.

Should I refrigerate the cupcakes after frosting?
No, the cones soften in the fridge. Keep frosted cupcakes at room temperature and serve them the same day.

Can I store leftover frosted cupcakes?
If you have extras, store them in a deep container at room temperature and eat them within one day.

Can I freeze ice cream cone cupcakes?
No, freezing changes the cone’s texture and makes them soft or chewy. Fresh is best for these fun treats.