If you're looking for a fun dessert that makes people smile the second they see it, these ice cream cone cupcakes are always a hit!!

Instead of baking cupcakes in a traditional pan, the batter is baked right inside ice cream cones, creating a cupcake that looks like an ice cream treat but tastes like cake.

Cake mix cupcakes in ice cream cones topped with frosting and sprinkles.

They’re perfect for birthday parties, school celebrations, summer gatherings, or anytime you want a dessert that feels a little extra fun.

The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make using a simple cake mix shortcut.

Why You'll Love Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

I grew up with these and there are a lot of reasons these cupcakes have stayed popular for years!

They look like ice cream but don't melt. Kids especially love the surprise when they realize it's actually a cupcake.
Perfect for parties. Since they’re already in cones, there’s no need for plates or forks.
Simple ingredients. Using a cake mix keeps things easy and dependable.
Great baking project with kids. Little helpers love filling the cones and decorating the "ice cream."

I'm not one of those Pinterest moms who has every detail for every birthday milestone planned out. In fact, I once spent weeks - no, months - planning a cowboy themed party complete with horse rides, hats and bandanas for all and a photo booth with props.

When the dust had settled and the guests had hit the trail, I nearly passed out in my kitchen floor, crumbs and all. Yes, the guests had a great time, but I was a train wreck.

Even though my calling isn't as a professional party planner, I really do enjoy adding simple, little things to our family birthdays. Like baking these cupcakes. Kids love them because they're fun and special and frankly, so do the parents!

If you're planning a birthday party or family gathering, these cupcakes are a fun addition alongside other easy desserts like Chocolate Peanut Butter Scotcheroo Bars.

Ingredients You'll Need

You only need a few simple ingredients to make cupcakes in ice cream cones.

1 box cake mix (any flavor works)
Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
Flat-bottom cake cones
Frosting
Sprinkles or other decorations

These ice cream cone cupcakes are a classic in my book. They're a little more special than your average treat and will never go out of style.

What Kind of Ice Cream Cones Work Best?

Use flat-bottom cake cones.

These sit upright easily in muffin pans while baking. Sugar cones or waffle cones are harder to stabilize and may tip over.

To keep the cones upright, simply place them in the wells of a muffin tin.

Ice cream cone cupcakes placed in a muffin tin for serving.

How to Make Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

Making these cupcakes is very similar to baking regular cupcakes.

1. Prepare the cake batter

Mix the cake batter according to the package directions.

2. Place cones in muffin pan

Set the ice cream cones upright inside a standard muffin tin.

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3. Fill the cones

An ice cream cone filled with cake batter, ready to bake.

Fill each cone about ½ to ⅔ full with cake batter. Do not overfill or the batter will overflow while baking.

4. Bake

Bake at the temperature listed on the cake mix box, usually around 350°F, for about 18–22 minutes. The cupcakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

5. Cool completely

Let the cupcakes cool before frosting.

6. Frost and decorate

The cupcakes will dome slightly when they're baked. Add frosting on top to resemble a scoop of ice cream and finish with sprinkles.

Tips for Perfect Cupcakes in Ice Cream Cones

Don't overfill the cones. Too much batter causes messy overflows.
Use a cookie scoop. A scoop makes filling cones quicker and more consistent.
Let them cool fully before frosting. Warm cupcakes will melt the frosting.
Transport them carefully. If bringing these to a party, place the cones back into the muffin pan for easy carrying.

Fun Decorating Ideas

One of the best parts about ice cream cone cupcakes is decorating them. You can use:

rainbow sprinkles
mini chocolate chips
crushed cookies
gummy bears
maraschino cherries on top

You can even swirl the frosting to make it look like soft serve ice cream. That's not my strong suit but if you can do it, go for it!

Can You Bake Cupcakes in Ice Cream Cones?

Yes! Ice cream cones hold up surprisingly well in the oven.

The cones become slightly crisp and help hold the cupcake shape.

Just be sure to use flat-bottom cake cones and place them inside a muffin pan for stability.

Make Them Ahead

Ice cream cone cupcakes can be baked a day in advance.

Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost just before serving for the best appearance.

More Easy Dessert Recipes

If you're looking for simple desserts that are perfect for gatherings, try these reader favorites:

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