If you grew up going to birthday parties in the ’90s, there’s a good chance you’ve had one of these cake cone cupcakes.
I still remember seeing a cupcake baked right inside an ice cream cone for the first time and thinking it was the coolest dessert ever. It looked just like an ice cream cone, but without the sticky hands or melting mess. As a kid, I thought it was magic.
Now I’m making them for my own kids, and they’re just as excited as I was.
These Funfetti cake cone cupcakes are one of my favorite easy dessert recipes for parties or events because they’re incredibly simple to make, they travel well, and everyone loves them. They look just like an ice cream cone without actually being ice cream, making them perfect for birthday parties, summer cookouts, classroom celebrations, or anytime you want a dessert that’s a little more fun than regular cupcakes.
If you’re looking for an easy birthday dessert that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is it.
Why You’ll Love These Cake Cone Cupcakes
- They look like ice cream but don’t melt.
- The perfect easy dessert for birthdays.
- Great for summer parties and BBQs.
- Kids absolutely love them.
- Easy enough for little helpers to decorate.
- Made with just a few simple ingredients.
- One box of Funfetti cake mix makes about 24 cake cone cupcakes.
These Cake Cone Cupcakes Are Perfect For
This is one of those easy desserts that works for almost every celebration.
They’re perfect for:
- Birthday parties
- Summer BBQs and cookouts
- Fourth of July celebrations
- Classroom parties
- Family movie nights
- Sleepovers
- Baby showers
- Neighborhood get-togethers
Since they don’t melt like real ice cream, you can make them ahead of time and serve them without worrying about a sticky mess.
Ingredients
- 1 box Funfetti cake mix
- Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (typically eggs, water, and vegetable oil)
- 24 flat-bottom cake cones
- Vanilla frosting
- Rainbow sprinkles
- Optional: maraschino cherries
Equipment
- Standard muffin tin
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Cookie scoop or large spoon
- Cooling rack
How to Make Cake Cone Cupcakes
Step 1: Prepare the batter
Preheat your oven according to the directions on your Funfetti cake mix box (usually 350°F).
Prepare the cake batter according to the package directions.
Step 2: Arrange the cones
Place one cake cone into each cup of a standard muffin tin. The muffin tin keeps the cones standing upright while they bake.
Step 3: Fill the cones
Using a cookie scoop or large spoon, fill each cone about halfway to two-thirds full.
Don’t overfill them. The batter rises more than you think, and filling them too high can cause the cupcakes to spill over the sides.
One standard box of Funfetti cake mix makes about 24 cake cone cupcakes.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
I usually start checking mine around the 18-minute mark since every oven bakes a little differently.
Step 5: Cool completely
Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
Trust me, it’s tempting to decorate them right away because they smell amazing, but warm cupcakes will melt the frosting.
Step 6: Decorate
Pipe or spread vanilla frosting on top to resemble a scoop of ice cream.
Finish with rainbow sprinkles and, if you’re feeling extra nostalgic, top each one with a maraschino cherry.
Tips for the Best Cake Cone Cupcakes
- Fill the cones only halfway to two-thirds full.
- Let them cool completely before frosting.
- Use a piping bag for the classic soft-serve look.
- Store them standing upright so the frosting stays pretty.
- They’re best enjoyed within one to two days.
Fun Decorating Ideas
Once you’ve mastered the classic version, it’s fun to change them up.
- Chocolate frosting with chocolate sprinkles
- Strawberry frosting for a strawberry ice cream look
- Crushed Oreos
- Mini chocolate chips
- Colorful candies
- Edible glitter
- Birthday-themed sprinkles
- Holiday sprinkles for Fourth of July, Halloween, or Christmas
Kids especially love decorating their own cupcakes.
Storage
Store the cupcakes covered at room temperature for up to two days.
If it’s especially warm in your house or your frosting needs refrigeration, store them in the refrigerator and let them come back to room temperature before serving.
Looking for another easy make-ahead dessert? Be sure to try my Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dip (5 Ingredients & No Bake, which is always a favorite at family parties and cookouts.
Why This Recipe Has Stuck Around for So Long
Some recipes come and go, but this one has been around for decades for a reason.
It looks adorable, it’s incredibly easy to make, and it always brings a smile to people’s faces.
I first had these cake cone cupcakes when I was a kid, and somehow they still feel just as special today. Now that I have kids of my own, it’s become one of those recipes I look forward to making every year.
There’s something really special about sharing the same treats you loved growing up with your own children.
For me, that’s what baking is really about.
Cake Cone Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 box Funfetti cake mix
- Ingredients listed on the cake mix box typically eggs, water, and vegetable oil
- 24 flat-bottom cake cones
Frosting
- 1 container vanilla frosting
- Rainbow sprinkles
- 24 maraschino cherries optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven according to the directions on your Funfetti cake mix box (usually 350°F).
- Prepare the cake batter according to the package directions.
- Place one cake cone into each cup of a standard muffin tin.
- Fill each cone about halfway to two-thirds full with batter. Don't overfill. The batter rises while baking.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
- Pipe or spread vanilla frosting onto each cupcake to resemble a scoop of ice cream.
- Top with rainbow sprinkles and an optional maraschino cherry.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Fill the cones only halfway to two-thirds full.
- Bake in a muffin tin so the cones stay upright.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
- Pipe the frosting high for an ice cream cone look.
- Store upright for the prettiest presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you bake cupcakes directly in ice cream cones?
Yes! Flat-bottom cake cones are sturdy enough to hold cake batter while baking and become the edible wrapper for your cupcakes.
Why did my cake cone cupcakes overflow?
The cones were probably filled too full. Only fill them halfway to two-thirds full so the batter has room to rise.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake them the day before your party, then frost and decorate them the day you plan to serve them.
Can I use homemade cake batter?
Yes! Any cake batter works well, but I love Funfetti because the colorful sprinkles make these extra festive.
Do I need a special pan?
Nope! A regular muffin tin is all you need to keep the cones standing upright while they bake.
More Easy Desserts You’ll Love
If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for simple desserts that feel a little extra.
Be sure to check out these family favorites:
