Red, White, and Blue Cupcake Cones

Name: Red, White, and Blue Cupcake Cones
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 24 serving(s)
Ingredients: 24 ice cream cake cones (original size, not jumbo); 1 (13- to 16-ounce) box white cake mix (plus required ingredients); 3 sticks salted butter, at room temperature; 6 c. powdered sugar; 2 tbsp. milk, at room temperature; 2 tsp. vanilla extract; Red, white, and blue nonpareils or other sprinkles, for decorating

It might look like ice cream, but that's actually frosting on top!

By Ree DrummondPublished: Jun 28, 2026

1 Rating

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pioneer woman red white and blue cupcake cones

Kate Sears

Yields:

24 serving(s)

Prep Time:

35 mins

Total Time:

1 hr

There’s something delightfully nostalgic about these red, white, and blue cupcake cones. They combine two childhood favorites—cupcakes and ice cream cones—into one festive dessert that looks just like a swirled soft-serve treat. Baked directly inside cake cones and topped with fluffy vanilla buttercream and patriotic sprinkles, these cupcakes are the perfect way to celebrate the Fourth of July.

A boxed white cake mix keeps prep quick, while homemade buttercream adds that rich, bakery-style finish everyone loves. Since each cupcake is baked directly in a cone, there's no need for cupcake liners or extra plates, making cleanup and serving so easy.

Whether you're baking for a classroom party, on dessert duty for the church potluck, or looking for a patriotic dessert for a Fourth of July party, these cupcake cones are always a crowd favorite.

Can you bake cupcakes in ice cream cones?

Yes! Flat-bottom cake cones are sturdy enough to hold cupcake batter and bake up well in the oven. Simply stand the cones upright in a muffin tin to keep them stable while baking.

What kind of ice cream cones work best for cupcake cones?

Standard cake cones are the best choice for this recipe. They have flat bottoms that sit securely in a muffin tin and won't become too hard during baking. Avoid waffle cones or sugar cones, which are more delicate and can crack or tip over.

Can you make ice cream cone cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes. Bake the cupcakes a day in advance and let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, then frost and decorate them the day you plan to serve them for the freshest appearance.

How do you store ice cream cone cupcakes?

Store frosted cupcake cones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is especially warm, refrigerate them, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

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Ingredients

24 ice cream cake cones (original size, not jumbo)
1 (13- to 16-ounce) box white cake mix (plus required ingredients)
3 sticks salted butter, at room temperature
6 cups powdered sugar
2 Tbsp. milk, at room temperature
2 tsp. vanilla extract
Red, white, and blue nonpareils or other sprinkles, for decorating

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Stand the ice cream cones upright in the cups of two 12-cup muffin tins.
2. Step 2Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions. Divide evenly between the ice cream cones (1½ to 2 tablespoons batter per cone). Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 20 to 22 minutes. Transfer the pans to a rack and let cool completely.
3. Step 3Meanwhile, make the frosting: Beat the butter in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium-high speed until creamy and light, about 2 minutes. Reduce the speed to low and add half of the powdered sugar, beating until combined. Beat in the milk until incorporated. Add the vanilla and remaining powdered sugar and beat until incorporated. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Step 4Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes in swirls, starting from the outside and working your way in so it resembles soft-serve ice cream. Decorate with nonpareils.

Tip: These cupcake cones are perfect for birthdays, game days, holidays, and every celebration in between. Just change up the sprinkles to match the occasion!