No need to worry about melting with these fun Ice Cream Cone Cake Pops! Fun for birthdays and Summer parties! #DoveTastemaker #cakepops
Delightful Ice Cream Cone Cake Pops: The Ultimate No-Melt Summer & Birthday Treat
As the vibrant days of summer gently transition into the busy rhythms of back-to-school season, there’s often a mix of excitement and a longing to hold onto those carefree moments a little longer. For me, August is always a whirlwind of activity, marking the much-anticipated return to school routines (which, let’s be honest, takes some getting used to!) and a very special milestone: my son Elijah’s 18th birthday. It’s hard to believe how quickly eighteen years have flown by. They say time flies when you’re having fun, and in a blink, life truly does unfold.
I confess, I’m not quite ready to bid farewell to the lazy mornings and sun-drenched afternoons of summer. Waking up naturally at 6 or 7 AM feels like a luxury compared to the early alarms of school days. So, in an effort to stretch out the season’s joy and celebrate Elijah’s significant birthday, I wanted to create something truly special—a treat that embodies summer fun but also stands up to party excitement without the melty mess of traditional ice cream.
Why These Ice Cream Cone Cake Pops Are Perfect
The inspiration for these adorable desserts struck when I found myself with a handful of leftover mini ice cream cones from a recent pool party. While using them for actual ice cream seemed the obvious choice, I craved something with a bit more flair and, crucially, less drip! That’s when I remembered seeing Ice Cream Cone Cake Pops at a party a few years back. They were an instant hit, not just because they were cute, but because they offered all the charm of an ice cream cone without the sticky fingers. This was my chance to recreate that magic!
These Ice Cream Cone Cake Pops are an absolute game-changer for any summer gathering, birthday celebration, or even just a fun weekend treat. Imagine serving a dessert that looks exactly like a miniature ice cream cone but won’t melt under the sun or dribble down your guests’ hands. They are a conversation starter, undeniably charming, and surprisingly simple to make. Plus, with the rich, silky smooth taste of DOVE® Dark Chocolate, they elevate a classic fun treat into something truly decadent.
The beauty of these cake pops lies in their delightful deception. They mimic the look of a scoop of ice cream perfectly perched atop a cone, complete with a chocolate drizzle and a cherry on top. But instead of frozen dessert, you’re enjoying moist, flavorful cake mixed with frosting, coated in candy melts, and finished with premium dark chocolate. It’s a culinary illusion that’s as delicious as it is impressive.
The Best Ice Cream Cone Cake Pops Recipe
Ice Cream Cone Cake Pops
By Jamie Sherman
No need to worry about melting with these fun Ice Cream Cone Cake Pops! These delightful treats are perfect for parties, offering all the joy of ice cream without the mess. They’re easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit!
Yields: 15 cake pops
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz.) your favorite cake mix (dark chocolate works wonderfully)
- Ingredients listed on the cake mix box to prepare the cake
- 1 can (16 oz.) your favorite canned frosting (dark chocolate complements well)
- 1 box (1.6 oz.) mini ice cream cones (you’ll need about 15)
- 1 package (12 oz.) Wilton candy melts (Colorburst Brights or your preferred color)
- 15 – 17 pieces DOVE® Dark Chocolate Silky Smooth Promises, from a 9.5 oz. bag
- 15 red button-shaped candy-coated chocolate pieces
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare and bake the cake mix according to the package directions. Ensure the cake cools completely before proceeding. A fully cooled cake is crucial for the right cake pop consistency.
- Once cooled, crumble the entire cake into a large bowl. Add about half of the canned frosting. Mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together when pressed, but isn’t overly sticky or “goopy.” You may need to adjust the amount of frosting based on the cake’s moisture content and your preference. Using a small cookie scoop or a rounded tablespoon, form 15 cake balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with wax paper and refrigerate for about one hour to firm up. With the remaining cake crumbs, loosely stuff 15 mini ice cream cones, creating a flat top, and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the candy melts according to the package instructions. Work quickly but carefully. Dip just the top rim of the open end of a mini ice cream cone into the melted candy. Immediately take one chilled cake ball and dip its flat bottom into the candy melt. “Glue” this candy-dipped cake ball onto the candy-coated rim of the ice cream cone, creating the “ice cream scoop” effect. Set it upright and allow the candy to completely set and harden. Repeat this process with the remaining cake pops.
- Once the initial “glue” has completely hardened and the cake balls are firmly attached to the cones, re-melt the candy melts if necessary. Dip each entire cake ball into the melted candy, ensuring it’s fully covered. Gently tap off any excess candy coating. Place the cake pop upright (you can use a piece of Styrofoam or a small glass to hold it) and allow the candy shell to harden completely. Repeat for all remaining cake pops.
- For the final touch, place the DOVE® Dark Chocolate Silky Smooth Promises in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 10-15 second increments, stirring well after each, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. Spoon a small amount of this melted chocolate over the top of each cake pop, letting it drip down the sides to resemble chocolate syrup. Immediately place a red button-shaped candy on top as the “cherry” and sprinkle with your favorite colorful sprinkles. Let the chocolate set completely before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer traditional cake pops, you can easily insert a stick into the cake balls before coating them.
- Chilling the cake balls thoroughly is key to preventing them from crumbling when dipped.
- Ensure your candy melts are at the right consistency – not too thick (add a tiny bit of shortening) and not too thin.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
- Calories: 142 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 0.03mg
- Sodium: 244mg
- Potassium: 31mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Vitamin A: 0.4 IU
- Calcium: 77mg
- Iron: 1mg
Tips for Perfect Ice Cream Cone Cake Pops Every Time
Achieving picture-perfect Ice Cream Cone Cake Pops is easier than you might think with a few helpful tips:
- Cake Consistency is Key: Don’t over-mix the crumbled cake with the frosting. You want a mixture that’s cohesive enough to form balls but not overly wet. If it’s too sticky, add a little more crumbled cake; if it’s too dry, a tiny bit more frosting will do the trick.
- Chill, Chill, Chill: The refrigeration step for the cake balls is non-negotiable. Cold cake balls hold their shape better and are less likely to fall apart when you’re attaching them or dipping them into the candy melts.
- Mastering Candy Melts: Melt your candy melts slowly and carefully, either in a microwave or a double boiler. Overheating can make them thick and clumpy. If your melts are too thick for dipping, stir in a teaspoon of shortening (like Crisco) until you reach a smooth, dippable consistency.
- Dipping Technique: For attaching the cake balls to the cones, a quick dip is all you need. When dipping the entire cake ball, move swiftly but gently. Allow excess candy to drip off before setting the cake pop down to harden. A slight rotation can help ensure an even coating.
- Upright Setting: To prevent flat spots, use a piece of Styrofoam or a tall, narrow glass to hold the cake pops upright as the candy coating and chocolate drizzle set. This preserves their perfect spherical shape.
- Quality Chocolate Matters: Using DOVE® Dark Chocolate Silky Smooth Promises for the final drizzle makes a noticeable difference. Their rich, smooth texture and deep flavor add a touch of gourmet indulgence.
Creative Variations to Try
While the classic chocolate Ice Cream Cone Cake Pop is utterly delightful, don’t hesitate to get creative with flavors and decorations:
- Flavor Combinations:
- Vanilla Dream: Use vanilla cake mix and vanilla frosting with white candy melts and colorful sprinkles.
- Red Velvet Romance: Opt for red velvet cake mix, cream cheese frosting, and white or pink candy melts.
- Lemon Zest: Lemon cake mix with lemon frosting and yellow candy melts, perhaps with a blueberry “cherry.”
- Mint Chocolate Chip: Chocolate cake, mint frosting, and green candy melts, topped with mini chocolate chips instead of sprinkles.
- Drizzle and Topping Ideas:
- Beyond DOVE® Dark Chocolate, try white chocolate or caramel drizzles.
- Experiment with different sprinkles: nonpareils, jimmies, edible glitter, or custom sprinkle mixes.
- Mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or crushed candies can add extra texture and flavor.
- “Cherry” Alternatives: If red button candies aren’t available, a gummy cherry, a single raspberry, or even a different colored candy can work as a charming substitute.
These Ice Cream Cone Cake Pops are more than just a dessert; they’re a miniature work of art and a fantastic way to bring smiles to any occasion. Their unique presentation and delicious flavor make them unforgettable. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and watch them disappear!
Compensation was provided by DOVE ® Dark Chocolate via MomTrends. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions of Dove or Momtrends.
For more great Dove Dark Chocolate recipes and inspiration, visit the Dove Chocolate website. You can also follow them on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates and delicious ideas.
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Originally published on July 30, 2014. Updated on April 30, 2021.