Ice Cream Sundae Cupcakes Recipe

Imagine the joy of biting into a fluffy cupcake, only to discover a hidden scoop of creamy ice cream inside, finished off with all the classic sundae fixings. That’s exactly what you get with Ice Cream Sundae Cupcakes! This delightful mashup is perfect for summer parties, birthday celebrations, or just as a whimsical treat when you want to make dessert extra special. With each playful, frosty bite, you’ll experience chocolate cake, vanilla ice cream, silky whipped cream, and that irresistible cherry-topped finish. Let’s get ready to bring smiles to whoever is lucky enough to try these Ice Cream Sundae Cupcakes!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Cupcakes:

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box)

  Filling and Topping:

  • 1 quart vanilla ice cream (softened)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup hot fudge sauce
  • Maraschino cherries
  • Rainbow sprinkles

How to Make Ice Cream Sundae Cupcakes

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cupcakes

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a standard muffin tin with 24 cupcake liners. Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the directions on the box, then fill each liner about two-thirds full. Bake as instructed (typically about 18-20 minutes), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely—this is important so your ice cream doesn’t melt when you fill them!

Step 2: Create the Ice Cream Centers

Once your cupcakes have cooled, it’s time to transform them into the perfect Ice Cream Sundae Cupcakes! Use a small spoon, melon baller, or cupcake corer to scoop out a shallow center from each cupcake (don’t go all the way to the bottom—just enough to fit a mini scoop of ice cream). Place a spoonful of softened vanilla ice cream into each well so it’s level with the top of the cupcake. Smooth the tops as needed—no need for perfection, rustic is just as fun!

Step 3: Freeze to Set

Arrange your filled cupcakes on a tray and pop them in the freezer for at least 1 hour. This firming step is key—it keeps the ice cream solid and prevents it from melting too quickly when serving, making your Ice Cream Sundae Cupcakes party-ready. If space is tight, freeze in batches or carefully stack trays.

Step 4: Whip Up the Whipped Cream

While your cupcakes chill, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using a stand mixer, hand mixer, or a trusty whisk (arm workout alert!). Beat until stiff peaks form—this means the whipped cream holds its shape and is fluffy but stable. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready for the grand assembly.

Step 5: Assemble and Decorate

Working a few cupcakes at a time (to prevent melting), top each frozen cupcake with a generous dollop or swirl of whipped cream. Drizzle on warm (not hot) hot fudge sauce, shower with rainbow sprinkles, and finish with a maraschino cherry right on top. Present immediately for the full sundae effect, or return to the freezer until serving time.

How to Serve Ice Cream Sundae Cupcakes

Garnishes

The beauty of Ice Cream Sundae Cupcakes is in those over-the-top toppings! Be generous with whipped cream, hot fudge, sprinkles, and cherries—each bite should deliver that frozen dessert magic. For extra flair, use different colored sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or even a dusting of nuts if allergies aren’t a concern.

Side Dishes

While these cupcakes can totally hold their own, you can serve them alongside bowls of fresh summer berries, a crunchy cookie platter, or even a sparkly fruit punch for a festive, well-rounded dessert table. For birthday parties or cookouts, a build-your-own sundae station with more topping choices can also be a fun group activity.

Creative Ways to Present

For show-stopping presentation, serve Ice Cream Sundae Cupcakes in colorful cupcake wrappers or mini sundae glasses. Set up a toppings bar and let guests customize their own cupcake with fruit, sauces, and more. You can even pop tiny paper umbrellas or chocolate-dipped pretzel sticks on top for a playful, Instagram-worthy touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Ice Cream Sundae Cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 days. To keep the toppings looking fresh and prevent freezer burn, use a sturdy container with a tight seal, and arrange them in a single layer or separate with parchment paper if stacking.

Freezing

If you need to make these ahead, freeze the cupcakes after adding ice cream, then wait to top with whipped cream, fudge, and decorations until just before serving. This keeps the texture perfect and the toppings vibrant. For best results, let them sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes before decorating and serving.

Reheating

Since these cupcakes are a frozen treat, “reheating” just means allowing them to soften for a minute or two out of the freezer so the cake isn’t too hard to bite into, but the ice cream is still luscious. Avoid microwaving, as it will quickly turn the ice cream into a puddle!

FAQs

Can I make Ice Cream Sundae Cupcakes gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and follow the package instructions as you would for the traditional version. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s super easy to adapt for friends with dietary restrictions.

What’s the best way to scoop ice cream into the cupcakes?

Using a small cookie scoop or melon baller helps create perfectly sized, round scoops that fit neatly inside the cupcakes. If you don’t have one, a regular spoon works just fine—just press gently and smooth the tops so they’re even with the cake.

Can I use different cake and ice cream flavors?

Definitely! One of the best things about Ice Cream Sundae Cupcakes is their versatility. Try strawberry cake with chocolate ice cream, or a yellow cake base with mint chip—the possibilities are endless and totally customizable for every occasion!

How do I keep the ice cream from melting during parties?

Keep the cupcakes frozen right up until serving, and work in small batches when adding the toppings. If you’re serving outdoors or in warm temps, place the cupcakes on a tray set over a shallow pan of ice to help keep them cool a bit longer.

Can I make mini versions for parties?

Mini Ice Cream Sundae Cupcakes are such a hit! Just use a mini muffin pan and reduce the baking time accordingly. Use smaller spoonfuls of ice cream and toppings for adorable bite-sized treats that disappear in a flash.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about turning favorite desserts into a two-in-one masterpiece, and Ice Cream Sundae Cupcakes do exactly that. Whether you make them for a summer bash or just a weekend treat, they guarantee big smiles and repeat requests. Give them a try—you’ll love every chilly, chocolatey, cherry-topped bite!

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