Ice Cream Cupcakes

We have all heard of cupcakes with frosting inside, but what about cupcakes filled with ice cream? This simple ice cream filled cupcake recipe is inspired by Crazy for Crust’s original recipe, but with some changes. They are the perfect desserts for any social gathering and party. Each guest can enjoy their own cupcake filled with cold ice cream, so no one has to choose between enjoying a cupcake and ice cream! Two desserts in one bite! How great is that?

Better yet, they are surprisingly easy to make and incredibly versatile. By using boxed cupcake mix, simply make a batch of cupcakes and fill them with whichever ice cream flavor you like. This recipe uses chocolate cupcakes with vanilla ice cream, but you can use any flavor of cupcake or ice cream you prefer. There are endless flavor combinations and possibilities when making these yummy ice cream cupcakes. Give them a go! You will not regret it.

Jump to:

• WHAT IS AN ICE CREAM CUPCAKE?
• INGREDIENTS
• SUBSTITUTIONS
• HOW TO MAKE THE BEST ICE CREAM CUPCAKES
• TIPS
• QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RECIPE
• Ice Cream Cupcakes

WHAT IS AN ICE CREAM CUPCAKE?

It is a cupcake filled with ice cream! Scoop out some of the cupcake’s center and stuff it with a bit of ice cream. Making these ice cream cupcakes is sort of like a “choose your own adventure,” recipe. It can work with any combination you like. 

It is a great dessert, because in one serving you get two desserts. There is no need to worry about slicing the cake into equal pieces, so no guests start fighting about who has the bigger piece.

INGREDIENTS

Boxed Cupcake Mix: to make this recipe simple, use boxed cupcake mix. You can even buy already made cupcakes to save time. 

Ice Cream: this recipe uses vanilla ice cream, but feel free to use your favorite ice cream flavor. 

Frosting: a cupcake isn’t complete without a bit of frosting! This recipe uses store bought frosting, but homemade works perfectly as well.

SUBSTITUTIONS

• Use boxed mix for the easiest cupcakes, or even store bought. You can make your own cupcakes from scratch if you like. 
• Make vegan cupcakes and use dairy-free ice cream to make this recipe vegan-friendly. 
• Instead of frosting, you can also use whipped cream.
• Use any ice cream flavor you would like, but it is best to use full-fat ice cream. Do not replace it with frozen yogurt or gelato. 

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST ICE CREAM CUPCAKES

The easiest way to make ice cream cupcakes is to use boxed cupcake mix. Simply follow the box’s instructions and make 24 chocolate cupcakes (or whichever flavor you like). When you have finished baking the cupcakes, let them cool completely.

While they are cooling, line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and take out your ice cream. Softened ice cream is much easier to work with in this recipe. Move the cooled cupcakes on the baking sheets, and cut out the center of the cupcake. Don’t cut all the way down, but try to cut deep into the cupcake. Repeat this step for all the cupcakes before adding in the ice cream. 

Carefully scoop the ice cream into the cupcake’s holes, and top it with some of the cupcake you cut out. Not all of the removed cake will fit back into the cupcake, so cover it as much as you can. The leftover cupcake pieces can be eaten as a reward for all of your hard work!

You have to move quickly in this step, so that the ice cream doesn’t melt before going into the cupcakes. The best way to do this step is to work in batches. Fill a couple of cupcakes, then place them in the freezer. Repeat this step until you have filled all the cupcakes. 

Cover the cupcakes with cling film and leave them in the freezer for 4 hours or more. When you are ready to eat them, take them out of the freezer to thaw for a couple of minutes. Frost the cupcakes, and serve! Add whatever toppings you may like as well. Sprinkles, chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, etc. These cupcakes are a blank canvas for you to experiment with.

TIPS

• Add the frosting after freezing the cupcakes. Frosting doesn’t freeze well and may ruin your yummy ice cream cupcakes!
• When you cover the ice cream hole with the cupcake you cut out, all of it won’t fit back in. Cover it as much as you can, but there is no need to try and force more cake back into the cupcake.
• Make sure your cupcakes have fully cooled before adding in the ice cream. If they are still warm, the ice cream will melt.
• Don’t be shy with the flavors of the ingredients. You can turn this recipe into anything you like!
• Have all of your stations prepared before starting to fill the cupcakes. Ice cream melts quickly, so you want to be able to fill the cupcakes up and get them into the freezer fast.
• Mix your ice cream with sprinkles to add a bit of extra color and fun. To do this, simply mix the softened ice cream with the sprinkles in a bowl. The rest of the steps are the same.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RECIPE

What are some ice cream cupcake combinations I can make?
The possibilities are truly endless here! Some classic flavors are: vanilla cupcakes with strawberry ice cream, chocolate cupcakes with chocolate ice cream, or red velvet cupcakes with cheesecake ice cream! But make it your own and try some funky combinations! Maybe vanilla cupcakes with Rocky Road ice cream? Or lemon cupcakes with cookies & cream ice cream? Experiment with flavors and see what you enjoy.

How long do I have to defrost the cupcakes before eating them?
Since you have to frost the cupcakes after freezing them, defrosting doesn’t take too long. Give it a couple of minutes, and they will be ready to eat.

What are some other additions for this recipe?
Add some crushed nuts, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles on top of the cupcake’s frosting. It adds a nice topping that your guests will love. Feel free to replace the frosting with whipped cream. 

Can I make these cupcakes from scratch?
Yes! This recipe uses boxed cupcake mix to make them quick and easy to make. However, you can definitely make them from scratch if you would like.

Are these cupcakes vegan-friendly?
This recipe is not vegan, but you can make it vegan. Make vegan cupcakes and fill them with plant-based ice cream. They will taste just as good! All the other steps will stay the same in the recipe.

How much ice cream should I put in the cupcakes?
About a tablespoon of ice cream in each cupcake should be good. You can add more ice cream depending on how big your cupcakes are, or based on how much you love ice cream!

Do I have to eat these cupcakes the same day?
These cupcakes will taste best soon after making them. However, you can store them in an airtight container in the freezer for about 3 weeks. They may need a little more time to defrost if you leave them in there for that long though!

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