Cone Crazy: Delicious Cake Recipes Baked Right in Ice Cream Cones!
Cake in a cone! It sounds whimsical, it looks adorable, and it tastes absolutely divine. This isn’t just a cute novelty; baking cake in ice cream cones is a fun and surprisingly easy way to elevate your baking game and create a treat that’s perfect for parties, kids, or anyone who loves a bit of playful deliciousness. Forget messy slices and crumbly forks – with cake cones, you get a perfectly portioned, self-contained dessert that’s guaranteed to bring smiles.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to bake perfect cake cones, from choosing the right cones and batter to troubleshooting common problems and exploring a variety of exciting flavor combinations. Get ready to unleash your inner pastry chef and wow your friends and family with these adorable and delicious cake-filled cones!
## Why Bake Cake in Cones?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why cake cones are such a fantastic idea:
* **Portability and Convenience:** No plates or forks needed! Cake cones are perfect for picnics, parties, or anytime you want a mess-free treat.
* **Perfect Portions:** Each cone contains a single serving of cake, making portion control a breeze.
* **Fun and Festive:** Cake cones are undeniably cute and add a touch of whimsy to any occasion. They’re especially popular with kids (and the young at heart!).
* **Easy to Customize:** The possibilities are endless! Experiment with different cake flavors, frostings, and toppings to create your own signature cake cones.
* **Great for Gifting:** Package cake cones in cellophane bags and tie them with a ribbon for a thoughtful and unique homemade gift.
* **Reduces Waste:** Less cake to potentially dry out, and eliminates the need for plates and silverware.
## Getting Started: Essential Supplies and Ingredients
Before you start baking, gather these essential supplies and ingredients:
**1. Ice Cream Cones:**
* **Cake Cones vs. Waffle Cones:** For baking, cake cones (also known as sugar cones) are generally preferred over waffle cones. Cake cones are sturdier and hold their shape better during baking. Waffle cones can become soggy more easily.
* **Size Matters:** Choose cones that are large enough to hold a decent amount of batter but not so large that they become unwieldy. Standard-sized cake cones are a good starting point.
* **Quality is Key:** Opt for high-quality cones that are free from cracks or breaks. These will hold up better during baking and prevent batter from leaking out.
**2. Cake Batter:**
* **From Scratch or Boxed Mix:** You can use your favorite homemade cake batter recipe or a boxed cake mix. Boxed mixes are convenient and consistent, while homemade batters allow for more customization.
* **Consistency is Crucial:** The batter should be smooth and pourable but not too thin. A slightly thicker batter will help prevent it from leaking out of the cones during baking. Think pancake batter consistency.
* **Flavor Variations:** Explore different cake flavors, such as vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, lemon, or even spice cake.
**3. Frosting and Toppings:**
* **Frosting Choices:** Buttercream, cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or even whipped cream are all great options for frosting your cake cones.
* **Topping Ideas:** Sprinkles, chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, candies, fruit slices, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce will add visual appeal and flavor.
**4. Baking Equipment:**
* **Baking Sheet:** A standard baking sheet is essential for supporting the cones during baking.
* **Cone Stands (Optional):** Cone stands (or muffin tins used unconventionally) can help keep the cones upright and prevent them from tipping over. You can buy cone stands specifically designed for this purpose or create your own using aluminum foil.
* **Piping Bag or Ziplock Bag:** A piping bag or a Ziplock bag with a corner snipped off will make it easier to fill the cones with batter.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** Accurate measuring is essential for consistent results.
* **Mixing Bowls:** You’ll need bowls for mixing the batter and frosting.
* **Spatula:** A spatula is useful for scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding ingredients together.
* **Oven Mitts:** Protect your hands from the hot oven.
## Basic Cake Cone Recipe
This recipe provides a foundation for making delicious cake cones. Feel free to customize it with your favorite cake flavors, frostings, and toppings.
**Yields:** Approximately 12-18 cake cones
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Bake time:** 18-22 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box (15.25 ounces) cake mix (vanilla or chocolate, your choice) OR your favorite from-scratch cake recipe, enough for about 12-18 cupcakes
* Ingredients called for on the back of the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water) OR the wet ingredients specified in your from-scratch recipe.
* 12-18 cake cones
* Your favorite frosting (buttercream, cream cheese, chocolate, etc.)
* Sprinkles, chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or other toppings of your choice
**Equipment**
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Whisk or electric mixer
* Spatula
* Baking sheet
* Cone stands (optional)
* Piping bag or Ziplock bag
**Instructions:**
**1. Prepare the Cake Batter:**
* **From Boxed Mix:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix with the ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water). Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and well combined.
* **From Scratch:** Prepare your cake batter according to your recipe’s instructions.
**2. Prepare the Cones:**
* Place the cake cones on a baking sheet. If using cone stands, insert the cones into the stands.
* If you don’t have cone stands, you can create makeshift stands by crumpling aluminum foil into small rings and placing them on the baking sheet to support the cones.
**3. Fill the Cones:**
* Transfer the cake batter to a piping bag or a Ziplock bag with a corner snipped off.
* Carefully fill each cone about 2/3 full with batter. Avoid overfilling, as the batter will expand during baking.
**4. Bake the Cones:**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cones should be lightly golden brown.
**5. Cool the Cones:**
* Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cones cool completely on the baking sheet.
**6. Frost and Decorate:**
* Once the cones are completely cool, frost them with your favorite frosting.
* Decorate with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or other toppings of your choice.
**7. Serve and Enjoy:**
* Serve the cake cones immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
## Tips for Baking Perfect Cake Cones
* **Don’t Overfill:** Overfilling the cones is a common mistake. Remember that the batter will expand during baking, so only fill them about 2/3 full. Overfilled cones will overflow and create a messy situation.
* **Use Cone Stands:** Cone stands are a great investment, but if you don’t have them, you can easily create your own using aluminum foil. The stands will help keep the cones upright and prevent them from tipping over.
* **Bake Evenly:** To ensure that the cones bake evenly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time.
* **Cool Completely:** Make sure the cones are completely cool before frosting them. Otherwise, the frosting will melt.
* **Protect the Cones:** For added protection against soggy cones, you can brush the inside of the cones with melted chocolate before filling them with batter. The chocolate will create a barrier that prevents the batter from soaking into the cone.
* **Prevent Soggy Cones:** To prevent soggy cones, you can also add a layer of chopped nuts or crushed cookies to the bottom of the cone before filling it with batter. This will create a barrier between the batter and the cone.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven and the size of your cones. Keep a close eye on the cones while they’re baking and adjust the baking time accordingly.
* **Test for Doneness:** To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is done. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes.
## Flavor Variations and Creative Ideas
The basic cake cone recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity. Here are some flavor variations and creative ideas to get you started:
* **Chocolate Lover’s Cake Cones:** Use chocolate cake mix, chocolate frosting, and chocolate shavings for a decadent treat.
* **Strawberry Shortcake Cake Cones:** Use vanilla cake mix, strawberry frosting, and fresh strawberries.
* **Lemon Poppy Seed Cake Cones:** Add lemon zest and poppy seeds to vanilla cake batter, and top with a lemon glaze.
* **Confetti Cake Cones:** Add sprinkles to vanilla cake batter for a fun and festive treat.
* **Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cones:** Use chocolate cake mix, peanut butter frosting, and chopped peanuts.
* **Carrot Cake Cones:** Use carrot cake mix, cream cheese frosting, and chopped walnuts.
* **Cookies and Cream Cake Cones:** Use vanilla cake mix, crushed Oreo cookies, and whipped cream.
* **S’mores Cake Cones:** Use chocolate cake mix, marshmallow frosting, and graham cracker crumbs.
* **Red Velvet Cake Cones:** Use red velvet cake mix, cream cheese frosting, and red velvet cake crumbs.
* **Seasonal Variations:** Adapt the flavors to suit the season. For example, pumpkin spice cake cones in the fall or peppermint chocolate cake cones during the holidays.
**Fun with Fillings:**
* Add a small scoop of ice cream on top of the cake, then frost and decorate.
* Fill the center of the cake after baking with a dollop of jam, curd, or Nutella before frosting.
**Theme Parties:**
* Create cake cones that match the theme of your party. For example, princess-themed cake cones with pink frosting and edible glitter, or superhero-themed cake cones with bold colors and edible logos.
## Troubleshooting Common Problems
* **Cones are Soggy:**
* Make sure the cones are completely cool before frosting them.
* Brush the inside of the cones with melted chocolate before filling them with batter.
* Add a layer of chopped nuts or crushed cookies to the bottom of the cone before filling it with batter.
* **Cones are Tipping Over:**
* Use cone stands or create makeshift stands using aluminum foil.
* Make sure the baking sheet is level.
* Don’t overfill the cones.
* **Cake is Overflowing:**
* Don’t overfill the cones.
* Reduce the amount of batter you use per cone.
* Make sure the oven temperature is accurate.
* **Cake is Dry:**
* Don’t overbake the cake.
* Add a tablespoon of oil or applesauce to the batter to add moisture.
* **Cake is Not Cooking Evenly:**
* Rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time.
* Make sure the oven temperature is accurate.
## Storing Cake Cones
* **Unfrosted Cake Cones:** Store unfrosted cake cones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
* **Frosted Cake Cones:** Store frosted cake cones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
**Freezing:**
While you can freeze cake cones, the frosting and cones might change texture. It’s best to freeze unfrosted cake cones. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and decorating.
## Cake Cones: A Fun and Delicious Baking Adventure
Baking cake in cones is a delightful and rewarding experience. With a little practice and creativity, you can create stunning and delicious treats that are perfect for any occasion. So, gather your supplies, unleash your inner baker, and get ready to wow your friends and family with these adorable and irresistible cake-filled cones! The possibilities are endless, and the smiles are guaranteed.
Happy Baking!