This Drumstick Frozen Dessert layers cream cheese, peanut butter, and crushed cones for a frozen treat like the classic cone.
Introduction to the Recipe
If you love Drumstick ice cream cones, you’re going to flip for this Drumstick Frozen Dessert. It takes everything you love about the classic—crunchy cone, creamy center, chocolate drizzle, and peanuts—and turns it into a no-bake frozen slice of nostalgia.
This dessert starts with a buttery graham cookie and peanut crust, followed by a whipped peanut butter cream cheese filling, and finishes with a topping of crushed cones, peanuts, and a chocolate drizzle. It’s the kind of layered dessert that’s incredibly simple but delivers on taste and texture. It’s creamy, crunchy, sweet, and salty all in one bite.
Perfect for summer barbecues, birthday parties, or just keeping on hand for sweet cravings, this no-fuss frozen dessert feels like a deconstructed ice cream cone—and we’re not mad about it.
Want to learn how to make your own homemade chocolate sauce? Or wondering what’s the best way to crush sugar cones without a mess? These guides will level up your prep.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a freezer-friendly make-ahead dessert, Drumstick Frozen Dessert delivers classic flavor in a fresh, fun format.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
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No-Bake Drumstick Frozen Dessert
Description
This Drumstick Frozen Dessert layers cream cheese, peanut butter, and crushed cones for a frozen treat like the classic cone.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cookie crumbs
- ½ cup peanuts, crushed
- ¼ cup butter, melted
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 8 ounces Cool Whip (or whipped topping), thawed
Topping
- Chocolate sauce for drizzle
- ¾ cup peanuts, chopped
- 4 sugar cones, crushed
Instructions
1. Make the Crust
- In a medium bowl, combine graham crumbs, crushed peanuts, and melted butter.
- Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press evenly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch square pan.
- Freeze while you prepare the filling.
2. Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla; beat until creamy.
- Fold in Cool Whip gently until well blended.
3. Assemble the Dessert
- Spread the filling over the frozen crust evenly.
- Sprinkle chopped peanuts and crushed sugar cones on top.
- Drizzle generously with chocolate sauce.
4. Freeze and Serve
- Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve cold.
Notes
Use natural-style peanut butter for a richer flavor, or classic for sweeter results.
To crush cones easily, place them in a zip-top bag and roll with a rolling pin.
Store covered in the freezer for up to a week.
Advanced Techniques
1. Make Homemade Whipped Cream
Swap the Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream (1 cup heavy cream + 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, whipped to stiff peaks). It creates a lighter texture with fresher flavor.
2. Use a Chocolate Ganache Drizzle
Instead of bottled chocolate sauce, make a quick ganache using equal parts chocolate chips and hot heavy cream. Let cool slightly, then drizzle for a rich topping.
3. Add a Hidden Chocolate Layer
Melt chocolate and spread a thin layer over the crust before adding the filling. Freeze to harden. It gives that classic chocolate-lined cone crunch.
4. Freeze in Individual Cups
Portion into cupcake liners or small ramekins for individual servings. Great for parties and easy to grab from the freezer.
5. Try a Pretzel or Oreo Crust
Switch up the crust with crushed pretzels for salty contrast or Oreos for a cookies-and-cream twist. Just adjust butter slightly to bind properly.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
1. Store Covered in Freezer
Keep tightly covered with plastic wrap or foil. Best consumed within 7 days for texture and flavor.
2. Let Soften Before Serving
Take out 10–15 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut. Use a warm knife for clean slices.
3. Store Toppings Separately for Crunch
Want max crunch? Sprinkle peanuts and cones just before serving so they don’t soften in the freezer.
4. Don’t Refreeze Thawed Portions
Only thaw what you plan to eat. Refreezing can affect texture and cause ice crystals.
5. Use a Deep Pan for Extra Layers
Use a deeper dish and double the filling for a thicker, layered version. Allow extra freeze time to fully set.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
1. Make It Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free graham crackers and sugar cones. Double-check chocolate sauce and toppings for gluten-containing additives.
2. Dairy-Free Version
Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping. Choose a dairy-free chocolate drizzle or homemade ganache with coconut cream.
3. Lower Sugar Option
Use sugar-free powdered sweetener and light whipped topping. Choose unsweetened peanut butter and sugar-free chocolate syrup.
4. Nut-Free Swap
Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter. Omit peanuts and use crunchy granola or crushed pretzels as a topper.
5. Vegan-Friendly Version
Use plant-based cream cheese and whipped topping. Ensure chocolate sauce is dairy-free and cones are egg-free.
FAQs About the Recipe
1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but make sure it’s well stirred. Natural peanut butter can separate and make the filling greasy if not fully combined.
2. Can I use whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Absolutely. Just make sure to whip it to stiff peaks and fold gently to maintain a fluffy texture.
3. Can this be made ahead?
Yes! It’s freezer-friendly. Make it a day or two ahead and store tightly wrapped until ready to serve.
4. What pan size works best?
An 8×8 or 9×9-inch square pan works great. For a thinner dessert, you can use a 9×13-inch pan and spread the filling more widely.
5. Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?
Definitely. Fold in mini chocolate chips for added texture and bursts of chocolate in every bite.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Drumstick Frozen Dessert is one of those no-bake recipes that hits the sweet spot between fun and nostalgia. It captures the essence of a classic ice cream cone but makes it shareable, sliceable, and totally freezer-friendly.
The combination of cream cheese, peanut butter, and whipped topping makes a rich, fluffy filling, while the crushed cones and peanuts add that iconic crunch. Chocolate drizzle brings it all home.
It’s the perfect dessert for summer parties, lazy weekends, or when you just need a freezer treat that everyone loves. And with all the ways you can tweak it—from gluten-free to extra chocolatey—there’s room to make it your own.
So go ahead, bring back a bit of childhood joy with this irresistible Drumstick Frozen Dessert. One bite, and you’ll be hooked.