Sweet Summer Treats

Featured in Irresistible Desserts.

These fun dessert cones combine creamy strawberry cheesecake filling with a crunchy graham cracker and freeze-dried strawberry topping, all served in crispy ice cream cones. Perfect for parties and summer gatherings.

Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:07:54 GMT
A close-up of an ice cream cone topped with whipped cream, strawberry sauce, crushed crumbs, and a fresh strawberry. Pin it
A close-up of an ice cream cone topped with whipped cream, strawberry sauce, crushed crumbs, and a fresh strawberry. | cookingwithcasey.com

Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cones are a delightful dessert that combines the creamy richness of strawberry cheesecake with a crunchy graham cracker topping, all served in a fun ice cream cone. Perfect for summer parties, picnics, or family gatherings, these treats are as stunning as they are delicious and require no baking!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These cheesecake cones are quick to prepare, taking only 20 minutes plus chilling time, and they deliver a beautiful presentation. The light, creamy filling paired with the strawberry crunch topping makes for a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Plus, they're easy to customize, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion.

Essential Ingredients For Success

  • Filling Base: - Cream cheese: 8 oz (227g) at 65°F (18°C) - Powdered sugar: 1 cup (120g) sifted - Heavy cream: 1 cup (240ml) at 40°F (4°C) - Pure vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
  • Fruit Components: - Fresh strawberries: 1 cup (150g) diced to ¼-inch pieces - Freeze-dried strawberries: ½ cup (15g) crushed to 1/8-inch pieces Moisture content below 3%
  • Crunch Elements: - Graham cracker crumbs: 1 cup (120g) fine texture - Unsalted butter: ¼ cup (57g) melted at 165°F (74°C) - Granulated sugar: 2 tablespoons (25g)
  • Vessel: - Ice cream cones: 12 count - Height: 4.5-5 inches - Opening diameter: 2 inches

Step By Step Instructions

Filling Development
1. Beat cream cheese until completely smooth (2-3 minutes) 2. Add powdered sugar gradually until incorporated 3. Mix in vanilla until uniform Temperature should not exceed 70°F (21°C)
Cream Integration
1. Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks (peaks hold shape) 2. Fold into cream cheese mixture in three additions 3. Gently fold in diced strawberries Final mixture should be light and airy
Crunch Preparation
1. Combine graham crumbs with melted butter 2. Mix until evenly moistened 3. Add sugar and crushed freeze-dried strawberries 4. Final mixture should hold shape when pressed
Assembly Protocol
1. Fill cones to ¼ inch from rim using piping bag 2. Create slight dome on top 3. Dip into crunch mixture 4. Apply gentle pressure for adherence 5. Add additional topping as needed
Setting Specifications
1. Chill at 40°F (4°C) for minimum 30 minutes 2. Filling should be firm to touch 3. Crunch coating should remain dry and crisp

Tips for Success

Critical control points:

  • All dairy components: below 70°F (21°C)
  • Storage temperature: 40°F (4°C)
  • Filling consistency: holds soft peaks
  • Crunch coating: maintains crisp texture

Monitor moisture levels to prevent cone softening

A close-up of ice cream cones topped with whipped cream, strawberries, and crushed nuts. Pin it
A close-up of ice cream cones topped with whipped cream, strawberries, and crushed nuts. | cookingwithcasey.com

Serving and Variations

Serving temperature: 45-50°F (7-10°C)

  • Variations maintain same ratios:
  • Alternative berries: same volume
  • Dairy-free options: maintain fat content
  • Coating alternatives: equal weight substitution

Consume within 4 hours of assembly for optimal texture

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep the cones from getting soggy?

Fill cones just before serving and avoid letting them sit too long. The cheesecake filling can be made ahead and piped in when ready.

→ Can I use different fruits?

Yes, try raspberries or blueberries, just make sure to use both fresh and freeze-dried versions for best flavor and texture.

→ How do I store these?

Keep upright in a tall container in the refrigerator. Best eaten within 2-3 hours of assembly for optimal crispness.

→ Can I make the components ahead?

Yes, prepare filling and topping up to 2 days ahead. Store separately and assemble just before serving.

→ What if I can't find freeze-dried strawberries?

You can use all graham crackers for the topping, or try crushed strawberry wafer cookies for similar flavor.

Cheesecake Cones

Crispy ice cream cones filled with strawberry cheesecake mixture and topped with a crunchy graham cracker-strawberry coating.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Casey


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 8 oz cream cheese, softened.
02 1 cup powdered sugar.
03 1 tsp vanilla extract.
04 1 cup heavy whipping cream.
05 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced.
06 1 cup graham cracker crumbs.
07 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted.
08 2 tbsp sugar.
09 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed.
10 12 ice cream cones.

Instructions

Step 01

Beat cream cheese until smooth.

Step 02

Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla.

Step 03

Whip heavy cream separately until stiff.

Step 04

Fold whipped cream and strawberries into cream cheese.

Step 05

Mix graham crumbs, butter, and sugar.

Step 06

Add crushed freeze-dried strawberries.

Step 07

Fill cones with cheesecake mixture.

Step 08

Dip tops in crunch topping.

Step 09

Add extra topping for decoration.

Step 10

Chill 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. Best served within 2-3 hours of assembly.
  2. Can make components ahead and assemble later.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Storage container.
  • Piping bag (optional).

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk (cream cheese, cream).
  • Wheat (graham crackers).
  • May contain nuts (ice cream cones).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 275
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 3 g