Best Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cones Recipe

Have you ever had a dessert so fun, creamy, and crunchy that you couldn’t stop at just one bite?
If you’re craving something sweet, cold, and completely over-the-top delicious, Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cones might just become your new favorite treat. These cones are a mash-up of everything you love—cheesecake, strawberries, and that nostalgic ice cream truck-style crunch topping—all packed into a crispy cone.

Let’s take a deep dive into how to make these show-stopping Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cones at home.

What Makes Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cones So Special?

Print

This dessert is a triple threat: it’s no-bake, it’s kid-friendly, and it’s perfect for making ahead. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a fun dessert to brighten your day, these cones will wow your family and guests alike. You get the crunch of a waffle cone, the smoothness of cheesecake, the sweetness of strawberries, and the nostalgic flavor of that iconic strawberry shortcake ice cream bar.

• Total Time: 30–40 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1–2 hours
• Skill Level: Easy
• Yields: 10–12 cones

Essential Ingredients

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

• 15 Golden Oreos (or vanilla sandwich cookies)
• 1 (3 oz) box strawberry gelatin mix
• 3 tbsp melted butter

For the Cones & Garnish:

• 10–12 waffle cones
• 1 cup diced fresh strawberries or strawberry jam
• White chocolate chips or candy melts (optional, for dipping cones)
• Crushed freeze-dried strawberries (optional garnish)

Substitutions & Variations:

• No Golden Oreos? Use graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
• Dairy-free? Use coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese.
• Want a chocolate version? Swap the strawberry gelatin for chocolate pudding mix and use chocolate cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping

1. Add Golden Oreos to a food processor and pulse until crumbly.
2. Add in the strawberry gelatin mix and melted butter. Pulse a few more times until the mixture looks like sand with a reddish hue.
3. Set aside in a shallow bowl for rolling cones later.

Tip: No food processor? Place the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

Step 2: Whip the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
2. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. You want it light and airy.

Optional Tip: Add a spoonful of strawberry jam or puree into the cheesecake mix for extra strawberry flavor.

How to Assemble Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cones

1. Prep Your Cones:
   If using white chocolate or candy melts, dip the tops of the waffle cones and let them set for a few minutes.
2. Add a Strawberry Base:
   Spoon a teaspoon of strawberry jam or diced strawberries into the bottom of each cone.
3. Pipe the Cheesecake Filling:
   Transfer your cheesecake filling into a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped. Pipe the mixture into each cone, swirling it up to look like soft serve.
4. Roll in Crunch Topping:
   Carefully roll the top of each cone into the strawberry crunch mixture. Press gently so it sticks.
5. Optional Garnish:
   Add a fresh strawberry slice on top or drizzle with more jam for an extra pop.

Tips for Presentation

• Serve in a tall glass or cone stand so they stay upright.
• Sprinkle extra crunch topping over a serving plate for a decorative touch.
• Want to make it extra fancy? Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To Make Ahead:

• Prepare the cheesecake filling and crunch topping up to 2 days in advance.
• Store the filling in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
• Keep the crunch topping in an airtight container at room temperature.

To Store Assembled Cones:

• Store in the fridge upright for up to 1 day. For best texture, fill cones the same day you serve them.
• Cones will soften slightly over time from the filling.

Recipe Variations

• Mini Version: Use mini ice cream cones or sugar cones for bite-sized treats.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Cone: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling and use crushed Oreos instead of Golden Oreos.
• Tropical Twist: Add crushed pineapple to the cheesecake mixture and roll cones in toasted coconut flakes.
• Red, White & Blue: Use strawberry, blueberry, and plain layers for a festive Fourth of July treat.

Health Benefits

While this dessert is definitely an indulgence, you can make it a little lighter by:

• Using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt
• Swapping heavy cream for whipped coconut cream
• Reducing sugar by using fresh fruit and skipping the jam

Strawberries themselves are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, so you’re getting a small bonus with every bite!

Conclusion

Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cones are the kind of dessert that looks fancy, tastes amazing, and still comes together in under an hour. Whether you’re planning a summer party, a birthday bash, or a fun family night, these cones are guaranteed to steal the show.

So go ahead—grab those cones, whip up the creamy filling, roll them in that sweet crunch, and enjoy every single bite. Don’t forget to get creative with your own twist!

FAQs

Q: Can I use store-bought whipped topping instead of whipping cream?
A: Yes! You can substitute 2 cups of thawed whipped topping like Cool Whip for the homemade whipped cream.

Q: Can I freeze these cones?
A: It’s not recommended. The cones can get soggy when thawed. You can freeze the filling alone, though.

Q: What if I don’t have a piping bag?
A: A zip-top bag with the corner snipped works just as well. You can also spoon the filling in, but piping gives a cleaner look.

Q: Are these cones gluten-free?
A: Not by default, but you can make them gluten-free by using gluten-free cones and cookies.

Q: Can I use different fruits?
A: Definitely! Try raspberries, blueberries, or even mango for a tropical flavor.