The birthday cake hierarchy was a very real thing when I was a kid. Your party was good if you had a Funfetti cake, that’s no doubt. But if you had an ice cream cake, especially an ice cream cake from Dairy Queen, you were at the tippy top.
Did you know DQ makes sundae-sized versions of its ice cream cake? They’re called Dairy Queen cupcakes, and you don’t have to save the treat for birthdays!
How to Order Dairy Queen Cupcakes
You don’t have to worry about asking for something off the secret menu here. It’s incredibly simple to order, so we know you’ll be doing it quite a bit. Just pull up to the drive-thru window and ask for a “cupcake.”
Nope, that’s not a trick. It really is that easy!
You’ll get a personal ice cream cake that fits the season. Dairy Queen changes the frostings, colors and sprinkles for these cupcakes from season to season and possibly even from day to day. You could have yellow frosting with rainbow sprinkles today and pink frosting with star sprinkles tomorrow! The Dairy Queen treat itself is a chocolate cupcake with an “irresistible fudge and crunch center that’s surrounded by creamy vanilla and chocolate soft serve.” Delicious.
Not all Dairy Queen locations will have these cupcakes, though. DQ restaurants in the U.S. are independent franchises, meaning that owners can choose some menu items (like the cupcakes). That’s a dream job!
See what the very first Dairy Queen looked like in the 1940s.
What else is DQ keeping secret?
There’s a whole Dairy Queen secret menu, though it’s not so secret anymore. I love the Butterbeer Blizzard, a treat that mimics the popular butterscotch beverage featured in the Harry Potter books. Don’t forget about DQ classics, like the Jack and Jill sundae and the Peanut Butter Bash sundae. The Jack and Jill features hot fudge and marshmallow, while the PBB features hot fudge and peanut butter. It’s time for dessert!
Does your dog love DQ more than you? If you don’t want to share your cupcake, then here’s how to get a Dairy Queen pup cup.
Our Best DQ Copycat Recipes
Inspired by: Original Cheeseburger Signature StackburgerTwo mouthwatering burger patties stacked high with toppings like melted cheese, pickles, ketchup and mustard. Our smash burger recipe is just like DQ's Original Signature Stackburger—and maybe even better.
Inspired by: Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard TreatThese rich chocolate peanut butter shakes will make you feel as if you're sitting in your local Dairy Queen. But since you're the one whipping it up, you can add as many Reese's cups as you heart desires!
Inspired by: Pretzel Sticks with Zesty QuesoServe up warm pretzel sticks straight from the oven. Don't forget the cheese sauce! To make it zesty just like DQ's, add diced jalapenos and green chiles.
LAUREN HABERMEHL FOR TASTE OF HOME
You don't have to be a baker to make this ice cream cake for your next celebration! This ice cream cake recipe is inspired by the DQ classic—made with chocolate and vanilla ice cream, chocolate ganache and a thick layer of chocolate cookie crumbles.
Get Our Ice Cream Cake Recipe
Inspired by: Chili DogThe very thought of a hot dog dressed in chili makes us giddy. Just add slightly melted cheese to get that straight-from-the-drive-thru taste.
Inspired by: Caramel MooLatteYou can easily indulge in a MooLatte at home anytime. This copycat recipe will give you the extra caffeine to get you through your day.
Inspired by: Crispy Chicken SandwichHere's our take on the Crispy Chicken Sandwich from Dairy Queen. We know everyone says theirs is better than the original, but ours really is.
Inspired by: Banana SplitServe up this classic Dairy Queen staple at home! We promise it's not as intimidating as it looks. Top scoops of your favorite vanilla ice cream with sauce, whipped cream, strawberry slices and bananas. Sprinkle a few nuts on top for good measure, too.
Inspired by: Cheese CurdsDQ's cheese curds are the ultimate in delicious comfort food. Dip them in ranch dressing, ketchup or barbecue sauce for the full experience.
Inspired by: Strawberry SundaeA simple scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with strawberry jam makes for the perfect treat. We like adding a handful of chocolate chips and chopped nuts to our sundae.
Inspired by: Chicken Strip BasketYou can skip the drive-thru and make these golden chicken fingers in your own kitchen. They're finger-licking good!
Inspired by: Strawberry ShakeNo matter what the temperature is outside, there's nothing quite like a cool strawberry shake to finish a meal. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream for the finishing touch.
Inspired by: Onion RingsThese Dairy Queen-inspired onion rings are a healthy alternative to the deep-fried version. But don't worry, they're still as crispy as ever!
Inspired by: Mint Chip ShakeYup, we even have a copycat recipe for DQ's latest (and limited time) release: their Mint Chip Shake! Ours even uses up a handful of Thin Mints...talk about yum.
Inspired by: Hot Fudge SundaeOur hot fudge sauce always turns out smooth and yummy—just like DQ's. The dark chocolate flavor, with a hint of rum extract, is not overly sweet but will still satisfy a chocoholic's cravings when served over vanilla ice cream.
Inspired by: Cherry Misty FreezeBlend together a homemade Cherry Misty Freeze for a cool and refreshing treat. It's sure to hit the spot on both warm and cool days alike.
