I scream, you scream, and we all scream for ice cream nachos! The frugal fun way of turning your broken cones into a new dessert that the kids (and you) will love!
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How many times do you open a box of ice cream cones only to find that they've been crushed? Well, now your dreams don't have to be crushed along with it.
With this super simple and fun ice cream recipe, you can turn those broken cones into a dessert that will have you licking the plate clean.
These aren't like the Buffalo Wild Wing Dessert Nachos, where they're served with cinnamon sugar chips (although you could totally do that with these Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips).
These Ice Cream Nachos are more like a deconstructed ice cream sundae, so they're loaded with your favorite ice cream sauces and toppings.
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💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's great for broken cones. We like to use pizzelle cookies or broken ice cream cones, depending on which we have on hand. During the summer, it's broken cones, and in winter, we buy pizzelle cookies from Aldi. Yum.
- You can customize it. Make your ice cream sundae however you want! Want chocolate ice cream? Vanilla? Both? Go for it! And don't forget all of the best sundae toppings while you're at it.
- It's unique and fun. Everyone's had a bowl of ice cream or an ice cream cone, but imagine the look of surprise on the kid's faces when they see plated ice cream! My kids still get excited whenever they see them, haha.
🛒 Ingredients
Broken ice cream cones- You can use broken ice cream cones or pizzelle cookies for the "chips" in these nachos. Have cones that aren't broken? Make some Ice Cream Cone Brownies and Microwave Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes.
Ice cream- Use your favorite ice cream in this recipe. You can even use homemade ice creams like Peanut Butter Mason Jar Ice Cream, Chocolate Mason Jar Ice Cream, and Strawberry Mason Jar Ice Cream.
Chocolate syrup- This is a great topping for those of us who enjoy chocolate.
Whipped cream- Whipped cream on an ice cream Sunday is always welcomed.
See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
Broken Cones or Cookies. Use broken waffle cones, sugar cones, or pizzelle cookies. Oreos, Nilla wafers, or gingersnaps work too.
Ice Cream Options. Use store-brand ice cream, homemade mason jar ice cream, or dairy-free alternatives.
Toppings. Swap chocolate syrup for caramel, strawberry sauce, or fresh fruit like bananas or berries.
💰 Budget-Friendly Tips
Use the Broken Cones. Save money by using the cracked cones from the box instead of buying new ones.
Choose Store Brands. Store brand ice cream, syrup, and whipped cream taste great here and stretch the budget.
Bulk With Fruit. Add bananas or frozen fruit to increase servings without using extra ice cream.
Clear Out Extras. This dessert is perfect for using up leftover snacks and toppings you already have on hand.
🥄 Instructions for Ice Cream Nachos
Step 1: Take your broken ice cream cone pieces and place them in an even layer on a plate.
Step 2: Top with a scoop or two of your favorite ice cream.
Step 3: Drizzle in chocolate syrup.
Step 4: Add a dollop of whipped cream in the middle.
Step 5: Garnish with a sprinkling of your favorite Jimmie sprinkles.
Step 6: Add a cherry on top for the final touch.
Serve and enjoy!
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Kid-Friendly Treat: This Ice Cream Nachos dessert is ideal for children's parties or sleepovers, offering a fun and interactive way to enjoy ice cream.
- Serve Fresh: It's best to prepare and enjoy this dessert in the same sitting to ensure the cookies remain crisp and the ice cream stays cold, avoiding any sogginess.
- Customize Your Creation: Get creative and mix and match toppings, cones, and ice cream flavors to tailor the dessert to your preferences and create a truly delightful treat.
❄️ Make Ahead
Make Ahead. Break cones and prep toppings ahead of time. Assemble right before serving so everything stays crisp.
🥗 Side Dishes or Pairing Ideas
Serve Ice Cream Nachos with hot cocoa, root beer floats, milkshakes, banana splits, a fruit tray, or a plate of simple cookies.
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❓ Recipe FAQs
Popular toppings for ice cream include hot fudge sauce, caramel sauce, whipped cream, crushed nuts, maraschino cherries, sprinkles, and chocolate chips.
Creative variations include using churro chips, Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips, mini donuts, or even waffle cone chips for ice cream nachos as the base.
These nachos pair well with a variety of ice cream flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, mint chocolate chip, and caramel. The choice is based on personal preference.
🍽️ More Recipes You'll Love
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🐝 If you tried Ice Cream Nachos, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your buzz in the 💬 comments below. I'd truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
Ice Cream Nachos
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup ice cream cones, broken - ($0.62)
- 2 scoops ice cream - ($0.84)
- 3 tablespoons chocolate syrup - ($0.18)
- ¼ cup whipped cream - ($0.16)
- 1 tablespoon sprinkles - ($0.16)
- 1 maraschino cherry - ($0.02)
Instructions
- Assemble base. Arrange the broken ice cream cone pieces in an even layer on a plate or shallow bowl.
- Add ice cream. Place one or two scoops of ice cream on top of the cones.
- Add toppings. Drizzle the chocolate syrup over the ice cream, then add a dollop of whipped cream in the center.
- Garnish. Sprinkle with sprinkles and top with a maraschino cherry.
- Serve. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Substitutions. Replace broken cones with pizzelle cookies or broken cookies such as Oreos, gingersnaps, or vanilla wafers.
- Flavor variations. Use caramel sauce, fruit syrups, or sliced bananas or strawberries for variety.
- Customization. Mix and match cone types, ice cream flavors, and toppings for a personalized dessert.
Nutritional Information
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