Description
This Copycat Dairy Queen Crunch Cone recipe recreates the iconic crunchy topping made from caramelized sugar, roasted peanuts, and colorful sprinkles, perfect for garnishing vanilla ice cream cones for an authentic Dairy Queen experience at home.
Ingredients
Crunch Cone Topping
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups unsalted roasted peanuts, crushed
- 1 1/4 cup Betty Crocker rainbow sprinkles
Serving
- Vanilla ice cream in cake cones, for serving
Instructions
- Dissolve the sugar: In a sauté pan over medium heat, combine the water and granulated sugar. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon until the sugar has completely dissolved into the water.
- Caramelize the sugar: Allow the sugar mixture to cook without stirring until the edges start to brown and the bubbling slows down. Carefully swirl the pan to evenly cook the sugar until it reaches a light yellow caramel color. Be vigilant to avoid burning.
- Add peanuts: Stir in the crushed roasted peanuts gently to coat them evenly with the caramelized sugar mixture.
- Cool the mixture: Immediately spread the hot peanut mixture onto a Silpat-lined sheet tray in a thin, even layer. Allow it to cool and harden completely at room temperature.
- Break into pieces: Once cooled, transfer the peanut brittle to a Ziploc bag and crush with a mallet or rolling pin until the pieces are finely broken down to sprinkle-sized bits.
- Mix with sprinkles: Toss the crushed peanut brittle with the rainbow sprinkles to combine evenly. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.
- Serve: Spoon the crunchy topping generously onto vanilla ice cream served in cake cones and enjoy your homemade Dairy Queen crunch cone.
Notes
- Be cautious while working with hot sugar as it can cause burns.
- Ensure peanuts are unsalted to avoid an overly salty topping.
- Use a Silpat or parchment paper for easy removal of the brittle after cooling.
- Store the crunchy mixture in an airtight container for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.
- This topping is naturally gluten-free, but always check sprinkles and other ingredients if you have strict dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert Topping
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
