If you grew up dreaming about those classic chocolate-dipped Drumstick cones, this Drumstick Pie is about to make your dessert fantasies a reality! It’s got a buttery, golden crust layered with creamy vanilla ice cream, chocolate ganache, and a finishing sprinkle of peanuts and crunchy cone pieces—bringing every element of the beloved ice cream treat to your table in the most joyful dessert pie form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nostalgic Flavors: This Drumstick Pie captures the magic of a classic ice cream truck treat and transforms it into a shareable, crowd-pleasing pie.
- Effortlessly Impressive: It’s stunning enough for celebrations but shockingly simple to assemble—no baking required!
- Crunchy, Creamy Contrast: Every bite is an addictive mix of crispy crust, silky ice cream, and decadent chocolate.
- Freezer-Friendly: Drumstick Pie can be made ahead for parties and stores beautifully for sweet snacking all week long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Drumstick Pie is that each ingredient plays a starring role in creating the crave-worthy texture and flavor you remember. Everything is easy to find, yet together, they’re pure dessert magic—so don’t skip a thing!
- Sugar cones, finely crushed: These make the crust taste unmistakably like a Drumstick cone—make sure to crush them very fine for the best texture.
- Graham crackers, crushed: They add a little sweetness and structure to the crust, giving it a toasty, buttery snap.
- Salted butter: Melted butter binds the crust and balances all the sweet flavors with a subtle, savory note.
- Vanilla ice cream, softened: The classic drumstick filling, creamy and cool—let it sit out just enough to easily spread.
- Heavy cream: Heated briefly, it turns your chocolate chips into a pourable ganache that’s luxuriously smooth.
- Chocolate chips: The “magic shell” topping—melted with cream, it becomes fudgy and rich.
- Chopped peanuts (optional): For sprinkling, just like the classic cone.
- Sugar cone pieces (optional): Extra crunch and those unmistakable nostalgic vibes on top.
Variations
Part of the fun with making a Drumstick Pie is how customizable it is—you can remix and adapt this recipe to fit whatever you’re craving or whoever you’re serving, and it’ll never lose its playful, ice cream stand spirit.
- Mix up the ice cream: Swap vanilla for chocolate, caramel, or even a swirl of peanut butter or strawberry for your own signature twist.
- Use different chocolates: Try milk chocolate, white chocolate, or a dark chocolate ganache for a new flavor profile on top.
- Go nut-free: Skip the peanuts and sprinkle with crushed pretzels, mini M&Ms, or dried fruit pieces for extra fun.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free cones and graham crackers to make sure everyone can enjoy a slice.
How to Make Drumstick Pie
Step 1: Crush and Mix the Crust
Start by crushing your sugar cones and graham crackers until they’re as fine as beach sand—this helps the crust hold together and gives it a satisfying crunch. Pour in the melted, slightly cooled butter, mixing until every crumb is glossy and golden.
Step 2: Press and Chill the Crust
Firmly press the crust mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 10-inch springform pan. Use a flat glass or measuring cup to pack it tightly, then pop it in the freezer while you get the filling ready. This step makes sure everything stays crisp when you serve your Drumstick Pie.
Step 3: Layer with Softened Ice Cream
Spoon the softened vanilla ice cream onto the frozen crust and gently smooth it with an offset spatula. Don’t worry about perfection—just aim for an even, fluffy layer, then tuck it right back into the freezer while you whip up the chocolate ganache.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache
Microwave the heavy cream until hot but not bubbling, then pour it over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let the mixture sit for a minute, then whisk gently until you have a silky, shiny ganache that’s thick but still pourable.
Step 5: Top, Decorate, and Freeze
Pour the ganache evenly over the ice cream and immediately scatter on chopped peanuts and crunchy sugar cone pieces. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze the whole Drumstick Pie for at least 3 hours—you want it very firm for perfect slices at serving time!
Pro Tips for Making Drumstick Pie
- Crush It Finely: For the sturdiest, easiest-to-slice crust, use a food processor or rolling pin to get your sugar cones and graham crackers as fine as possible.
- Soft Ice Cream Is Key: Let your ice cream soften just enough to spread—it makes for a luscious, even layer without melting all over the crust.
- Chill Every Layer: Always pop your pie in the freezer between steps (after crust, after ice cream, after chocolate) so each layer sets up perfectly and stays distinct.
- Perfect Slicing: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry before each cut—the slices will be clean, neat, and irresistibly tempting.
How to Serve Drumstick Pie
Garnishes
A final flourish on your Drumstick Pie is half the fun—scatter on extra chopped peanuts, drizzle with a little caramel sauce, or add mini chocolate chips for extra sparkle. You can even nestle in some extra sugar cone pieces right before serving for a dramatic, crunchy crown.
Side Dishes
This pie is a showstopper all on its own, but if you’re serving it at a party, fresh berries or a tangy fruit salad make a bright, refreshing contrast to all the creamy sweetness. For true summer vibes, pair each slice with a tall glass of cold brew or sparkling lemonade.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut Drumstick Pie into bars for an easy-to-eat treat at picnics, or go mini by making individual portions in muffin tins for parties. Garnish each serving with a mini sugar cone or a few colorful sprinkles to bring out everyone’s inner kid!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep your Drumstick Pie right in the springform pan in the freezer. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, with the crust just as crisp and the chocolate still luscious.
Freezing
For longer storage, slice the pie and freeze individual pieces separated by parchment paper in an airtight container. This way, you can treat yourself to a perfect slice of Drumstick Pie whenever the craving hits—no thawing required!
Reheating
No reheating necessary for this treat—but if you like your ice cream a touch softer, just let your slice sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. The ganache will get slightly glossy, and the pie will be irresistibly creamy.
FAQs
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Can I make Drumstick Pie ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! Drumstick Pie is actually best when made a day in advance. Just keep it well wrapped in the freezer until you’re ready to serve, then garnish right before slicing to show off that gorgeous topping.
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What’s the best way to crush sugar cones and graham crackers?
The quickest way is to use a food processor and pulse them to fine crumbs. If you don’t have one, seal both in a sturdy zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin for a similar effect—just make sure there are no large chunks left for a sturdy crust.
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Can I use store-bought chocolate sauce instead of making ganache?
You can, but homemade ganache gives a richer, more classic “Drumstick” finish. If you’re short on time, a thick chocolate fudge topping (not syrup) will work in a pinch, though you may miss out on that creamy, dreamy ganache texture.
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How do I slice Drumstick Pie cleanly?
For sharp, bakery-style slices, run a large knife under hot water and wipe it dry between each cut. This melts right through the chocolate and ice cream, giving you picture-perfect wedges every time.
Final Thoughts
This Drumstick Pie is as much fun to make as it is to eat, and every creamy-crunchy bite brings a rush of childhood joy. So gather your favorite people, make a big batch, and prepare to watch this dessert disappear at lightning speed—because this is a summer classic everyone will ask for again and again!
PrintDrumstick Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 10-inch pie (10 servings) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frozen
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of this Drumstick Pie, a delightful frozen treat that combines the crunch of sugar cones with creamy vanilla ice cream and decadent chocolate ganache.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 6 sugar cones, finely crushed
- 3 cups graham crackers, crushed
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 5 cups vanilla ice cream, softened
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Optional Toppings:
- 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup sugar cone pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Combine melted butter, crushed graham crackers, and crushed sugar cones. Press into a springform pan.
- Layer the Filling: Spread softened ice cream over the crust and chill in the freezer.
- Make the Chocolate Ganache: Heat cream, pour over chocolate chips, and stir until smooth. Pour over the pie.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle crushed cone pieces and chopped peanuts over the pie.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and chill the pie for at least 3 hours before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure crumbs are fine for a sturdy crust.
- Allow freezing time of at least 3 hours for proper setting.
- For softer ice cream, let the pie sit for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg