Dairy Queen menu prices continue to increase and I’m all about finding ways to save. Thankfully, I’ve just discovered an incredible Dairy Queen menu hack: Dairy Queen cupcakes have the exact same ingredients as their ice cream cakes.
A full-size DQ cake averages around $30 and feeds 8 - 10 people. When I'm craving an ice cream cake, I don't always have the extra cash (or extra space in my freezer) to get a full cake. That's why I love this hack — I can still enjoy an ice cream cake treat, but at a more affordable, single-serving price.
This is one of my favorite Dairy Queen deals — along with ordering a $7 meal deal (the best value on the menu, in my opinion) and getting a free ice cream on Free Cone Day.
Here’s everything you need to know about the single-serving Dairy Queen cupcakes.
For more smart shopping tips and savings hacks, text HACKS to 57299, and be sure to download the Krazy Coupon Lady app.
What is a Dairy Queen Cupcake?
A Dairy Queen cupcake is an individually-sized or single-serve portion of a regular DQ Cake. It starts with a layer of chocolate soft serve, followed by a blast of their signature cold fudge core and cake crunchies in the middle. Then, it’s topped off with vanilla soft serve, the icing of your choice — and of course, those confetti sprinkles. Some Dairy Queen locations even offer options like Smiley Face and Blue Rose cupcakes, too!
How Much Is a Cupcake?
We called Dairy Queen locations across the country and learned that the average price of a single-serving DQ Cupcake is $3.19. If we compare that to the per-serving price of the 8-inch ice cream cake — the cupcakes are more expensive.
Let's break it down. Dairy Queen's full-size ice cream cakes feed 8 - 10 people, and at the $29.99 price point, that works out to $2.99 per serving. At $3.19, the cupcakes are around $0.20 more expensive.
For $0.20 more, I am perfectly content with a single-serve portion in its own cup. But if you are feeding a crowd, the 8-inch DQ cake is a better value.
Note: Prices for DQ cakes and cupcakes vary widely by location. Check pricing in your area for a more accurate price comparison.
How to Get a Dairy Queen Cupcake
If you’re on DairyQueen.com, you won’t find cupcakes by clicking the “Menu” or “Location” options. Instead, you’ll find them by proceeding as if you’re placing an order for a large cake. Here are the steps you need to follow to get yours:
Go to dairyqueen.com and click “DQ Cakes.”
Select “Order Now.”
Enter your zip code.
Choose the closest location that says “Order a Custom Cake.”
If it displays an option for “DQ Cupcakes,” click it and select the cupcake you want to order.
Pro Tip: note that a few DQ locations — like Old Tappan, New Jersey and Newark, Delaware — request a lead time of two days for cupcake orders.
What If My Store Doesn’t Sell Dairy Queen Cupcakes?
It’s true that not all Dairy Queen locations can create the cupcakes. If you follow the instructions above and can’t find a local DQ that offers them — you may be out of luck. But, not all hope is lost! If they do make ice cream cakes in-house, you still have a chance to score this single-serve dessert.
Just like some retired Blizzard flavors, you can try to order it by asking to see if a DQ staffer knows how to make one for you. Many locations already have the necessary ingredients, even if it’s not on the menu.
And if they aren’t sure how to make one, you can read off this list of ingredients. Or, to make their job easier, you can even write it down on paper before you head to the store.
Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cupcake Recipe
Chocolate soft serve base
Cold fudge core
Cake crunch core
Vanilla soft serve top
Frosting garnish
Confetti-quin sprinkles
Pro Tip: On busier days, I’d recommend calling in advance and placing your order, especially because newer employees might not know how to make them.