Preheat oven and mix cake mix according to package instructions.

Evenly divide the cake mix into three separate bowls. Set one bowl aside. In one bowl, mix in half the red gelatin mix. Stir to combine. In the other bowl, mix one half of the blue gelatin mix. Stir to combine.

Prepare your ice cream cones by placing one cone in each cup of a muffin pan. Secure the cones in the pan by crinkling a strip of aluminum foil around the bottom of each cone to create a nest.

Pour one tablespoon full of blue cake mix in the bottom of the cone. Use a small spoon or toothpick to smooth the cake mix to create an even layer. Repeat this step with the white cake mix and red cake mix.

 Make sure not to fill the cones more than ¾ of the way full of cake mix.

Bake the cupcakes according to the cake mix’s instructions for baking a batch of cupcakes.

Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before adding the icing.

To make the icing, whip together the shortening and vanilla in the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment. Slowly mix in the powdered sugar and milk, alternating between the two ingredients until a thick icing forms.

Using a large star tip, create an ice cream swirl on top of each cone. Top with red, white, and blue star sprinkles.