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    Home » Cute Food » Kid's Treats

    Firecracker Cakes

    Published: Jul 1, '12 · Modified: Sep 7, '23 · By: Beth Klosterboer · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Looking for a quick and simple dessert to make for your patriotic party? These Firecracker Cakes are perfect for the 4th of July, Labor Day, or any other holiday you choose, and they're a blast to make!

    firecracker cakes

    Although I find fireworks appealing, my dogs hate all those loud explosions and whistles. Firecrackers are especially annoying to their sensitive ears. I have to admit, I'm not a fan of them myself. To hear tons of little explosions going off all around my neighborhood makes me want to go run and hide under the bed too. Happily, those little explosives do make for a super easy edible craft.

    Fourth of July is in the middle of the week, so I know a lot of you will be rushed to get food prepared for your holiday party.  

    So, to help you out, I created some super simple Ka-Boom Kakes. I coated Little Debbie's Strawberry Shortcake Rolls in red frosting and attached a licorice wick to make them look like firecrackers. That's it. They are that simple. Don't ya love it?

    snack cake firecrackers coated in red candy melts with black licorice lace fuse.

    Firecracker Cakes - Ka-Boom Kakes 

    Ingredients:

    Little Debbie Strawberry Shortcake Rolls (or any other cake roll)
    white frosting - I used a tub of store-bought frosting.
    red gel food coloring
    green gel food coloring
    licorice laces

    Supplies

    metal cooking rack
    parchment or wax paper lined baking sheet

    Instructions

    pouring red glaze over Little Debbie Strawberry Snack Cake Rolls.

    Color some white frosting with red gel coloring. Add one drop of green coloring to create a deeper shade of red.

    Heat the frosting in the microwave just to thin it out. I used about ½ cup of frosting and heated it for 10 seconds, then stirred it and heated it for another 8 seconds. You want it thin and pourable.

    Unwrap and set Strawberry Shortcake Rolls on a metal cooling rack. Pour red frosting over the cakes, covering the top entirely.

    Insert a piece of black licorice into one end for the wick. Allow the cakes to dry for about an hour. Carefully remove them using a long knife or offset spatula.

    2 whole firecracker cakes and one cut in half.

    Leave some of your firecracker cakes whole, and cut others to look like they have exploded. If you want to embellish them, you can add small star-shaped sprinkles or polka dots while the frosting is still wet.

    To get a bit more fancy, you can add stripes using modeling chocolate, fondant, or even fruit roll-ups.

    Have a happy 4th of July.

    fun 4th of July desserts and appetizers including red, white, and blue rice krispie treat stars, a patriotic cake, a star-topped chicken dip, and more.

    If you're looking for other 4th of July Recipes, click the link and explore all my other Independence Day-inspired food.

    SaveSave

    • Author
    • Recent Posts
    Beth Klosterboer
    Beth Klosterboer
    Hi, I'm Beth Jackson Klosterboer, a professional chocolatier & baker, cookbook author, and event planner. I love sharing recipes for happy occasions here on Hungry Happenings. I also create easy fudge recipes to share at HowToMakeEasyFudge.com, rice krispie treat recipes at HowToMakeCerealTreats.com, and easy cookie recipes at HowToMakeEasyCookies.com
    Beth Klosterboer
    Latest posts by Beth Klosterboer (see all)
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    1. Anonymous

      July 04, 2014 at 8:28 pm

      I just tried these for the 4th. I do not have any cooking experience at all, I just randomly get the urge to be crafty and go with it. They certainly didn't look like the picture and I probably made what were basic mistakes, But I did enjoy making them, and I'm hoping the kids at our party will like them too.

      Reply
      • beth

        July 04, 2014 at 8:59 pm

        I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed making the Kaboom Kakes. I'm sure the kids will love them. I'm sure you did a great job. Everything in the kitchen takes a bit of practice! Happy 4th of July.

        Reply
    2. SensiblySara

      July 02, 2013 at 1:13 pm

      I love how fun these are!

      Reply
    3. Cheryl @ Sew Can Do

      July 11, 2012 at 1:31 pm

      So fun looking! You've been featured at this week's Craftastic Party. Stop by & grab a Featured On button. Thanks for linking to Craftastic Monday at Sew Can Do:)

      Reply
    4. Lora

      July 03, 2012 at 3:17 pm

      These are so fun. Love them!

      Reply
    5. tyalynn

      July 03, 2012 at 5:53 am

      did you use regular buttercream frosting for these? It looks like fondant so I wondered if I should use buttercream melted, or if you used poured fondant?

      Reply
      • Beth Jackson Klosterboer

        July 03, 2012 at 12:27 pm

        I actually used Duncan Hines Vanilla frosting and heated it up and poured it over the cakes. When it hardens it has the look of royal icing but is still soft to eat.

        Reply
    6. Karen @ Sugartown Sweets

      July 03, 2012 at 3:48 am

      I know I've said this before..but, you come up with the absolute best ideas!! Love how easy this is. Happy 4th! 🙂

      Reply
    7. Mal

      July 02, 2012 at 6:23 pm

      Such a brilliant and adorable idea!

      Mal @ The Chic Geek

      Reply
    8. Erin

      July 02, 2012 at 4:41 pm

      These are so cool! Great idea!

      Reply
    9. Mama Jodi

      July 02, 2012 at 6:22 am

      This is so clever. What a fun idea with a great result.

      Reply
    10. The Partiologist

      July 01, 2012 at 9:37 pm

      Love these little cakes - so easy and SUPER CUTE!!

      Reply
    11. CuteEverything.com

      July 01, 2012 at 8:39 pm

      Great idea and easy, too! Thanks for sharing, I pinned it.

      Reply
    12. sugarswings

      July 01, 2012 at 4:18 pm

      what a cute idea! looks just like a little fire cracker 🙂

      Reply
    13. Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust

      July 01, 2012 at 2:53 pm

      That's such a great easy idea! 🙂

      Reply
    14. Jill @ KitchenFunWithMy3Sons.com

      July 01, 2012 at 2:50 pm

      These are really cute Beth!

      Reply
    15. Brandi

      July 01, 2012 at 11:32 am

      You are so creative. Such a fun idea!

      Reply

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    Beth Jackson Klosterboer

    Welcome to Hungry Happenings!

    I'm Beth. I've been a professional chocolatier & baker for over 30 years, have written 5 cookbooks, and love creating fun food for holidays and special occasions.

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