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Need a last minute dessert for 4th of July? Make Ka-Boom Kakes.

July 1, 2012 This post may contain affiliate links.

Looking for a quick and simple dessert to make for your patriotic party? These Ka-Boom Kakes are perfect for 4th of July, Labor Day, or any other holiday you choose, and they’re a blast to make!

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 though, 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?

Ka-Boom Kakes (Firecracker Cakes)

Ingredients:

Little Debbie Strawberry Shortcake Rolls (or any other cake roll)
white frosting
red gel food coloring
green gel food coloring
licorice laces

Supplies:

metal cooking rack
parchment or wax paper lined baking sheet

Instructions:

Color some white frosting with red gel coloring. Add one drop of green coloring to create a deeper shade of red. Heat frosting in microwave just to thin it out. I used about 1/2 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 cakes, covering the top entirely. Insert a piece of black licorice into one end for the wick. Allow to dry for about an hour. Carefully remove them using a long knife or offset spatula.

Leave some of your firecracker cakes whole, and cut others too 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.

Items used for this project that can be found on Amazon.com (commission earned for sales)

 

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

Make fun 4th of July recipes for your party or picnic. These red, white and blue desserts and appetizers will make your guests

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Filed Under: 4th of July Recipes, Kid's Treats Tagged With: Cake, holiday food, Summer

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Previous Post: « Patriotic Red, White and Blue Fudge Stars for the 4th of July
Next Post: How to make Peanut Butter Puppies using Nutter Butter Cookies »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anonymous

    July 4, 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 4, 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 2, 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 3, 2012 at 3:17 pm

    These are so fun. Love them!

    Reply
  5. tyalynn

    July 3, 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 3, 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 3, 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 2, 2012 at 6:23 pm

    Such a brilliant and adorable idea!

    Mal @ The Chic Geek

    Reply
  8. Erin

    July 2, 2012 at 4:41 pm

    These are so cool! Great idea!

    Reply
  9. Mama Jodi

    July 2, 2012 at 6:22 am

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

    Reply
  10. The Partiologist

    July 1, 2012 at 9:37 pm

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

    Reply
  11. CuteEverything.com

    July 1, 2012 at 8:39 pm

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

    Reply
  12. sugarswings

    July 1, 2012 at 4:18 pm

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

    Reply
  13. Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust

    July 1, 2012 at 2:53 pm

    That's such a great easy idea! 🙂

    Reply
  14. Jill @ KitchenFunWithMy3Sons.com

    July 1, 2012 at 2:50 pm

    These are really cute Beth!

    Reply
  15. Brandi

    July 1, 2012 at 11:32 am

    You are so creative. Such a fun idea!

    Reply

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