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!
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?
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
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.
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.
If you're looking for other 4th of July Recipes, click the link and explore all my other Independence Day-inspired food.
- Irresistible Sweets with Dixie Crystals® - July 13, 2024
- How to make peanut butter? - February 15, 2024
- OREO Penguins - December 20, 2023
Anonymous says
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.
beth says
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.
SensiblySara says
I love how fun these are!
Cheryl @ Sew Can Do says
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:)
Lora says
These are so fun. Love them!
tyalynn says
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?
Beth Jackson Klosterboer says
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.
Karen @ Sugartown Sweets says
I know I've said this before..but, you come up with the absolute best ideas!! Love how easy this is. Happy 4th! 🙂
Mal says
Such a brilliant and adorable idea!Mal @ The Chic Geek
Erin says
These are so cool! Great idea!
Mama Jodi says
This is so clever. What a fun idea with a great result.
The Partiologist says
Love these little cakes - so easy and SUPER CUTE!!
CuteEverything.com says
Great idea and easy, too! Thanks for sharing, I pinned it.
sugarswings says
what a cute idea! looks just like a little fire cracker 🙂
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
That's such a great easy idea! 🙂
Jill @ KitchenFunWithMy3Sons.com says
These are really cute Beth!
Brandi says
You are so creative. Such a fun idea!