Exploding Firecracker Cakes
The Starving Chef
Filled with exploding candies, these firecrackers pop with sweet flavor.
Prep Time 2 hours hrs
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Cooling Time 4 hours hrs
Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Summer
Cuisine Fourth of July
- 1 box white cake mix
- 4 packets Pop Rocks
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup water
- 1 strip black licorice cut into "fuses"
- 1-2 tablespoons food coloring red & blue
- 1 cup white icing in piping bag
Preheat the oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt and water (trust me - I know it sounds weird!) then stir in the cake mix until a thick batter forms. Spread the batter evenly into three cake pans lined with foil and greased with oil. Bake for 12-15 minutes until cooked through and just barely browning on top.
Let the cakes cool completely. Transfer to the freezer and chill for at least 1-2 hours. Use the 1.5 round circle cutter to cut out ~12 circles from each color of cake. Use the 1/2 inch circle cutter to cut out the center of all but a third of the cakes (to be used as the bases). Keep the center cut out 'plugs.' Chill for at least 1-2 hours.
Use the bag of icing to pipe a thin line around a piece of cake to be used as the base of a firecracker. Place a different color on top and press down gently to secure the cake pieces together. Pipe another line of icing around the open center of the cake and place another color on top an secure. Repeat with the remaining red, white and blue pieces, stacking in alternating colors as desired. Chill until ready to serve.
Wait to add the pop rocks until very last to ensure they keep their popping power. Use a funnel to help pour the pop rocks into the empty cake 'shells' until full - leave enough room to add the plugs. Press the plug into the top of the cake and add a short strip of black licorice as the 'fuse.' Serve immediately and enjoy. Have a happy fourth of July!
Keyword cake, cake pops, July 4th