“Little Debbie” Strawberry Shortcake Rolls are used to create these fun and festive Cake Pops that are sure to delight your smallest of 4th of July guests this coming holiday!
Looking for a fun and festive treat to make for your July 4th party this year?
Well, look no further! I’ve got the perfect dessert for young guests…and maybe a few of the older ones as well! Firecracker festive cake pops are super easy, and a lot of fun to make! You’ll love decorating your holiday table with this patriotic dessert!
I know it’s been a hot minute since I’ve posted a new recipe. As many of you know, or perhaps don’t, my husband had an acute stroke 6 weeks ago. It has been a life-changing event with a lot of ups and downs. We’re in the middle of rehab and trying to figure out our “new normal” (a phrase I’m truly coming to dislike…lol).
Despite all the changes, I love celebrating the 4th of July and can’t wait to celebrate this year! I wanted to create a few fun, last minute, easy recipes that would be perfect for your gatherings this year!
I hope you have as much fun as I did making these hand-held desserts.
Ingredients needed to make Firecracker Cake Pops
- 1 box- 6 count Little Debbie Strawberry Shortcake Rolls. *Please note you can use chocolate Swiss Roll Cakes as well, even “Twinkies” would work for this fun dessert. As long as the cake is tube-like.
- 1 – 10 oz. bag Ghirardelli’s white dipping chips
- ½ cup red chocolate melts
- ¼ cup blue chocolate melts
- Patriotic Sprinkles
- 2 Twizzler Watermelon, or cherry, ropes, cut into 2 inch lengths and separated halfway down.
- 6 – 5 inch bamboo treat sticks or Popsicle sticks.
How to Make Shortcake Roll Firecracker Pops
I’ll be honest, this was a trial and error “how-to” recipe. Once we figured out the right sequence, they came together quickly. If you follow these simple steps, you will easily make these fun shortcake pops!
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cake rolls from sticking to the baking sheet as you dip them in the melting chocolate.
TIP: Please note that you can use either Strawberry shortcake rolls or chocolate Swiss rolls. The strawberry cake rolls are a little tricky as they are not completely dipped in chocolate, but they do work with a little extra effort.
Remove the wrapping and paper backing from each cake roll. Place the cake rolls on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, add the 10 ounces of white melting chips. Follow the directions on the back of the package. I microwaved them on high for 30 seconds, stirred, and microwaved again for another 30 seconds. Stir until smooth.
TIP: Be sure to use hot pads to remove the bowl from the microwave. The bowl will be HOT!
Applying the Treat sticks to the cake pops
The best way to apply the treat stick to the firecracker pops is to dip the end of each shortcake roll, about 1-inch, into the melted white chocolate melts. Then dip the end of each treat stick into the melted chocolate.
Combine the two together by placing the dipped treat stick into each dipped cake roll.
Lay each cake pop onto the parchment lined baking sheet and place the baking sheet in the freezer for 10–15 minutes until the melting chocolate has set.
Assembling Firecracker Cake Pops
While the cakes are setting-up in the freezer, melt the remaining red and blue melting chips. Since these are smaller amounts of melting chips, you should only need to melt them for 30 seconds in the microwave. Stir until smooth.
TIP: You may need to re-heat the white melting chocolate for 30 seconds, if it has thickened and is getting firm.
Remove the firecracker cakes from the freezer once the white chocolate has been set.
Using a spoon or fork, drizzle the bottom of each cake, about 2 inches up from the bottom, with melted red chips. Then drizzle with blue melting chocolates.
Since the cake pops have just come out of the freezer, the melted chocolate will set quickly. You shouldn’t need to place them in the freezer again, but, if, for some reason, the drizzled chocolate melts are not setting up quickly, you can place them in the freezer for 5 minutes.
Carefully release each cake pop with a butter knife, pick up each cake pop and dip the top of each cake roll into the remaining melted white chocolate. It should just meet the drizzled red and blue chocolate.
Finishing Touches
Once dipped, place a piece of cut red twizzler in the top of each firecracker. I recommend you separate each individual rope piece before placing it in the cake pop. You only need to separate them by one inch. Do not completely pull them apart!
TIP: You may need to cut a small hole in the top of each cake to fit the twizzler piece into. Also, you may need to re-separate each strand of “Twizzler” to give it the illusion of exploding.
Finish each Firecracker by shaking some of your favorite 4th of July, red, white, and blue sprinkles over the white top of each cake. I love festive sprinkles, don’t you?
To serve, remove each cake firecracker from the parchment paper. Trim off any dipping chocolate that has run over with a pairing knife.
Serving Suggestions
Place the cake pops on a serving tray, or stand them up in jars. You can tie a cute ribbon on each treat stick at the base of each firecracker cake for a more celebratory look. They can be placed in individual cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon. So many fun and creative ways to serve this patriotic dessert.
That’s it! A fun, easy to make, no-bake 4th of July treat! Best part…the kiddo’s can carry them around at the fireworks show! I love a kid-friendly dessert! Nothing beats a little smile and a delicious treat, in pudgy little fingers, to bring me happiness!
Firecracker Cake Pops can be made a day or two, ahead of time, covered with plastic wrap, or stored in an airtight container, and kept in a cool place.
With their vibrant colors and yummy flavors, these cake pops are sure to be a hit at your Independence Day celebration. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or watching fireworks with friends and family, these patriotic pops will skyrocket your festivities.
Other 4th of July Favorite Recipes
- Choffy Black Forest Trifle Dessert Cups
- Red, White, and Blue Poke Cake
- Mini No-bake cheesecake patriotic pie
- 4th of July Eats-and-Treats Collection
- Fresh Homemade Blackberry Pie
- Red, White, and Blue Ice Cream Cake from Allrecipes.com
As always, thank you for visiting my Nest! Wishing you and those at your Nest a very happy 4th of July! I hope you brighten your dessert table with these Firecracker Cake Pops, and they help you celebrate with a delicious bang!
Happy Nesting!
Firecracker Swiss Roll Cake Pops
"Little Debbie" Strawberry Shortcake Rolls are used to create these fun and festive Cake Pops that are sure to delight your smallest of 4th of July guests this coming holiday!
Ingredients
- 1 box- 6 count Little Debbie Strawberry Shortcake Rolls*
- 1–10 oz. bag Ghirardelli's white dipping chips
- ½ cup red chocolate melts
- ¼ cup blue chocolate melts
- Patriotic Sprinkles
- 2 Twizzler Watermelon, or cherry, ropes, cut into 2 inch lengths and separated halfway down.
- 6–5 inch bamboo treat sticks or Popsicle sticks.
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Unwrap each shortcake and remove the paper backing. Place on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, add the entire 10 ounce package of white vanilla wafers. Melt in microwave on high for 30 seconds. Stir. If not completely melted, place in the microwave again for another 30 seconds. Stir until smooth.
- Dip the end of each roll in melted white wafers. Dip the end of each treat stick in the melted white wafers and insert into the dipped end of each cake. This helps "glue" the stick in place. Place back on the parchment lined baking sheet and place in the freezer for 10–15 minutes until the white chocolate is firm and set.
- While the cakes are in the freezer, place the red and blue melting wafers in small, separate, microwave-safe bowls and microwave on high for 30 seconds. Stir until smooth. If not completely melted, heat again for 15 seconds.
- Remove the cakes from the freezer. Drizzle the bottom half of each cake with red and blue melts. When the chocolate is set, dip the top of each cake pop in the melted white chocolate. Please note it may need to be reheated and melted again.
- Place a cut piece of red Twizzler in the top of each cake with each individual strand separated at the top.
- Sprinkle each cake pop with patriotic sprinkles. Once the chocolates have set, remove the cakes carefully from the parchment paper and trim any excess chocolate drizzle from the sides of each cake pop. Store in an airtight container, or wrapped in plastic wrap, in a cool place, until ready to serve. You can also wrap each firecracker cake pop individually to make it easier.
Notes
*Please note you can use chocolate Swiss Roll Cakes as well, even "Twinkies" would work for this fun dessert. As long as the cake is tube-like.
Recommended Products
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100 Pieces Patriotic Celllo Bags Independence Day 4th of July Candy Bags Goodie Bags Blue Red USA Star Cellophane Plastic Favor Bags with 100 Silver Twist Ties for American Memorial Day Party Supplies -
Patriotic Sprinkles Set, Food Grade 50g/bottle, 4th of July, Sujoygar, Independence Day Sprinkles for Cupcake Decorating, Cookie, Cake, Chocolate, Baking -
150 pcs Thick Candy Apple Sticks,Caramel Apple Sticks,5.5 Inch Long, 5mm Thick,Semi Point, Bamboo Skewers for Corn Dog, Corn Cob, Kabob, Lollipop, Grill
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 216Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 103mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 1gSugar: 21gProtein: 3g
Meet The Author
Hi! I'm Norine, the cook, baker, and recipe creator behind Norine's Nest. I love sharing and creating recipes that invite family, friends, and neighbors to gather around the dinner table. Sharing good food and creating memories with those we love brings me happiness. Thanks for stopping by my Nest!