Every year around the 4th of July, I have to make these Firecracker Cupcakes. They’ve basically become a tradition in our house—because they’re just so dang FUN.
Are you looking for a fun Fourth of July dessert? Try my EASY Patriotic Fruit Tart!
When I see other fireworks cupcakes recipe on Pinterest or other social media I get excited… until I click over and see that it is simply decorative july firecracker cupcakes. As in, it’s NOT exploding in your mouth stuff. Bummer! I want a firecracker in my mouth AND a pretty cupcake. So, I took matters into my own hands with these cupcakes.
They’re gooey. They’re spicy. They POP in your mouth. And if you serve them to unsuspecting guests, the reactions are hilarious. Watching people try these for the first time? Easily one of my favorite holiday party moments.
These cupcakes are quite simple and a great Fourth of July dessert. In fact, my daughter did a good majority of the baking! They are gooey, spicy, and fun to eat because they taste like Red Hot candies dipped in Pop Rocks. My kids were nuts over them and I continue to make them often. Honestly, I loved them too…so fun! But, be aware…the flavor mostly comes from the frosting…not the cupcakes! Don’t skip the frosting! Or the Pop Rocks.
Now listen… the hardest part of this recipe is honestly tracking down the Pop Rocks. I usually grab them on Amazon ahead of time (pro tip: buy extra so you’re not scrambling next year). You can sometimes find them at local candy stores, but they tend to disappear fast once summer hits.
Also—don’t skip this tip: let the cupcakes cool completely before adding the Pop Rocks. Otherwise, the heat and moisture will melt them before they even make it to someone’s mouth. (Learned that one the hard way.)
They’re just the right mix of sweet, spicy, and totally ridiculous—and every kid (and adult who acts like one) is going to love them.
So if you’re looking for something different this Fourth of July, grab some red hots, a few packets of Pop Rocks, and let the sugar-fueled fireworks begin! 🎆
Pop Rocks Firecracker Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup red hot candies, crushed
- pop rocks
Firecracker frosting
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon cream or milk
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cloves
- 2 drops hot sauce
Instructions
For cupcakes
- Prepare a package of white cake mix (or homemade!) according to the box cake mix directions for cupcakes.
- Add 1 cup of crushed red hot candies to the cake batter right before pouring the batter into the cupcake pans.Tip: spray the cupcake liners to help them come off the cake better. These are gooey!
- Bake according to package directions.
For frosting
- Use your hand mixer to beat the butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl at medium speed until fluffy.
- Add the rest of the frosting ingredients to the sugar and butter. Beat together, on low speed, an additional 2 minutes.If desired, more cinnamon and hot sauce can be added to increase heat.
To assemble:
- Scoop out the center of the cooled cupcakes…set the cake aside.
- Pour Pop Rocks into the center of the cupcake and top with the cupcake you set aside (this is to avoid having the frosting touch the Pop Rocks directly – to keep them fresh)
- Frost the cooled cupcakes.
- Dip the frosted tops in Pop Rocks (or simply sprinkle the Pop Rocks on top)
Nutrition
Tip: These are fun to add star sprinkles, metallic cupcake toppers, or patriotic cupcake liners to!
No, I don’t. I make sure that the cake is cooled before adding them. Because the cake is dry the pop rocks won’t pop. The very top ones that touch the frosting probably do. But, not the others. Yes, I have made them ahead of time with no problems!
Do you have any problem with the pop rocks popping when added to the frosting? Or do they stay intact until eaten? Can they be made ahead of time?
These look like a party in my mouth kind of cupcake, yum!
Ha!! Yep…packed with gluten!
these are so clever!!! what a fun treat. :)