Name: Firecracker Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American

Cake Mix Recipes Verified

February 6, 2026

This Firecracker Cake is super fun and easy and perfect for the 4th of July! This recipe uses red, white and blue Jello along with cake mix to make a fun and festive treat. It’s a unique dessert perfect for summer gatherings since it’s served chilled. Perfect for 4th of July or Memorial Day celebrations!

From the Cook

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Firecracker Cake

Cake Mix Recipes Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 5 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Bake cake according to package directions in a 13×9 inch pan. Allow to cool completely.

With a drinking straw poke even rows of holes across the cake. I did 12 rows of 15.

Dissolve the blue Jello in ¾ cup of boiling water. Fill the holes in every other row with the dissolved blue Jello. You can carefully pour or spoon it in, or use a dropper or syringe to be more precise.

Repeat with the red Jello filling the empty rows of holes.

Cover the cake and place it in the fridge overnight or for at least 8-10 hours.

Once the cake has cooled it is time to make the frosting.

This frosting is like a thick and sturdy whipped cream. It is light and creamy like whipped cream but will hold up on a frosted cake in the fridge for a few days.

Like whipped cream it needs to be made with cold ingredients and works best if the bowl it is being made in is cold too. You can place the mixing bowl in the freezer for about 15-30 minutes before making the icing.

In the chilled bowl cream together cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar until well mixed and light and fluffy. With the mixer on low/med slowly pour in the whipping cream and mix until well incorporated and smooth.

Turn the mixer to high and whip until stiff peaks form.

Spread evenly across the top of the cake or pipe it on with an icing bag. Sprinkle red white and blue sprinkles.

Keep covered and refrigerated until ready to serve.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Jello Layer Precision 🌈
When adding Jello layers, let each layer set completely in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes before adding the next to prevent color bleeding and achieve crisp, distinct stripes.
Cream Cheese Smoothing Technique 🧊
Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat thoroughly to eliminate lumps, creating a silky smooth frosting that spreads easily and looks professionally finished.
Sprinkle Distribution Hack 🎉
Use a fine mesh strainer to evenly distribute red, white, and blue sprinkles, creating a uniform and professional-looking decorative finish on your Firecracker Cake.
Chilling Strategy 🧊
After assembling the cake, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and Jello layers to set completely, enhancing the overall texture and taste.
Moisture Lock Technique 💦
Brush the cake layers lightly with simple syrup before adding Jello and frosting to ensure maximum moisture and prevent the cake from becoming dry during the chilling process.