A cake firework, also known as a multiple tube device is a firework comprising a series of roman candles, small aerial shells, or a combination of both, connected together by a high-speed fuse. Typically, the internal fusing is set to fire each tube in series, or to fire several tubes at the same time, or a combination of these. Typically a cake will resemble from the outside a simple cube or other rectangular covered shape; after firing, a large number of cardboard tubes (the candles) will be visible in the top of the firework (the paper cover having been blown off by the discharging stars

Pyrotechnic star

Pyrotechnic stars are pellets or simply pieces of pyrotechnic composition which may contain metal powders, salts or other compounds that, when ignited, burn a certain colour or exude a spark effect. They are a part of all projectile-type fireworks. The most common is the aerial shell. When...

). In a traditional cake, all the candles point upwards; a variant is called the fan or angle cake.

Cakes are one of the most popular types of firework, as they can create spectacular and long-lasting effects from a single ignition while minimising safety concern. In the UK

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...

, the reclassification of aerial shells

Shell (projectile)

A shell is a payload-carrying projectile, which, as opposed to shot, contains an explosive or other filling, though modern usage sometimes includes large solid projectiles properly termed shot . Solid shot may contain a pyrotechnic compound if a tracer or spotting charge is used...

 to Category 4

British firework classification

Fireworks in the UK are governed primarily by the Fireworks Regulations 2004 , the Pyrotechnic Articles Regulations 2010, and British Standards BS 7114 and BSEN 14035.-Fireworks available to the public:...

 has popularised cakes as a method for achieving similar effects while staying within safety guidelines, particularly by firing multiple candles at the same time.

Cakes vary greatly in size, weight and duration. Some last only a few seconds and contain only a few tubes, while others may last for several minutes, contain upwards of 1,000 tubes, and measure over a cubic yard in size. Large "finale Cakes" containing dozens of shells up to 4" diameter are not uncommon, and some cakes, particularly those containing large amounts of dragon's eggs

Dragon's eggs

Dragon's eggs are fireworks pyrotechnic stars which first burn for a period for a visual effect then explode with a loud report. Manufacture of this effect became controversial because of the heavy metals once used, particularly lead tetroxide...

, can weigh over 100 pounds prior to discharge.