Can I use microwave popcorn instead of pre-popped bagged popcorn?

Yes, you can substitute microwave popcorn. Just make sure to use a plain or lightly salted variety rather than heavily buttered versions, which might make the cake too greasy. Pop about 2-3 regular-sized bags for the required amount.

Why is my popcorn cake falling apart?

This typically happens if there isn't enough marshmallow binding. Make sure you're using the full amount of marshmallows and that they're completely melted. Also, pressing the mixture firmly into the pan and allowing adequate setting time (at least 2 hours) is essential for structural integrity.

How far in advance can I make this for a party?

For the best texture and freshness, make your popcorn cake no more than 24 hours before your event. Store it covered at room temperature until ready to serve.

Can I make this recipe with dietary restrictions in mind?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free butter for a lactose-free version, or seek out vegan marshmallows. For gluten-free diets, double-check your popcorn brand and candy to ensure they're gluten-free (most are naturally gluten-free, but manufacturing processes vary).

Popcorn Cake Recipe

This delightful Popcorn Cake brings together the nostalgic joy of popcorn and the sweetness of marshmallows in a fun, festive treat that’s sure to be the star of any gathering. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create this impressive dessert that looks complicated but is actually incredibly simple to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Baking Required: This is a completely no-bake dessert that comes together in minutes—perfect for when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
Kid-Friendly: Children love both making and eating this colorful treat. It’s a great recipe to get the little ones involved in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleaser: With its unique presentation and familiar, beloved flavors, this popcorn cake is guaranteed to impress at parties, potlucks, or family movie nights.
Versatile: You can easily customize it with different mix-ins and toppings to suit any holiday or occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Salted Butter: Adds richness and helps bind everything together while balancing the sweetness of the marshmallows.
Mini Marshmallows: These melt perfectly and create that gooey binding that holds the popcorn cake together. The mini size melts more quickly and evenly than regular marshmallows.
Popcorn: Use bagged pre-popped unflavored popcorn for convenience, making sure to remove any unpopped kernels to prevent unwanted dental surprises! The popcorn provides that perfect light, crunchy base.
M&M’s: These colorful candies add bursts of chocolate flavor and vibrant pops of color throughout the cake. They’re what makes this treat so visually appealing.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Mix-In Options

Get creative with your popcorn cake by trying these delicious variations:

Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips along with the M&M’s for extra chocolaty goodness.
Sweet and Salty: Mix in some pretzel pieces or salted peanuts to create a perfect balance of flavors.
Holiday Special: Use seasonal colored M&M’s and matching sprinkles for holidays like Christmas (red and green), Halloween (orange and black), or Valentine’s Day (pink and red).
Birthday Celebration: Mix in rainbow sprinkles and use colorful chocolate candies for a birthday-worthy treat.

How to Make Popcorn Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Lightly spray a 10-cup Bundt cake pan with nonstick cooking spray. This is crucial to ensure your cake releases easily after it sets.

Step 2: Melt the Binding Mixture

Add the butter and mini marshmallows to a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high power in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval. Continue until the butter and marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Prepare the Popcorn

Place your popped popcorn in an extra-large bowl (6 to 7 quarts). Make sure you’ve removed any unpopped kernels to prevent unwanted crunchy surprises.

Step 4: Combine

Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and use a wooden spoon to gently fold everything together until the popcorn is evenly coated.

Step 5: Add M&M’s

Sprinkle in the M&M’s and fold them in very gently. Light, careful strokes will prevent the candy colors from smudging and running, keeping your cake looking vibrant and attractive.

Step 6: Shape the Cake

Scoop the coated popcorn mixture into the prepared Bundt pan. Use gentle pressure to press the mixture down as you fill the pan, ensuring it will hold its shape when unmolded.

Step 7: Set and Serve

Allow the popcorn cake to rest at room temperature for 2 hours, or until firm enough to hold its shape. Once set, turn the cake onto a serving plate and cut into 12 slices.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Work Quickly: The marshmallow mixture starts to set fairly quickly, so have all ingredients ready to go before you start melting.
Warm Hands: Slightly dampening your hands with water can prevent the marshmallow mixture from sticking to them when pressing the popcorn into the pan.
Even Distribution: To ensure M&M’s are distributed throughout the cake (not just on top), add them in batches as you layer the popcorn mixture into the pan.
Clean Cuts: Use a sharp knife lightly sprayed with cooking spray to get clean slices without tearing the cake.

How to Serve

Presentation Ideas

Serve on a decorative cake stand for parties and special occasions.
Drizzle with melted white chocolate or colored candy melts for an extra special touch.
For movie night, place in the center of the table with individual plates around it.

Perfect Pairings

Ice cream on the side makes this a decadent dessert.
Hot chocolate or cold milk complements the sweetness perfectly.
Serve alongside a fruit platter for a contrast in flavors and textures.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover popcorn cake in an airtight container at room temperature. Place wax paper or parchment paper between layers if you need to stack pieces.

Freshness Timeline

This cake tastes best within 2-3 days of making it. The popcorn will gradually become softer over time, but many people enjoy this texture as well!

Freezing

While possible to freeze, the texture may change significantly upon thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

This is a room-temperature treat and doesn’t require reheating. In fact, heating would melt the candy and marshmallow binding.

FAQs

Can I use microwave popcorn instead of pre-popped bagged popcorn?

Yes, you can substitute microwave popcorn. Just make sure to use a plain or lightly salted variety rather than heavily buttered versions, which might make the cake too greasy. Pop about 2-3 regular-sized bags for the required amount.
Why is my popcorn cake falling apart?

This typically happens if there isn’t enough marshmallow binding. Make sure you’re using the full amount of marshmallows and that they’re completely melted. Also, pressing the mixture firmly into the pan and allowing adequate setting time (at least 2 hours) is essential for structural integrity.
How far in advance can I make this for a party?

For the best texture and freshness, make your popcorn cake no more than 24 hours before your event. Store it covered at room temperature until ready to serve.
Can I make this recipe with dietary restrictions in mind?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free butter for a lactose-free version, or seek out vegan marshmallows. For gluten-free diets, double-check your popcorn brand and candy to ensure they’re gluten-free (most are naturally gluten-free, but manufacturing processes vary).

Final Thoughts

This Popcorn Cake recipe transforms everyday ingredients into something magical that bridges the gap between a simple snack and an impressive dessert. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity with kids, a conversation-starting party treat, or just a delicious way to elevate movie night, this colorful creation delivers big on flavor and fun with minimal effort. Give it a try and watch everyone’s faces light up when you bring this playful dessert to the table!

Popcorn Cake Recipe

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Desserts
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This delightful Popcorn Cake is a whimsical combination of buttery marshmallow-coated popcorn and colorful M&M’s, molded into a fun and shareable bundt shape. It’s an irresistible treat perfect for parties, holidays, or any celebration. Easy to make and sure to impress, it combines sweet, salty, and crunchy textures for a unique dessert that will be gone in no time!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

3/4 cup salted butter
20 ounces mini marshmallows (two 10-ounce packages)
14 cups bagged pre-popped unflavored popcorn, kernels removed (Microwave popcorn can be substituted)
2 cups plain M&M’s

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Instructions

Prepare the Pan:
Lightly spray a 10-cup Bundt cake pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy release of your popcorn cake.
Melt the Marshmallows and Butter:
Add the butter and both packages of mini marshmallows to a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high power in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until the butter and marshmallows are completely melted and smooth.
Mix with the Popcorn:
Place the pre-popped popcorn into a large 6–7 quart mixing bowl. Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and use a wooden spoon to gently stir until the popcorn is evenly coated.
Add the M&M’s:
Sprinkle the M&M’s into the popcorn mixture and gently fold them in. Be cautious during mixing to prevent the M&M’s coloring from smudging or running.
Form the Cake:
Scoop the coated popcorn mixture into the prepared Bundt pan. Press it down gently to ensure the cake holds its shape, continuing until the entire mixture is in the pan.
Let It Set:
Allow the popcorn cake to rest at room temperature for 2 hours, or until it becomes firm.
Serve:
Carefully turn the popcorn cake out onto a serving plate. Slice it into 12 pieces and enjoy!

Notes

For added variety, substitute the plain M&M’s with peanut, caramel, pretzel, or mini M&M’s.
Enhance the flavor by including peanuts, pretzels, caramel bits, or sprinkles.
You can also use flavored popcorn instead of plain if preferred.
Before serving, drizzle melted white almond bark over the top for an extra decorative touch.