Popcorn Cake (Printable Version)

A playful dessert combining fluffy popcorn, gooey marshmallows, and colorful candies into a fun, sliceable treat perfect for parties.

# What You Need:

→ Main Components

01 - 12 cups plain popped popcorn (approximately 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)

→ Marshmallow Mixture

02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
03 - 1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows

→ Add-ins

04 - 1 cup candy-coated chocolate pieces
05 - 1 cup mini pretzels, broken into pieces
06 - 1/2 cup roasted, salted peanuts (optional)

# How To Make:

01 - Generously grease a 10-inch Bundt pan or tube pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray, ensuring all surfaces are thoroughly coated to prevent sticking.
02 - Transfer popped popcorn to an extra-large mixing bowl. Carefully sort through and remove any unpopped kernels or hard pieces.
03 - Place butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add mini marshmallows and stir continuously until completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
04 - Pour the hot marshmallow mixture over the popcorn. Working quickly with buttered hands or a greased spatula, toss and fold until every piece is evenly coated.
05 - Gently fold in candy-coated chocolates, broken pretzel pieces, and peanuts if using. Reserve a small handful of candies for garnishing the finished cake if desired.
06 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly into the pan using buttered hands or a greased spatula, compressing tightly to help the cake hold its shape.
07 - Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour, or until the mixture is firm and set.
08 - Carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate. Slice into wedges and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes but looks like you spent all day planning something magical
  • The combination of salty pretzels and peanuts with sweet marshmallow is absolutely addictive
02 -
  • Buttering your hands before handling the mixture keeps it from sticking to everything. I learned this after one very sticky incident.
  • Press the mixture into the pan firmly but not so hard that you crush all the air from the popcorn. Theres a happy medium.
03 -
  • Use a light touch when mixing in the candies and pretzels. You want everything evenly distributed but you dont want to crush the popcorn into submission.
  • Run your pan under warm water for 10 seconds before inverting if the cake seems stubborn. It releases beautifully every time.

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