Popcorn Cake

Table of Contents

1. Popcorn Cake Ingredients
2. Popcorn Cake Substitutions and Additions
3. How To Make Popcorn Cake
4. Troubleshooting This Popcorn Cake Recipe
5. How To Serve Popcorn Cake
6. How To Store Popcorn Cake
7. Why We Love This Popcorn Cake Recipe
8. Popcorn Cake Frequently Asked Questions
9. More Recipe’s You’ll Love
10. JUMP TO RECIPE

This popcorn cake recipe takes classic ingredients and combines them into a deliciously unique dessert that’s hard to resist. With buttery marshmallows holding it all together, every slice is loaded with sweet M&M’s nestled in fluffy popcorn for a cake that’s surprisingly easy to make. This recipe doesn’t require baking—just a few minutes in the microwave, and you’re well on your way to a cake that’s perfect for birthday parties or a fun movie night.

What You Need To Know

• MAIN INGREDIENTS: salted butter, mini marshmallows, bagged pre-popped popcorn, plain M&M’s
• QUICK STEPS: Spray bundt pan with cooking spray, melt butter and marshmallows, pour melted mixture over popcorn and mix, add M&M’s, press mixture into bundt pan, let set for 2 hours, remove and slice
• TOTAL TIME AND YIELD: 2 hours 12 minutes, 12 slices

Why This Recipe

• This dessert has the ideal balance of marshmallow to popcorn to ensure each bite is chewy without being too sticky. We fine-tuned the ratio to avoid an overly dense cake, keeping the texture light and enjoyable.
• With no baking involved, this popcorn cake is ready to set in just minutes, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.

Popcorn Cake Ingredients

You’ll love how simple yet satisfying this fun dessert is to put together.

Popcorn Cake Substitutions and Additions

Salted Butter: If you only have unsalted butter on hand, it works just as well—just add a pinch of salt to the melted marshmallow mixture. This will help balance the sweetness and give a bit of depth to the flavors.

Bagged Pre-Popped Popcorn: Try air-popped popcorn, or experiment with caramel popcorn for an extra layer of sweetness. Avoid heavily buttered popcorn, as it can make the cake greasy.

Plain M&M’s: Swap for peanut M&M’s for a bit of extra crunch, or try chocolate chips if you’re looking for a more traditional chocolate flavor. White chocolate chips also make a fun alternative if you want a sweeter taste.

Add-Ins: Feel free to mix in pretzel sticks, salty peanuts or potato chips for a salty-sweet combination. For a more festive option, you could also sprinkle in colored sprinkles for birthday parties or special occasions.

How To Make Popcorn Cake

This popcorn cake recipe is quick, easy, and fun to make. The steps are simple enough for even beginners, and with the tips below, you’ll have a smooth process from start to finish.

STEP ONE: Lightly spray a ten cup bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking. Make sure to cover all the grooves so the cake releases easily when you’re ready to turn it out.

STEP TWO: In a medium-sized, microwave-safe bowl, add ¾ cup salted butter and both ten ounce packages of mini marshmallows. Heat on high power in 30-second increments, stirring well after each interval, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. This usually takes about one to two minutes.

STEP THREE: In an extra-large bowl (six to seven quarts), add 14 cups of bagged, pre-popped unflavored popcorn. Before adding the marshmallow mixture, check carefully for any unpopped kernels to avoid biting into hard pieces later.

STEP FOUR: Pour the melted butter and marshmallow mixture over the popcorn.

Using a wooden spoon, gently stir to coat the popcorn evenly. Try to work quickly here, as the marshmallow mixture can start to set.

Make sure all the popcorn is coated, but don’t worry if a few pieces are left lightly covered.

STEP FIVE: Sprinkle in two cups of plain M&M’s, folding them gently into the mixture. The M&M’s add color and crunch, but they can melt if stirred too vigorously. Try to fold them in with a light hand to avoid smudging the colors.

STEP SIX: Scoop the coated popcorn mixture into the prepared bundt pan a bit at a time. Press it down gently as you go to help it hold its shape, but don’t compact it too tightly, as this can make the cake too dense.

STEP SEVEN: Let the popcorn cake rest at room temperature for about two hours to firm up. During this time, the marshmallow coating will set, and the cake will hold its shape when you turn it out of the pan.

STEP EIGHT: Once set, place a serving plate over the bundt pan. Carefully invert the pan and give it a gentle shake to release the cake. If it doesn’t come out immediately, run a butter knife along the edges to loosen it.

STEP NINE: Using a sharp knife, cut the cake into 12 slices. It’s sticky, so be sure to clean your knife between cuts if needed to keep the slices neat.

Troubleshooting This Popcorn Cake Recipe

The marshmallow mixture hardens too quickly, making it hard to mix with the popcorn.
Work quickly once the marshmallow mixture is melted. Have the popcorn ready in a large bowl before melting the marshmallows so you can pour it immediately.

The M&M colors start to smudge and run.
Fold in the M&M’s gently to avoid too much movement, and make sure the marshmallow mixture has cooled slightly before adding them.

The cake falls apart when slicing.
Press the popcorn mixture firmly, but not too tightly, into the pan, and let it set for the full two hours at room temperature before slicing.

The popcorn cake becomes too dense and chewy.
When pressing the popcorn mixture into the bundt pan, avoid compacting it too tightly. Pressing too hard will create a dense texture.

The cake becomes sticky or overly soft when stored.
Wrap leftovers in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature, away from humidity. Avoid refrigeration, which can make it sticky.

The marshmallow mixture scorches in the microwave.
Melt the butter and marshmallows in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to keep the mixture smooth and prevent scorching.

The cake crumbles when turning it out of the pan.
Make sure it has set fully for the full two hours. Running a butter knife along the edges before inverting can also help release it smoothly.

How To Serve Popcorn Cake

This popcorn cake is versatile and fun, making it an excellent choice for a range of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a casual movie night or putting together a holiday dessert spread, this cake adds something special to the table. Here’s a look at where it shines best and some pairing ideas to complete the experience.

Birthday Parties: Bright, colorful, and kid-friendly, this cake is a perfect alternative to a traditional birthday cake. Add extra sprinkles or themed toppings for a festive touch. Pair it with cotton candy fudge or Funfetti cake for a dessert table everyone will love.

Movie Nights: The mix of chewy marshmallows and crunchy popcorn makes this a perfect choice for movie nights at home. Pair it with brownie bites or salted peanut caramel clusters for a snack board that’s easy to share.

Bake Sales or Fundraisers: Packaged in individual portions, this cake is a unique bake sale item that will stand out among cookies and brownies. It’s easy to wrap up for a grab-and-go treat, and its bright colors are always eye-catching.

How To Store Popcorn Cake

This popcorn cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored at room temperature or in the fridge if needed. Follow these tips to keep it tasting great for a few days after it’s made.

MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare this cake up to one day in advance. Once it has fully set in the bundt pan, wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh until you’re ready to serve.

IN THE FRIDGE: For leftovers, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days, though the marshmallow coating may firm up slightly.

IN THE FREEZER: Freezing this popcorn cake is not recommended, as the popcorn may lose its texture and become chewy, while the marshmallow coating can turn sticky. It’s best to enjoy this cake within a few days of making it for the best flavor and texture.

REHEATING: This cake doesn’t usually need reheating, but if you’d like to soften the marshmallow coating slightly, microwave individual slices for about ten seconds. Avoid microwaving the whole cake, as it may lose its shape.

Why We Love This Popcorn Cake Recipe

This popcorn cake is a hit for so many reasons. This simple recipe is fun and perfect for just about any occasion, making it a go-to choice for both kids and adults. Whether you’re making it for a party, a movie night, or just a sweet treat, here’s what makes this recipe stand out:

Kid-Friendly: Kids love helping to mix and add the M&M’s, making it a perfect choice for family time in the kitchen.

Versatile for Any Occasion: This cake works just as well at a birthday party as it does on a holiday dessert table.

Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out M&M’s for chocolate chips or add pretzel sticks for a salty twist.

Portable and Shareable: It’s easy to slice and pack up for potlucks, bake sales, or even lunchbox treats.

This popcorn cake is a fun, easy dessert that’s perfect for any gathering, with a chewy, sweet crunch that everyone loves. Whether for a birthday, movie night, or just a sweet snack, it’s sure to be a hit.

More Recipe’s You’ll Love

• Marshmallow Peanut Butter Squares
• Marshmallow Cookies
• Marshmallow Fluff Fudge
• Peanut Butter Marshmallow Cups
• Marshmallow Brownies