Description
Popcorn Cake is a fun and colorful treat made by coating fluffy popped popcorn with melted marshmallows and butter, then mixing in plain M&M’s for a sweet, crunchy delight. This no-bake recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for parties or family snacks, setting firmly after a couple of hours to slice into wedges.
Ingredients
Popcorn Mixture
- 14 cups unflavored popped popcorn (bagged, pre-popped, kernels removed; microwave popcorn can be substituted)
- 2 cups plain M&M’s
Marshmallow Sauce
- ¾ cup salted butter
- 20 ounces (2 packages of 10 ounces each) mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare the Bundt Pan: Lightly spray a 10-cup Bundt cake pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make removal easier later.
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and mini marshmallows. Heat on high in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth, ensuring no marshmallow chunks remain.
- Add Popcorn to Large Bowl: Transfer the 14 cups of popped popcorn to an extra-large bowl (6 to 7 quarts) which provides enough space to mix without crushing the popcorn.
- Combine Mixture: Pour the melted marshmallow-butter sauce over the popcorn. Using a wooden spoon, gently stir and evenly coat all the popcorn with the sticky mixture.
- Add M&M’s: Sprinkle the plain M&M’s over the coated popcorn and stir very gently to distribute them without smudging or running the candy colors.
- Fill and Press in Pan: Spoon the coated popcorn mixture into the prepared Bundt pan. Press down gently and evenly as you add more, shaping it firmly into the pan to form the cake.
- Let Set: Allow the popcorn cake to rest at room temperature for 2 hours so it can firm up nicely and hold its shape.
- Serve: Once set, invert the Bundt pan onto a serving plate. Cut the popcorn cake into 12 slices and serve.
Notes
- Use plain M&M’s to avoid color bleeding; colorful or peanut varieties may alter appearance and texture.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the popcorn and M&M’s are certified gluten-free.
- To make cutting easier, allow the cake to cool completely and use a sharp knife.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American