Popcorn Cake with Candies (Printable)

Sweet popcorn cake bound with marshmallow, studded with candies and pretzels - an easy, shareable party treat.

# What You Need:

→ Main

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 such as M&Ms
05 - 1 cup mini pretzels, broken into pieces
06 - 1/2 cup roasted salted peanuts (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Generously grease a 10-inch Bundt pan or tube pan with butter or nonstick spray to ensure easy release.
02 - Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl. Remove any unpopped kernels to prevent biting into hard pieces.
03 - In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter completely, then add mini marshmallows. Stir continuously until all marshmallows are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
04 - Pour the hot marshmallow mixture over the popcorn. With a buttered spatula or buttered hands, quickly mix until all popcorn is evenly coated.
05 - Gently fold in candy-coated chocolate pieces, pretzel fragments, and peanuts if using. Reserve a small portion of candies for topping if desired.
06 - Firmly press the mixture into the prepared Bundt or tube pan, ensuring an even, compact layer and a smooth surface.
07 - Allow the cake to cool at room temperature for approximately 1 hour or until fully set. Invert the pan onto a serving plate to unmold.
08 - Slice into portions and serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to three days.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • This is the secret to winning everyone over at a party, hands sticky and smiles wide.
  • Cleanup is a breeze and you can tailor the flavors each time using whatever mix-ins are on hand.
02 -
  • Rushing the cooling stage makes for a gooey, impossible-to-slice mess (trust me, I tried).
  • Toss mix-ins quickly — marshmallow sets before you realize, especially on chilly days.
03 -
  • Never underestimate the sticking power of marshmallow — grease your hands and spatula well.
  • Save a handful of candies to decorate the top just before serving for extra color and crunch.

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