Festive Popcorn Cake

Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite times to get creative in the kitchen. The pinks, reds, and heart-shaped treats are just so fun! There's also something special about making festive goodies to share with those I love that makes my heart skip a beat. That's why this year I created this festive popcorn cake. It's whimsical and nostalgic, and so easy to make!

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Festive Popcorn Cake

If you’ve never made a festive popcorn cake before, let me tell you: it’s pure magic. It combines the gooey sweetness of marshmallows with the airy crunch of popcorn, and when you add in a medley of colorful candies and sprinkles, it becomes a treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Best of all, it’s incredibly simple to put together, making it a perfect project for a cozy evening at home.

Why You'll LOVE This Festive Popcorn Cake

Texture: When you slice a piece of this cake and pull it apart with your fingers you get the most delicious gooey marshmallow strands that trail behind. The crunch from the popcorn sprinkles and M&M's is so memorable, and the chewy texture of the marshmallow is unreal.

Versatile: You can make this for any holiday by simply swapping out ingredients. Try Halloween themed sprinkles and candy, or pastel hues for Easter, and of course everything red and green for Christmas. It's also fun to add more savory things like pretzels, nuts, or potato chips! The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!

Fun: My kids LOVED this dessert. They asked if I would make it for them on their birthdays instead of cake. It's so fun to dive right into, get a little messy, and discover what treats lie waiting inside this cake! Make it with family, friends, or your kids, and create lasting memories.

Easy: This recipe is so EASY! It only takes twenty minutes to make and only has four basic ingredients. I usually already have marshmallows, butter, vanilla, and popcorn, in my pantry at all times.

Festive Popcorn Cake

Why Festive Popcorn Cake Is So Memorable For Me

Festive popcorn cake is my take on the three tiered popcorn cake our neighbor used to bring us every Christmas. We couldn't wait for Linda to knock on our door and deliver this amazing treat. She always delivered it on a cake board wrapped in tin foil. This three tiered wonder was packed full of M&M's and on the outside she used toothpicks to perfectly place each spiced gumdrop, creating a kaleidoscope of colors.

I couldn't wait to grab a handful of popcorn cake and pull it off, leaving behind a stringy trail of marshmallow goodness. Linda passed years ago but the memory of this wonderful treat will live on in my mind forever.

The Age Old Question Is It Popcorn or Is It Cake?

Popcorn is my favorite snack of all times and what makes it so good is all the different varieties! So, it was a no brainer to take my favorite snack and make it into a cake. But, in order for Festive Popcorn Cake to be a cake, it needed to be made in a bundt pan! This cake can be shaped into really any pan but the bundt makes it look just like a cake. It's also really fun to slice it like a cake. The key to a good slice of Festive Popcorn Cake is using a sharp serrated knife. Another tip is to let is sit out to room temperature before slicing! Watch those fingers!!!

Ingredients You'll Need For Festive Popcorn Cake

16 oz bag mini marshmallows

1 stick (8 Tbsp) unsalted butter 

1 tsp vanilla extract

9 cups of popped popcorn (I used the plain skinny pop from Costco)

½ cup valentines day colored M&M’s

½ cup Dots (I picked out all the red and pink ones)

½ cup Swedish fish hearts

2 Tbsp festive sprinkles 

Step By Step Instructions For Festive Popcorn Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

• Grease a Bundt pan or 9x13 pan with Crisco, cooking spray, or butter, and set it aside.

Step 2: Melt The Marshmallows

• In a medium pot on the stove top at medium low heat, add 1 stick of butter and 16 oz of marshmallows. Stir continuously until it's fully melted and mixed together. Then add 1 tsp of vanilla extract, stir to combine. 

Step 3: Add The Popcorn

• Add 9 cups of popped popcorn to a large bowl. Be careful not to get popcorn kernels in the bowl. Pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and stir it in. 

Step 4: Add The Mix Ins

• Add in the valentines themed candy. I like to add the candy after I've mixed the marshmallows for a more even disbursing of the treats! Add ½ cup M&M’s, ½ cup dots, ½ Swedish fish hearts, and 2 Tbsp of the sprinkles of your choice. With a large spoon mix until it's completely combined. 

Step 5: Press Into Pan

• Add the sticky mixture to the greased pan and then pack it down. I always coat the palm of my hands in butter before I press down because it is very sticky. 

Step 6: Refrigerate

• Place the pan in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes or leave it out on the counter for 2 hours to set. 

Step 7: Pop Out Of Pan

• When you are ready to serve, take a butter knife and slide it along the inside edge of the pan to release the cake. Then cut the cake into portions and Enjoy!

Pro Tip For The Festive Popcorn Cake

Don’t forget to grease your pan well. I recommend coating the palms of your hands with butter or cooking spray before packing the mixture into the pan. It’s sticky, but that’s part of the fun! My kids think it's the most fun ever to rub butter all over their hands!

Festive Popcorn Cake

Storage

To avoid staleness, store the leftover cake in a airtight container. It will last about two weeks in the refrigerator and one week at room temperature, but honestly it's at its best when it's freshly made! Truthfully, if you are expecting leftovers make two because this cake disappears FAST!

Spread The Festive Popcorn Cake Love

 So, this Valentine’s Day, why not try something a little different? Whip up a popcorn cake and embrace the playful spirit of the holiday. Whether you’re sharing it with your sweetheart, your family, or your friends, this treat is a surefire way to spread love—one delicious bite at a time.

Let’s Connect

I hope you enjoy this Festive Popcorn Cake as much as I do! It is sure to become a staple in your household. Let me know how it turns out, and if you’re bringing it to a party, make sure to grab some first because it will be gone FAST!

Have you tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below or tag me on social media. I can’t wait to see your creations! Don't forget to RATE THIS RECIPE above and as always, enjoy!