This 4th of July Popcorn cake is the perfect mix of sweet and salty. Not only is this popcorn cake recipe simple to make, it is also festive and fun.
Let's make a 4th of July popcorn cake! This is the perfect dessert to bring to any party or make for your family. It is a fun cake and festive too! If you have leftover popcorn, this is the perfect way to use it up. My family loves this recipe and asks for it often.
This is a very simple and easy dessert that only takes about 5 minutes to put together. The hardest part is not eating the entire thing when you make it. If you are looking for an easy dessert to make for 4th of July, this is the perfect choice.
The more fun the recipe is, the more your family will enjoy making it with you.
My son loved playing with me in the kitchen and he had a blast when we made this popcorn cake. It is one of our old favorites. We love all things patriotic so I decorated this cake with red, white and blue M&M’s.
This is a very yummy popcorn treat at any time of the year but it is especially fun for the 4th of July. We love all things red, white, and blue! This cake looks just like fireworks exploding and would be perfect to top off your 4th of July party.
Should I use plain or butter popcorn for this recipe
It doesn't matter which one you use. I prefer the butter kind because it has a richer flavor but if your family likes the original unbuttered popcorn better, then that is what you should go with.
One thing you do need to make sure of is that the popcorn is fresh and not stale when you use it in this recipe. If you use buttered popcorn you will end up with a sweet and salty popcorn cake.
Can I use microwave popped popcorn for this recipe
You can use either homemade or microwave popcorn for this. I personally don't prefer the taste of microwave popcorn in this recipe. If you would rather use microwave popcorn, then follow your favorite package directions.
I like to use fresh popped popcorn on the stove top. No matter which popcorn you use, make sure to remove the unpopped kernels before making this easy dessert recipe.
What kind of food coloring should I use for this recipe
You can use either gel or liquid food coloring for this recipe but you will need to stir it well because some of the color bleeds into the popcorn and can look streaky if not properly mixed in.
I personally prefer gel food coloring because I think it gives the most vibrant colors.
How should I store this popcorn cake
This popcorn cake will be best covered in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days, but it will soften and begin to get soggy.
The best way to store this popcorn cake is to cover it with plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Be sure though to keep this cake away from heat sources.
Can I make this popcorn cake recipe into a different shape
Yes, I made this popcorn cake for Valentine's Day and shaped it into a heart and it turned out great. For Valentine's Day you could also use pink food coloring instead of red to make the hearts look even prettier.
I've also used a Bundt cake pan to make a rounded cake. No matter what shape you make, this popcorn cake recipe is still delicious.
How far ahead can I make this cake
You can make this recipe the day or night before and then put it together just before you serve it. You can also store in an airtight container for a couple of days.
Just a note though, that I don't recommend making your popcorn cake more than 24 hours in advance. While your popcorn cake can be stored for a couple days you don't want to end up with a soggy popcorn cake.
Ingredients for Popcorn Cake
- 4 quarts popped popcorn
- 10 oz mini marshmallows
- ½ cup butter, softened
- red and blue food coloring
- ½ cup red and blue M&Ms
How to Make Popcorn Cake
Step 1. In a large microwavable mixing bowl, melt ⅓ of the marshmallows and ⅓ of the butter together in 30-second intervals.
Step 2. Stir until smooth.
Step 3. Add drops of blue food coloring until the desired color is reached.
Step 4. Stir in ⅓ of popcorn until it is completely coated.
Step 5. Press mixture into a greased 9×13 pan.
Step 6. I wet my hands a little to avoid them from sticking.
Step 7. Repeat with another third of the mixture to create the white layer.
Step 8. Finally, repeat with the remaining third to create the red layer.
Step 9. Finish by sprinkling the M&Ms over top, pressing them down gently.
Step 10. Chill for 30 minutes before cutting.
This recipe is really easy to make and only requires a few ingredients. You can serve it right away, but I like to let it chill for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
This popcorn cake would be perfect for a 4th of July party or even as a movie night snack with the family.
You could also make this in fun holiday shapes for Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Halloween. I like to use this recipe anytime that I need a last minute dessert recipe because it tastes delicious and is super simple to make.
More Fun 4th of July Recipes
Red White and Blue Trail Mix recipe
Marshmallow Popcorn Cake
Equipment
- 9x13 baking pan
Ingredients
- 4 quarts popped popcorn
- 10 oz mini marshmallows
- ½ cup butter softened
- red and blue food coloring
- ½ cup red and blue M&Ms
Instructions
- First gather all your ingredients.
- In a large microwaveable mixing bowl, melt ⅓ of the marshmallows and ⅓ of the butter together in 30-second intervals. Stirring in between cooking. Repeat until completely melted and smooth.
- Add drops of blue food coloring until the desired color is reached.
- Stir in ⅓ of popcorn until it is completely coated.
- Press mixture into a greased 9x13 pan. I wet my hands a little to avoid them from sticking or you can spray your hands or wooden spoon with nonstick cooking spray.
- Repeat the microwave steps, and add in popcorn, another third of the mixture to create the white layer. Do not add food coloring to the white layer.
- Finally, repeat with the remaining third to create the red layer.
- Press the red popcorn on top of the white and blue layers.
- Finish by sprinkling the M&Ms over top, pressing them down gently.
- Chill for 30 minutes before cutting.
- I cut mine into 12 equal squares.
- Serve and Enjoy
Nutrition
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