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Looking for the ultimate sweet and salty snack? This Marshmallow Popcorn recipe is just what you need! Each bite of light, crunchy popcorn is coated in gooey, melted marshmallows and perfectly sweetened with a hint of brown sugar. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an irresistible treat for movie night, parties, or whenever you’re craving something delicious.
You’ll love this marshmallow popcorn recipe if you’re a fan of classic Rice Krispie treats. It’s a sweet buttery version with a wonderfully chewy texture. I’ve made this recipe many times and it’s always a hit. I pop the popcorn fresh and feel like it makes a huge difference in texture and flavor. It’s not overly salty and you have more control over the amount of butter. Whenever I’m preparing this in the kitchen, one of the kids is always near and asking to taste test.
Why You’ll Love This Marshmallow Popcorn Recipe
- Only 6 ingredients. There are only 6 easy ingredients needed to make these popcorn marshmallow treats.
- Ready in 30 minutes. This popcorn is ready to devour in less than 30 minutes.
- Makes a great party favor. Decorate and add mix-ins to make these fun and bag them up as a party favor for a special event.
Ingredients Needed
Here is everything you need to make the best marshmallow popcorn recipe. These ingredients are common and affordable so it’s a great snack to make for a party or large group.
- Popcorn kernels. Any variety of popcorn kernels will work great. If you want to use bags of microwave popcorn, you may just remember that the texture and flavor will differ.
- Butter: I use unsalted butter so I can better control the salty flavor of the finished marshmallow popcorn.
- Marshmallows: I prefer mini marshmallows for this because they melt quickly and more evenly than large ones.
- Brown sugar: Light or brown sugar will work, depending on the intensity of the molasses flavor you enjoy. I used light brown sugar, and I thought it was perfect.
- Salt: Just a little salt helps enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Vanilla extract: I like to add a little vanilla to the mix because it goes great with the marshmallows and gives an extra punch.
How to Make Marshmallow Popcorn
To make this recipe, you only have to pop the popcorn and marshmallow topping. Combine it, and you’re ready to enjoy a yummy treat!
- Heat oil. Add the canola oil to a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the popcorn kernels.
- Pop the popcorn. Cover and shake the pot to ensure they all pop evenly and don’t burn. When the popping slows down (about 2 seconds between pops), remove the pot from the heat.
- Transfer to a bowl. Pour the popped popcorn into a bowl and remove any unpopped kernels.
- Melt butter. Add the butter to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until it’s fully melted.
- Stir in the marshmallows and sugar. Add the marshmallows, brown sugar, and salt. Mix until the marshmallows are melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Toss the popcorn in the mixture. Pour marshmallow mixture over the popcorn. Lightly toss the popcorn with a spatula to coat all of the pieces evenly.
- Cool and serve. Allow the popcorn to cool and set for about 10-15 minutes. Break into clusters and enjoy!
Serving and Variation Ideas
- Mix-ins: Stir in chopped nuts, M&Ms, chocolate chips, or pretzel pieces for more textures.
- Flavors: Try a different flavored extract like almond, maple, or peppermint to pair with the vanilla. If you want marshmallow caramel popcorn, mix in some caramel sauce to the marshmallow mixture.
- Holidays: mix in colored sprinkles that match any Holiday like Christmas, Easter, Halloween, etc…
- Garnishes: Sprinkle edible glitter, colored sanding sugar, or my favorite — rainbow sprinkles on the top for a wow factor!
- Make it portable: Easily form into marshmallow popcorn balls to take to the game or camping.
Proper Storage
Leftover marshmallow popcorn can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Don’t put it in the refrigerator, or the popcorn will become soggy.
More Marshmallow Recipes to Try
- Pink Marshmallow Fudge
- Best Popcorn Balls
- Fluffernutter Sandwich
- Homemade Marshmallows
- Hot Chocolate Dip
- Baked S’mores
Marshmallow Popcorn
Marshmallow Popcorn is the perfect sweet and salty snack. The light and crunchy popcorn is covered in gooey marshmallows and sweetened with brown sugar. It’s an easy and tasty treat.
Servings: 10 Cups
Ingredients
- ½ cup popcorn kernels unpopped
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 10 ounce bag of mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Heat 3 tablespoons of canola oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ½ cup of popcorn kernels to the pot and cover with a lid. Shake the pot occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even popping.
- Once the popping slows down to about 2 seconds between pops, remove the pot from the heat. Transfer the popcorn to a large bowl, making sure to discard any unpopped kernels.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Once the butter is melted, add the 10 oz bag of mini marshmallows, 1/2 cup of light brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn in the large mixing bowl. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently toss and coat the popcorn evenly with the marshmallow mixture. Be careful not to crush the popcorn.
- Allow the coated popcorn to cool for about 10-15 minutes. This will help the marshmallow mixture set slightly. Once cooled, break apart any large clusters and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
- Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Avoid refrigerating, as it can make the popcorn soggy.
- Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, M&M’s, or pretzel pieces for variety and flavor. Stir these in before the marshmallow mixture sets.
- For a colorful touch, sprinkle colored sanding sugar, edible glitter, or rainbow sprinkles over the coated popcorn while it’s still warm.
- For a different twist, you can add a few drops of flavored extracts (such as almond or peppermint) to the marshmallow mixture along with the vanilla extract.
- For an extra crunch, add chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or peanuts to the popcorn before adding the marshmallow mixture.
Nutrition
Calories: 282kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 86mg | Potassium: 42mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 284IU | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.4mg
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