Birthday Cake Popcorn
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This birthday cake popcorn is freshly popped popcorn mixed with melted marshmallows, vanilla cake batter, and topped with sprinkles. You can eat it from the bowl or roll it into balls for a fun and festive birthday treat. It's easy to make with just 5 ingredients, and it's ready in 15 minutes!
For more delicious birthday treats, try our birthday cake ice cream!
This birthday cake popcorn is a fun and festive alternative (or addition) to the classic birthday cake. It's sweet and crunchy, it tastes like birthday cake, and it's super easy to make!
You can serve it in a big bowl, or roll it into balls for a fun handheld treat. Either way, it's going to result in some sticky fingers, which we think is part of the fun.
This birthday cake popcorn is a fun treat for kids, but everyone loves it. It's not just for birthdays either. It's a delicious sweet snack for wedding showers, baby showers, movie nights, and celebrations of all kinds!
What's in birthday cake popcorn?
You only need five simple ingredients to make this cake batter popcorn. Here's everything you need:
- Popped popcorn ā plain, freshly popped kernels is what we use. You'll want to avoid the buttery salty varieties for this recipe.
- Marshmallows ā any size or variety of marshmallows will do the trick! We usually use mini marshmallows because they melt quickly.
- Vanilla cake mix ā store-bought vanilla cake mix is what we use. Use gluten-free if needed.
- Vanilla extract ā vanilla enhances and complements all the other flavors.
- Milk ā you can use any milk or non-dairy milk alternative.
- Sprinkles ā your favorite sprinkles for all the birthday fun!
How to make birthday cake popcorn
This birthday popcorn is a festive alternative or addition to birthday cake, and it's super easy to make. You can serve it in a bowl, shape it into a cake, or roll it into balls. Here's how we make it in a couple of simple steps:
- Prep popcorn
Add the popcorn to a large bowl then remove any un-popped kernels.
- Melt marshmallows
Melt the marshmallows in a pot, then add the cake mix and vanilla extract. Remove it from the heat and add the milk one tablespoon at a time until it's a pouring consistency.
- Mix it all together
Pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and stir to combine. Top with sprinkles for extra fun. That's it!
- How to make popcorn balls:
To make popcorn balls, wet your hands a bit, scoop up some popcorn, and roll it into a ball. Re-wet your hands each time you roll a ball to avoid the popcorn sticking to your hands.
Birthday cake popcorn variations
You can enjoy this birthday popcorn as-is or try one of these fun and delicious add-ins:
- Add a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter to the marshmallow mixture for a little nutty flavor.
- Toss in a couple handfuls of salted peanuts for a salty peanut crunch!
- Once the mixture has cooled, sprinkle on some mini white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips.
When to serve birthday cake popcorn
This funfetti popcorn is the perfect party dessert or birthday cake alternative. You can easily shape it into a cake and stick some candles in it!
It's also a fun sweet snack for movie nights, girls' nights, or celebrations of all kinds.
And if you happen to have a furry friend whose birthday you want to celebrate, try making this dog birthday cake!
Recipe FAQs
Can I melt the marshmallows in the microwave?
Yes, you can. Microwave them in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes.
Can I make it ahead of time?
This birthday cake popcorn is best enjoyed soon after it's made. We like it best the day it's made, but it's still tasty after a day or two. Longer than that the popcorn will lose its crunch.
How do I store it?
Store the popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
Is this popcorn gluten-free?
It can easily be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free vanilla cake mix.
Favorite popcorn recipes
Birthday Cake Popcorn Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 cups popped popcorn
- Ā½ bag marshmallows
- Ā¾ cup vanilla cake mix
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2-4 tablespoons milk (can be dairy-free milk)
- Optional: sprinkles
Instructions
- Place popped popcorn in a large bowl and remove any un-popped kernels.6 cups popped popcorn
- Place marshmallows in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until marshmallows have melted. Add cake mix and stir till well combined. Stir in the vanilla then stir in the milk 1 tablespoon at a time until it is a pouring (but not runny) consistency.Ā½ bag marshmallows, Ā¾ cup vanilla cake mix, 2 teaspoons vanilla, 2-4 tablespoons milk
- Pour melted marshmallows over popcorn and stir to combine. If using, top with sprinkles.Optional: sprinkles
Popcorn Balls
- To make these into popcorn balls, wet your hands lightly then scoop up a small amount of popcorn. Gently form into the shape of a ball. Re-wet hands between each popcorn ball to prevent the popcorn from sticking to your hands.
Video
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
For more sweet treats, check out all of our dessert recipes!
