If you’re looking for a snack that brings together the perfect combination of crispy popcorn and gooey sweetness, this Marshmallow Popcorn Recipe is absolutely the answer. Imagine handfuls of fluffy popcorn coated in a luscious marshmallow glaze with hints of buttery caramel and vanilla—it’s a nostalgic treat that’s incredibly easy to whip up. Whether it’s for movie night, a party treat, or just a cozy snack to satisfy your sweet tooth, this Marshmallow Popcorn Recipe is a showstopper you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Marshmallow Popcorn Recipe lies in its simple yet impactful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect taste, texture, and that gorgeous golden color that makes this snack so inviting.
- ½ cup popcorn kernels: The star base that pops into fluffy, crunchy goodness.
- 3 tablespoons canola oil: Helps pop the kernels evenly without adding overpowering flavors.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Adds rich, creamy depth and helps the marshmallow mixture bind to the popcorn.
- 1 10-ounce bag of mini marshmallows: The sweet, gooey ingredient that gives this treat its signature sticky charm.
- ½ cup light brown sugar: Brings a subtle caramel undertone and enhances sweetness with a touch of molasses flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the overall flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Gives the recipe a warm, aromatic finish that makes every bite memorable.
How to Make Marshmallow Popcorn Recipe
Step 1: Pop the Perfect Popcorn
Begin by heating your canola oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the popcorn kernels and cover the pot with a lid. It’s important to shake the pot gently every now and then to keep the kernels moving, ensuring that nothing burns and that popping happens evenly. Listen closely—the popping slows down to about two seconds between pops, then you know it’s ready to take off the heat. Pour the popcorn into a large bowl, discarding any stubborn kernels that didn’t pop.
Step 2: Melt the Magic Mixture
Next, melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s beautifully melted, toss in the mini marshmallows, brown sugar, and salt. Stir this combination continuously, watching as the marshmallows melt into a smooth, velvety sauce. This mixture is where the magic happens—it’s going to envelop your popcorn in delicious sweetness, so patience here is key!
Step 3: Infuse with Vanilla
Once that marshmallow mixture is silky and smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat, and stir in the vanilla extract. This subtle addition infuses the mixture with a warm, inviting flavor that makes the final Marshmallow Popcorn Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 4: Coat and Toss
Now for the fun part! Pour your luscious marshmallow mixture evenly over the warm popcorn. Use a spatula or a large spoon to gently toss and coat each popcorn kernel, making sure every bite has a sticky-sweet hug. Be delicate here—you want the popcorn coated, not crushed. This step bridges the crispy with the chewy, creating irresistible clusters of flavor.
Step 5: Cool and Break Apart
Leave your coated popcorn to cool for about 10-15 minutes. This pause allows the marshmallow mixture to set slightly so it won’t be overly sticky but still wonderfully chewy. After cooling, simply break apart any large clumps to yield perfectly snackable portions.
How to Serve Marshmallow Popcorn Recipe
Garnishes
You can elevate this Marshmallow Popcorn Recipe by sprinkling some festive colored sugar or mini chocolate chips on top while the mixture is still warm. Toasted nuts or a dusting of cinnamon also add delightful texture and complementary flavor that can make the treat feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This sweet popcorn pairs beautifully with fresh fruit platters or alongside simple buttery popcorn for a sweet-and-salty contrast. For a party, consider serving it with warm cocoa or milkshakes to make your guests feel like they’re indulging in movie-theater style treats at home.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl: serve your Marshmallow Popcorn Recipe in colorful paper cones, mason jars with ribbons, or personalized treat bags for gifting or party favors. Layer it in clear jars alternated with chocolate candies for a fun, eye-catching look that’s as delicious as it is decorative.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If there are any leftovers (though you might find they disappear quickly), store your Marshmallow Popcorn Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep it fresh and chewy for up to 3 days—perfect for a quick sweet snack anytime.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this Marshmallow Popcorn Recipe because the texture may become soggy or lose its charm when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored short term at room temperature.
Reheating
If you’d like to refresh the popcorn’s chewiness, pop it into a low oven (around 250°F/120°C) for 5-7 minutes. This gentle warmth will soften it up just the right amount without burning the marshmallow coating.
FAQs
Can I use microwave popcorn instead of homemade popcorn?
While you can, making popcorn from kernels on the stovetop gives you better control over texture and flavor. Microwave popcorn often has added oils and flavors that might not pair as well with the marshmallow mixture.
What’s the best way to ensure the marshmallow coating sticks well?
Coating the popcorn while both the mix and popcorn are warm helps everything stick evenly. Toss gently and thoroughly for the best coverage without crushing the popcorn.
Can I add other flavors or ingredients?
Absolutely! Adding a pinch of cinnamon, some peanut butter swirled into the marshmallow mix, or even sprinkles can customize this Marshmallow Popcorn Recipe to your taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, popcorn and the marshmallow mixture used here are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your marshmallows and any add-ins to ensure they don’t contain gluten.
How long does it take to make this Marshmallow Popcorn Recipe?
The total time is just around 20 minutes, with 5 minutes prep and about 15 minutes cooking, making it a quick and satisfying treat to prepare anytime.
Final Thoughts
This Marshmallow Popcorn Recipe is a delightful combination of simple ingredients transformed into an indulgent treat that’s perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Its ease and irresistible flavor make it a go-to recipe whenever you want a cozy, sweet snack with a bit of nostalgic comfort. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s such a beloved favorite!
Print
Marshmallow Popcorn Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 cups
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Marshmallow Popcorn recipe features crunchy, freshly popped popcorn coated in a luscious mixture of melted butter, mini marshmallows, brown sugar, and vanilla. Perfect as a sweet snack or party treat, it’s easy to make on the stovetop and yields about 10 cups of deliciously sticky, chewy popcorn clusters.
Ingredients
Popcorn
- ½ cup popcorn kernels (unpopped)
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 (10 ounce) bag mini marshmallows
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Marshmallow Coating
Instructions
- Pop the popcorn: Heat 3 tablespoons of canola oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ½ cup of popcorn kernels, cover with a lid, and shake the pot occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even popping.
- Remove from heat: When the popping slows to about 2 seconds between pops, remove the pot from the heat. Transfer the popcorn to a large bowl, discarding any unpopped kernels.
- Melt butter and marshmallows: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter. Add the mini marshmallows, ½ cup light brown sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt once the butter is melted.
- Mix until smooth: Stir continuously until the marshmallows are fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Coat the popcorn: Pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn in the large bowl. Gently toss with a spatula or large spoon to evenly coat the popcorn without crushing it.
- Cool and serve: Let the coated popcorn cool for 10-15 minutes to set slightly. Break apart any large clusters and serve immediately for a delicious treat.
Notes
- Shake the pot frequently while popping popcorn to avoid burning.
- Discard unpopped kernels to prevent choking hazards.
- Use a large mixing bowl to make tossing easier and less messy.
- For firmer clusters, press the popcorn mixture into a greased pan and allow to cool completely before cutting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep popcorn fresh and maintain its texture.
