What if there could be a treat that was like Rice Krispie treats, but also like a bowl of kettle corn, and then also salty, but then dotted with an obnoxious amount of sprinkles? That would be good news. Actually, that would be what’s happening here!
It’s success and celebration, all in a popcorn bowl.
Happy Monday! Just go for it: sprinkle and marshmallow everything today.
Related: I’m really into aggressively-flavored popcorn… Roy Choi’s Furikake Kettle Corn
Here’s how this magic happens. Fresh popped popcorn (from scratch is my favorite), corn flakes for crisp and crunch, marshmallows and butter because we’re obnoxious geniuses, and sea salt because sweet needs salt.
Butter and marshmallows are melted down into a syrup. If you’re thinking that this mixture resembled Rice Krispie Treats, you’re right.
Related: Malty and Salty Brown Butter Treats.
I used a buttered sheet pan to assemble the popcorn. More marshmallow coverage. More room to spread and stir.
Warm buttery marshmallows drizzled over the popcorn and corn flakes and stirred. Salt and sprinkles too. Salt for balance and sprinkles for love and happiness.
I would humbly suggest putting on the movie Step Brothers, pouring yourself a big glass of orange juice (my favorite with popcorn), and maybe a few wet wipes too. Things could get a little sticky.
PrintButtery + Salty Marshmallow Popcorn Crunch

Sweet and salty, crunchy and sprinkled, buttery and perfect.
Ingredients
For the Popcorn
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- heaping 1/3 cup yellow corn kernels
- (or about 12 cups of popcorn)
- salt, to taste
- 2 heaping cups corn flakes
For the Marshmallow Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, plus more for greasing a pan
- 1-16 ounce bag mini marshmallows
- salt, to taste
- rainbow sprinkles, to delight
Instructions
- To make the popcorn, in a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add the corn kernels in an even layer over the bottom of the pan. Place the lid over the pan, keeping the lid slightly ajar.
- Allow popcorn to begin popping. When popping slows, remove from heat and sprinkle lightly with salt. Shake into a large bowl.
- Lightly grease a large rimmed baking sheet. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter and add marshmallows. Stir the mixture until the marshmallows are completely melted. Remove from heat.
- Spread popcorn across the greased baking sheet. Sprinkle corn flakes over the popcorn. Drizzle the warm marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and cornflakes. You may find that you don’t need to use all of the marshmallow mixture. Use enough for a light coating of the popcorn and cornflakes. Use a large spoon to evenly coat all of the popcorn and cornflakes.
- Sprinkle generously with salt and sprinkles and enjoy immediately.
The Prestigious School
Well, that is an orthodonture nightmare if I ever saw one, but my daughter has her first request for when the braces finally come off!
Jennifer at Recipe for Random
I will have to make this! Stepbrothers =awesome!
morganatic
Orange juice and popcorn, noooooooo! That’s on the level of orange juice and toothpaste. Just diabolical.
joythebaker
i really like orange juice and popcorn. maybe i’m weird.
Amy
What a fun recipe for a Monday. How long do you think this would keep? I’m thinking it might be a fun treat for lunch boxes.
erika
you know how to live a good life. thank you ma’am!!
Chrissy
Corn flakes! Love it. Happiness in a bowl.
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic
Genius, Joy, genius!
Erin | Well Plated
I see this happy, perfect mess (and I mean “mess” as a compliment), and I just want to say “Yippeeeee!” Salty-sweet things (and sprinkles) have that kind of power over me.
Jessica Tom (@jessica_tom)
Uh oh… this could be addictive. Very, very addictive… :)
http://www.jessicatom.com/
Mallory @forkvsspoon
So, this is amazing. Happy Monday, Joy!
Holly
How long do you think this would keep? I’m sure the corn flakes would get soft after a while though.
Jenna
Happy Monday!! This treat made me instantly happier. Those sprinkles alone are enough to brighten up the day. Genius idea to add them to popcorn!
krystal
oj and popcorn? you get me, joy. you get me.
Bonnie Mac
My doctor just told me to go on a gluten-free diet and literally everything I’ve seen since then has had gluten and made me sad at the fun I’m missing out on! But then, on a BAKING site, you give me an awesome recipe I can make and enjoy without the gluten! Hooray for answering my prayers!!!
Also, when I read “sprinkles, to delight” I said “No, YOU delight.” ???? Thanks for making my morning!
Nathalie Hrizi
Hi Bonnie,
If you can get it, i make everything on here with Cup for Cup flour. Turns out great and it is all gluten free–which I’ve done for years now. Pamela’s baking mix is okay too.
Nathalie
Jess Carey
I LOVE the idea of the cornflakes in there!!! Yum!!