[W]hat 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.
Stacey
Hello! I’d like to make this for a baby shower favor, but I’m wondering how long it will keep? Since it says eat right away, I was concerned it might not be the best thing to make as party favors. Thanks so much in advance! Stacey
joythebaker
Your thoughts are right. It might not keep well. May make a better at the baby shower food, less a favor.
Jennifer Jo
Hi Joy! I made this yesterday but it didn’t quite work out. There was way more marshmallow sauce to popcorn ratio than what appears in your photos, so the popcorn was unbearably sticky and smooshy. Which makes me wonder: did you really mean to call for 16 ounces of marshmallows? Is that a typo?
Also, because popcorn is softer than rice krispies, the snack was soft and not very fulfilling, crunch-wise. I ended up pressing them into bars, but they never hardened up satisfactorily.
Victoria
Love the idea of dressing up popcorn like this!!! :) It could be a dangerous snack!
PS – The links for your avocado fries post are broken. When I click “read more” or the title of the post, it takes me to google. I’ve tried it like three times and just keep getting sent there. Can’t wait to read the rest of that post! :)
Juju Sprinkles
Marshmallow glazing with sprinkles on popcorn? This is madness!!! I will need to make at least 3 batches to keep up with its disappearing rate. :p
Juju Sprinkles
https://www.jujupsprinkles.com
joythebaker
I’m not even sure if 3 batches would be enough!
Nathalie Hrizi
Yes! Movie night here we come… question? Do you think it would keep for one day or just totally come apart? Dropping my son off at a movie night Friday and I think it would be a huge hit with a bunch of 5-year old but I’d have to make it Thursday night.
Emily @ Life on Food
Best. Snack. Ever. Who knew cereal and popcorn? Love!
Emily @ Life on Food
Best. Snack. Ever. This looks amazing. I must make it soon.
Georgie
This recipe looks awesome! I want to dive into the kitchen and recreate this dish right about, now! Thank you for sharing.
http://www.theislandsofgreece.com
Laura D
Could you use marshmallow fluff for a vegetarian version, or would that ruin the consistency?
joythebaker
i haven’t tried this, but I do think you could use the fluff and melt it down with butter. fingers crossed!