The Viral Marshmallow Popcorn Is the Best Sweet N’ Salty Snack for Movie Night: Get the Recipe

When it comes to family movie night, we take turns making the snacks. But last week my sister surprised us with a recipe that took me back to childhood: marshmallow popcorn. This viral TikTok recipe takes just four ingredients to transform plain popcorn into a gooey, sweet-and-salty treat that’s absolutely addictive. But the best part? It’s so quick and easy in 15 minutes, plus popping your own popcorn is a cheaper alternative. So, skip the seasonings—here’s how to make marshmallow popcorn.

What is the viral marshmallow popcorn?

Also known as Rice Krispies popcorn, this fusion combines two iconic childhood snacks into one. The original recipe, created by TikTok user @kerlovichkitchen only uses four ingredients and one pan. It starts by popping fresh popcorn (but you can also use store-bought to save some time), then combining them with melted marshmallows until it reaches a sticky, Rice Krispies-like consistency. Watch the video below to see the process:

Love Rice Krispies? Learn how to make Microwave Rice Cereal Treats at home.

Tips for delicious marshmallow popcorn

When I made this for my friends at a recent girls' movie night, they loved it. But while it may seem straightforward, here are a few tricks for the gooey, sticky results:

1. Use fresh popcorn

This is a must, in my opinion. Fresh popcorn has a better texture and more neutral flavor compared to highly buttered store-bought varieties. But if you want to save time, look for air-popped or lightly salted.

2. Do the kernel test

This is a trick I learned growing up when making fresh popcorn. After heating a pot with a bit of oil, drop a couple kernels in and wait for them to pop. Once it does, that’s when you know you’re ready to add in the rest.

3. Melt your marshmallows gently

Melt your marshmallows with butter over low heat, stirring continuously to prevent burning. This creates a smooth, creamy mixture that evenly coats the popcorn. Once melted, work quickly to combine with the popcorn and use a spatula to ensure each piece is evenly coated.

4. Use vanilla extract instead of cake mix

Some variations of this recipe use boxed cake mix in the melted marshmallow mixture. I don’t recommend this, as it’s not safe to consume raw cake batter. Instead, use vanilla extract for added sweetness or even cake batter extract.

Want more popcorn? Try our Firecracker Popcorn Balls .

4-Ingredient marshmallow popcorn recipe

I followed the video above when making this popcorn and made sure to write out every step you need to know below. For a fun touch, feel free to add in your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or sprinkles.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup of popcorn kernels
• ½ cup butter
• 1 bag marshmallows
• Vanilla extract + salt, for taste

Directions:

• Total Time:
• Yield: About 5 servings

1. Add 1-1 Tbs. neutral oil to a large pot over medium heat. Add a single kernel to the pot. Once popped and the oil is hot enough, add the rest of the popcorn. Once all popped, remove and transfer to a large bowl.
2. In the same pot, add the butter. Once melted, add the full bag of marshmallows and stir to coat. Melt the mixture until it becomes liquid or creamy in texture. Add a tsp. of vanilla extract, a couple pinches of salt for flavor and other optional mix-ins and stir to combine.
3. Add the popcorn back into the pot and stir gently to combine with a spatula. Transfer back to the bowl or a baking pan and enjoy.

More movie-time snacks you’ll love:

This Microwave Brownie Recipe Is Ready in Just 5 Minutes — So Easy + Fudgy

Pizza Fries Recipe Is a Cheesy Snack Loaded With Flavor + Bake Up Crispy in 15 Minutes

How to Make Perfectly Crispy Potato Chips in the Microwave — Ready in 5 Minutes