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!
This birthday cake popcorn is my favorite fun, festive alternative to a classic birthday cake. It’s sweet, crunchy, and somehow really does taste like cake batter, all while being incredibly easy to make. I’ll serve it in a big bowl for sharing or roll it into balls for a playful handheld treat—either way, sticky fingers are guaranteed, and that’s part of the charm.
I start with plain, freshly popped popcorn (nothing buttery or salty here) and coat it in a gooey mixture of melted marshmallows, vanilla cake mix, milk, and vanilla extract. The marshmallows make everything sticky and cohesive, the cake mix brings that unmistakable birthday flavor, and the vanilla rounds it all out. A generous shower of sprinkles finishes it off, making it feel instantly celebratory.
It’s a hit with kids, but adults love it just as much. I make it for birthdays, of course, but I think this would be the perfect dessert for baby showers, wedding showers, movie nights, and any celebration that could use something sweet, colorful, and a little nostalgic.
For more delicious birthday treats, try my birthday cake ice cream !
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.
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 a covered container at room temperature for up to two days.
Birthday Cake Popcorn (Ready in 15 Minute!)
- Pin
Ingredients
- ▢ 6 cups popped popcorn
- ▢ ½ bag marshmallows
- ▢ ¾ cup vanilla cake mix
- ▢ 2 teaspoons vanilla
- ▢ 2-4 tablespoons 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. ½ bag marshmallows, ¾ 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 .
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For more sweet treats, check out all of our dessert recipes !
Birthday Cake Popcorn (Ready in 15 Minute!)
Ingredients
- 6 cups popped popcorn
- ½ bag marshmallows
- ¾ cup vanilla cake mix
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2-4 tablespoons 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. ½ bag marshmallows, ¾ 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.
