Swap the cereal for kernels with this family favorite recipe for sweet and chewy Funfetti Marshmallow Popcorn Treats.
Step aside, Rice Krispies. Your role in classic marshmallow treats has been reassigned to an equally as puffy alternative, popcorn. Toss in some rainbow sprinkles for extra pizzazz and you have the latest, stickiest sweet to steal the dessert spotlight: Funfetti Marshmallow Popcorn Treats.
Much like the traditional version, marshmallow popcorn treats are as quick and easy to make as they are to eat. You’ll only need five ingredients and 25 minutes to brighten up birthdays (just add candles!) and special occasions with funfetti at its finest.
Best of all, the addition of lightly salted popcorn ushers this snack onto the list of top-ranking sweet and salty desserts, almost edging out the reigning champion.
The real decision to make here is the type of spinkles. Will you go for more dainty nonpareils? The more classic jimmies? The big, bold and crunchy beauties I’ve used above?
The options are endless and the choice is yours and yours alone!
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Ingredients
- 10 cups plain popcorn (See Kelly’s Notes)
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 (10-oz.) bag marshmallows
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles, divided
Instructions
- Grease a 13x9-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- Add the butter to a large stock pot set over medium low heat. Once the butter has melted, stir in the vanilla extract (it will spatter), then add the marshmallows and cook, stirring, until smooth, about 5 minutes. Stir in the popcorn and ¼ cup of sprinkles until the popcorn is well coated, then immediately pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish pressing it firmly into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of sprinkles on top.
- Let the mixture sit for 20 minutes then slice it into squares or bars and serve.
Kelly’s Note:
- You can use microwave popcorn (plain or lightly salted, but not buttered), or pop your own. You’ll need about ½ cup kernels to yield 10 cups popcorn. Lightly salted works best in terms of flavor.
- ★ Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to give it a star rating below!
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Recipe by Kelly Senyei of Just a Taste. Please do not reprint this recipe without my permission. If you'd like to feature this recipe on your site, please rewrite the method of preparation and link to this post as the original source.
These were super fun and a great change from rice krispies. We used a few different types of sprinkles and may have had a heavy hand with them! Loved the chewiness of the popcorn! Will definitely make again!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Nicholas!
How long will these keep? I find rice krispie treats start to taste stale and lose their texture by the next day, are these best to eat in day one?
Hi Bryn! These are definitely best the day they are made but they will keep for up to a few days in an airtight container. The popcorn will be slightly chewier the next day because it absorbs some of the moisture from the marshmallow mixture but it still tastes good.
My kids went crazy for these salty sweet bars!
What about buttersalt popcorn from kernels? That’s not to buttery…
That should work!
How many bags of microwave popcorn?
Hi Arlene! Every bag of microwave pop yields varying amounts, which is why I provide the cup measurement.
Why is buttered popcorn not good to use.
It prevents the marshmallow coating from sticking!
What a fun and cute twist on a classic…been on a popcorn kick lately so I’ll be tricking this out for the kiddos!
Thanks, Brittany!
What fun little bars! Popcorn sounds like a great alternative to rice krispies :)
Absolutely, June! Love that sweet-salty combo!