Christmas Popcorn Cake
Not only is this a festive Christmas Popcorn Cake, but I used a bundt pan to make it look like a wreath. Bonus! I was inspired to make this when I was at my Son’s house last weekend. He had a store bought mini popcorn cake and it was sooooo cute. I told him that I needed to make one of those. And I did! This sweet, crunchy, colorful treat is one of those recipes that looks like you spent all afternoon making it, but it is actually simple, fun, and totally customizable.
This is very similar to popcorn balls or popcorn treats. All you need is popcorn, white chocolate, butter, baking bits and sprinkles. Oh and a pan to mold it. I used a bundt pan, of course, but I’m sure you could mold this into any pan. Be creative! A tube pan, loaf pan, mini bundt pans, or even a lined mixing bowl could work depending on the shape you want. The real magic is in pressing everything together while it is still warm enough to hold, then letting it set before serving.
Fun Facts About Popcorn Cake
Popcorn cake is one of those nostalgic treats that fits right in with old-fashioned holiday goodies. It has the pull-apart fun of popcorn balls, the sliceable look of a cake, and the bright color of party candy all in one. Because popcorn is light and airy, a big “cake” like this feels playful instead of heavy, which makes it perfect for dessert tables that already have cookies, fudge, brownies, and pies.
Another fun thing about this recipe is that it can be changed for almost any occasion. Red and green sprinkles make it Christmas-ready, but pink and red are cute for Valentine’s Day, pastel candies work for Easter, orange and black are fun for Halloween, and school colors make it great for graduations or team parties. Once you have the basic idea down, the decorations can match whatever you are celebrating.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Popcorn Cake
- Use plain popped popcorn, not heavily buttered movie-style popcorn. A little salt is fine and actually helps balance the sweetness.
- Remove any unpopped kernels before mixing. Nobody wants a surprise crunch that is not supposed to be there.
- Grease the bundt pan well so the popcorn cake releases easily once it has set.
- Work gently when stirring so the popcorn stays fluffy instead of getting crushed.
- Press the mixture into the pan firmly enough to hold its shape, but do not smash it down too hard.
- Let it cool completely before turning it out of the pan. If it is still warm, it may not keep that pretty wreath shape.
It would be such a great addition to your Christmas treats or you could score some points by taking it to a party. Eat it by either slicing it or just picking at it. However you want to serve it is up to you. Sarah and I have been just picking at ours. That way we will eat less rather than sit down and finish off a whole slice of it. At least that is the story we are telling ourselves.
Serving Suggestions
For a Christmas dessert table, place the popcorn cake on a cake stand or round platter and add a few extra sprinkles around the edge. Since the bundt pan gives it a wreath shape, you can even add a little bow or some candy pieces in the center for a fun presentation. If you are serving kids, cut smaller pieces or break off clusters so it is easy to grab and go.
This is also a cute treat for gifting. Wrap wedges or chunks in clear treat bags, tie them with ribbon, and tuck them into holiday baskets. If you are taking it to a party, slice it right before serving or set out a small knife so guests can help themselves. The sweet and salty crunch makes it a nice change from richer desserts, especially after a big holiday meal.
Storage Tips
Store the popcorn cake in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to keep the popcorn from getting stale. It is best enjoyed within a few days while the texture is still crisp and chewy. Keep it at room temperature in a cool, dry spot instead of the refrigerator, since moisture can soften the popcorn.
If you are making it ahead for a party, prepare it the day before and keep it covered until serving time. For gifting, package it as close to delivery as possible. If your kitchen is warm, let the white chocolate or coating set completely before wrapping so the pieces do not stick together.
Here’s another bonus…you don’t have to just make this for Christmas. Change up the decorations and colors and you can have one of these for any other holiday or for a color themed birthday. Go crazy!! Try different baking bits, mini candies, crushed peppermint, colorful chocolate pieces, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top. Just make sure whatever you add is bite-size so the cake slices or breaks apart easily.
What will you use on your popcorn cake? Sprinkles, candy bits, peppermint pieces, mini marshmallows, chocolate drizzle, or your favorite holiday colors would all be fun.
What other goodies will you be making? If you need more Christmas treat ideas, here are a few more sweet recipes to check out.
ITEMS/INGREDIENTS USED IN RECIPE – If you are interested in any of the items I may have used (or are similar to the items I used) in making this recipe, I have listed some of them below. NOTE: These links are affiliate links of which I receive a small commission from the sale of certain item. This does not affect your price, it remains the same.
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Rock on!
~Bobbi
Christmas Popcorn Cake
Equipment
- Bundt Cake Pan
Ingredients
- 1 Pkg Microwave Popcorn
- 2 Cup White Chocolate Chips
- 6 Tbsp Butter
- 1 Cup Mini Red and Green Baking Bits
- 1/3 Cup Green Sugar Sprinkles
Instructions
- Spray Bundt Cake pan with cooking spray.
- Cook popcorn in microwave as directed. Pour into large bowl. NOTE: Can use homemade popcorn instead. My bag made 4 1/2 cups popped.
- Microwave white chocolate chips and butter in a microwave safe bowl until melted. About 45 seconds to 1 minutes. Stir halfway.
- Pour melted chocolate over popcorn and stir until all popcorn is coated.
- Add baking bits and sprinkles to popcorn. Stir or toss until mixed well.
- Press popcorn mixture into the bundt pan. Press down well! NOTE: If too loose, it will fall apart after removing from pan.
- Refrigerate to set about 1-2 hours. Remove from fridge and let sit about 10 minutes before removing from pan.
Notes
Nutrition
What a neat idea! I’m loving how simple it is to make as well. Anything that involves popcorn & chocolate together has to be good.
Leslie recently posted…How Naps Can Inspire Creativity
Thanks girl! It is simple and cool, right? Thanks so much for always checking my stuff out 😉
Have a great day!