Easy bites · Big party energy · No stress
No-Bake Treat · 16 squares

Popcorn Marshmallow Treats

Think crispy cereal bars, but with popcorn: salty, buttery and chewy. The main trick is removing unpopped kernels first and pressing the mixture only lightly.

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Popcorn and marshmallows arranged as a colorful party snack

Why this method works

No ovenOnly the binder needs heat.
Soft chewLow heat protects the marshmallow texture.
Salty-sweetPlain popcorn keeps balance.
Easy batchA standard 9×13-inch pan.

Before you start

Pick out hard kernels before everything becomes sticky. Plain or lightly salted popcorn works better than heavily buttered microwave popcorn.

Ingredients that matter

Keep the marshmallows on low heat and remove the pan as soon as they melt. Extra cooking makes the finished bars firmer.

How to make them

  1. Step 1. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment and lightly grease it. Put the popcorn in a very large bowl and remove any hard unpopped kernels.
  2. Step 2. Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir just until smooth; do not boil.
  3. Step 3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt. Pour over popcorn and fold until evenly coated. Fold in the extra mini marshmallows if using.
  4. Step 4. Transfer to the pan and press into an even layer with lightly greased hands or parchment. Press only enough to level it.
  5. Step 5. Cool 20 minutes, then lift from the pan and cut into 16 squares.

Useful swaps

Fold in mini chocolate candies or pretzel pieces after the mixture cools for a minute. Avoid adding chocolate while the marshmallow is piping hot.

Storage

Store airtight at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigeration makes the bars noticeably firmer.

NoshParty Recipe

Popcorn Marshmallow Treats

Soft salty-sweet popcorn bars bound with buttery marshmallow.

Prep10 min
Cook5 min
Total35 min
Yield16 squares

Ingredients

  • 12 cups plain popped popcorn, unpopped kernels removed
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter
  • 16 oz (454 g) mini marshmallows
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt
  • 1/2 cup extra mini marshmallows, optional

Instructions

  1. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment and lightly grease it. Put the popcorn in a very large bowl and remove any hard unpopped kernels.
  2. Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir just until smooth; do not boil.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt. Pour over popcorn and fold until evenly coated. Fold in the extra mini marshmallows if using.
  4. Transfer to the pan and press into an even layer with lightly greased hands or parchment. Press only enough to level it.
  5. Cool 20 minutes, then lift from the pan and cut into 16 squares.
Helpful notes
Melt marshmallows over low heat and stop as soon as smooth. Overheating produces firmer treats. Press the mixture gently rather than compacting it.

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