The first time I made these Funfetti Marshmallow Popcorn Treats, I had a toddler tugging at my apron, popcorn flying from the bowl, and sprinkles absolutely everywhere. And yet, that sweet chaos turned into the most cheerful little snack I’ve ever served. With gooey marshmallow coating, a burst of vanilla, and just the right pop of color, these are the treats that bring smiles before the first bite.
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Funfetti Marshmallow Popcorn Treats Recipe
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Funfetti Marshmallow Popcorn Treats
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
Funfetti Marshmallow Popcorn Treats are quick, colorful, and gooey. Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or a sweet movie night snack.
Ingredients
3 tbsp unsalted butter
7 cups popped popcorn
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 scoop cake batter protein powder
50 regular-sized marshmallows
Funfetti sprinkles
Optional: melted white chocolate, peanut butter, hint of salt, funfetti cake mix, mini chocolate chips, nuts
Instructions
1. Pop about 7 cups of popcorn using your preferred method. Remove all unpopped kernels.
2. Melt butter over low heat in a large saucepan.
3. Add marshmallows and stir until completely smooth.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and protein powder.
5. Pour the melted mixture over the popcorn and stir until evenly coated.
6. Add sprinkles and toss gently to distribute.
7. Press mixture into a parchment-lined baking pan using greased hands or a spatula.
8. Optional: Drizzle with melted white chocolate and add more sprinkles.
9. Let it set for 30 minutes at room temperature before cutting into pieces.
Notes
Use fresh popcorn for best results.
Work quickly once the marshmallow mixture is melted.
Spray hands or spatula with cooking spray to reduce sticking.
Let treats cool fully before cutting for clean shapes.
If adding melted chocolate, let it harden before serving.
Add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips offer fun variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert Recipes
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 109
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 58mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 6mg
Why You’ll Love These Funfetti Marshmallow Popcorn Treats
The Perfect Sweet and Salty Combo
Each bite of these popcorn treats hits that cozy middle ground between salty and sweet. The buttery popcorn holds its crunch under the soft marshmallow coating, while the sprinkles bring a hint of sugar sparkle. That balance keeps your hand reaching back into the bowl.
Quick, Easy, and Kid-Friendly
These are made with pantry staples and take less than 30 minutes. No oven. No fancy gear. Plus, little hands love to help stir in the sprinkles or press the mixture into the pan. It’s messy, fun, and always worth it.
Colorful Fun for Any Occasion
From birthday parties to after-school snacks, these cheerful squares light up any table. You can match the sprinkles to any holiday or theme. They also travel well, so they’re perfect for lunch boxes or sweet party favors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Core Ingredients for the Base
To start, you’ll need:
- 7 cups of freshly popped popcorn (unpopped kernels removed)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 50 regular-sized marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 scoop cake batter protein powder (adds flavor and a tiny protein boost)
These create that signature gooey coating with a subtle cake flavor.
Optional Mix-Ins and Toppings for Customization
This is where you get creative. Add-ins like:
- Mini chocolate chips
- Chopped nuts
- A drizzle of melted white chocolate or peanut butter
- A sprinkle of funfetti cake mix or sea salt
These boost flavor and texture depending on your cravings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Pop the Perfect Popcorn
Use air-popped or stovetop popcorn. You’ll need about 7 cups. Be sure to sift out any unpopped kernels so nobody bites into one later.
Step 2 – Melt and Mix the Marshmallow Coating
In a large saucepan, melt butter on low heat. Add in all the marshmallows and stir gently until fully melted and smooth. Once off the heat, stir in vanilla and protein powder.
Step 3 – Combine, Add Sprinkles, and Shape
Quickly pour the marshmallow mix over your popcorn. Use a spatula to fold it all together. Then, toss in your sprinkles. Mix again to evenly distribute. Pour into a parchment-lined baking pan and press gently with greased hands or a spatula.
Step 4 – Optional Drizzle and Finishing Touches
If you like, drizzle melted white chocolate across the top. You can also add a final dusting of sprinkles for extra cheer.
Step 5 – Cooling and Cutting
Let the pan rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then, slice into squares or break into clusters. Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Tips for Best Results
Working Quickly for Even Coating
Once the marshmallows melt, they start to cool fast. Have your popcorn ready to go so you can mix while the coating is warm and spreadable.
Preventing Sticky Hands and Tools
Spray your spatula or hands with a bit of cooking spray before pressing the mixture. It makes shaping way easier and way less sticky.
Creative Variations for Flavor and Texture
Toss in chopped pretzels for crunch or swirl in peanut butter before mixing. You can even stir in mini marshmallows or crushed cookies for a playful twist. Think of this as a base you can build on.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
How to Keep Them Fresh and Crunchy
Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you chill them, they’ll last up to a week but may lose a little crunch. Just let them sit out for a bit before eating.
Serving Ideas for Parties, Snacks, and Gifting
Wrap squares in wax paper and tie with string for a sweet homemade gift. Serve them on a platter with Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow as a Colorful Party Treat or pack a few into lunchboxes for a cheerful surprise.
Nutrition Information
Each serving has:
- 109 calories
- 3g total fat (2g saturated)
- 13g sugar
- 1g protein
- 20g carbohydrates
It’s light enough for a snack, sweet enough for dessert.
FAQs About Funfetti Marshmallow Popcorn Treats
Can I Use Microwave Popcorn?
Yes, but choose a plain or lightly salted variety. Avoid buttery flavors, which can overwhelm the sweetness.
Can I Skip the Protein Powder?
Absolutely. It adds cake batter flavor and a bit of protein, but the recipe works just as well without it.
How Do I Add More Mix-Ins Without Making It Too Sweet?
Balance is key. Try salty mix-ins like pretzels or nuts. You can also reduce the sprinkles or chocolate to keep the sugar in check.
More Dessert Recipes Like This
If you loved this, you might also enjoy:
- Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites for a Fun Dessert Twist
- Easy Edible Cookie Dough for No-Bake Snack Lovers
- French Toast Rollups for a Kid-Friendly Sweet Snack
Conclusion
These Funfetti Marshmallow Popcorn Treats are pure snack-time joy. Quick, colorful, and irresistibly gooey, they’re the kind of treat that feels homemade in the very best way. Whether you’re prepping for a party or need a fast weeknight sweet, this recipe’s got you covered.
You can find even more snackable ideas on my Pinterest board, where I share cozy favorites from my kitchen.
