Delicious Christmas Popcorn Cake: A Festive Treat

January 12, 2026

Christmas Popcorn Cake has been a staple in my holiday celebrations ever since I discovered it during a family gathering. The colorful layers of popcorn, marshmallows, and gumdrops not only bring back childhood memories but also fill the room with a delightful aroma that signals festive fun. This holiday popcorn cake is a no-bake treat that is easy to make and perfect for sharing. Its chewy texture combined with the sweetness of marshmallows makes it irresistible! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Popcorn Cake

Quick to prepare and perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Kid-friendly, making it an excellent choice for family fun.
Colorful and visually appealing, perfect for festive occasions.
Delightful mix of textures – crunchy popcorn and chewy marshmallows.
Customizable with your favorite candies and toppings.
A great easy Christmas popcorn cake recipe for edible gifts.

Ingredients for Christmas Popcorn Cake

Here’s everything you need for this delicious treat:

8 cups popped popcorn – ensure all unpopped kernels are removed.
1/2 cup unsalted butter – adds richness and flavor.
5 cups mini marshmallows – the key to that sweet, chewy texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor.
1 cup gumdrops, halved – for a colorful and festive touch.

How to Make Christmas Popcorn Cake

Step 1: Pop your popcorn and remove any unpopped kernels. Set aside in a large bowl.
Step 2: In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 5 cups mini marshmallows and stir until fully melted and smooth.
Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Step 4: Pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and stir to coat evenly.
Step 5: Gently fold in 1 cup gumdrops, halved.
Step 6: Press the mixture into a well-greased bundt or tube pan, using a spatula or your buttered hands to press it down firmly.
Step 7: Let the cake set at room temperature for at least 1 hour.
Step 8: Invert onto a plate, slice, and serve this delightful festive popcorn treat.

Delicious Christmas Popcorn Cake with colorful gumdrops and marshmallows, ready to be served

Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Popcorn Cake

These tricks guarantee success every time:

Use fresh popcorn for the best texture.
Don’t overmix the marshmallow and popcorn; you want to maintain that fluffy texture.
Let it set completely before slicing for clean edges.

What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Popcorn Cake?

The key is to ensure your marshmallows are fully melted and smooth before combining with popcorn. This ensures an even coating that sticks perfectly!

Can I make Christmas Popcorn Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance. Just cover it tightly to keep it fresh until serving.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Popcorn Cake?

Be cautious with the amount of butter; too much can make it greasy. Also, ensure the popcorn is cool before adding the marshmallow mixture.

Best Ways to Serve Christmas Popcorn Cake

This Christmas Snack Cake is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with hot chocolate or a festive fruit punch for a delightful treat pairing. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence!

Close-up of a slice of Christmas Popcorn Cake showing its chewy texture and colorful gumdrops

Nutrition Facts for Christmas Popcorn Cake

Per serving (recipe makes 12 servings):

Calories: 220
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 50mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Popcorn Cake

Allow the cake to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. It lasts for about 3-4 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer. For best results, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Popcorn Cake

Can I use different candies in my Christmas Popcorn Cake?

Yes! Feel free to mix in chocolate pieces or other holiday-themed candies for a fun twist.

Is Christmas Popcorn Cake gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by ensuring that all ingredients, especially marshmallows, are gluten-free certified.

Can I make a chocolate-covered popcorn cake for Christmas?

Definitely! Just drizzle melted chocolate over the top before it sets for an extra layer of flavor.

What are some fun decorations for my Christmas Popcorn Cake?

You can sprinkle edible glitter, add more gumdrops, or even use whipped cream to make it festive!

Variations of Christmas Popcorn Cake You Can Try

Experiment with flavors by adding crushed peppermint for a minty twist, or try a chocolate drizzle for a rich dessert. You can also use caramel popcorn for a sweet and salty seasonal popcorn dessert experience!