This may not be the dessert you first think of when you think of something to make for a crowd. In fact, you may look at this and think: how could that possibly taste good?! I guess that because people have asked me the same thing when I just say the name:

Popcorn Cake.

Popcorn cake?! Let me start off by saying this is not the first time I’ve featured this recipe. However, it was well over a year ago, and I truly think it is good enough to feature again. Hopefully that boosts your faith that I’m telling the truth: it is not that crazy, it’s just yummy. If you need more proof, it is served at my extended family barbecues. People like it!

This cake is endearing to me also because I choose it as a substitute for birthday cake each year, along with my dad. We prefer it over cake. It’s not an actual cake with popcorn cooked into it. Now, that probably WOULD be gross. No, instead, it has the same features of a rice krispie treat (but tastes a lot better!) and is just shaped like a cake (but could easily be shaped into popcorn balls, too).

You get the sweetness of the marshmallow, and the buttery, salty flavor of the popcorn. Mix that together with the endless mix-ins you can choose, and you have a party for your taste-buds!

As for the mix-ins, let’s talk about some options:

Ideas:

•   Gumdrops
•   Jelly Beans and Peanuts
•   M&M’s
•   Twizzler Bites
•    Pretzels
•   Sour Patch Kids
•   Swedish Fish and Cashews
•   Almonds and Toffee

You could even try a flavored popcorn (cinnamon)

My all time favorite is the Swedish fish/ Salted Cashew combo. It continues to compliment the sweet and salty of the marshmallowed popcorn, while adding a chewy/crunchy texture at the same time.

I mentioned that this is a great one for a barbecue or a crowd because it is really very simple to make. It’s a matter of popping some popcorn and melting some marshmallows (which takes almost no time). Just make sure you get a big bowl to stir it in, and you’re set. Plus, as we all know, summer can get quite hot. The last thing you want to do is turn on the oven to bake some brownies. It not only racks up you’re A/C bill, but it makes you’re home warm and toasty! Who wants that when it’s blistering outside! Stick to the stovetop, as you won’t have to be hovering over it very long anyway.

This one is great for holidays, too. Add any color or flavored candy that will enhance your festivities. When I last did this recipe, Robbie commented he would pass it out at his church’s trunk or treat for Halloween! Fun idea!

So, try it out, whether it’s for your birthday, a barbecue, the Fourth of July, or Halloween. You’ll hopefully enjoy it as most people do.