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Birthday Cake Popcorn

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Birthday cake popcorn is the perfect party treat. Like funfetti pancakes, it’s a festive way to celebrate special occasions!

If you enjoy pink popcorn from the candy store, you’ll love confetti popcorn too! This recipe made with funfetti cake mix is very versatile. Serve it in a bowl, make popcorn balls, or form it into a popcorn cake. It’s easy to bring on the fun with this whimsical birthday-cake popcorn!

PIN BIRTHDAY CAKE POPCORN NOW TO MAKE IT LATER!

Birthday Cake Popcorn in a white bowl next to bright colorful birthday candles.

BIRTHDAY CAKE POPCORN INGREDIENTS

Our family enjoys birthday cake popcorn year round. It’s the ideal snack for Friday night movies, game days, and backyard gatherings. By keeping our pantry stocked with these common ingredients, it’s easy to make a fresh batch confetti popcorn in a snap!

This fun recipe makes every occasion special. Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious batch of confetti popcorn:

  • Popped popcorn (white)
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Butter
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • Milk
  • Funfetti cake mix
  • Rainbow sprinkles candy (edible jimmies)

KITCHEN TIP: This recipe can also be made with a basic white or yellow cake mix. Just use what you have in your pantry!

Ingredients for Birthday Cake Popcorn laid out on a rustic white tabletop.

BIRTHDAY CAKE POPCORN RECIPE

This kid-approved treat is sticky, gooey and incredibly delicious, much like rainbow fruit loop treats!

Here’s how to assemble this easy recipe:

  • STEP 1: Pop the popcorn. Transfer it to a large bowl. With clean hands, sift out and remove all un-popped kernels. Discard them.
  • STEP 2: Melt the butter in a large skillet over low heat.
  • STEP 3: Add mini marshmallows to the skillet.
  • STEP 4: Continuously stir until marshmallows are completely melted. Remove pan from heat.
A 4-image collage showing step-by-step recipe instructions for confetti popcorn.

RECIPE TIP: To make confetti popcorn less sticky, fold in a few more cups of popped popcorn.

CAKE BATTER POPCORN

Made with funfetti cake mix, birthday cake popcorn is often called cake batter popcorn, funfetti popcorn or confetti popcorn. At your local popcorn store, this delightful treat can purchased in take-out containers, ready to enjoy. However it’s more cost-effective to make your own at home.

  • STEP 1: Spoon funfetti cake mix into the skillet. Add milk and vanilla extract.
  • STEP 2: Mix with a spatula until all ingredients are fully combined.
  • STEP 3: Add popped popcorn to the skillet, two cups at a time. Keep folding the popcorn into the thick cake batter mixture until all the popcorn has beed added.
  • STEP 4: Sprinkle rainbow confetti candy over the birthday cake popcorn. Fold it into the mix. Add more confetti candy candy on top.
A 4-image collage showing step-by-step instructions for birthday cake popcorn recipe.

HOW TO MAKE A POPCORN CAKE

Blowing out candles on family-sized desserts is now a thing of the past. To protect family and guests from flying germs, we’re finding simple ways to keep the tradition alive. These are family favorites for blowing out candles and making a wish: an individual cupcake, a brownie with a scoop of ice cream, or a small popcorn cake with a candle in the middle.

Here’s how to make a popcorn cake:

  1. Wrap a  cutting board with parchment or waxed paper. Oil your hands with cooking spray. Transfer birthday cake popcorn to your work surface. Press down on the mixture. Spread it into an even layer.
  2. To create a mini popcorn cake, use a set of cookie cutters. Cut out multiple tiers of “cake.” If desired, spread a thin layer of frosting between the layers. Serve the popcorn cake on a mini cake stand with a birthday candle in the center
  3. For a larger cake, make two batches of birthday cake popcorn. Cut out the tiers with an aluminum cake ring or a medium-sized tart ring.
  4. For a quick and easy popcorn cake, arrange a tall mound of popcorn on an appetizer plate. Place a candle down the center. Compact popcorn around the candle to secure it in place.
A small popcorn cake on an appetizer plate with a green unlit candle in the center.

EXPERT TIPS AND FAQ

  • HOW MUCH POPCORN TO MAKE FOR A PARTY: Triple this recipe. As a back-up plan, offer plain or buttered popcorn to make sure there’s enough for all.
  • HOW TO ASSEMBLE THIS RECIPE FASTER: In advance, head to your local popcorn store. Purchase an XL bag of popped popcorn. This is what I do when getting ready for a party!
  • HOW TO SERVE BIRTHDAY CAKE POPCORN: Add individual servings to cellophane bags or small zip-top bags. When serving small children, form the mixture into popcorn balls. If party guests will be serving themselves from a large bowl, provide a spoon-shaped spatula for scooping the popcorn along with small disposable cups.
  • CAN BIRTHDAY CAKE POPCORN BE MADE IN ADVANCE? It can be made several hours before it’s served, or one day in advance. Store in large zip-top bags with all the air pressed out.
Confetti popcorn in a white bowl on a colorful cloth napkin next to a tiny dish of confetti sprinkles.

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A large white serving bowl filled with birthday cake popcorn on a party table.

MORE BIRTHDAY PARTY RECIPES

It’s easy to elevate a birthday party celebration, or a special occasion, with these fun delicious recipes!


CONFETTI POPCORN > RATE THIS RECIPE! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Family and friends say this is the best birthday cake popcorn recipe! If you agree, give it a 5-star rating in the comments.

Gold Line: Sprinkles of Inspiration | confettiandbliss.com
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Birthday Cake Popcorn in a white bowl next to bright colorful birthday candles.

Birthday Cake Popcorn


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Description

Birthday cake popcorn makes any occasion more festive! This recipe is ideal for serving popcorn in a bowl, making popcorn balls, or a fun popcorn cake.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 cups popped popcorn (white)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 10-ounce bag mini marshmallows (6 cups)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 2 cups funfetti cake mix
  • Rainbow sprinkles candy (edible jimmies)

Instructions

  1. Transfer popped popcorn to a large bowl. With clean hands, sift out and remove all un-popped kernels. Discard the kernels. Set the bowl of popcorn aside.
  2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over low heat. Add mini marshmallows to the skillet. Continuously stir until marshmallows are completely melted. Remove pan from heat.
  3. Spoon funfetti cake mix into the skillet. Add milk and vanilla extract. Mix with a spatula until all ingredients are fully combined.
  4. Add popped popcorn to the skillet, two cups at a time. Keep folding the popcorn into the thick, sticky cake-batter mixture until all the popcorn has beed added. For a less sticky mixture, add in a few extra cups of popcorn. Sprinkle rainbow confetti candy over the surface. Fold it into the mix. Add more confetti candy candy on top.
  5. Transfer to a bowl and enjoy! You can also form popcorn balls or a fun popcorn cake!

 

Notes

  • HOW MUCH POPCORN TO MAKE FOR A PARTY: Triple this recipe. As a back-up plan, offer plain or buttered popcorn to make sure there’s enough for all.
  • HOW TO ASSEMBLE THIS RECIPE FASTER: In advance, head to your local popcorn store. Purchase an XL bag of popped popcorn. This is what I do when getting ready for a party!
  • HOW TO SERVE BIRTHDAY CAKE POPCORN: Add individual servings to cellophane bags or small zip-top bags. When serving small children, form the mixture into popcorn balls. If party guests will be serving themselves from a large bowl, provide a spoon-shaped spatula for scooping the popcorn along with small disposable cups.
  • CAN BIRTHDAY CAKE POPCORN BE MADE IN ADVANCE? It can be made several hours before it’s served, or one day in advance. Store in large zip-top bags with all the air pressed out.
  • MORE INFO ABOUT THIS RECIPE: More tips are included in the body of the post, along with helpful step-by-step recipe images.
  • Prep Time: 5 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 Minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Snacks
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
Gold Line: Sprinkles of Inspiration | confettiandbliss.com

BIRTHDAY CAKE POPCORN > JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Do you love funfetti popcorn? Would you like to serve this delicious treat at an upcoming party? Share your thoughts on this fun dessert recipe in the comments below!

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7 Comments

  1. This recipe is not just fun it’s also super tasty! I love that I can make a batch to share…so that I don’t have to give up my own! Yum! It’s an indulgent treat that’s adorable for gifting as well!






  2. What a pretty party treat. Would love to try this for my lil ones B-Day next weekend. Thanks for sharing






  3. I love the pop of color in this popcorn! This has got to be the cutest! I cannot wait to make it for my daughter’s birthday next month.






  4. I made this for my daughter’s birthday party and all the kids loved it! I should’ve doubled the recipe.






  5. What a great idea! I make a popcorn recipe that is similar to this with white chocolate. Definitely going to add sprinkles next time!