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Popcorn Bars is the perfect snack for family gatherings or for an after school treat. Fun, colorful and easy to make with simple ingredients.
These popcorn bars are the best treat. The combination of the popcorn, marshmallows, nuts and M&M’s makes these easy bars recipes a family favorite.
Dessert bars are always the best dessert to take for any occasion. These popcorn bars can be made with a variety of ingredients and the kids can even help. For another fun treat make these Fruity Pebbles Bars.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
These popcorn bars are always the first to go whenever I make them. The prep time is minimal and they make the perfect last minute dessert. The crispy texture and amazing flavor makes the dessert bars my go-to dessert recipe.
If you are looking to change up your classic movie night snack, make these popcorn bars.
Ingredients
- Popcorn (popped)
- Unsalted Butter
- Mini Marshmallows
- Vanilla Extract
- Salt
- Peanuts (salted)
- M&Ms
Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe and ingredients.
Variations Ideas
- Popcorn – This recipe works with any type of popped popcorn. We have made it with microwave popcorn, store bought popcorn and popped it ourselves. We usually use plain popcorn as we think it taste better with the combination of ingredients.
- Change Nuts – Feel free to use a different type of chopped nuts. You can add in slice almonds or chopped walnuts.
- Drizzle Chocolate – A fun twist to this delicious dessert bar is drizzling melted chocolate. We have even drizzled caramel sauce or peanut butter for a delicious variation.
- Add-Ins – Feel free to add in other types of ingredients. Mini chocolate chips and sprinkles are a great addition.
Step by Step Instructions
- Step 1 – Spray a 9X13 baking pan with a non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2 – Place the popcorn in a large bowl and remove any unpeopled kernels. Stir in the peanuts and M&Ms. Set aside.
Step 3 – Place the marshmallows and butter in a separate microwave safe bowl. Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval until the mixture is fully melted and combined.
Step 4 – Then stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Step 5 – Pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn mixture and gently stir to coat. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan.
- Step 6 – Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours until set.
- Step 7 – Then the bars are ready to cut, serve and enjoy.
Recipe Tips
- Melt Marshmallows – We melted the marshmallows in the microwave, but you can also melt in a large saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Pressing Mixture – We recommend pressing the popcorn mixture with a large spatula for best results. This helps to evenly distribute the mixture in a baking dish or baking sheet.
- Set Mixture – Once you have it pressed into the baking pan, then allow the mixture to set for at least an hour. This helps to easily cut into squares.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Yes, we love to make these on the weekends for a quick snack after school. These make the perfect grab and go for school lunches or after sports practice.
Yes, you can freeze these popcorn bars. After you have cut into bars, wrap in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. When ready to enjoy, thaw on the counter and enjoy.
More Easy Popcorn Recipes
If you make this Popcorn Bars Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.
Popcorn Bars
Ingredients
- 10 cups Popcorn popped
- 3 tbsp Butter
- 10.5 oz Mini Marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Peanuts salted
- 1 1/2 cups M&Ms
Instructions
- Spray a 9X13 baking pan with a non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the popcorn in a large mixing bowl and remove any unpeopled kernels.
- Stir in the peanuts and M&Ms. Set aside.
- Place the marshmallows and butter in a separate microwave safe bowl. Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval until the mixture is fully melted and combined.
- Then stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn mixture and gently stir to coat.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan.
- Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours until set.
- Then the bars are ready to cut, serve and enjoy!
