Can I use microwave popcorn instead of stovetop popped?

Yes, you can use microwave popcorn, but choose a plain or lightly salted variety without butter flavoring. The artificial butter flavor can clash with the sweet marshmallow mixture. Remember to remove any unpopped kernels before mixing.

Why is my popcorn getting soggy?

Popcorn naturally absorbs moisture from the marshmallow coating over time. For the crispiest result, serve within a few hours of making. If you need to make it ahead, store in a very dry, airtight container and add the candies just before serving if possible.

How do I prevent the marshmallow mixture from hardening too quickly?

Work efficiently but don't rush. If the mixture starts to harden before you're finished, you can place the saucepan back over very low heat for a few seconds to re-soften it. Just be careful not to burn it.

Can I make this recipe for other holidays?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the Easter candies for ones that match your holiday theme—red and green M&M's for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween, or your team's colors for game day. The basic recipe remains the same.

Easter Candy Popcorn Recipe

Name: Easter Candy Popcorn Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 cups of popped popcorn; Salt (liberally use as per your preference); 3 tablespoons butter (sweet cream, salted); 3 cups mini marshmallows; Handful of mini marshmallows; Bunny Mix M&M’s; Hershey’s milk chocolate candy-coated eggs

This Easter Candy Popcorn transforms ordinary popcorn into a festive, sweet-and-salty treat that’s perfect for spring celebrations. In just 20 minutes, you’ll create a colorful, munchable snack that combines the satisfying crunch of popcorn with the gooey goodness of marshmallows and the sweetness of Easter candy. It’s an irresistible combination that both kids and adults will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: From start to finish, this recipe takes just 20 minutes—perfect for last-minute Easter gatherings or when the kids need a fun activity.
Customizable: Use whatever Easter candies you have on hand or your favorites—the recipe is incredibly flexible.
Crowd-Pleaser: The sweet-salty combination is absolutely addictive. I’ve never met anyone who can resist this colorful treat!
No Special Equipment: You only need basic kitchen tools—no candy thermometers or complicated techniques required.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Popcorn: The foundation of our treat! Freshly popped offers the best texture and flavor. Make sure to remove those unpopped kernels—nobody wants a surprise crunch that could crack a tooth!
Butter: Provides richness and helps the marshmallows melt smoothly. Salted butter adds a nice flavor contrast.
Mini Marshmallows: These create that sticky, binding mixture that holds everything together. Reserve a handful for sprinkling on top for extra cuteness.
Bunny Mix M&M’s: These colorful candies add festive Easter colors and chocolate goodness. Their candy shell prevents them from melting into the warm popcorn.
Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Candy Coated Eggs: These add another layer of chocolate and a beautiful pop of color. Their oval shape is perfect for the Easter theme.
Salt: Don’t skip this! The contrast between sweet and salty makes this treat absolutely irresistible.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Looking to mix things up? Here are some fantastic ways to customize your Easter Candy Popcorn:

Different Candies: Swap in pastel-colored chocolate chips, jelly beans, Easter-themed sprinkles, or chopped Peeps for a different look and taste.
Drizzled Chocolate: After the popcorn has cooled slightly, drizzle with white, milk, or pastel-colored melted chocolate for an extra layer of decadence.
Nutty Addition: Mix in some chopped almonds, pecans, or peanuts for extra crunch and flavor if you’re not serving to anyone with nut allergies.
Caramel Twist: Use caramel popcorn as your base for an extra sweet foundation.

How to Make Easter Candy Popcorn

Step 1: Prepare the Popcorn

Pop 10 cups of popcorn using your preferred method. Be sure to remove all unpopped kernels (they’re tooth-breakers!). Salt the popcorn generously and transfer to a large bowl—you’ll need plenty of space for mixing.

Step 2: Create the Marshmallow Mixture

In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally until completely melted. Add 3 cups of mini marshmallows and stir until they’re fully coated with butter. Continue stirring until the marshmallows have completely melted into a smooth mixture. Remove from heat immediately after the last marshmallow melts to prevent burning.

Step 3: Combine with Popcorn

Pour about one-third of the marshmallow mixture over your salted popcorn. Gently fold the mixture into the popcorn with a spatula. Add more marshmallow mixture gradually, stirring between additions, until all popcorn is evenly coated.

Step 4: Add the Candies

Transfer the marshmallow-coated popcorn to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading it into an even layer. While the mixture is still warm and sticky, quickly sprinkle the Easter M&M’s, reserved mini marshmallows, and Hershey’s candy eggs over the surface, gently pressing them into the popcorn.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the popcorn to cool completely at room temperature (about 10 minutes). Once cooled, break it into clusters and serve in a large bowl or portion into individual bags for a portable treat.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Work Quickly: The marshmallow mixture sets fast, so have all your candy ready to sprinkle before you start assembling.
Butter Your Hands: If you need to shape the popcorn or break it apart, lightly butter your hands to prevent sticking.
Double Parchment: For easy cleanup, use parchment paper on your baking sheet. Nothing sticks, and you can pick up the whole sheet to break the popcorn into pieces.
Salt Balance: Don’t be shy with the salt on the popcorn—it’s the perfect counterpoint to all the sweetness from the marshmallows and candy.

How to Serve

This Easter Candy Popcorn is versatile enough to fit any spring celebration:

Individual Treats

Package portions in clear cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons for Easter baskets or party favors.

Party Centerpiece

Pile the colorful popcorn high in a decorative bowl as an edible table centerpiece at your Easter gathering.

Movie Night

Serve alongside some savory snacks for a sweet-and-salty Easter movie night with the family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The popcorn will get slightly chewier as it absorbs moisture from the marshmallow coating, but it will still taste delicious!

Freezing

This treat doesn’t freeze well due to the marshmallow coating, which becomes soggy when thawed.

Gifting

If giving as gifts, make the popcorn no more than 24 hours in advance for the freshest texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use microwave popcorn instead of stovetop popped?

Yes, you can use microwave popcorn, but choose a plain or lightly salted variety without butter flavoring. The artificial butter flavor can clash with the sweet marshmallow mixture. Remember to remove any unpopped kernels before mixing.
Why is my popcorn getting soggy?

Popcorn naturally absorbs moisture from the marshmallow coating over time. For the crispiest result, serve within a few hours of making. If you need to make it ahead, store in a very dry, airtight container and add the candies just before serving if possible.
How do I prevent the marshmallow mixture from hardening too quickly?

Work efficiently but don’t rush. If the mixture starts to harden before you’re finished, you can place the saucepan back over very low heat for a few seconds to re-soften it. Just be careful not to burn it.
Can I make this recipe for other holidays?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the Easter candies for ones that match your holiday theme—red and green M&M’s for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween, or your team’s colors for game day. The basic recipe remains the same.

Final Thoughts

This Easter Candy Popcorn strikes the perfect balance between sweet and salty, chewy and crunchy. It’s one of those simple recipes that creates such joy—especially when you see the colorful candies nestled in the marshmallow-coated popcorn. Whether you’re filling Easter baskets, setting out snacks for a spring gathering, or just treating yourself to something special, this festive popcorn is sure to bring smiles. The best part? It’s almost as fun to make as it is to eat!