Popcorn Bars combine gooey marshmallows, peanuts, M&M’s and more into a tasty treat. This budget friendly recipe is always a hit!
Popcorn Bars make such an easy and luscious snack or dessert. I have been making them for at least 10 years and everyone loves them.
The ingredients are simple and inexpensive. It is similar to Rice Krispie treats but with popcorn.
I also make these Popcorn Ball Recipes for parties and special events. No Bake Desserts are so much fun to make. Try Red Hot Popcorn and Glazed Donut Popcorn.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe is Amazing
- Inexpensive Ingredients. The entire list is very frugal and will not cost much to make.
- No Bake Recipe. Keep the oven off because this recipe is no bake and easy.
- Tasty Bars. Each bar is a wonderful combination of gooey marshmallows, candy, peanuts and more.
Ingredients
- Popped Popcorn. Remove unpopped kernels.
- Mini Marshmallows. This size melts so easily.
- Peanuts. I like to use salted peanuts.
- M&Ms. Regular m&ms work perfect in this recipe.
Get the complete list of ingredients at the bottom of the post.
Substitutions and Additions
- Nuts. Instead of peanuts, substitute for cashews or macadamia nuts.
- M&M’s. Try using your favorite flavor of M&M’s.
- Candy. Other tasty mix-ins include Heath bars, Butterfinger, Twix, Snickers.
- Chocolate Chips. Sprinkle in chocolate chips.
- Peanut Butter Chips. Toss in peanut butter chips into the popcorn.
- Drizzle Chocolate. Melt chocolate and drizzle on the mixture once in the pan.
- Sprinkles. Mix in sprinkles or add some to the top.
- Customize. This recipe is easy to adapt for holidays. Swap the M&M’s for seasonal ones.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1. Combine the popcorn, peanuts and M&M’s in a large bowl.
Step 2. Melt the marshmallows and unsalted butter in a separate microwave safe bowl. Heat in 30 second intervals. Stir in between each interval. Finally, add the vanilla extract and salt.
Step 3. Carefully, pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn mixture. Stir to coat.
Step 4. Gently, press the mixture into the bottom of the baking dish. Allow to sit for 1 to 2 hours at room temperature. Cut into bars and serve!
Tips and Tricks
- Melt the butter and marshmallows on the stove top. You can use a large saucepan on the stove to melt this mixture instead of the microwave. Melt on low heat or medium low heat and stir.
- Carefully press the mixture into the prepared pan. Do not press too firmly.
Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Do not put in the refrigerator or the mixture will harden.
You can also freeze the bars. Wrap in plastic wrap and again in foil. Freeze up to 2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
I like to use a serrated knife to quickly and easily cut the bars. Wipe clean after each use.
Place a slice of bread in the container to keep them soft.
More Easy No Bake Bars
- No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
- Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
- Cookie Dough Bars
- Lucky Charms Treats
After you make this recipe, leave a comment and star recipe rating. It brightens my day to hear when you try a recipe!
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!
