Printable Recipe: July 4th Popcorn Cake Recipe

July 4th Popcorn Cake: When Cake isn't Cake

Looking for 4th of July recipe cake ideas that you can serve at an outdoor party, like a barbeque or a picnic? This is a great little recipe that's very durable in the heat of a summer day. It's made mostly with popcorn, which is fun since that reminds me of fireworks when its popping. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:
16 oz. mini marshmallows
20 butter caramels (your favorite)*
1/4 C. butter
10 C. popcorn (pre-popped)
1 1/2 C. nuts (your choice)
1 C. mini coated chocolate candies (like M&Ms) red & blue

*Note: feel free to experiment with flavored caramels too like espresso or chocolate.

Directions: 1. Put the marshmallows, caramel and butter in a microwave-safe container. Melt these together on high for three minutes, stirring twice so everything gets mixed.

2. You'll need a large, lightly oiled pot or bowl for the popcorn. Put half of it in, and stir in half the caramel, then repeat with the remaining popcorn and sauce.

3. Hand fold in the chocolate and nuts (this keeps the chocolate from melting so you can see the red and blue throughout the "cake").

4. Transfer this whole mix into a well-greased 10" pan. Let it set up completely then remove it onto a cutting surface. Serve in slices, or if you wish put squares on top of graham crackers for a pseudo-s'more.