Is it okay to use regular bagged popcorn instead of microwave popcorn?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s plain or lightly salted. Heavily buttered popcorn can make the cake greasy, and you’ll want to avoid any strong flavors like cheese or kettle corn that might fight with the other ingredients.

Can I make Hopscotch Cake ahead of time?

Definitely. In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld and makes for neater slicing. Just keep it covered and at room temperature until serving.

My cake won’t come out of the bundt pan—what can I do?

If it sticks, try warming the pan slightly with a hot towel wrapped around it or placing it over a bowl of warm water for a few moments. This softens the binding and should help the cake release.

Can I use other mix-ins like candies or cereal?

Yes, this recipe is very flexible. Swap in mini M&Ms, candy-coated chocolates, or crisp rice cereal for part of the mix. Just keep the overall dry-to-wet ratio similar for best results.

Hopscotch Cake Recipe

Imagine a dessert that brings together the best of crunchy, salty, sweet, and gooey—all in one incredibly fun treat. That’s exactly what you get with this Hopscotch Cake. It’s the ultimate mash-up of popcorn, pretzels, peanuts, chocolate, and butterscotch, all bound together with a buttery, marshmallowy hug. Not only is this cake a total flavor bomb, but it is also ridiculously easy and quick to make. You don’t even have to turn on the oven! Whether you’re making it for a party, a movie night, or just to treat yourself (highly recommended), Hopscotch Cake is sure to put a huge smile on everyone’s face.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortlessly Quick: The whole process takes less than 20 minutes of hands-on time. Most of the work is just letting it set, so it’s ideal when you’re short on time.
No-Bake Wonder: No oven required! This cake comes together on the stovetop and sets in the fridge—a lifesaver on busy or hot days.
Irresistibly Delicious: Every bite is a festival of textures—crunchy popcorn and pretzels, smooth melted chocolate and butterscotch, balanced with soft, gooey marshmallow.
Perfect for Crowds: This cake easily serves a group, making it a big hit at potlucks, birthdays, and holiday parties.
Customizable: Have picky eaters at home? No problem. This recipe welcomes all kinds of substitutions and add-ins.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this spectacular Hopscotch Cake and why each ingredient matters:

Natural Microwave Popcorn: The base of the cake, giving it a light, crunchy texture. Make sure to remove any unpopped kernels—no dental drama!
Pretzel Sticks: For that essential salty crunch and a fun twist, breaking up all the sweetness.
Mini Marshmallows: These are the secret to holding everything together, making the cake gooey and extra fun to eat.
Butter: Adds richness and ensures everything stays soft rather than sticky.
Brown Sugar: Lends a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
Corn Syrup: The glue that binds it all, keeping the texture moist and chewy.
Roasted Peanuts: Just the right amount of nutty crunch (use salted for a sweet-and-salty treat, or swap for another nut if preferred).
Chocolate Chips: For little pockets of velvety melted chocolate throughout the cake.
Butterscotch Chips: These add butterscotchy depth—the flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Note: Grease your bundt pan very well so nothing sticks when it’s time to serve!

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

Hopscotch Cake is delightful as-is, but there’s always room for a little creativity:

Nut-Free: Substitute peanuts with sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Extra Indulgent: Toss in crushed toffee bits, white chocolate chunks, or mini peanut butter cups.
Go Fruity: Sprinkle in some dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a sweet, tangy pop.
Gluten-Free: Make sure to use gluten-free pretzels and check your popcorn and chips for hidden gluten.
Vegan: Swap the butter and marshmallows for plant-based alternatives—vegan marshmallows and margarine work great.

How to Make Hopscotch Cake

Step 1: Get Ready

Thoroughly grease a bundt pan with cooking spray and set it aside. A good coating ensures your cake pops right out in one beautiful piece.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Pop your microwave popcorn, then carefully remove those pesky unpopped kernels. In an extra-large bowl, combine the popcorn with crushed pretzel sticks, roasted peanuts, chocolate chips, and butterscotch chips.

Step 3: Melt and Mix

In a small saucepan, melt the butter with brown sugar and corn syrup over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to bubble, then let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Reduce the heat to low, add your marshmallows, and stir until they’re completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the hot marshmallow mixture over the popcorn blend. Grab a greased spatula (trust me—this gets messy!) and gently mix until everything is evenly coated and all the little nooks are filled with that sticky yumminess.

Step 5: Shape and Set

Press the mixture firmly into your prepared bundt pan. Be sure to compact it a bit so the cake holds together well once set.

Step 6: Let It Rest

Allow the cake to cool and firm up for 1–2 hours. For speedier results, pop it in the fridge.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once fully set, invert the cake onto a serving plate, slice, and savor every incredible bite!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Grease Everything: Not just the pan—run a bit of butter or oil over your spatula and even your hands if you’re pressing the cake in. No more sticky mess!
Compact, but Not Too Firm: Press down firmly enough so the cake holds, but avoid crushing the popcorn or it’ll get dense.
Even Mixing: Work quickly when mixing the hot marshmallow, as it sets fast. Get the mixture coated before it starts to stiffen.
Let It Cool Completely: A little patience pays off here for the cleanest slices and best texture.

How to Serve

Hopscotch Cake is the star of any dessert table, but how you serve it can make it even more memorable:

Slicing:

Use a sharp knife lightly greased with oil to get the cleanest cuts.

Pairings:

Pair slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a treat that is downright irresistible. This cake also plays well with fresh fruit or a drizzle of caramel sauce, especially when entertaining.

Presentation:

For gatherings, decorate the plate with extra chocolate or butterscotch chips, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts around the cake for a festive look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep slices (or the whole cake) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Cooler environments help it stay firm, but avoid the fridge for extended periods to maintain its flavor.

Freezing

Wrap individual slices in parchment and place in a freezer-safe container. The cake freezes well for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat, but if you like a slightly gooey bite, pop a slice in the microwave for 5–10 seconds. Just enough to warm without melting.

FAQs

Is it okay to use regular bagged popcorn instead of microwave popcorn?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s plain or lightly salted. Heavily buttered popcorn can make the cake greasy, and you’ll want to avoid any strong flavors like cheese or kettle corn that might fight with the other ingredients.
Can I make Hopscotch Cake ahead of time?

Definitely. In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld and makes for neater slicing. Just keep it covered and at room temperature until serving.
My cake won’t come out of the bundt pan—what can I do?

If it sticks, try warming the pan slightly with a hot towel wrapped around it or placing it over a bowl of warm water for a few moments. This softens the binding and should help the cake release.
Can I use other mix-ins like candies or cereal?

Yes, this recipe is very flexible. Swap in mini M&Ms, candy-coated chocolates, or crisp rice cereal for part of the mix. Just keep the overall dry-to-wet ratio similar for best results.

Final Thoughts

Hopscotch Cake is the kind of treat that makes people pause, ask what’s in it, and, most importantly, reach for a second slice. It’s a celebration of texture, taste, and playful ease—perfect for those evenings when you want to whip up something delightful without a fuss. Try it once, and watch it become a joyous favorite in your kitchen repertoire!