I Tried the Viral 4-Ingredient TikTok Popcorn Recipe That’s a New Twist on a Childhood Favorite

“4 ingredients, 1 pan, no excuse” is how TikTok creator @KerlovichKitchen described a now-viral twist on the classic Rice Krispies Treat, which has racked up an impressive 6.2 million views. I’m far from a domestic goddess, but with four ingredients and a few easy steps, I felt like this was doable. Plus, it involved popcorn, which is probably my third-favorite food (my sophisticated palate ranks ice cream and soft pretzels just above it).

Blake Bakkila

I gathered my supplies, which I already had in my pantry. In truth, there are actually six ingredients: ½ cup of popcorn kernels, 3 tablespoons of cooking oil, one bag of mini marshmallows, ½ cup of butter, a cap-full of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Here’s how it went down:

1. Add a few tablespoons of oil to a large pot with a lid and use high heat.
2. Pour the popcorn kernels in and remove from heat when the popping slows down, and then transfer the popcorn into a separate bowl.
3. Place a cube of butter in the same large pot (a handy tip from @KerlovichKitchen to avoid cleaning more dishes) and add the marshmallows. Stir the combination until it turns into a liquid. 
4. Drop in a cap-full of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
5. Dump the popcorn back into the pot and give it a good stir.

Blake Bakkila

The result? A can’t-miss take on a childhood favorite. These taste just as good as they smell, which is oddly reminiscent of the sweet Smellitzer scents emitting from Main Street at Disneyland. (Yes, Smellitzers are a thing). 

As many people in the comments shared, you might know this sweet-and-salty combo as popcorn balls. Commenters also gave delicious tips, like adding M&Ms or a caramel drizzle to your concoction. For another iteration of the recipe, check out Bite-Size Honey Popcorn Balls, which are held together with a mixture of honey, butter, and salt.  

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