Popcorn cake

If you think that it is a chocolate cake on the picture, think twice. Because it's not! This cake is made of popcorn. Yes, you heard me right - popcorn. I know it is unusual, but that's exactly why I chose to make it. Because I like trying unusual things.

I saw this recipe on the Tolerantvegan blog (it was adapted from the Taste of Home magazine). Being a vegan recipe this cake has all the goodness packed in it: no animal fats, no eggs, and to top it all up - no flour. So it is suitable for pretty much any person with any diet restrictions. Perfect, isn't it? And as if it's not enough, this cake does not require any baking!

And of course it's tasty too! Rich caramel, peanut butter, cocoa... What not to like? So, join me in this exotic (so to say) feast. I am sure you'll like it too!

P.S. I have made a few alterations to the recipe according to my taste.

Popcorn cake recipe

To make popcorn:
1/2 cup of corn
3 Tbsp of vegetable oil
1/2 tsp of salt

For the cake:
9 cups of popcorn
1 cup of roasted chopped peanuts
1 1/2 cup of cracker chunks
3/4 cup of light brown sugar
3/4 cup of golden sugar syrup
3/4 cup of peanut butter
1 tsp of vanilla extract

For the frosting:
3/4 cup of peanut butter
3/4 cup of vegetable shortening (or butter is you are not vegan)
1 1/8 cups of icing sugar
1 tsp of vanilla extract
1 1/2 Tbsp of milk
3 Tbsp of cocoa powder

We will start with making our own popcorn. You can use store-bought, but I always prefer fresh flavour of a home-made product. Honestly, there is no comparison!

You will need a large (approximately 4-5 litres) saucepan with a thick bottom. Heat the oil in the saucepan for about 4-5 minutes. Put your corn into the saucepan. Add salt, mix quickly and close the lid. Keep the saucepan on low to medium heat. Corn should be dry - do not wash it!

Wait for couple of minutes. And now it begins: first pop! pop! And then a few seconds later a real shelling: ta-ta-ta-ta-ta! Do not be tempted to open the lid at this point - it is quite possible that a popcorn can land right into your eye. Let alone the whole lot will fly around your kitchen.

Once it became quiet in the saucepan, switch off the heat and transfer your popcorn to a large bowl. Half-cup of corn will make approximately 12-13 cups of popcorn.

Additional preparations before we start making the cake: line two 9" (20-21cm) round cake pans with kitchen foil and grease generously with vegetable oil. (Do not line them with cling film, as hot caramel can melt it). Measure all the ingredients and have them at hand. When caramel is ready you will have to work fast.

Break crackers into chunks. Chunks should be approximately the size of popcorn. Roast and chop peanuts.

We can now start making the cake. Mix together popcorn, peanuts and cracker chunks, so that they all are evenly distributed in the bowl.

Mix sugar and syrup in a small saucepan, bring to boil. When it starts bubbling, remove from heat and quickly stir in peanut butter and vanilla extract. Stir till the mixture is smooth and pour it over the popcorn mixture. Mix all together and quickly divide between two prepared pans. Using a spatula press the mixture into the pans, so that the surface of each cake is flat. Leave to cool completely (you can put them in the fridge, but I left my cakes on a kitchen table).

To make the frosting: mix all the ingredients together (for better results they all should be at room temperature) and beat with the mixer for 2-3 minutes, till the frosting is light and fluffy.

Assembly: remove the cakes from the pans. Make sure no foil is stuck to them. Put the first layer on the serving plate, spread with frosting, put the second layer on top. Decorate with the remaining frosting and popcorn.

At this point disaster struck in my kitchen! While I was busy with cooking my husband sneaked in and took the bowl with the remaining popcorn - and ate it all! So I had to quickly come up with plan B. I decorated my cake with chocolate drops which are meant to remotely resemble popcorn. But the end result actually looked good, and I was happy with it.

So here's my popcorn cake.

Enjoy!