Stop purchasing those HUGE bags of flavorless marshmallows that are already half stale. Change up your hot chocolate and s’mores game. These will be the only marshmallows you’ll ever want again. You probably have never even considered making your own. I mean how does one even go about that? WELL once you make them one time you’ll understand.
What Can I Use Fresh Marshmallows For?
The limits are endless! The most popular uses tend to be for adding to a luscious cup of hot chocolate or perfecting the classic s’more. This recipe makes quite a bit so you may need some more ideas. Do chocolate dipped marshmallows sound good? Once you have your fresh marshmallows all you have to do is simply melt your favorite chocolate and dip them in! If you have a celebration coming up add some fun sprinkles or crushed candy canes before the chocolate hardens. Not a fan? How about a dip? Add chocolate and marshmallows to a 8X8 baking dish and melt in the oven. Once there’s a golden crust on top dip in graham crackers and you have the perfect dessert dip! Need something with less effort? Plop a marshmallow in your morning coffee and you’ll be happily surprised.
Equipment You (May) Need
You probably already have every tool you’ll need but if you’re in the market for an upgrade or need something to complete your kitchen check out some affordable options I found on Amazon!
- 9 X 13 Pyrex Baking Pan
- Pizza Blader Rocker
- Cheap Stand Mixer
- Silicone Spatula Set
- Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set
Corn Syrup or Simple Syrup?
A classic homemade marshmallow recipe will instruct you to use corn syrup. You may have a bottle of it in your cupboard that gets used once a year for baking. On the other hand you may have a bottle of simple syrup in your fridge that you use in your favorite cocktail concoctions. They are both clear sweeteners and are very similar but corn syrup is used in baking while simple syrup is used in drinks. Simple syrup tends to be less flavorful but it’s clear color won’t alter the color of your drink. So, when making your marshmallows corn syrup is preferred but if this is the only ingredient between you and a pan full of fluffy, gooey, goodness… use the simple syrup.
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Homemade Vanilla Marshmallows
Ingredients
Marshmallows
- 2 Cups Sugar
- 1 Cup Water this will be split in half
- 1/3 Cup Corn Syrup You can substitute simple syrup for a lighter flavor
- 3 Packets Gelatin The most popular brand is Knox
- 2 TSP Vanilla Extract
Marshmallow Powder
- 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
- 1/4 Cup Corn Starch
Instructions
- Line a 9X12 baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a small bowl combine powdered sugar and cornstarch to make the marshmallow powder. Set aside.
- Add the gelatin to a medium sized bowl. Add 1/2 cup of water and set aside for about 10 minutes.
- In a pot combine sugar, corn syrup, and 1/2 cup water. Warm over medium heat until sugar granules are melted.
- Pour sugar mixture into the gelatin and use an electric mixer to slowly start mixing. As the mixture begins to stiffen you can speed it up. Scrape down sides as some will edge up. Mix until thick peaks begin to form. This may take up to 15 minutes. Add in vanilla extract and carefully stir in.
- Add to the parchment lined baking dish and evenly flatten. Sprinkle about a quarter of the marshmallow powder you made earlier on top.
- Cover with saran wrap. Let sit on counter overnight.
- Once marshmallows have rested grab a large cutting board. Remove saran wrap and carefully flip baking dish onto cutting board. Remove parchment paper.
- Add about half of remaining marshmallow powder to what is now the top.
- Spray a large knife or rocking pizza blade with nonstick spray. Use it to create desired sized marshmallow cubes. Sprinkle the remaining marshmallow powder on the newly exposed sides.
- Store in an air-tight container.
Notes
- Instead of using a knife or rocking pizza blade try using a cookie cutter to create fun marshmallow shapes. Don't forget to spray it with non-stick spray beforehand!
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