Remember those times you stared longingly at store-bought marshmallows, wishing for something fluffier, lighter, more, but resigned yourself to the sad, rubbery reality? Well, friends, those days are over! Because today, we're conjuring up clouds of pure delight with the easiest marshmallow recipe you'll ever find. Ditch the processed stuff and grab your stand mixer – in less than an hour, you'll be sinking your teeth into homemade magic.
Homemade marshmallow recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 (0.25-oz) packets unflavored gelatin
- 3/4 cup cold water, divided
- 2/3 cup light corn syrup
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
Step 1: Blooming gelatin
Grab your stand mixer bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over 1/2 cup of the cold water. Let it sit for 5 minutes while you get prepped – like setting up a movie marathon of marshmallow-inspired films (Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, maybe?).
Step 2: The sugar rush
In a saucepan, combine the remaining 1/4 cup of water, corn syrup, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture boils. Crank up the heat to medium-high and let it bubble for 1 minute – like a witch's cauldron brewing pure sweetness.
Step 3: Whirlwind of fluff
Now, the fun begins! Carefully pour the hot sugar syrup into your gelatin mixture while running your mixer on low speed. Slowly increase the speed to high and whip for 10-12 minutes, until the mixture is thick, white, and forms stiff peaks. This is where the magic happens – witness the humble sugar transform into airy clouds!
Step 4: Vanilla bean bonanza
Add a splash of vanilla extract and whip for another minute to fully incorporate that warm, comforting flavour.
Step 5: Prepare for dusting
Dust a baking dish (9x13 inches is perfect) with a generous mix of cornstarch and powdered sugar. This will prevent your marshmallow masterpieces from sticking – think of it as their fluffy fairy dust.
Step 6: Setting sunshine
Gently pour the marshmallow mixture into the prepared dish, using a spatula to smooth the top. Now comes the hardest part – waiting! Let the marshmallows set for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before cutting into them.
Step 7: Savour the mallow
Once set, dust your cutting board with more cornstarch and powdered sugar, then slice your homemade marshmallows into squares or fun shapes. Now, the moment you've been waiting for – indulge! Toast them to gooey perfection for s'mores, dunk them in hot chocolate, or simply pop them in your mouth and savour the melt-in-your-mind texture.
Homemade marshmallows are best enjoyed within a few days, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. So get ready to ditch the store-bought stuff and whip up a batch of these heavenly homemade marshmallows. You'll be amazed at how easy and delightful it is to transform simple ingredients into pure, fluffy bliss. Share them with friends, family, or simply indulge in your own personal marshmallow magic. Happy mallowing!
Different ways to wallow your mallows
Elevate your marshmallow game by exploring diverse flavours. For a chocolatey delight, stir in a teaspoon of cocoa powder into the marshmallow mixture. Alternatively, infuse your sugar syrup with the aromatic essence of fresh herbs like mint or rosemary. These subtle touches bring a unique twist to your homemade marshmallows, making them an even more personalised treat.
Transform your marshmallow creation into a s'mores sensation! Sandwich a couple of these homemade wonders between your favourite cookies for an irresistible treat. The gooey goodness of the marshmallow, combined with the crunch of the cookies, creates a symphony of textures and flavours that will leave you craving more.
If s'mores aren't your thing, fear not! Dip your marshmallows into a cup of hot coffee and witness the magic unfold. As the marshmallow melts into your coffee, it transforms into a frothy, velvety treat that adds a touch of sweetness to your daily brew. It's a simple yet delightful way to enjoy the fluffy wonders you've crafted in your kitchen.