Why You’ll Love this Vegan Marshmallows Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s both fluffy and guilt-free, you’ll love this vegan marshmallows recipe.
I can’t get enough of how light and airy they are; they truly melt in your mouth! Plus, you won’t miss the gelatin—these marshmallows are made entirely from plant-based ingredients.
They’re perfect for s’mores, hot chocolate, or just snacking on their own. The best part? I feel good serving them to friends and family, knowing they’re vegan-friendly.
Trust me, once you try making them, you’ll be hooked on the joy of creating a classic treat with a modern twist!
Ingredients of Vegan Marshmallows
When it comes to making vegan marshmallows, the ingredients are quite simple and easy to find. You’re going to need some staples that you might already have in your pantry, plus a couple of special items to give those marshmallows that fluffy texture we all love.
Trust me, gathering these ingredients is half the fun! And honestly, who wouldn’t want to whip up a batch of these delightful treats? They’ll have you feeling like a kitchen pro in no time.
Here’s what you’ll need to create your vegan marshmallows:
- 4 teaspoons agar-agar powder
- 1 cup cold water (for soaking the agar-agar)
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
Now, a little note on the ingredients: Agar-agar is the star here, standing in for gelatin and giving your marshmallows that classic squishy texture. It’s derived from seaweed, so it’s a fantastic plant-based alternative.
If you’ve never used it before, don’t worry—it’s pretty straightforward! Just remember to give it some time to soak and soften. The granulated sugar and corn syrup work together to create that sweet stickiness we all crave, while the vanilla extract adds a lovely flavor that makes these marshmallows truly irresistible.
And don’t forget the cornstarch and confectioners’ sugar—these will help keep your marshmallows from sticking together. So, gather your ingredients and get ready for some sweet, fluffy fun!
How to Make Vegan Marshmallows
Alright, let’s plunge into making those delightful vegan marshmallows! First things first, grab your 4 teaspoons of agar-agar powder and soak it in ½ cup of cold water for about 10 minutes. This soaking time is essential; it allows the agar-agar to absorb the water and get nice and swelled up, which is what you want for that fluffy texture.
While that’s happening, you can multitask—because who doesn’t love a good kitchen hustle? In a saucepan, combine ½ cup of cold water, 1¾ cups of granulated sugar, and ¾ cup of light corn syrup. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat and stir it constantly. Oh, and be careful to prevent it from boiling over—trust me, cleaning up that sticky mess isn’t on anyone’s to-do list.
Once that sugar mixture thickens to the point where it forms a strand or a ball when dropped into cold water, you can remove it from the heat and set it aside. Now, it’s time to focus on the agar-agar. Heat it over medium heat until it dissolves completely, and then transfer it to your mixer bowl.
Here comes the fun part: with your mixer on high speed, slowly pour that hot sugar mixture into the agar-agar. The magic happens as you continue to beat this mixture for about 10 minutes. You’ll notice it turning white and fluffy, resembling the texture of egg whites. Feel free to take a moment to marvel at your culinary prowess—seriously, this is the stuff of kitchen dreams.
Next, you’ll want to prepare your baking pan. Grab your 8-inch round baking pan and generously sprinkle half of the cornstarch and confectioners’ sugar mixture all over the bottom. Pour that glorious agar-agar mixture into the pan, and then sprinkle the top with the remaining cornstarch and sugar blend to keep them from sticking together.
Patience is key here—let those marshmallows firm up before slicing them into delightful pieces. Once they’ve set, wrap them in plastic and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
And there you have it—a batch of homemade vegan marshmallows that will make you feel like a confectionery wizard. Enjoy your sweet creations, and maybe even share them—if you’re feeling generous.
Vegan Marshmallows Substitutions & Variations
While making vegan marshmallows is a fun and rewarding experience, there are plenty of ways to customize the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.
For a fruity twist, try adding a few drops of natural fruit extract or puree. If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, substitute the granulated sugar with a suitable alternative like erythritol.
You can also experiment with different flavors by incorporating spices like cinnamon or cocoa powder. For a chocolate version, fold in melted dairy-free chocolate.
These simple substitutions and variations can make your marshmallows uniquely yours and deliciously delightful!
What to Serve with Vegan Marshmallows
After experimenting with fun substitutions for your vegan marshmallows, you might be wondering what to serve them with to enhance their delightful sweetness.
I love pairing them with a rich, dairy-free hot chocolate for a cozy treat. You could also try roasting them over a campfire and sandwiching them between vegan graham crackers and dark chocolate for a classic s’more.
For something different, serve them with fruit skewers or dip them in melted vegan chocolate. They also work wonderfully as toppings for cakes or cupcakes, adding a whimsical touch and a burst of sweetness.
Enjoy your delicious creations!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your vegan marshmallows turn out perfectly, I recommend paying close attention to the temperature of your sugar mixture.
Use a candy thermometer to confirm it reaches about 240°F for the right consistency. If you want extra flavor, try adding a splash of almond extract or a pinch of sea salt.
Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean, as any grease can affect the outcome.
Finally, let the marshmallows sit for at least four hours to firm up properly before slicing.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh and fluffy. Enjoy!