Indulge in Sweet Vegan Delights: Marshmallow Recipe
Welcome to my vegan marshmallows recipe! As a vegan chef, I believe that delicious food doesn’t have to come at the expense of animal welfare. That’s why I have created this recipe for everyone who has been longing for a perfect vegan marshmallow – one that is soft and fluffy, yet cruelty-free.
If you are looking for an easy and delicious recipe that can be made with simple ingredients you already have in your pantry, then you have found the right place. My vegan marshmallows are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a big family gathering.
But don’t just take my word for it – try it yourself! Making your own homemade vegan marshmallows is not only fun, but also a great way to make sure you are not consuming any gelatin or artificial flavors that are often found in store-bought options.
So get ready to impress your taste buds and wow your friends and family with these perfect vegan treats. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As a vegan chef, I understand the struggle of finding satisfying substitutes for classic desserts. That’s why I am thrilled to share my recipe for homemade vegan marshmallows with you!
When you take a bite of these fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth marshmallows made from all vegan ingredients, you won’t believe they’re not made with gelatin. Not only is this recipe cruelty-free and dairy-free, but it also uses agar agar as a plant-based alternative to gelatin.
These marshmallows are perfect to add as a topping to your hot cocoa or melted down for rice crispy treats. Unlike store-bought marshmallows that contain questionable ingredients, these homemade marshmallows are 100% natural and free from preservatives.
You’ll love how easy and versatile this recipe is – make them flavored with vanilla extract or mix it up by adding different natural fruit flavors like raspberry or strawberry. Your options are endless, and the result is a deliciously sweet treat that everyone will enjoy.
So whether you’re a long-time vegan or trying out Veganuary, give this vegan marshmallow recipe a try! You won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you need to make homemade vegan marshmallows from scratch:
Agar-Agar Powder
Agar-agar is a gelatin alternative that comes from seaweed, which makes it a great vegan substitute. It can be found in most health stores or online marketplaces.
Aquafaba
Aquafaba is the liquid from canned chickpeas and a great egg replacer in vegan baking. It has the same properties as egg whites which helps to give these marshmallows their fluffy texture.
Powdered Sugar and Cornstarch
The combination of powdered sugar and cornstarch is used to keep the marshmallows from sticking together when cut into shapes.
Cream of Tartar
Cream of tartar helps to stabilize the aquafaba, making it easier to whip into stiff peaks.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract adds flavor and aroma to the marshmallows recipe. Make sure you use high-quality and vegan vanilla extract.
Light Corn Syrup
Light corn syrup binds the sugar together and keeps the marshmallow from becoming grainy.
Granulated Sugar
Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the recipe.
Cold Water
Cold water is needed to combine all ingredients before cooking in a pot.
Note that some of these ingredients can be substituted. Check the Substitutions and Variations section for more information.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preparing the Marshmallow Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of cold water with 2 tablespoons of agar-agar powder.
- Whisk the mixture until agar dissolves then set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium-high heat, add 1 cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of light corn syrup, and ½ cup of water.
- Stir constantly with a wooden spoon to dissolve the sugar completely.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let simmer for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add the dissolved agar-agar mixture into the saucepan and stir for another minute.
- Remove from heat.
Step 2: Preparing the Aquafaba
- In a clean mixing bowl, using an electric mixer or stand mixer on high speed, whisk 1 2/3 cups of aquafaba (the liquid from one can or box of chickpeas) until stiff peaks form, which takes about 5 minutes.
- Lower the speed, and gently pour in the hot sugar syrup into the aquafaba while continually whisking.
- Increase the speed again and keep beating until stiff peaks form and your mixture is glossy and thickened up.
Step 3: Shaping and Setting Up Your Marshmallows
- Grease a baking dish or pan with vegetable oil or non-stick spray, then dust it generously with powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture (see notes on how to make this homemade dusting mix below).
- Pour your marshmallow mixture into the baking dish/pan and smooth its surface with a spatula or spoon.
- Generously dust more powdered sugar mix onto the top so that your marshmallows won’t stick together after setting up.
- Allow your homemade vegan marshmallows to set up for at least one hour at room temperature or in a fridge.
Congratulations! You’ve done it! Now you have an easy-to-make homemade vegan marshmallow recipe that would guarantee you impress your friends with your culinary skills!
Substitutions and Variations
As a vegan chef, I understand that not everyone has access to the exact ingredients listed in this recipe. Fortunately, a few simple substitutions can still allow you to enjoy delicious homemade vegan marshmallows.
Cornstarch sub: If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute it with arrowroot powder. Use the same amount of arrowroot powder as you would cornstarch.
Agar agar sub: If you don’t have agar agar powder, use 1 tablespoon of gelatin instead. Keep in mind that this would no longer be a vegan recipe, but it is still an easy option when agar agar is not available.
Aquafaba: At times, aquafaba might not be easily accessible, but there are other options available. You can substitute the ½ cup of aquafaba with 3 egg whites or increase the quantity of agar agar by 1 tsp and coconut cream or dairy-free milk by ¼ cup.
Cream of Tartar sub: If you don’t have cream of tartar available use lemon juice instead. Just make sure to use twice as much lemon juice as your recipe calls for cream of tartar.
Variations:
You can add flavor to your vegan marshmallows by adding different extracts such as almond extract or peppermint extract. And if you want color, try adding some food coloring to the recipe before whipping it into marshmallow fluff.
You can use these vegan marshmallows for s’mores or topping them onto hot cocoa. You can also chop them up and add them to your favorite cookie and brownie recipes.
It’s all about experimentation – this recipe is a good starting point for home experimentations where each variation offers a whole new flavor experience.
Serving and Pairing
The beauty of these homemade vegan marshmallows is that they are essentially a blank canvas, ready for any pairing that your heart desires. When it comes to serving them, the sky’s the limit. You can add them to a cup of vegan hot cocoa, roast them over an open fire and sandwich them between two vegan graham crackers for a classic s’mores experience, or simply pop one in your mouth for a sweet treat.
If you want to get creative with your pairing options, you can try dipping them in melted chocolate and topping them with crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or sprinkles. Or you can add them to your favorite dessert recipe. For instance, cut them into small pieces and sprinkle them on top of your favorite vegan ice cream sundae.
These vegan marshmallows are also the perfect base for making fun and creative gifts for friends and family. You can package them up in pretty bags and tie them with a ribbon for a sweet and thoughtful homemade touch.
No matter how you choose to serve these delicious vegan marshmallows, they’re sure to be a hit. So go ahead and get creative with your pairings–the possibilities are endless!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Darling, let me tell you that these vegan marshmallows are a perfect make-ahead treat. You can store them for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container, separated by layers of confectioners’ sugar and cornstarch to keep them fresh and airy.
You can also freeze them for later use, but let me give you some tips about defrosting them. I recommend doing it gradually at room temperature, as microwaving or using hot water can damage the texture and flavor of your lovely marshmallows.
Now, if you want to reheat them, it’s quite simple. Just place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and broil them on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute until they start browning slightly. Oh, the aroma of freshly toasted marshmallows will fill your kitchen with an irresistible sweetness!
But please be cautious and don’t overcook them or they’ll become stiff and rubbery. Remember that the key to melt-in-your-mouth vegan marshmallows is their pillowy softness and subtle vanilla flavor that harmonizes perfectly with any dessert or beverage.
To wrap it up, my dear, don’t shy away from experimenting with different flavors and shapes of homemade vegan marshmallows – maybe try lavender or matcha tea powder? – but always follow the basic recipe guidelines for best results. Trust me, making your own marshmallows from scratch is worth every effort, especially when it’s dairy-free, gelatin-free, and guarantees a guilt-free indulgence for all my vegan friends out there. Cheers to a sweet life!
Tips for Perfect Results
The key to nailing the perfect vegan marshmallow recipe lies in a few crucial tips that can make all the difference. From using the right ingredients to understanding the right cooking temperature, these tips will help you achieve light, airy, and fluffy marshmallows every time.
1. Use Top-Quality Ingredients
One of the secrets to getting the perfect vegan marshmallow is to use high-quality ingredients. Be sure to use agar-agar powder instead of gelatin and organic sugar for a cleaner taste.
2. Whip Like You Mean It
When you’re making vegan marshmallows, whipping is key. The aquafaba needs to be whipped thoroughly until stiff peaks form. This process can take some time, so be sure to use an electric mixer and have patience.
3. Get the Temperature Right
Getting the temperature right is important when it comes to making vegan marshmallows that are light and fluffy. The hot sugar syrup should be poured slowly and steadily into the whipped aquafaba while it’s still hot.
4. Be Patient When Cooling
After pouring in the sugar syrup, it’s important not to rush the cooling process. Let your mixture cool down completely before transferring it into a pan and refrigerating it overnight.
5. Cut with Care
When cutting your homemade vegan marshmallows into squares, ensure that you coat your knife with confectioners’ sugar or cornstarch mixtures in between cuts to prevent sticking.
6. Store Them Properly
To keep your vegan marshmallows fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
By following these tips, you’ll be as close as possible to achieving perfect results that will make your homemade vegan marshmallows irresistible treats to melt your taste buds!
FAQ
As a vegan chef, I understand that recipe questions may arise from time to time. Therefore, in this section, I will answer some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about making vegan marshmallows. Read on to find practical solutions to some of the common challenges faced while making these delightful treats.
What is vegan marshmallow made of?
This sweet and creamy vegan concoction is made up of tapioca syrup, cane sugar, filtered water, tapioca starch, carrageenan, soy protein and a dash of natural vanilla flavor.
How to make vegan marshmallows recipe?
For this recipe, we will need to gather some ingredients. We will need 1 cup of powdered sugar, ½ cup of cornstarch (which can be substituted with arrowroot powder if necessary), ¼ teaspoon of cream of tartar, 3-4 teaspoons of agar agar powder, 1 cup of water, the liquid from a 15.5oz can of aquafaba (at least ½ cup), 1 ¼ cup of corn syrup, and 1 ½ cup of vegan cane sugar.
Are Jet Puffed marshmallows vegan?
Although Jet puffed marshmallows are widely consumed in North America, it should be noted that they are not vegan or vegetarian-friendly due to the inclusion of gelatin, which is derived from animal products.
Bottom Line
your marshmallow-making journey with the satisfaction of knowing that you have created something deliciously vegan, and share this knowledge with others. You have learned that making homemade vegan marshmallows from scratch is easier than you thought and with a few simple ingredients, anyone can create a tasty treat that is cruelty-free and dairy-free.
Not only that, but you can also experiment with your recipe using different flavorings, sweeteners, and substitutions. The possibilities are endless!
So why not take on the challenge of creating perfect vegan marshmallows? It’s the perfect way to celebrate Veganuary or anytime you want to indulge in a sweet treat without harming animals.
And remember, making homemade marshmallows is also a great activity to do with family and friends. So gather around the kitchen counter and make some memories while making these heavenly bites.
Thank you for joining me on this journey to make vegan marshmallows. Now, let’s indulge in our delicious creations guilt-free!
Vegan Marshmallows Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 teaspoons agar-agar, powder
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
Instructions
- Soak agar-agar in ½ cup cold water until water is absorbed and powder is completely wet, about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine ½ cup cold water, 1¾ cup granulated sugar and ¾ cup corn syrup in saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly over medium heat and taking care to prevent boiling over.
- Reduce heat slightly and continue cooking and stirring until sugar mixture thickens and forms a strand or ball in cold water. Immediately remove from heat and set aside.
- Heat agar-agar over medium heat and stir until agar-agar softens and dissolves.
- Spoon into mixer bowl.
- Add vanilla extract and, with beaters on high seed, slowly pour hot sugar mixture onto agar-agar.
- Continue beating on high speed for about 10 minutes, or until mixture turns white and resembles well-beaten egg whites.
- Combine cornstarch and confectioner's sugar in bowl.
- Generously sprinkle an 8 inch round baking pan with half of cornstarch mixture.
- Pour agar-agar mixture into pan.
- Sprinkle top with more cornstarch and sugar to coat well.
- After "marshmallows" firm up, slice into pieces, wrap in plastic and store in an airtight container in refrigerator, or serve.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.