Vegan marshmallows are a delicious and cruelty-free alternative to traditional marshmallows, which are made with gelatin, a byproduct of the meat industry. Making vegan marshmallows at home may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple with the right recipe and technique.
One of the key ingredients in vegan marshmallows is agar-agar powder, a plant-based gelatin substitute made from seaweed. Other ingredients commonly used in vegan marshmallow recipes include chickpea water (aquafaba), cornstarch, powdered sugar, and cream of tartar. With a few basic kitchen tools and ingredients, you can make fluffy, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth vegan marshmallows that are perfect for roasting over a campfire or adding to hot cocoa.
Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to reduce your consumption of animal products, making your own vegan marshmallows is a fun and rewarding project that can be enjoyed by the whole family. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best vegan marshmallow recipes available, as well as tips and tricks for making perfect marshmallows every time.
Ingredients
Making vegan marshmallows is easier than you think. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe:
For the Marshmallows
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Chickpeas | 1 can (about 15 oz) |
Water | 1 cup |
Agar-agar powder | 2 tsp |
Granulated sugar | 2 cups |
Cream of tartar | 1/4 tsp |
Xanthan gum | 1/4 tsp |
Kosher salt | 1/8 tsp |
Vanilla extract | 4 tsp |
Food coloring | Optional |
For Dusting
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Cornstarch | 1/3 cup |
Powdered sugar | 1/3 cup |
Cooking spray | As needed |
To make the marshmallows, you’ll need to start by draining the liquid from the can of chickpeas into a mixing bowl. Add cream of tartar and whip on high for 6 minutes until very fluffy. In a saucepan, mix the water and agar-agar powder and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
In another saucepan, mix sugar, xanthan gum, and salt. Add the agar-agar mixture and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the chickpea liquid and vanilla extract, and whip on high for 10 minutes until it is white and fluffy. If you want to add food coloring, do it now and whip for another minute.
To dust the marshmallows, mix cornstarch and powdered sugar in a bowl. Grease an 8×8 pan with cooking spray and dust it with half of the cornstarch mixture. Pour the marshmallow mixture into the pan and smooth the top. Dust the top with the remaining cornstarch mixture. Let it sit for at least 4 hours or overnight until it sets.
That’s it! You now have delicious vegan marshmallows that are perfect for roasting or adding to your favorite desserts.
Instructions
Making the Marshmallows
To make vegan marshmallows, you will need chickpeas, agar-agar powder, granulated sugar, cream of tartar, cornstarch, powdered sugar, and water. Here are the steps to follow:
- Drain the chickpeas and reserve the liquid, also known as aquafaba.
- In a saucepan, combine the aquafaba, agar-agar powder, and granulated sugar. Whisk until combined.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved.
- Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the pan from the heat and add the cream of tartar. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is thick and glossy.
- Pour the mixture into a greased and cornstarch-dusted pan. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Let the mixture set for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Dusting the Marshmallows
After the marshmallows have set, it’s time to dust them with cornstarch and powdered sugar. Here’s how to do it:
- In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and powdered sugar in a 1:1 ratio.
- Dust a knife with the cornstarch and powdered sugar mixture.
- Cut the marshmallows into desired size and shape.
- Toss the marshmallows in the cornstarch and powdered sugar mixture until they are coated on all sides.
- Store the marshmallows in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
That’s it! Follow these simple instructions to make your own vegan marshmallows at home. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
Using a Stand Mixer
When making vegan marshmallows, using a stand mixer is highly recommended. It makes the process much easier and ensures that the marshmallows come out fluffy and light. When using a stand mixer, it is important to whisk the mixture for the appropriate amount of time. This will ensure that the marshmallows set properly and have the right texture.
To use a stand mixer, simply add the ingredients to the bowl and mix on high speed for the recommended amount of time. It is also important to scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure that all of the ingredients are incorporated evenly.
Using a Candy Thermometer
Using a candy thermometer is essential when making vegan marshmallows. It helps to ensure that the mixture reaches the correct temperature and sets properly. When using a candy thermometer, it is important to keep a close eye on the temperature and remove the mixture from the heat as soon as it reaches the recommended temperature.
To use a candy thermometer, simply clip it onto the side of the saucepan and insert it into the mixture. Make sure that the tip of the thermometer is not touching the bottom of the pan, as this can give an inaccurate reading.
Other Tips and Tricks
- Use a non-stick pan or line the pan with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the marshmallows.
- Dust the pan and cutting board with a mixture of powdered sugar and cornstarch to prevent sticking.
- Use agar-agar powder instead of gelatin for a vegan-friendly alternative.
- Experiment with different flavors and colors by adding extracts and food coloring to the mixture.
- Store the marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Storage
Once you’ve made your delicious vegan marshmallows, it’s important to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible. Here are some tips for storing your vegan marshmallows:
- Refrigeration: Vegan marshmallows can be refrigerated up to 10 days in an airtight container dusted with a 50:50 ratio of cornstarch to powdered sugar. You can use dusted parchment paper to separate the layers.
- Freezing: If you want to store your vegan marshmallows for longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Room temperature: If you plan to consume your vegan marshmallows within a few days, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container. However, keep in mind that they may not stay as fresh as they would in the fridge or freezer.
It’s important to note that vegan marshmallows may be more sensitive to humidity than traditional marshmallows, so be sure to keep them in a cool, dry place. If your vegan marshmallows become sticky or lose their shape, you can try dusting them with more cornstarch and powdered sugar.
With proper storage, your vegan marshmallows will stay fluffy and delicious for all your snacking and baking needs.
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