Many new vegans are surprised to discover that traditional marshmallows are not vegan since they contain gelatin. But, luckily you can still enjoy roasted marshmallows or have them with your cocoa beverage if you follow a plant-based diet.
Stores sell vegan marshmallows, but you can’t always find bigger ones suitable for toasting. However, did you know making these delicious sweet treats at home is easy? Here’s a simple guide on how to make vegan marshmallows.
Easy Vegan Marshmallow Recipe
The gelatin used in traditional marshmallows contains boiled pork bones, giving it a setting factor that gives sweets and desserts a good texture. Consuming gelatin is a no-no for many people, including vegans.
However, there is a vegan replacement for gelatin made from seaweed called agar agar. Surprisingly, agar agar is tasteless, making it an ideal gelatin replacement for this easy vegan marshmallow recipe from Make it Dairy Free.
The recipe uses cornstarch, powdered sugar, aquafaba, cream of tartar, agar agar, sugar, corn syrup, salt and vanilla. But you can replace the sugars with vegan cane sugar and date or maple syrup. In the same way, you can substitute the cornstarch with arrowroot powder, tapioca, or potato starch.
Dairy-Free Marshmallows: A Delicious Alternative
It’s easy to go to the store to buy a packet of vegan marshmallows. However, they can be expensive and don’t always come in bigger sizes, ideal for roasting. Here’s how to make a vegan marshmallow that’s easy, dairy-free, and affordable – a delicious alternative for your vegan diet that tastes like traditional marshmallows!
Ingredients
- ½ cup chilled aquafaba
- ¾ t. cream of tartar
- 1 t. vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup water
- 1 T. agar agar powder
- ½ cup sugar of choice
- ½ cup maple syrup or date syrup
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 3 T. cornstarch
Instructions
- Dust an 8 by 8-inch pan with icing sugar and cornstarch.
- Add the next three ingredients, the aquafaba, cream of tartar, and vanilla extract, into a bowl and combine with a mixer until it forms stiff peaks. It will take about 10 minutes. Set aside in a cool place.
- Start the agar agar mix by adding it to a saucepan with water. Slowly bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Add the sugar and syrup, lowering the heat to medium. Cook for another couple of minutes, stirring and ensuring everything is combined.
- Remix the aquafaba meringue slightly and slowly pour in the sugar and agar agar mixture, ensuring everything is well incorporated. The mixture will have a somewhat shiny appearance.
- Pour the prepared mixture into the dusted baking pan. Place it in a cool place to allow it to set. It requires at least 2 hours.
- Cut into your desired marshmallow sizes and dust with more icing sugar. Store the vegan marshmallows in an airtight container and consume within 2 weeks.
Simple Ingredients for Homemade Vegan Marshmallows
When learning how to make vegan marshmallows, it’s crucial to understand the simple ingredients they require:
- Agar-agar, the gelatin substitute derived from seaweed, is potent, so always use the exact dose required by the recipe. It’s available in stores and online.
- Aquafaba, the liquid from cooked chickpeas, is an essential ingredient for vegan baking because it replaces eggs. It also whips up into a consistency that resembles beaten egg whites. That’s important for making marshmallows. Chill the aquafaba before starting the recipe since it will froth quickly when cold.
- Cream of tartar stabilizes the aquafaba, making it fluffy and light. That’s important for the texture of the marshmallows. It’s available in grocery stores by baking ingredients or in the herbs and spices aisle.
- The combination of powdered sugar and cornstarch prevents the marshmallows from sticking.
- Most marshmallows are vanilla-flavored, so vanilla extract is the most regularly used essence.
- When making the syrup, prefer filtered water, which can change the flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Vegan Marshmallows
If you want to know how to make vegan marshmallows, this step-by-step guide will help you perfect the recipe above:
Prepare – Measure all your ingredients to have them on hand for each step. Then, prepare your pan by dusting it with the cornflour and icing sugar. Combining these two ingredients makes it easier for the marshmallows to come out of the pan and from sticking to each other when you finally cut them. The icing sugar also adds sweetness.
Beat the aquafaba – Next, add the aquafaba, cream of tartar, and vanilla extract to your mixing bowl, and beat with a mixer until you have stiff peaks. (about 10 minutes). Place in a cool place or refrigerator as you prepare the syrup.
Prepare the syrup – Bring the water and agar agar to a low boil in a small saucepan, stirring constantly. Then, add the sugar and syrup, lowering the heat to medium. Let the syrup cook for a few minutes to ensure the ingredients are heated and combined.
Add syrup to aquafaba – Whisk the aquafaba meringue a bit more, and slowly pour in the syrup. Ensure the two are well incorporated – the mix will turn slightly shiny.
Transfer the mixture – As soon as it is ready, immediately transfer it to the prepared pan with a spatula before it cools.
Cool and Cut – Leave the mixture for about two hours to set. Slice the squares and dust them with more icing sugar.
It does take a little effort, but making homemade vegan marshmallows is worth it!
Sweet Treats: Enjoying Your Homemade Vegan Marshmallows
Learning how to make vegan marshmallows is a great way to prepare sweet treats. Here are the simplest ways to enjoy your homemade treats:
- Roast them over an open fire or in your oven to soften. Then, blend them into the creamiest vegan milkshakes.
- Add marshmallows to your vegan hot chocolate beverage.
- Coat marshmallows in the best vegan dark chocolate
- Eat your homemade vegan marshmallows as a delicious snack.
Furthermore, adding flavors, sprinkles, or chocolate chips can make interesting marshmallow variations. Try fun flavors like strawberry, mint, pumpkin, orange, cake batter, and more. Pink pitaya powder made from dragon fruit is a natural colorant that will turn them pink.
Vegan Marshmallows: Perfect for Roasting or Baking
There are several ways to enjoy your homemade vegan marshmallows. Here’s how:
- Place the marshmallows on skewers and roast.
- Use graham crackers and vegan chocolate to make S’mores over a fire or in your microwave.
- Make vegan rocky road treats with rice krispies.
- Toast them and add them to milkshakes.
- Add marshmallows to hot chocolate.
Here are ten delicious vegan marshmallow recipes from One Green Planet to try your hand at roasting or baking. The Marshmallow Cream Cake and decadent Chocolate Marshmallow Muffins are fascinating and worth trying.
Tips and Tricks for Fluffy Vegan Marshmallows
Now you know how to make vegan marshmallows since you have the recipe and know more about the ingredients. However, here are some tips and tricks to help you get perfectly fluffy vegan marshmallows every time:
- Start by measuring all the ingredients. Working in this order is essential because you must move quickly between steps without allowing ingredients to cool; otherwise, your final result will not be the same.
- It’s better to use agar agar powder than flakes for a better result, but if you can’t find poder, measure the flakes accurately.
- When preparing the agar agar, make sure it has dissolved completely. It usually takes about six minutes over medium-low heat and constant stirring. While dissolving, you must aim for a slow bubbling.
- Get all the agar agar mixture into the aquafaba by scraping the saucepan with a rubber spatula.
- Be careful not to over-beat the aquafaba because it will stiffen the marshmallow mixture too much when it sets.
- Don’t add the agar mixture to the aquafaba too quickly because it will create a dense and clumpy result. Use a slow, steady drizzle for the best result.
- Always use a thermometer to ensure you have the accurate temperature for the syrup before adding the whipped aquafaba. It shouldn’t be higher than 240ºF. If it is, let it cool before adding the aquafaba.
- Don’t let the marshmallow mixture cool before placing it into the pan. It becomes more challenging to work with when it is cooler. Use dampened hands to spread it out nicely in the pan.
- Follow the recipe’s setting, cooling, and cutting instructions closely.
Vegan Marshmallows: A Guilt-Free Indulgence
As a vegan, it doesn’t mean you cannot continue enjoying some of life’s greatest indulgences. Learning how to make vegan marshmallows means using your preferred vegan ingredients.
If you dislike aquafaba, you can use pea protein, which requires a shorter prep and setting time. Then again, if you prefer a richer-tasting marshmallow, you can use agar powder and dairy-free butter. See Veg News for these variations.
Once you have made your batch of marshmallows, store them in a cool, dry place, well-sealed in an airtight container for up to two weeks. If you make more than you plan to use in two weeks, you can freeze vegan marshmallows in a freezer bag for up to three months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before using.
Perfecting Your Vegan Marshmallow Craft
You’re now equipped with the fundamental steps to create delectable vegan marshmallows from the comfort of your home. But before you start your confectionery adventure, let’s dive into some expert tips and tricks that will ensure your marshmallows are good and great. Here’s how to add that extra bit of magic to your vegan marshmallow-making process:
1. Flavor Variations: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors. Vanilla is classic, but add almond extract, peppermint, or even citrus zest to infuse your marshmallows with a unique twist. A cinnamon or cocoa powder dash can turn your sweet treats into a gourmet experience.
2. Coloring Your Marshmallows: If you want a pop of color, opt for natural food dyes derived from plants and vegetables. Beet juice for pink, turmeric for yellow, or spirulina for green can add a vibrant touch without artificial colorants.
3. Getting the Texture Right: The perfect fluffy texture is crucial. Be patient when whipping your marshmallow mixture; reaching those stiff peaks often takes longer than expected. Also, ensure your agar-agar is fully dissolved and evenly distributed for a consistent texture.
4. Cutting and Shaping: Once set, use a sharp knife or cookie cutters dipped in starch to cut your marshmallows into desired shapes. This not only makes them look professional but also prevents sticking.
5. Storage Solutions: Store your vegan marshmallows in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh. If you prefer a bit firmer, leave them uncovered for a few hours to develop a slight crust.
6. Serving Suggestions: Vegan marshmallows are versatile. Enjoy them alone, toast them over a campfire, or add them to your favorite plant-based hot chocolate. They also make a delightful topping for dairy-free ice cream or a sweet addition to vegan s’mores.
7. Gifting and Presentation: Homemade marshmallows make thoughtful gifts. Package them in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon, or place them in a mason jar with a handmade label for a personal touch.
8. Troubleshooting: If your marshmallows aren’t setting correctly, ensure you use the correct liquid ratios to agar-agar. If they’re too wet, add more starch during the dusting process. If they’re too dry, reduce the whipping time slightly.
Making vegan marshmallows is as much about the journey as the destination. Enjoy the process, learn from each batch, and don’t hesitate to get creative. With these tips and tricks, you’ll become a vegan marshmallow master. Happy crafting, and may your treats be as sweet as your culinary adventure!
