Dehydrated Marshmallows

Dehydrating marshmallows may sound like a strange concept. Still, it’s a popular technique food lovers and chefs use to create unique snacks and desserts.

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Marshmallows are a beloved treat, often used for roasting over a campfire or in hot chocolate. Still, they are delicious when dried into a crunchy, long-lasting snack by removing the moisture through dehydration. They are just like every kid’s favorite cereal, Lucky Charms marshmallows.

In this post, we will explore the process of dehydrating marshmallows, why you want to do it, and some creative ways to use dehydrated marshmallows in your cooking and baking.

Whether you’re looking to create a new twist on a classic treat or simply curious about the science behind food dehydration, this article is for you!

Why should consider making them?

Dehydrating marshmallows offers a number of benefits, both in terms of taste and practicality. Here are some of the reasons to choose to dehydrate marshmallows:

1. Longer shelf life: Dehydrating marshmallows removes the moisture from the marshmallows, making them last much longer than regular marshmallows. Dehydrated marshmallows can be stored for months at room temperature without going bad.
2. Unique texture: When marshmallows are dehydrated, they become crunchy and have a texture similar to cereal or candy. This makes them a fun and unique snack that can be used in various ways.
3. Versatility: Dehydrated marshmallows can be used in many different recipes, from trail mix and cereal bars to cupcakes and cookies. They can also be used as a topping for ice cream, hot chocolate, or other desserts.
4. Flavors: Dehydrating marshmallows opens up a world of flavor possibilities. You can experiment with different types of marshmallows (e.g., flavored, colored, or shaped) to create unique and interesting snacks and desserts.

Overall, dehydrating marshmallows can add a new dimension to your cooking and baking, and it’s a fun and easy technique to try at home.

What you need

The only ingredient you need for dehydrated marshmallows is a bag of mini marshmallows. You can use regular or larger marshmallows, but they will take a very long time to dry and will have fewer uses.

To dehydrate large marshmallows, use a pair of scissors or a sharp knife to cut them into smaller pieces. Wipe the blade of the tool off with a warm, damp kitchen towel or dip the blades in a mixture of powdered sugar and cornstarch.

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How to make them

In your dehydrator

In the oven

Turn the oven to the lowest setting. Usually 155-175°F / 90°C. Arrange the marshmallows on a parchment paper-covered, rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Place the baking sheet in the oven. Prop the door with a wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula.

Dry for an hour. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and Shake the tray to move them around. Be sure they are still in a single layer. Place the sheet back in the oven. Dry for another hour. If they are not quite dry, continue drying, checking often so that they don’t burn.

They should only take about 2 hours.

See below for storage tips and usage tips.

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In your air fryer

1. Set the heat to the lowest setting; mine is warm, less than 250°F.
2. Place them on the air fryer basket and air fry them for about one hour.
3. If they are not totally dry, continue to dry for 10-minute intervals.
4. Let them cool, and then place them in a quart mason jar.

They are also good for air drying if you live in a low-humidity, warm climate.

How to tell if they are dried?

They are totally dry when they crumble when you grab one between two fingers and squeeze. If they are at all sticky, they are not done. If they are firm between your fingers, they are dry; if they have any give or sponginess, they need to be dried longer.

How to store

Store them in air-tight containers like a Mason jar or vacuum pack in single-serve portions for the best success. You can often use a vacuum sealer to seal individual portions. They don’t need to go in the freezer. They are shelf stable for at least one year.

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How to use them

They can be used in various ways in your cooking and baking. Here are some delicious ideas to get you started:

1. Snacks: They make a great snack on their own. Enjoy them as a crunchy, sweet treat or mix them with nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips to create a homemade trail mix.
2. Candy: Drizzle milk or dark chocolate on them. Let it dry. Use it as a fun treat for the kids, or add them to granola mixes or snack mixes.
3. Cereal bars: Dehydrated marshmallows can be added to homemade cereal bars for a fun and flavorful twist.
4. Cupcakes and cookies: They can be added to cupcakes and cookie batter to create a unique and delicious treat. They can also be used as a topping for cupcakes or mixed into cookie dough for an extra crunch.
5. Hot chocolate: They’re a great addition to hot drinks like hot chocolate. Simply sprinkle them on top of your hot cocoa for a fun and flavorful twist.
6. Ice cream: They can be mixed into ice cream to add some crunch and flavor. They’re especially delicious in rocky road or s’mores-flavored ice cream.
7. Decorating: Dehydrated marshmallows can be used as a fun and colorful decorating element for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. You can use them to create patterns or shapes on your desserts or simply sprinkle them on top for a fun and playful touch.
8. Fondues: Use them as a dipper for fondues or sweet grazing boards with fruits. Place them on thin skewers so that your guests can pick one up, dip it and eat. Dip them in chocolate or any other sweet dip you’d like.
9. Gifts: They are a fun, different item for gifting. Bring them as a hostess gift or share them for the holidays in a festive package.
10. Make marshmallow powder: This will add marshmallow flavor to hot cocoa or homemade ice cream.

Overall, they’re versatile and can add a unique twist to your cooking and baking. Experiment with different recipes and ideas to see how you can use them in your favorite dishes.

Making marshmallow powder

Pop the dried marshmallows in your food processor or blender and process until very fine.

Helpful tools

• Vevor Food Dehydrator
• dehydrator sheets

More dried foods

• Orange slices
• Mashed Potatoes
• Garlic
• Lemon
• Lime
• Scallions
• Cranberries
• Garlic Scapes
• Peaches
• Grapefruit
• Habanero
• Peppers

Dehydrating marshmallows is a simple and fun technique that can add a unique twist to your cooking and baking. By removing the moisture from marshmallows, you can create a crunchy, long-lasting snack that can be used in a variety of recipes.

Dehydrated marshmallows have a longer shelf life than regular marshmallows and can be used in everything from trail mix and cereal bars to cupcakes and ice cream. They can also be used as a colorful and playful decorating element for your favorite desserts.

So give it a try to see how dehydrated marshmallows can add a new dimension to your cooking and baking.

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I hope you enjoyed the recipe today!

Enjoy. And have fun cooking!

📖 Recipe

Originally published April 1, 2023.

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