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.
Marshmallows are a kid’s favorite treat. These dried marshmallows are just like every kid’s favorite cereal, Lucky Charms marshmallows.
Why should consider making them?
- Dehydrating marshmallows removes the moisture from them, making them last much longer than regular marshmallows. Dehydrated marshmallows can be stored for months at room temperature without going bad.
- 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.
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.
How to make them
In your dehydrator
Step One:
Open a bag of miniature marshmallows. Place them on dehydrator trays in a single layer.
Step Two:
Place the trays in the dehydrator. Set the temperature to 150°F/65°C. Dehydrate for 3-6 hours.
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.
In your air fryer
- Set the heat to the lowest setting; mine is warm, less than 250°F.
- Place them on the air fryer basket and air fry them for about one hour.
- If they are not totally dry, continue to dry for 10-minute intervals.
- 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
For the best results, store them in airtight containers like a Mason jar or vacuum pack them in single-serve portions. They don’t need to go in the freezer, and they are shelf-stable for at least one year.
How to use them
- 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.
- 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.
- Cereal bars: Dehydrated marshmallows can be added to homemade cereal bars for a fun and flavorful twist.
- Cupcakes and cookies: They can also be used as a topping for cupcakes.
- 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.
- Ice cream: They can be mixed into ice cream to add crunch and flavor. They’re especially delicious in Rocky Road or S’mores-flavored ice cream.
- 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.
- 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.
- Make marshmallow powder: This will add marshmallow flavor to hot cocoa or homemade ice cream.
Making marshmallow powder
Pop the dried marshmallows in your food processor or blender and process until very fine.
Helpful tools
More dried foods
- Orange slices
- Mashed Potatoes
- Garlic
- Lemon
- Lime
- Scallions
- Cranberries
- Garlic Scapes
- Peaches
- Grapefruit
- Habanero
- Peppers
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 decorating element for your favorite desserts.
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I hope you enjoyed the recipe today.
Enjoy. And have fun cooking!
Dehydrated Marshmallows
Ingredients
- 1 bag mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Arrange the marshmallows on your dehydrator trays in a single layer.1 bag mini marshmallows
- Set the temperature to 150°F/65°C for 3-6 hours. Check them after three hoursmif they are not completely dry, increase time accordingly.
See all of my favorite tools and gift ideas on my New Amazon Store!Check out Binky’s Amazon Store!Notes
- Set the heat to the lowest setting; mine is warm, less than 250°F.
- Place them on the air fryer basket and air fry them for about one hour.
- If they are not totally dry, continue to dry for 10-minute intervals.
- Let them cool, and then place them in a quart mason jar.
Nutrition
Originally published April 1, 2023.
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