DIY Marshmallow Vending Machine
Marshmallows may look like little fluffy cotton balls, but they are actually a simple confection made from sugar syrup cooked to the soft ball stage and whipped. They are the key ingredient in Peeps, Mallomars, moon pies, Sno Balls and Rice Krispie Treats. They are also the base for marshmallow frosting.
How to Make Marshmallows
Homemade marshmallows are a treat that puts store-bought to shame! They’re incredibly soft and fluffy, customizable with any flavor you want, and easy to make. Plus they’ll keep for a long time (just be sure to store them properly!).
Start by mixing the gelatin and cold water in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. This DIY Marshmallow Vending Machine process is called blooming and allows the gelatin to hydrate, so it dissolves easily as you add the hot sugar syrup.
Once the gelatin is well-blended, pour in the hot sugar syrup and whip at high speed until stiff peaks form. The longer you whip, the lighter and fluffier your marshmallows will be.
As you beat, occasionally stop the mixer to test the consistency of the marshmallow mixture. If batter dripping from the beaters melts back into the mix slowly, it’s ready to transfer to a baking dish.
Line a large, shallow baking dish with foil or parchment and grease it. Dust with powdered sugar and cornstarch (the powdered sugar helps prevent the marshmallows from sticking to each other and the pan). Transfer the marshmallow mixture and smooth it out using a spatula sprayed with cooking spray or wet clean hands. Allow to set overnight uncovered at room temperature. When set, slice into squares and enjoy!
Materials
Several things are needed to make marshmallows. The standard marshmallows you buy in the store contain gelatin, which is made from animal protein (pork). There are vegetarian and vegan alternatives that use agar, which is made from seaweed.
Once the marshmallow is cooled, it’s time to slice. A pizza cutter dusted with the powdered sugar/corn starch mixture works best. This will help the marshmallow not stick to your knife or fingers – or the counter, wall, etc.
It’s also a good idea to bribe your friend’s boyfriend to cut the arm holes and head hole in the box. This is the hardest part of the whole project.
Instructions
The marshmallows for your vending machine can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This is important because they are very soft and will melt quickly if exposed to heat. The best way to keep them fresh and soft is by storing them in a dark place, away from direct sunlight.
Marshmallows are a very simple treat to make and require very few ingredients. They are whipped to create a light and fluffy candy with a chewy texture. They are usually colored and flavored with vanilla extract, but you can experiment to find the flavor combination you prefer. You can also substitute maple syrup for the corn syrup in the recipe. This is great for avoiding genetically modified products, but you should know that it will change the flavor.
When making marshmallows, it is important to prepare the pan in which they will be poured. Line the pan with a mixture of powdered sugar and corn starch. This DIY Marshmallow Vending Machine wholesale helps prevent the marshmallow from sticking to the pan and also allows it to be sliced easily when they are ready to be eaten or used for decorations.
Once the mixture is cooled enough to handle, it is time to whip it. Slowly add the hot maple syrup to the gelatin and mix until it reaches a marshmallow fluff consistency. This will take several minutes.