DIY Marshmallow Vending Machine
DIY Marshmallow Vending Machine is an easy project that makes a great gift or decoration for your house. It’s also a fun way to show off your marshmallow making skills. You’ll need a box, some marshmallows, and a few other supplies to get started. Enjoy!
Each episode has a different challenge for the bakers to complete. The baker who produces the most creative dessert wins the challenge and a trophy.
1. Getting Started
You can get a lot of the supplies you need to make your Marshmallow Vending Machine from your local craft store. The most important thing is the box, which can be purchased from a dollar store. You will also need some glue, zip ties and a battery-operated tap light.
Consider adding mix-ins to the marshmallow recipe – mini chocolate chips, cacao nibs or chopped candied ginger are delicious. Using cookie cutters to create shaped marshmallows adds another fun layer of kid appeal. Try heart-shaped marshmallows for Valentine’s Day, stars or eggs for Easter or ghosts for Halloween.
Get a friend to help you cut the arm holes and head hole DIY Marshmallow Vending Machine in the box. This is a great project to do with a friend or spouse and a good opportunity to grow your relationship. Bribe them with beer if needed! Creating things together is one of the best ways to bond.
3. Making the Marshmallows
Making marshmallows from scratch takes a bit of time, but the process is not difficult. To make the fluff, combine maple syrup, water, salt, and gelatin in a saucepan over medium heat. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of the liquid. Once the mixture reaches 238F, remove it from the stove and add it to the bowl of your stand mixer. Whip the ingredients until they reach peak marshmallow flufff.
Once you get the hang of it, you can easily add color to your marshmallows without using chemical dyes. For a simple streak effect, scoop two thirds of the marshmallow into a separate bowl. Add in a few drops of food coloring, then beat the marshmallow mixture until the color is incorporated.
To prepare the pan, line a 9×9 pan with parchment paper and dust it with arrowroot powder (or powdered sugar) to prevent the marshmallows from sticking. Let the marshmallows sit for several hours or overnight before cutting into shapes.
4. Filling the Box
Encourage fine motor skills, scissor skills and resourcefulness with little knick knacks your child can “buy” as they pop in a coin or push down the lever. This is also a great way to teach numbers and counting.
Consider putting your items in the following sequence: lighter to heavier – this helps you and your customer – you don’t have to lift as high, and your customers don’t get a shock when their purchase is delivered.
If you are using a plastic milk crate, tuck the bottom of the crate in place so it doesn’t fall over. Glue the zip ties and snack packages in place. Lastly, glue on the tap light and let the glue dry. You can always adjust the positioning later if you need to.
5. Putting the Marshmallows in the Box
Marshmallows can be used for a variety of dessert applications. They are often paired with melted chocolate or other sweet ingredients to make smores, but they can also be added to other snacks and treats, such as cookies, cakes, and cupcakes. These delicious marshmallows are a popular choice for dessert makers and can be purchased in bulk at your favorite restaurant supply superstore.
When purchasing marshmallows in bulk, be DIY Marshmallow Vending Machine factory sure to read the label. Some manufacturers use high fructose corn syrup in place of sugar, or they may contain preservatives such as BHT and carrageenan. To be safe, it is best to stick with a brand that uses refined white sugar.
Mini marshmallows are available in a wide range of eye-pleasing pastel colors, as well as in white. They are sold by the pound and are great for ramping up the richness of hot cocoa or as decorative toppings for ice cream, brownies, and cupcakes. The same marshmallow fluff can be used to create a fruit dip that is sure to please the pickiest eaters.