DIY Marshmallow Vending Machine
Marshmallows are found in Peeps, Mallomars, moon-pies, Sno Balls and Rice Krispie Treats. Although they are sometimes referred to as mallows, marshmallows actually don’t contain any mallow sap. Instead they are sugar syrup cooked to the soft-ball stage and whipped. Yummy! This project is an easy one to do with the kids.
How to Make Marshmallows
A little time and a few simple ingredients are all it takes to make fluffy, light-as-air homemade marshmallows. They’re a million times better than store-bought marshmallows, and so much more fun to make! Perfect for topping a cup of steaming hot chocolate or roasting into s’mores, these marshmallows also make a wonderful homemade gift.
Gelatin (I use unflavored gelatin powder, but you can also find flavored varieties). Granulated sugar (the key to marshmallow fluffiness). Water. Light corn syrup (used to prevent crystallization). An electric mixer (I use a KitchenAid stand mixer, but any electric mixer will do).
If you want to make colored marshmallows, add food coloring directly into the batter or whisk in a few tablespoons of powdered sugar and a pinch of cornstarch into a bowl for a dusting powder that can be used on the finished marshmallows. If you want to flavor the marshmallows themselves, add 1 ounce of freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries (ground into a powder in a spice grinder or food processor – I use this one – affiliate link) into the mixture with the vanilla or into the powdered sugar and cornstarch to make a strawberry or raspberry dusting powder.
Once the marshmallows are set, scrape them out of the pan and onto a cutting board coated with the powdered sugar mixture. Cut into squares or use cookie cutters to create other shapes and DIY Marshmallow Vending Machine dredge each cut side in the dusting powder again (to avoid sticking). Store leftover marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month.
Materials
Encourage fine motor skills, scissor skills and resourcefulness by making your own DIY Marshmallow Vending Machine out of supplies you probably already have on hand. Stuff the vending machine with little knick knacks, candy packs, Shopkins or special rolled up messages that your child “buys” as they insert a coin and push down a lever to get their prize.
Cut arm holes and a head hole in a cardboard box (bribe your friends boyfriend to help you!). Hot glue a handle to the top of your vending machine. Add a tap light, if desired. Enjoy!.. and don’t forget to eat your snacks!
Tools
Having the right tools makes marshmallow-making quick and easy. A nonstick baking pan (9 inches x 13 inches) and a pastry brush are helpful for coating the pan and easing out the sicky mixture. A stand or hand mixer is also essential for beating the mixture until it becomes fluffy and white. Having a spray bottle of vegetable oil or a small dish of the same on hand helps prevent the marshmallow mixture from sticking to the mixer or your hands. A candy thermometer is also useful for ensuring the sugar syrup reaches the proper temperature.
Once the marshmallow mixture is beaten to the desired consistency, it should be spooned into the prepared baking pan. The marshmallows will be ready to set when they are semi-stiff, resembling beaten egg whites but stickier. It is important to pour the marshmallow mixture into the pan immediately when it reaches this stage, as the marshmallows will begin to stiffen and harden as they set up.
After the marshmallows are set, they can be cut into squares or shaped using cookie cutters (such as hearts for Valentine’s Day, stars for Christmas or ghosts for Halloween). It is recommended to dust the marshmallows with powdered sugar before cutting them. If desired, the marshmallows can be rolled in other things such as chocolate chips, cocoa, or cinnamon to add flavor and texture.
Instructions
Marshmallows require precise timing and extremely hot sugar, so it’s important to have all your equipment and ingredients ready before you start. It also helps to use a candy thermometer, which will let you know exactly when the sugar syrup has reached the soft-ball stage.
Consider making your marshmallows even more fun by adding a variety of mix-ins. Chocolate, mini candy candies, chopped nuts and more can be folded into the marshmallow mixture right before scraping it into a pan. It’s a great way to add holiday-themed marshmallows for Valentine’s Day, Easter and Halloween.
Another fun way to serve marshmallows is by building a homemade marshmallow gun. This science experiment is simple to build and encourages kids to be creative with the design. It also makes a great gift for kids! The plan for this marshmallow shooter is available on Instructables and includes a video tutorial. It’s a lot of fun to use and can be modified with additional pieces such as an DIY Marshmallow Vending Machine wholesale adjustable sight or a flashlight attachment. Just make sure that you point the marshmallow gun in a safe direction!