Candy Cane vegan marshmallows

Candy Cane vegan marshmallows are a delightful treat that brings festive cheer to your holiday gatherings. These fluffy, sweet morsels are perfect for topping hot cocoa, adding to cookie boxes, or simply enjoying on their own. With their peppermint flavor and cheerful red swirls, they stand out as a fun and unique dessert option for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Festive Flavor: The peppermint extract provides a refreshing taste that perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday season.
• Versatile Usage: Enjoy these marshmallows in hot chocolate, as a snack, or use them as toppings for desserts.
• Customizable Appearance: The red food coloring allows you to create beautiful swirls, making these marshmallows visually appealing for parties.
• Vegan-Friendly: Made without animal products, these marshmallows are suitable for everyone to enjoy.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools and prepare your workspace for a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Medium saucepan
• Candy thermometer
• 9×9-inch baking pan
• Spatula
• Butter knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool is essential for whipping the mixture to achieve the fluffy texture of the marshmallows.
• Candy thermometer: Ensures accurate temperature measurements so you can achieve the perfect consistency.
• Spatula: Great for spreading the marshmallow mixture evenly in the pan.

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Ingredients

To make Candy Cane vegan marshmallows, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 ⅓ cups water (divided)
• 3 envelopes unflavored, powdered Vegan vegan gelatin (about 7 ½ teaspoons)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1-2 teaspoons red food coloring
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar or cornstarch (for rolling)

How to Make Candy Cane vegan marshmallows

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.

Step 2: Bloom the Vegan Gelatin

In the bowl of a stand mixer, add ⅔ cup cold water. Sprinkle Vegan vegan gelatin on top and let it bloom.

Step 3: Cook the Sugar Mixture

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat:
1. Combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and ⅔ cup water.
2. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
3. Bring to a boil while swirling occasionally until it reaches exactly 240°F on a candy thermometer (about 10-12 minutes).
4. Immediately remove from heat.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

With the stand mixer on low speed:
1. Slowly pour the melted sugar mixture into the Vegan vegan gelatin mixture.
2. Add peppermint extract and salt.

Step 5: Whip Until Stiff Peaks Form

Slowly increase speed to high:
1. Whip until stiff and white (about 10-12 minutes).
2. When you remove the whisk, stiff peaks should form that take a few seconds before falling back into the mixture.
3. Quickly pour into prepared baking pan and spread evenly with a spatula.

Step 6: Add Color Swirls

While still warm:
1. Add droplets of red food coloring on top.
2. Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl throughout the mixture.

Step 7: Set Your Marshmallows

Let sit to firm up for at least 4 hours at room temperature or refrigerate for about 2 hours.

Step 8: Cut Marshmallows

On a dusted work surface with powdered sugar or cornstarch:
1. Use a butter knife to slice around edges of the pan.
2. Turn out onto work surface (may need to pry out at a corner).
3. Cut into at least 16 pieces using a sharp knife (spray with cooking spray if needed).

Step 9: Coat and Serve

Roll each piece in powdered sugar or cornstarch on each side to prevent sticking before serving.

Enjoy your delightful Candy Cane vegan marshmallows!

How to Serve Candy Cane vegan marshmallows

Candy Cane vegan marshmallows are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you want to add a festive touch to your dessert table or surprise guests with a creative presentation, these marshmallows are versatile and delicious.

Hot Cocoa Topping

• Add a few Candy Cane vegan marshmallows on top of your hot cocoa for an extra layer of sweetness and holiday flair.

S’mores Treats

• Use the Candy Cane vegan marshmallows in place of traditional marshmallows for a seasonal twist on the classic s’mores, pairing perfectly with dark chocolate and graham crackers.

Holiday Gift Packaging

• Package the Candy Cane vegan marshmallows in festive bags or jars to give as gifts during the holiday season. They make for a charming homemade treat!

Dessert Charcuterie Board

• Include these marshmallows on a dessert charcuterie board along with chocolates, nuts, and fruits. Their colorful appearance will brighten up the board.

Ice Cream Sundae

• Top your favorite flavor of ice cream with chopped Candy Cane vegan marshmallows for a fun and festive sundae experience.

How to Perfect Candy Cane vegan marshmallows

To ensure your Candy Cane vegan marshmallows turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use cold water – Start with cold water when blooming the Vegan vegan gelatin to achieve the right texture.
• Monitor temperature closely – Use a candy thermometer to ensure your sugar mixture reaches exactly 240°F for optimal fluffiness.
• Whip thoroughly – Whip the mixture until it forms stiff peaks; this ensures that your marshmallows will have the right consistency.
• Work quickly – Pour the mixture into the pan as soon as it is whipped; letting it sit too long can affect its texture.
• Dust generously – Roll each piece in powdered sugar or cornstarch to prevent sticking and keep them looking perfect.

Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane vegan marshmallows

While Candy Cane vegan marshmallows shine on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Chocolate Fondue – Melted chocolate for dipping adds richness and pairs beautifully with sweet marshmallows.
2. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the marshallows, providing a fresh contrast.
3. Graham Crackers – Serve alongside graham crackers for a crunchy texture that complements the soft marshmallows.
4. Spiced Nuts – The savory flavor of spiced nuts offers a delightful contrast to the sugary sweetness of the candy cane treats.
5. Mini Cupcakes – Light cupcakes topped with frosting can be served alongside, allowing guests to enjoy multiple sweet bites.
6. Peppermint Bark – This festive treat enhances the peppermint flavor in your candy cane marshmallows, creating a perfect match.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Candy Cane vegan marshmallows can be fun, but it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Ignoring gelatin blooming – If you skip the blooming step for the vegan gelatin, your marshmallows may not set properly. Always let it sit in cold water until it absorbs moisture.
• Rushing the sugar mixture – Bringing the sugar mixture to exactly 240°F is crucial. Don’t rush this step; use a candy thermometer for accuracy for the best texture.
• Not whipping enough – Insufficient whipping time will result in a sticky mixture that won’t hold its shape. Whip until stiff peaks form.
• Forgetting to dust with cornstarch or powdered sugar – If you don’t coat your marshmallows, they will stick together. Make sure to roll them in either cornstarch or powdered sugar after cutting.
• Skipping room temperature setting – Allowing your marshmallows to set at room temperature ensures proper firmness. Avoid refrigerating too quickly, as this can alter texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 2 weeks if kept properly.

Freezing Candy Cane vegan marshmallows

• Place them in an airtight freezer bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Candy Cane vegan marshmallows

• Oven – Preheat the oven to low heat; place marshmallows on a baking sheet and warm for a few minutes until soft.
• Microwave – Heat for about 10-15 seconds in short bursts; watch closely to avoid melting completely.
• Stovetop – Place them in a pan over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about making Candy Cane vegan marshmallows.

Can I use different flavors instead of peppermint?

Absolutely! You can experiment with other extracts like vanilla or almond for different flavor profiles.

How do I ensure my Candy Cane vegan marshmallows are fluffy?

Make sure you whip the mixture long enough until stiff peaks form. This gives the marshmallows their signature fluffiness.

Can I customize the colors of my marshmallows?

Yes! Use different food coloring or leave them white for a classic look. Get creative with swirls!

What can I do if my marshmallow mixture is too runny?

If your mixture fails to thicken, it could be due to insufficient whipping. Try re-whipping until you achieve stiff peaks.

Final Thoughts

Candy Cane vegan marshmallows are a delightful holiday treat that can please everyone! They’re versatile and perfect for customizing flavors and colors. Try adding your favorite extracts or mix-ins to make them uniquely yours!