Candy Cane vegan marshmallows

Candy Cane vegan marshmallows are a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the holiday season. These fluffy, minty confections are perfect for cozy evenings by the fire or as a sweet addition to your holiday cookie box. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also cater to various dietary preferences, making them an appealing choice for gatherings and celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll whip up these marshmallows in no time.
• Festive Flavor: The peppermint extract gives these marshmallows a refreshing taste that embodies the holiday spirit.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them on their own, in hot cocoa, or as part of dessert platters—these vegan marshmallows shine in any setting!
• Customizable Colors: The red food coloring allows you to create fun swirls, adding a visual touch to your treats.
• Vegan-Friendly: Made without any animal products, these marshmallows are suitable for everyone at your gathering.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Candy Cane vegan marshmallows, having the right tools will make the process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool is crucial for achieving the perfect whipped texture in your marshmallows.
• Candy thermometer: Ensures that your sugar mixture reaches the right temperature for optimal texture.
• Spatula: Helps in spreading the mixture evenly in the baking pan.

Ingredients

A tasty recipe for Candy Cane vegan marshmallows – a perfect holiday treat or addition to a holiday cookie box!

For the Marshmallow Base

• 1 ⅓ cups water (divided)
• 3 envelopes unflavored, powdered vegan gelatin (about 7 ½ teaspoons)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

For Color and Coating

• 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 it aside. This will prevent your marshmallows from sticking once they set.

Step 2: Bloom the Vegan Gelatin

In the bowl of a stand mixer, add ⅔ cup cold water. Sprinkle the vegan gelatin on top and let it bloom while you prepare your sugar mixture.

Step 3: Cook the Sugar Mixture

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and remaining ⅔ cup water. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Bring this mixture to a boil, swirling occasionally, until it reaches exactly 240°F on a candy thermometer—about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat immediately.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

With your stand mixer on low speed, slowly pour the melted sugar mixture into the bloomed vegan gelatin mixture. Add peppermint extract and salt.

Step 5: Whip Until Stiff Peaks Form

Gradually increase speed to high and whip until stiff peaks form—this usually takes about 10-12 minutes. The mix should be white and fluffy. Pour it into your prepared baking pan quickly while it’s still warm.

Step 6: Add Color Swirls

While the marshmallow mixture is warm, add droplets of red food coloring on top. Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl it throughout for added decoration.

Step 7: Let Set

Allow your vegan marshmallows to sit at room temperature for at least 4 hours or refrigerate for about 2 hours until firm.

Step 8: Cut Your Marshmallows

Dust your work surface with powdered sugar or cornstarch. Use a butter knife to slice around the edges of the pan before turning it out onto your work surface. Cut into at least 16 pieces using a sharp knife.

Step 9: Coat and Serve

Roll each piece in powdered sugar or cornstarch on each side to prevent sticking. Your Candy Cane vegan marshmallows are now ready to serve! Enjoy this festive treat with friends and family!

How to Serve Candy Cane vegan marshmallows

Candy Cane vegan marshmallows are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to add a festive touch to your holiday gatherings or simply indulge in their sweetness, here are some creative serving suggestions.

Hot Chocolate Delight

• Top your favorite hot chocolate with Candy Cane vegan marshmallows for an extra creamy and festive twist.

S’mores Upgrade

• Use these marshmallows instead of regular ones when making s’mores. They add a delightful peppermint flavor that enhances this classic treat.

Holiday Gift Packaging

• Package the Candy Cane vegan marshmallows in clear bags tied with ribbons as festive gifts for friends and family during the holidays.

Ice Cream Topping

• Chop the marshmallows into smaller pieces and sprinkle them over your favorite non-dairy ice cream for a fun and flavorful dessert.

Cookie Decoration

• Place whole or chopped Candy Cane vegan marshmallows atop cookies right before baking for a beautiful and festive touch.

Snack Board Addition

• Include them on a holiday snack board alongside fruits, nuts, and other sweets to create an inviting display for guests.

How to Perfect Candy Cane vegan marshmallows

To ensure your Candy Cane vegan marshmallows turn out perfectly fluffy and flavorful, keep these tips in mind.

• Use cold water for blooming – Always start with cold water when blooming the vegan gelatin. This ensures optimal texture and consistency.
• Monitor sugar temperature closely – Use a reliable candy thermometer to reach exactly 240°F for the best results; this will ensure proper texture.
• Whip until stiff peaks form – Make sure to whip the mixture until it forms stiff peaks before pouring it into the pan. This gives your marshmallows their airy structure.
• Swirl food coloring carefully – When adding food coloring, do so gently to create beautiful swirls without overmixing the batter.
• Dust generously with powdered sugar – Rolling the finished marshmallows in powdered sugar or cornstarch helps prevent sticking and adds extra sweetness.

Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane vegan marshmallows

Pairing side dishes with Candy Cane vegan marshmallows can elevate your dessert spread. Here are some delightful options:

1. Gingerbread Cookies – These spiced cookies complement the minty flavor of the marshmallows beautifully.
2. Peppermint Bark – A classic holiday treat that matches well with the flavors of peppermint.
3. Chocolate Fondue – Melted chocolate makes an excellent dipping option for these fluffy delights.
4. Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the marshmallows.
5. Cinnamon Rolls – Warm cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with Candy Cane vegan marshmallows as a sweet topping.
6. Pumpkin Pie – The warmth of pumpkin pie nicely balances out the cool minty taste of the marshmallows.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Candy Cane vegan marshmallows can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

• Bold Blooming Mistake: Not allowing the vegan gelatin to bloom for long enough can result in a runny texture. Make sure to let it sit for about 10 minutes in cold water before using.
• Bold Sugar Temperature: If the sugar mixture doesn’t reach 240°F, your marshmallows may not set properly. Always use a candy thermometer and ensure you achieve this exact temperature.
• Bold Overmixing: Mixing the marshmallow mixture too long can cause it to become grainy. Whip until stiff peaks form, but stop there!
• Bold Food Coloring Application: Adding too much food coloring all at once can lead to uneven coloring. Drizzle small amounts and swirl gently for a marbled effect.
• Bold Cutting Techniques: Not using cooking spray on your knife can lead to sticky marshmallows. Spray your knife before cutting to make clean slices.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 2 weeks when kept in the refrigerator.

Freezing Candy Cane vegan marshmallows

• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months; just remember to separate layers with parchment paper.

Reheating Candy Cane vegan marshmallows

• Bold Oven: Preheat to low heat (around 200°F) and warm them on a baking sheet until soft.
• Bold Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 10-15 seconds until soft, being careful not to melt them.
• Bold Stovetop: Place them in a non-stick pan over low heat, stirring gently until they soften.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Candy Cane vegan marshmallows.

What are Candy Cane vegan marshmallows made from?

Candy Cane vegan marshmallows are made from vegan gelatin, sugar, corn syrup, peppermint extract, and food coloring among other ingredients.

Can I customize my Candy Cane vegan marshmallows?

Yes! You can add different flavors or colors according to your preference for a unique twist on this classic treat.

How do I store leftover Candy Cane vegan marshmallows?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Can I use homemade vegan gelatin?

Absolutely! Homemade plant-based gelling agents like agar-agar work perfectly for this recipe as a substitute for commercial vegan gelatin.

Final Thoughts

Candy Cane vegan marshmallows are not only festive but also incredibly versatile. They make a great addition to holiday treats or cookies. Feel free to customize with different flavors or colors to match your festive spirit!