If you’ve been craving a sweet treat that’s both fluffy and vegan-friendly, look no further! Traditional marshmallows rely on gelatin, an animal-based ingredient, but today we’re diving into an easy and delightful agar agar marshmallow recipe vegan style.
Agar agar, derived from seaweed, is a fantastic plant-based alternative that sets beautifully and gives you that classic marshmallow texture without any animal products.
These vegan marshmallows are perfect for cozy evenings by the fire, topping your hot cocoa, or even for roasting on a vegan campfire. They’re light, airy, and just the right amount of sweet, making them a hit for vegans and non-vegans alike.
Plus, they’re simple to make with pantry staples and don’t require complicated techniques or equipment. Ready to whip up this delicious batch?
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers a wonderful way to enjoy marshmallows while staying true to a vegan lifestyle. Using agar agar instead of gelatin means you get a marshmallow that’s not only cruelty-free but also gluten-free and soy-free.
The texture is soft, bouncy, and melts delightfully in your mouth.
It’s also incredibly versatile—you can customize flavors with vanilla, rosewater, or even cocoa powder. Plus, this recipe avoids the use of corn syrup or artificial additives, making it a cleaner, more natural option.
Whether you’re making s’mores or just want a sweet snack, these vegan marshmallows won’t disappoint.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) cold water, divided
- 2 teaspoons agar agar powder
- 1 cup (200 g) organic granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (160 g) light corn syrup or maple syrup for a natural alternative
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar or cornstarch for dusting
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or stand mixer with whisk attachment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Sifter or fine mesh sieve (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare your pan: Line your baking pan with parchment paper and lightly dust it with powdered sugar or cornstarch to prevent sticking.
- Bloom the agar agar: In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of cold water and agar agar powder. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to hydrate.
- Cook the agar agar: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to dissolve the agar agar completely. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Make the sugar syrup: Meanwhile, in another saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup (or maple syrup), remaining 1/2 cup water, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Boil the syrup: Allow the syrup to boil without stirring until it reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer. This is the soft-ball stage, perfect for marshmallows.
- Combine agar mixture and syrup: Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the agar agar mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Whip the marshmallow base: Transfer the combined mixture to a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat on high speed for 8-10 minutes until the mixture becomes thick, fluffy, and tripled in volume.
- Add flavor: During the last minute of whipping, add the vanilla extract and mix well to combine.
- Set the marshmallows: Pour the marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Dust with powdered sugar or cornstarch.
- Allow to cool: Let the marshmallows set at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm.
- Cut and serve: Once set, lift the marshmallow slab out of the pan using the parchment paper. Dust a knife with powdered sugar and cut into squares. Dust each piece to prevent sticking.
Tips & Variations
For a citrus twist, add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon or orange zest to the mixture before whipping.
Use flavored extracts like peppermint or almond to customize your marshmallows.
If you prefer a firmer marshmallow, increase agar agar to 2 1/2 teaspoons, but be mindful it may become slightly less fluffy.
For chocolate marshmallows, fold in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder during the mixing step.
Always make sure your agar agar is fully dissolved and boiling; this ensures proper setting!
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 marshmallow square) |
---|---|
Calories | 60 |
Carbohydrates | 15 g |
Sugar | 13 g |
Fat | 0 g |
Protein | 0 g |
Fiber | 0 g |
Sodium | 10 mg |
Serving Suggestions
These vegan agar agar marshmallows are incredibly versatile. Try them:
- In your favorite Bread And Gravy Recipe for a fun twist on dessert.
- As a topping for hot chocolate or coffee for a creamy, sweet finish.
- Roasted over a fire for classic vegan s’mores.
- Layered in parfaits with fresh fruit and vegan yogurt.
- Crumbled over vegan cakes or brownies, like the Brazil Nut Fruit Cake Recipe.
Conclusion
Making vegan marshmallows with agar agar is a wonderfully simple way to enjoy a nostalgic treat without compromising your dietary choices. This recipe delivers the perfect balance of fluffy texture and sweet flavor, all while being free from animal products and artificial additives.
Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends and family, these marshmallows are sure to impress.
With a little patience and the right technique, you’ll have a batch of airy, delicious marshmallows ready to elevate any dessert or snack occasion. Plus, once you master this recipe, you can experiment with flavors and shapes, making it truly your own.
Don’t forget to check out other creative recipes like Blueberry Mule With Blueberry Vodka Recipe or the hearty Braised Pork Ribs With Radish Recipe to expand your cooking adventures!
📖 Recipe Card: Agar Agar Marshmallow Recipe Vegan
Description: A light and fluffy vegan marshmallow made with agar agar instead of gelatin. Perfect for desserts, hot chocolate, or snacking.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup aquafaba (chickpea brine)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 2 teaspoons agar agar powder
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Combine agar agar powder and cold water in a small saucepan and let bloom for 5 minutes.
- Heat the agar mixture over medium heat until it dissolves, about 3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, whip aquafaba and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar and corn syrup to the agar mixture and heat until it reaches 240°F (115°C).
- Slowly pour the hot agar syrup into the whipped aquafaba while continuing to whip.
- Whip until the mixture is thick, glossy, and holds stiff peaks, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add vanilla extract and mix briefly.
- Pour the mixture into a lined pan and let set at room temperature for 4 hours.
- Dust with powdered sugar and cut into squares before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 90 | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 23g
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