Last weekend, I found myself wandering through my garden, admiring the bright yellow dandelions that most people consider weeds. But being the culinary adventurer I am, I saw potential where others saw nuisance. I’ve always believed that nature provides us with incredible flavors if we’re willing to explore, and dandelions are packed with subtle floral notes that pair beautifully with honey. After gathering a handful of petals, I decided to try something I’d never made before: homemade marshmallows with dandelion tea and honey instead of the traditional corn syrup. The result? Pure magic in every bite – these delicate, pillowy treats capture the essence of spring with their subtle floral notes and natural sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Dandelion & Honey Marshmallows aren’t just another sweet treat – they’re a conversation starter and a wonderful way to connect with seasonal ingredients. Furthermore, they offer a more natural alternative to store-bought marshmallows.
Versatile
These marshmallows can elevate so many of your favorite treats. Therefore, you can float them on hot chocolate for a floral twist. Additionally, they make gorgeous s’mores with a depth of flavor that commercial marshmallows simply can’t match. Meanwhile, they can be cut into different shapes for holiday gifts or special occasions. Subsequently, you can also dip them in chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
Budget-Friendly
While artisanal marshmallows can cost a premium at specialty shops, these homemade versions use simple ingredients with dandelions that grow abundantly for free! Besides that, you likely have most other ingredients already in your pantry. Moreover, they make wonderful gifts that seem far more expensive than they actually are to create.
Ingredients for Dandelion & Honey Marshmallows
- 1 cup dandelion petal tea (divided)
- 3 tablespoons Vital Proteins Vegan Gelatin
- 1 cup honey
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (or arrowroot powder for dusting)
How to Make Dandelion & Honey Marshmallows
The process of making marshmallows might seem intimidating at first, nevertheless, once you break it down into simple steps, it becomes quite approachable. While commercial marshmallows contain artificial flavors and preservatives, these homemade treats showcase natural ingredients. Meanwhile, the delicate floral notes from the dandelion tea create a sophisticated flavor profile that’s subtle yet distinct.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Dandelion & Honey Marshmallows
First, prepare your dandelion tea by steeping fresh or dried petals in hot water. Then, pour half a cup of this fragrant tea into your stand mixer bowl. Next, sprinkle the vegan gelatin evenly over the surface and allow it to “bloom” for approximately ten minutes. During this time, the gelatin will absorb the liquid and swell, creating the foundation for your marshmallows’ texture.
While waiting for the gelatin to bloom, combine your honey, salt, and the remaining half cup of dandelion tea in a medium saucepan. Subsequently, heat this mixture over high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Furthermore, you’ll need to monitor the temperature carefully with a candy thermometer until it reaches 240°F (soft ball stage). This precise temperature ensures your marshmallows will have the perfect consistency.
Once your honey syrup reaches temperature, turn your stand mixer on low speed to break up the bloomed gelatin. Then, very carefully and slowly, pour the hot honey syrup into the mixer while it continues running on low. Additionally, keep the mixer at low speed initially to prevent dangerous splattering of the hot syrup.
After all the syrup is incorporated, gradually increase the mixer speed to high. Consequently, this will incorporate air into the mixture, transforming it from a liquid to a fluffy cloud. However, patience is key here – this process takes between six to ten minutes. Meanwhile, you’ll notice the mixture changing color to a pale white and expanding in volume. Furthermore, you’ll know it’s ready when the marshmallow batter forms stiff peaks and has tripled in volume.
Prepare your pan by lightly greasing it and dusting with powdered sugar or arrowroot powder. Next, using a greased spatula, quickly transfer the marshmallow mixture to your prepared pan. Then, spread it evenly to the corners. Moreover, dust the top lightly with more powdered sugar to prevent stickiness.
Quick and Easy
Although homemade marshmallows might sound complicated, this recipe requires just five simple ingredients. Furthermore, active cooking time is less than 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the rest is just waiting for them to set. Besides that, these make a wonderful weekend project with impressive results.
Customizable
Once you master the basic technique, you can experiment with different herbal teas. Additionally, you might try lavender, rose, or chamomile for unique flavor profiles. Furthermore, add natural food coloring for visual appeal. Besides that, roll the finished marshmallows in toasted coconut, crushed freeze-dried fruits, or cacao powder for variety.
Crowd-Pleasing
These marshmallows never fail to impress guests. Moreover, they bring an element of surprise when people learn they contain dandelions. Furthermore, they’re perfect for spring gatherings, afternoon tea parties, or as unique wedding favors. Meanwhile, children and adults alike will be amazed at how different homemade marshmallows taste from store-bought versions.
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Dandelion & Honey Marshmallows
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 marshmallows (1-inch squares) 1x
Description
These delicate Dandelion & Honey Marshmallows capture the essence of spring with subtle floral notes from dandelion tea combined with natural honey sweetness. They’re a healthier alternative to store-bought marshmallows with no artificial ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dandelion petal tea (divided)
- 3 tablespoons Vital Proteins Vegan Gelatin
- 1 cup honey
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar or arrowroot powder (for dusting)
Instructions
- Pour 1/2 cup dandelion petal tea into a stand mixer. Sprinkle vegan gelatin over the top and allow it to “bloom” for about 10 minutes.
- While the gelatin is blooming, add honey, salt, and the remaining 1/2 cup of dandelion petal tea to a saucepan. Cook over high heat for 8-10 minutes, until it reaches 240 degrees or soft ball stage on a candy thermometer.
- When the honey syrup is up to temperature, turn the stand mixer on low to break up the gelatin.
- Slowly pour the hot honey syrup into the stand mixer, keeping it running on low to incorporate the syrup into the gelatin.
- Gradually turn up the mixer speed (to avoid splattering) and let the mixer run on high for 6-10 minutes until the marshmallow batter forms stiff peaks and is a pale white color.
- Grease a 9×9 baking pan and dust it with either powdered sugar or arrowroot powder. Use a greased spatula to spread the marshmallow batter into the pan.
- Allow the honey marshmallows to set up for 4-6 hours, or overnight. Flip the container over, slice marshmallows and dust on all sides with more powdered sugar or arrowroot powder.
- Store in a tightly sealed container for 1-2 days, or place in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
Notes
- For a variation, try different herbal teas like lavender or chamomile.
- The marshmallows will be sticky when cutting; additional dusting powder helps.
- These make beautiful gifts when packaged in cellophane bags with a ribbon.
- Keep away from humidity as it affects setting time and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (plus 4-6 hours setting time)
FAQs
Can I use regular gelatin instead of vegan gelatin?
Absolutely! Regular gelatin works perfectly in this recipe. Therefore, use the same amount (3 tablespoons) of regular gelatin powder. However, the blooming process remains the same.
I don’t have dandelions. What can I substitute?
No dandelions? No problem! Subsequently, you can substitute with any herbal tea you enjoy. For instance, chamomile offers a similar subtle floral note. Meanwhile, hibiscus creates a tangy, vibrant flavor and beautiful color.
How long do these marshmallows last?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these marshmallows will stay fresh for 1-2 days. Furthermore, you can freeze them for up to 1-2 months. However, bring them to room temperature before eating for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use sugar instead of honey?
While honey provides unique flavor and helps these marshmallows stand out, you can substitute with 1 cup of granulated sugar plus 1/4 cup maple syrup for similar results. Nevertheless, the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Why did my marshmallows turn out sticky?
If your marshmallows are too sticky, they might need more dusting powder. Moreover, humidity can affect marshmallow setting. Therefore, in humid environments, you might need to increase the setting time or add slightly more gelatin.