Dandelion & Honey Marshmallows

If you’re looking for a way to bring a little sunshine into your life, these Dandelion & Honey Marshmallows are the perfect treat. Imagine the delicate floral notes of dandelion flowers and the rich, sweet smoothness of honey coming together in a soft, pillowy marshmallow. It’s like spring in every bite! These marshmallows are not only a unique twist on the traditional treat but also a fun way to incorporate the natural sweetness and medicinal benefits of dandelions. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Dandelion & Honey Marshmallows

Unique Flavors

These marshmallows bring a fresh, natural sweetness that’s unlike anything you’ve had before. The earthy, slightly bitter dandelion perfectly complements the golden warmth of honey, making these marshmallows a delightful balance of floral, sweet, and a little bit herbaceous.

Homemade Goodness

There’s something extra special about making marshmallows from scratch. These marshmallows are soft, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth—nothing like the store-bought ones! Plus, the natural ingredients give them a wholesome vibe that makes each bite feel a little more special.

Nostalgic with a Twist

If you’ve ever had a classic marshmallow roast, imagine these over an open fire—seriously magical. They bring that nostalgic marshmallow vibe but with a fun, fresh twist. Dandelions are often overlooked, but when they’re incorporated into a recipe like this, they add a totally new and interesting flavor.

Easy to Make

Making marshmallows sounds intimidating, but I promise this recipe is beginner-friendly. The steps are straightforward, and the results are so worth it. Plus, homemade marshmallows are always a crowd-pleaser, so you’ll definitely impress your friends and family with this one.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these sweet, floral marshmallows:

• Dandelion Flowers: The star of the show! They lend a light, earthy, floral flavor to the marshmallows, giving them a subtle bitterness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the honey.
• Honey: Adds a rich, natural sweetness with floral undertones, perfectly complementing the dandelions.
• Gelatin: The key to achieving that perfect, pillowy texture we all know and love in marshmallows.
• Sugar: For sweetness and structure, helping the marshmallows to hold their shape.
• Corn Syrup: This helps with the marshmallow’s smooth consistency and prevents crystallization.
• Water: To dissolve the gelatin and create the base for the marshmallow mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: For an added layer of warmth and flavor.
• Powdered Sugar and Cornstarch: For dusting, so your marshmallows don’t stick to everything!

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dandelion Infusion

To infuse your marshmallows with the earthy flavor of dandelions, start by making a dandelion infusion. Bring a cup of water to a boil, then pour it over a handful of dandelion flowers. Let it steep for about 10 minutes before straining out the flowers, leaving you with a flavorful tea that will give your marshmallows that signature floral taste.

2. Bloom the Gelatin

In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/2 cup of the dandelion infusion. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom (this is just the gelatin absorbing the liquid). Set it aside while you prepare the rest of the mixture.

3. Cook the Sugar Syrup

In a saucepan, combine the remaining dandelion infusion, sugar, corn syrup, and honey. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, and let it cook until it reaches 240°F (use a candy thermometer for accuracy). Once it reaches this temperature, remove it from heat.

4. Combine the Gelatin and Syrup

Carefully pour the hot syrup into the bloomed gelatin. Stir until the gelatin completely dissolves into the syrup, and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

5. Whisk It Up

Using a stand mixer (or hand mixer if you don’t have one), pour the syrup into the mixing bowl. Start whisking on low, gradually increasing the speed. After a few minutes, the mixture will begin to thicken and become fluffy. Continue whisking for 8-10 minutes until stiff peaks form and the mixture has tripled in volume.

6. Add Vanilla and Transfer to Pan

Once the marshmallow mixture is fluffy and thick, add the vanilla extract and give it a final mix. Then, pour the marshmallow mixture into a prepared pan (greased and dusted with powdered sugar and cornstarch). Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.

7. Let It Set

Cover the pan loosely with a clean towel and let the marshmallows set at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

8. Cut and Serve

Once set, dust a clean surface with more powdered sugar and cornstarch. Turn the marshmallow slab out onto the surface, and use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice it into squares or rectangles. Coat the edges with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 marshmallow (about 25g)
Calories per serving: 80
Total Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 10mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 1g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 4+ hours (for setting)

How to Serve Dandelion & Honey Marshmallows

On Their Own
These marshmallows are perfect for snacking as-is. Their delicate sweetness and floral flavor make them a wonderful treat any time of day.

As S’mores
You can’t go wrong with a good old-fashioned s’more! Roast these marshmallows over an open flame and sandwich them between graham crackers and chocolate for a gourmet twist on the classic.

In Hot Chocolate
Top your favorite hot cocoa with a few of these marshmallows. As they melt, they’ll add a bit of floral sweetness to your drink.

Gift Them
These marshmallows make a delightful homemade gift. Package them up in a cute jar with a ribbon, and you’ve got a thoughtful, unique present for friends or family.

As a Garnish for Desserts
Use these marshmallows as a fun topping for cakes, cupcakes, or even fruit salads. They’ll add a pop of flavor and a touch of whimsy to any dish.

Additional Tips

• Be Careful with the Dandelions: Make sure the dandelions you use haven’t been sprayed with pesticides or chemicals. If you’re unsure, you can also use dried dandelion petals from a reputable source.
• Flavor Variations: Want to change it up? Try infusing the marshmallows with other flowers or herbs, like lavender, chamomile, or mint, for a completely different flavor.
• Storing: Store your marshmallows in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. If they start to get sticky, dust them with a little more powdered sugar.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought dandelion tea instead of making my own infusion?
A1: Yes! If you want to save time, you can use store-bought dandelion tea. Just make sure it’s a plain variety without additional flavors.

Q2: Can I use regular sugar instead of honey?
A2: You can, but the honey gives a unique depth of flavor that you’ll miss if you skip it. If you’re avoiding honey, you can replace it with more sugar, but the flavor profile will be a little different.

Q3: How do I make sure my marshmallows don’t stick?
A3: Dust your pan with a mixture of powdered sugar and cornstarch before pouring in the marshmallow mixture. After cutting, coat the edges of each marshmallow in more powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

Q4: Can I add food coloring to make these marshmallows colorful?
A4: Yes, you can add a few drops of natural food coloring when mixing in the vanilla for a fun pop of color. Just be careful not to overdo it.

Q5: Can I make these marshmallows vegan?
A5: Absolutely! You can use agar-agar instead of gelatin for a plant-based alternative. Just follow the package instructions for substituting agar-agar.

Q6: How do I store leftover marshmallows?
A6: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. They’ll stay soft and fresh!

Q7: Can I freeze these marshmallows?
A7: Yes, you can freeze them! Just place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between the layers. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Q8: How can I use these marshmallows in recipes?
A8: Use them as an ingredient in cakes, pies, or even cookies! They’ll add a touch of sweetness and texture to any dessert.

Q9: Are dandelions safe to eat?
A9: Yes, dandelions are completely safe to eat when harvested from areas free of pesticides. Just be sure to gather them from clean areas.

Q10: Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?
A10: Yes! You can use a hand mixer instead. Just make sure to whisk the mixture at high speed until it thickens and forms stiff peaks.

Conclusion

Dandelion & Honey Marshmallows are a fun, unique treat that’s sure to surprise and delight your taste buds. With their delicate floral flavor and sweet honey undertones, they’re perfect for snacking, gifting, or using in other desserts. The best part? Making them is easier than you think! So go ahead, gather those dandelions, and get marshmallow-making!

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