Raise your hand if you ate the dehydrated marshmallows out of the box of popular kids’ cereals? How about the ones in hot chocolate packets? If you could see me, you would see me raising my hand! Those marshmallows were so crunchy and addictive. I just couldn’t stop eating them.
Did you know you can dehydrate mini marshmallows? And better yet, they taste similar to those marshmallows from the popular kids’ cereals or the ones in hot chocolate packets. You can get more crunch and flavor by making your own dehydrated mini marshmallows. Better yet, they are larger than the ones in the cereal and hot chocolate. Making your own is also less expensive than buying already dehydrated marshmallows and you get more.
Even if you are new to dehydrating, marshmallows are an easy and a good way to start!
What is needed to dehydrate marshmallows?
Just a bag of mini marshmallows and a dehydrator. Make sure the bag of mini marshmallows is not crushed and sticking together. Shake the bag when purchasing to ensure they are loose in the bag.
Do not use the larger marshmallows and cut them. They will be sticky after cutting and may stick to your dehydrator, making a mess to clean.
Pro tip: Use flavored marshmallows for variety. Seasonally, you can find peppermint, vanilla and other flavors.
At what temperature should you dehydrate marshmallows and for how long?
Dehydrate the mini marshmallows between 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit. The mini marshmallows will take 10-12 hours to dehydrate.
Dehydrating the marshmallows at a higher temp will cause them to swell. The swelling isn’t a problem for the final product. Too high of heat will cause melting and they may be more likely to stick together, especially if they are packed tightly on the dehydrator tray.
How do you know when the marshmallows are done?
After 10 hours, take a couple marshmallows out of the dehydrator. Let them cool for about 20 minutes. If you squeeze them, they will feel hard and not flex. Taste one to see if they have the crunch you desire. They should not have a softness in the center when eaten.
Unlike other dehydrated foods, they don’t shrink in size when dehydrated. In fact, they may swell a bit due to the heat. They are also still squishy when warm, so they do need to cool completely to test for doneness.
Pro tip: Use a digital lamp timer to set the start and stop dehydrating time. You can’t over dry the marshmallows, so set the timer for 12 hours and start at night for marshmallows done the next day.
What affects the drying time?
- Drying temperature: a lower temperature may take longer, but a higher temperature may cause the marshmallows to melt.
- Crowding: too many marshmallows on a tray doesn’t allow the air to flow as well. If the marshmallows expand, they may stick together.
- Humidity: higher humidity means a longer drying time.
How should the dehydrated marshmallows be stored?
Store the marshmallows in an air tight container in a cool dark place. They should last 6 months to a year, if you don’t eat them before then. If the marshmallows take on humidity afterwards, they can be put back in the dehydrator for an hour or two.
How can you use dehydrated marshmallows?
- Just snack on them. One marshmallow is about 2 calories and a serving is 44 marshmallows. While they are not the best choice nutritionally because they are mainly sugar, a few marshmallows can be fun to eat.
- Add them to your hot chocolate.
- Create a fun smores snack with a graham cracker sheet, 20 dehydrated marshmallows, and 2 chocolate bars (about 148 calories).
- Add them to your trail mix for something different.
- Make a snack for your child with some pretzels, dried fruits, and dehydrated marshmallows.
How did you enjoy your dehydrated marshmallows? Please share in the comments below!