Marshmallows are soft, airy sweets made from whisked-up egg whites that have been stabilised with hot sugar syrup and set with gelatine or a vegetarian gelling agent. They’re often eaten cold but are even better slightly warmed and melty, especially if they’ve been lightly toasted on the outside.
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If you want to your marshmallows slightly toasted and melty in the middle, your best bet is to carefully heat them under the grill or on a barbecue or bonfire. However, if you need the marshmallows to be melted for use in a recipe like a mousse or cereal bar, then it’s best to do so very gently in a saucepan, ideally with other ingredients like butter, milk or water, depending on your recipe.
3 methods for melting marshmallows
How to melt marshmallows using the grill
Grilling or toasting marshmallows makes them very gooey, especially in the centre, so it’s a good idea to serve them on top of something sturdy, like a biscuit or a tart.
Serves 8
- 8 marshmallows
- 16 cookies
- Heat the grill to high and line a baking sheet with baking parchment. Put 8 cookies on the tray and top each with a marshmallow. Grill until the marshmallow begins to brown and melt.
- Take the remaining 8 cookies and sandwich on top of the melty marshmallows.
How to melt marshmallows on the hob
It’s very easy for heated marshmallows to turn into a horrible, sticky mess. To avoid this, it’s important to melt them slowly over a low heat. Use a larger pan than you think you’ll need, as the marshmallows will expand as they warm through.
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How to melt marshmallows in the microwave
You can also melt marshmallows in a microwave. Heat them in a large microwave-safe bowl with a couple of tablespoons of water. You'll need to check them every 10 seconds, stirring each time to ensure they melt evenly.
Whichever method you choose, it’s important to be aware that melted marshmallow will be very hot due to its high sugar content – so be very careful when working with it.
Our top 10 melty marshmallow recipes
1. Classic s’mores
Ever tried an American-style marshmallow s'more? It's a Bonfire Night-friendly stack of sweet joy, with cookies and chocolate spread thrown in for good measure.
2. Strawberry marshmallow mousse
Try this creamy mousse for a super-quick make-ahead dessert.
3. BBQ s'mores
These easy s'mores are simple to assemble so kids can help while adults keep an eye on them on the barbecue. Try more family barbecue desserts.
4. Marshmallow crispy cakes
Taking only 15 minutes to prepare and cook, kids of all ages will have fun lending a hand on this easy treat, drizzled with white chocolate and topped with mini marshmallows.
5. S'mores dip
Who can resist dunking into this gooey chocolate and marshmallow dip? It makes the perfect sharing dessert to round off a summer barbecue.
6. White Russian tart
A classic white Russian co*cktail transformed into an indulgent dessert. This pie has a fluffy marshmallow and coffee liqueur filling on a crunchy biscuit base.
7. Pretzel popcorn squares
Salty and sweet flavours combine perfectly in these chewy snacks, held together with melted marshmallow.
8. Cherry mallow traybake
Sarah Cook's cute cakes are easy, cheap and – most importantly – fun to make.
9. Toasted marshmallow and ginger cake
For a showstopping dessert or celebration bake, make this ginger cake topped with ginger buttercream and torched Italian meringue.
10. Chocolate marshmallow wheels
If you want to skip the effort of melting your marshmallows, make the most of a jar of marshmallow spread. These chocolate-topped biscuits are also filled with raspberry jam for a deliciously sweet treat.
More marshmallow recipe inspiration:
Marshmallow recipe collection
10 super-melty sweet and savoury s'mores
Classic marshmallows recipe
Marshmallows dipped in chocolate
Hot chocolate with marshmallows
Chocolate crunch bars
Chocolate marshmallow wheels
Video: How to make marshmallows
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What are your favourite melted marshmallow recipes? Leave a comment below...
