There are many recipes in which they ask us for melted marshmallows as part of the preparation, but most of them do not detail how to melt marshmallows step by step.
For this reason, I will dedicate this post exclusively to detailing some of the most common and simple ways to melt marshmallows to prepare delicious desserts.
Some of those that you have surely found on the internet are; marshmallow cream for cupcakes or homemade marshmallow frosting, to name just a few.
How To Melt Marshmallows In Different Shapes
Next, We will show you 4 quick and easy ways for you to learn how you can melt marshmallows to prepare different recipes:
In the Microwave
Learning how to melt marshmallows in the microwave is possibly the fastest and easiest way to melt marshmallows, as all you have to do is bring the chopped marshmallows into a heatproof bowl in the microwave in 10-15 second intervals.
Stir with a spoon, also make sure to use a large enough bowl for the number of marshmallows you are going to melt as they tend to puff up a bit when they get hot.
To a Bain-Marie
This second method is one of the easiest and safest ways how you can melt marshmallows, especially for making fondant with them.
The steps for this method are basically the following:
- As you probably already know, a bain-marie involves mounting a double boiler, that is, filling the bottom of a large pot and placing another pot or any heat-resistant container in it, a little smaller.
- With a little oil, grease the inside of the upper pot and the pastry spatula that you will use to stir the marshmallows, this will prevent them from sticking to the pot while you melt them.
- When you have your bain-marie assembled, empty the bag of marshmallows and turn on the stove.
- Passing the minutes the marshmallows will begin to melt, at that point begin to stir with the spatula.
- When 50% of the marshmallows are melted, add a couple of tablespoons of water to prevent them from drying out.
- Keep constantly stirring so the marshmallows heat up and melt evenly.
- If you notice that the mixture is sticking to the spatula, clean it and re-grease a little more.
This method will allow you to melt the marshmallows slowly but surely, perfect for use as a fondant or fondant dip.
In the Oven
In this third method, you will need to have a non-stick pan or any medium-sized oven dish to prevent them from overflowing when melted.
Whatever the container to use, it is important that it is extremely hot, to do this, take it to the oven preheated to a temperature of approximately 230 ° C, so that it takes on temperature.
If the marshmallows you have bought are large, I recommend that you chop them in half, either with scissors or a knife. Set aside until the pan or container has heated up sufficiently in the oven.
After the time has elapsed, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a heat-resistant surface. Melt a little butter in it, half a teaspoon will suffice. Don’t turn off the oven.
When the butter has melted, place the marshmallows as shown in the image below, and take them to the oven for 5-7 minutes to cook.
Don’t be scared if you notice that the top of the marshmallows is browning, this is normal, they will be crispy on top but the inside will be soft and sticky.
After this time, which can vary depending on the capacity of the oven, remove them, place the pan back on a heat-resistant surface, and let them rest for 2-3 minutes.
Finally, transfer them to another container and mix them with a previously greased pastry spatula. It’s that simple how to make marshmallow icing at home.
With Fire
We commonly see this way of melting marshmallows at campsites around a campfire, however, you can also do it on the stove or using a gas grill.
What you will be doing is roasting the marshmallows over the flames, which will result in marshmallows that are crispy on the outside and soft and gooey on the inside.
To do this, you should use a tall stick or any other utensil that is long enough to hold the marshmallow over the flames without getting your hands too close to the fire.
Either way or with whatever tool you use, as you hold the marshmallow over the flames, slowly rotate it to roast evenly.
This way of melting marshmallows is perfect for toppings, for example; place them on a delicious milkshake.
Whatever the form or method to use to learn how to melt marshmallows, make sure that they are always of the same color and flavor, otherwise, they will take on color and flavor that is not pleasant at all.