Ghostbusters Stay Puft Marshmallows

These marshmallows are made from a cooked sugar syrup, bloomed gelatin and ten minutes of whipping, then left to set in a greased pan and cut into squares. The idea comes from the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man in Ghostbusters, and the white and blue food coloring is what gives them the look. The recipe makes 12 servings of 3 marshmallows each.

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Homemade marshmallows sound harder than they are, and the recipe suits beginners as well as experienced bakers. There are only a few ingredients, and most of the time is spent waiting while they set.

What Each Ingredient Does

The full amounts are in the recipe card at the bottom. This is what the main ingredients do in the mixture.

• Granulated sugar (2 cups): the base of the syrup. It dissolves as the pan heats and gives the marshmallows their sweetness and body.
• Corn syrup (1/2 cup): helps keep the sugar from crystallizing, so the marshmallows stay smooth and chewy and have a glossy finish.
• Water (1/2 cup, plus 1/2 cup cold for the gelatin): dissolves the sugar and corn syrup, and blooms the gelatin.
• Gelatin powder (3 tablespoons): gives the marshmallows their springy, squishy structure.
• Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon) and salt (1/4 teaspoon): the vanilla is the flavor, and the salt keeps the sweetness in check.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): dusted over the top and the cut sides so the squares do not stick together.
• Food coloring (white and blue) and edible glitter (optional): these are what make them look like the character.

How the Mixture Comes Together

The syrup is sugar, corn syrup and water heated over medium until the sugar dissolves. While it heats, the gelatin is sprinkled over cold water and left for 5 minutes to bloom. Once the syrup reaches a boil it comes off the heat, and the gelatin is stirred in until it dissolves. Vanilla and salt go in next, and then everything moves to a stand mixer.

The color is added at the end, after the squares are cut, along with the glitter if you want it. It is worth planning the batch around when you need it, because the setting time is the longest part of the recipe.

Getting the Texture Right

Whip the mixture on high speed for the full 10 minutes. That is where the air goes in, and it is what turns a thin syrup into something fluffy and white. If the finished marshmallows are sticky, the usual causes are under-whipping or cutting them before they have set long enough.

Give them at least 4 hours in the greased pan, or leave them overnight. Dust with powdered sugar before you cut them into squares.

Flavor and Color Variations

• Peppermint extract: a cooler flavor that suits winter.
• Almond extract: a nutty note in place of the vanilla.
• Coconut extract: a tropical twist.
• Vegan gelatin: makes the marshmallows suitable for a vegan diet.
• Colors: use bright shades for a festive look or pastels for a softer one. You can also layer differently colored batches before they set for a rainbow effect.

Ways to Use Them

They are light and airy with a hint of vanilla, so they are good on their own as a snack as well as in other desserts.

• S’mores: roast them over a fire until golden brown and sandwich them between graham crackers and chocolate.
• Hot drinks: a few squares float on hot chocolate or coffee. A sprinkle of edible glitter adds a little extra.
• Themed parties: they suit a Ghostbusters movie night or Halloween. Arrange them in shapes or colors to match the theme, or use them to decorate cakes and cupcakes.
• Gifts: pack them in a clear bag tied with a ribbon.

Storing Them

Once the marshmallows are cut into squares, put them in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep for up to 2 weeks, which makes a batch easy to make ahead for a movie night or to give away. If a batch is for a party, make it the night before so the setting time is already done.

How Long It Takes

Prep takes 15 minutes for measuring the sugars, setting up the workspace and preparing the gelatin. Cooking and whipping take about 10 minutes. That is 25 minutes of work, but the total comes to 4 hours 25 minutes because of the setting time. To save time on the day, make them the night before.

Nutrition per Serving

A serving of 3 marshmallows has approximately 160 calories, 41 grams of carbohydrates, 35 grams of sugar and 10 milligrams of sodium. It has no fat, fiber or protein to speak of. It is a sugary sweet, so it suits an occasional treat.

FAQ

How should they be stored?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They last for up to 2 weeks. If they start to harden, 10 seconds in the microwave softens them again.

Can I use a different flavor?

Yes. Peppermint or almond extract can replace the vanilla, and coconut extract also works.

How can they be made less sticky?

Dust them with powdered sugar after cutting them into squares. Whipping for the full 10 minutes and letting them set for at least 4 hours also helps.

Are they vegan?

No. Gelatin comes from animals. Swapping in a vegan gelatin makes them suitable for a vegan diet.

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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us