Do you like “Peeps”? Here’s my homemade version of “Bunnies” with fresh Vanilla Bean Marshmallows. Yum!

Homemade Marshmallow Bunnies

These are the BEST marshmallows I’ve ever had… if I must say so myself! I had to stop myself from eating them. They are so light and fluffy.
Pink Marshmallow BunnyI have wanted to make marshmallows for a long time. But the other day when I saw some Peeps at the market, I immediately wanted to make my own “peeps”. So here are my homemade Bunnys.  I only made a few bunnies and the rest of the marshmallows I cubed.

I put vanilla bean in the marshmallows and the flavor is really incredible. In the future I will definitely experiment around. I think a great combo would be mint marshmallows covered with dark chocolate, but the combination possibilities are endless.

If you haven’t made marshmallows before they are easy and really worth the small effort. I enjoyed the warm marshmallow fluff before it was refrigerated. Yes, I had a spoonful of that. Well, I had to sample it. 😉

If it weren’t 80+ degrees today I would try one on top of some steaming hot chocolate.  Oh well, guess that leaves me no choice but to try these in S’Mores tonight!

Homemade Vanilla Bean Marshmallows

Makes about 50 marshmallows

Homemade MarshmallowsINGREDIENTS
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 cup cold water, divided
4 envelopes unflavored gelatin (2 tablespoons and 2 1/2 teaspoons)
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large egg whites
1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1 Vanilla bean, scraped

Optional: You can add a different extract, or food coloring for tint)

METHOD
Oil the bottom and sides of a 13” x 9” x 2” metal baking pan and dust completely with confectioners’ sugar.

In the bowl of a standing electric mixer add ½ cup cold water and gelatin. Let soften.

boiling sugar with thermometer - making marshmallowsMeanwhile, in a large heavy saucepan cook sugar, corn syrup, ½ cup water, and salt over low heat. Stir to dissolve sugar. Turn the heat to medium and bring to a boil. Continue to boil mixture until candy thermometer reaches 240°F. This takes about 10 minutes, so you may want to attach the thermometer to the pan.  Once the temperature is reached remove from heat and pour into gelatin mixture. Stir until gelatin is dissolved.

Beat on high speed until thick and white. It will be about doubled in size (about 10 minutes).

Making marshmallows

whipped egg whites with vanilla bean

whipped egg whites

Meanwhile, in a separate small bowl beat egg whites until they hold stiff peaks. Add in the vanilla and vanilla bean.  Mix together.

split vanilla bean

split vanilla bean

 

 

 

vanilla bean scrapings

vanilla bean scrapings

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add the egg white mixture into sugar mixture just until combined. Pour evenly into prepared baking pan (wow – it’s sticky) and sift some confectioners sugar evenly to cover top. Place in the refrigerator, uncovered, for about 3 hours, or until firm.

removing marshmallows from the panOnce firm – run a thin spatula or knife around the edges of pan. Tilt pan and begin to work the marshmallow out of the pan at the corners. Place cutting board on top of pan and invert pan. Lift pan and loosen continue to loosen marshmallow and place onto cutting board.

Get out a sharp knife and cut the marshmallow into the desired size and shape you’d like. Dust all sides of the marshmallows with sifted confectioners sugar to remove any stickiness. Shake off excess confectioners sugar. Store in an airtight container in a cool area.

Fresh Homemade MarshmallowEnjoy!!

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8 Responses to Do you like “Peeps”? Here’s my homemade version of “Bunnies” with fresh Vanilla Bean Marshmallows. Yum!

  1. OMG Peeps!!! I know it’s horribly decadent but peeps were always my favorite at Easter. Aussies have no idea what peeps are so I’ve been peepless for YEARS!!

    Now that I have your recipe, I’ll be peeped this year! Small pleasures make a rich life they say.

  2. So awesome! My Easter Baskets are going to be the best ever this year!! Thank you so much!

    • Thanks so much Laurie! I’m trying to break away from the computer right now to put the chocolate coating on some cherry easter eggs I made. Pics on my blog soon. 😉

  3. monogramme1 says:

    Terrific idea. I recently made homemade marshmallows for rice crispy treats. I may have to pull that recipe out and make these.

  4. Pingback: Mint Pie with Oreo Mint Cookie Crust (no bake pie) | Great food ~ it's really not that complicated!

  5. Carla says:

    Is there something vegetarian I can use in place of gelatin? I have agar-agar, but I’m not sure if it will impart an odd taste and also, I’m not really sure how to replace gelatin with it. 1:1 or more or…… What about pectin?

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