It may not feel like it outside, but according to my calendar, winter is officially here... and that means Christmas is just around the corner.
It also means we've made our annual pilgrimage to Rhode Island to spend the holidays with my sister and her family, laden down with gifts for our nephews and Canadian treats for my sister. In a few days, we'll return equally laden down with bellies full of chowder and clam cakes and grilled pizza, which seems like a reasonably good trade to me.
Before we left, I whipped through the house in a last-minute frenzy of holiday preparations. I was like a whirling dervish of domesticity, tidying and cleaning and washing and dusting and folding and putting away.
Amidst all the preparations, I also made sure one last batch of this toasted marshmallow syrup was made and photographed. Because priorities. And because this syrup is really ridiculously good.
The inspiration comes from a toasted marshmallow latte they make at one of the fancy coffee places near my office during the colder months, which I am terribly in love with.
I only indulge once in a while, though, because making it a regular habit would land me in the poorhouse (or maybe the fat farm).
I don't normally care all that much for overly sweet coffee drinks, but there's something about the burnt sugar notes of the toasted marshmallow that keeps it from being downright cloying, especially since I skip the swirl of toasted marshmallow whipped cream they normally add.
Thankfully (or maybe not so thankfully, as far as my waistline is concerned), I recently discovered that toasted marshmallow syrup is actually pretty easy to make at home, and also doubles a good excuse to bust out the kitchen torch and play pyromaniac for a few minutes.
This will probably seem completely obvious, but it's literally as simple as melting whole toasted marshmallows into a basic simple syrup.
Once all the burnt bits are strained out, the end result is this beautiful amber-coloured syrup that tasted and smells just like the real deal... sweet and slightly smoky and skating just along the edge of burnt.
It's the perfect pairing for this month's featured Lavazza coffee, Gran Selezione, a robust blend of Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee beans with rich, chocolatey notes.
All you need to transform this duo into a homemade marshmallow latte is a generous pour of steamed milk. A pretty mug is optional, though I do find it somehow makes things taste slightly better than an ordinary mug.
And since this time of year is all about sharing the love and spreading good cheer, I can't help but point out that it makes a lovely gift, whether it's a single bottle of syrup with a pretty handwritten tag, or nestled into a cozy coffee-lovers gift basket with a package of Lavazza coffee and a set of hand-painted coffee cups.
Just make sure to save a bottle for yourself, because I'm sure you've earned yourself a treat or two as well.
And on that note, I'm signing off for the rest of the holidays to enjoy some chowder, coffee milk and snuggles with little nephews. You can follow along on Instagram, or catch up once I'm back to my semi-regular posting schedule in the new year.
Wishing you all the happiest of holidays, from my kitchen to yours. (Or a merry Chinese-food-and-a-movie-day, if that's more your speed.)
xo,
Isabelle
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Disclosure: I am being compensated for my participation in the Lavazza Passionista blogger program. All opinions, as always, are entirely my own. You can get more info on Lavazza products at https://www.lavazza-canada.ca/, or by following Lavazza on Facebook.
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Homemade Toasted Marshmallow Syrup
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
This simple syrup adds toasted marshmallow flavour to lattes, milkshakes and even cocktails. Package it up in pretty glass bottles for holiday giftgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 8 large marshmallows
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a small saucepan set over medium heat, bring the sugar and water to a boil. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- While the syrup is simmering, thread the marshmallows onto a metal skewer and use a kitchen torch or the burner of a gas stove to toast the marshmallows until browned all over. (To get the best results, you want to get the marshmallows slightly scorched in spots, but not completely burnt and black) Stir the marshmallows into the hot syrup, and cook for another 2-3 minutes or until the marshmallows have dissolved.
- Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh strainer into a large glass measuring cup. Let cool completely, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the cooled syrup into glass bottles or jars with tight-fitting lids. The bottled syrup will keep in the fridge for up to 1 month.
Notes
To make this syrup into a toasted marshmallow latte, combine 1 oz of syrup with ¼ cup strong-brewed Lavazza Gran Selezione coffee (or a double shot of your favourite espresso) and top up with steamed milk.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
Amber says
Hi Isabelle!
I found a great low cal/sugar free alternative through chozero, and used those. They taste exactly like a regular marshmallow! Mine too, solidified, but I didn’t add the sugar, just the water. It is already really sweet without doing so, and I didn’t want the extra sweetness. Maybe that’s why mine didn’t stay in liquid form???
Thank you!
★★★★★
Luke Brunner says
just made this, waiting for it too cool right now, but had a taste OMG i want a coffee right now its soo good, although hard to imagine sugar dissolved into sugar syrup could taste bad :D
Julie says
Love the flavor! Just what I was looking for! But mine came out very foamy and not syrupy. Any tips?
★★★★★
Donna says
Could this be made vegan using marshmallow fluff in place of regular marshmallows (no gelatin in fluff)?
Isabelle Boucher says
I've never tried with marshmallow fluff, so I can't say for sure, though it might work if you toasted the fluff with a kitchen torch to give it that toasted marshmallow flavour. Vegan marshmallows which are made with agar instead of gelatin would probably be a safer bet. Please do report back if you try!
Jade says
I know this comment is years old at this point but I wanted to inform you that a lot of marshmallow fluff is NOT vegan due to the inclusion of eggs.
Christina says
Mine came out extremely thick...like I cannot get it out of the bottle without running it/set it into hot water first. Think old honey. I’m guessing I did something wrong. Any insight?
Isabelle Boucher says
Oh dear! That's unexpected. It will be a little thicker than a regular simple syrup because of the gelatin in the marshmallows, but it should still be quite fluid. I would suggest thinning it out with more simple syrup until it's pourable.
Lwoods says
So I also had an overly thick/ foamy end result. I thinned it out my adding water I needed something about at the consistency I arrived at so I’m very happy with my results. People may be getting diff results than the person who wrote the recipe because for me personally I used the minis so that might be to blame. Author also writes it’s ok to leave on stove top in first step just till sugar dissolves, traditionally they’re boiled for a little while but doing it the authors way is most likely best to avoid losing to much moisture. Either way this is a good recipe that can easily be altered to get an ideal end result. Thanks !!
★★★
Isabelle Boucher says
I strongly suspect that using mini marshmallows had something to do with your syrup being so thick. Most store-bought marshmallows are coated with corn starch to keep them from sticking together, so mini marshmallows = more surface area = more cornstarch = thicker syrup.
I would recommend trying this again with the regular-sized to see if that works better for you! I've made this recipe several times over the years, and while it is definitely thicker than a regular simple syrup, it should still be quite pourable (more or less like store-bought pancake syrup, if that makes sense).
Samantha R says
Love this recipe!! Do you think this would still work if I replaced the sugar with honey??
★★★★
Isabelle Boucher says
Good question, Samantha! I would not recommend using honey in this recipe, since it will change the flavour and consistency of the syrup.
Ronda says
I'm so excited to ty this as my favorite latte is a toasted marshmallow and this will make a perfect gift for my coworker who indulges with me too.
Kris says
Hi, this recipe sounds amazing! I am pinning it and very excited to try it! Would you please tell me where you purchased the cute bottles that you photographed the syrup in please?
Isabelle Boucher says
Thanks for the kind words, Kris! I found these bottles at a dollar store, but you can also buy them online through kitchen or homebrewing supply stores - just search for "swing top bottle" or "flip top bottle".
Toria says
I tried the recipe and it came out great! Thanks. I will use for lattes but also used it in a cookie recipe with toasted coconut. Yum yum!
If i could post a picture i would- very pretty syrup.
★★★★★
Isabelle Boucher says
Thanks for the review, Toria. I'm very intrigued by the idea of using this syrup in a cookie. Sounds delicious!
Debbie Carroll says
I have just seen this recipe and actually had marshmellows in the cupboard so made it straight away OMG! I Can't stop tasting it, and it's still hot! I like to make my own presents for Christmas so this year I am making up hampers of American inspired Sweets and decorating then in an American theme , this syrup will now be part of the package!
★★★★★
Isabelle Boucher says
That sounds like a wonderful idea for a gift, Debbie! So glad you enjoyed this syrup.
Kat says
I tried making this tonight. Unfortunately I didn't really get the "toasted" flavor. It definitely tasted like marshmallows. I am going to try it again. I may have to get them really toasted. I usually like my marshmallows burnt. I think I was a little light handed with the torch.
★★★
Kat says
I tried making this tonight. Unfortunately I didn't really get the "toasted" flavor. It definitely tasted like marshmallows. I am going to try it again. I may have to really get them toasted. I usually like my marshmallows burnt. I think I was a little light handed with the torch.
★★★
Isabelle Boucher says
I'm sorry this didn't quite work out for you, Kat. I scorched my marshmallows pretty thoroughly to make the syrup, but I stopped just short of burnt... if you like yours really torched, though, it might be worth pushing a bit further the next time you try. (And I really hope you do!)
Kaleigh says
Does this have the be refrigerated right away or would it be ok for a couple days? I would like to make this for christmas gifts, but my family is a few states away so it would have to be shipped
Isabelle Boucher says
Good question, Kaleigh. It will keep at room temperature for a couple days, so it should be fine as long as your family pop it in the fridge once it arrives... I just found that when I tested this recipe, it eventually spoiled when it left it in the cupboard, but lasted almost indefinitely in the fridge.
Aaron Koscielski says
Gonna use this to make a S'Mores Cocktail, thank you for this!!
★★★★★
Isabelle Boucher says
Yum! What a great idea... I'm going to have to try this out for myself!
Tom says
Gaston's Tavern at Disney World has a frozen slushy drink called Lafou"s Brew. It is slushy apple juice with toasted marshmallow flavoring topped with a mango foam. The drink is amazing. I am not a mango fan so I could do without the foam, but this syrup recipe will definitely come in handy making my own "brew" at home.
Jen says
Yes! This is the reason why I looked up this recipe! I’ve had Lafoo’s Brew and it’s identical to the slush drink served at the Cozy Cone at Car’s Land at Disneyland. I’ve been trying to relocate it. I hope this syrup with allow me to do so. I will be trying this week. I’ll keep you posted.
Isabelle Boucher says
Looking forward to hearing if it lived up to your expectations, Jen!
HeatherAnn W. says
This is literally being used for syrup this morning...over hot cocoa pancakes, topped with whipped cream and served with a side of sliced strawberries for a special birthday breakfast! After all, what is hot cocoa without marshmallows?! ?
★★★★★
Isabelle Boucher says
What a great idea, HeatherAnn! I'm pretty sure my citizenship would be revoked for putting anything other than maple syrup on my pancakes, but pretty sure I'd make an exception for hot cocoa pancakes... marshmallow is definitely better. Hope everyone enjoyed breakfast! :)
Dee Wimberley says
Can you can this and if so, can you tell me how long and at what pressure?D
★★★★★
Isabelle Boucher says
Good question, Dee. I'm pretty sure there isn't enough acid in this syrup to safely can in a hot water bath. I haven't tried pressure canning, so I'm not really comfortable making a suggestion and potentially steering you wrong... you're probably better off checking in with a canning expert who will be familiar with all the safety guidelines.
I will say, however, that this syrup will keep in the refrigerator for a really long time. I have a mint simple syrup I used for peppermint mochas that's been in my fridge for a couple years now, and aside from a little crystallization on the bottom, it's perfectly good!
Amy says
I'm actually a frappaccino gal, but I'd imagine this would be really good in hot chocolate.
Howie Fox says
Veryyy cool idea!! But even cooler blog! Love the style, liked. Will come around more often :D
Dini @ The Flavor Bender says
This makes me so happy! I am a coffee addict and I WANT this so much! I will be making this soon :) Thank you! Pinning too :)
Michele says
This recipe is just plain wrong!?!? Like it's going to be the downfall of my diet... What a simply fabulous syrup! Oh well, life is short.... I can start the diet next week...
Cristie | Little Big H says
What a great idea. I can't wait to try this, it looks and sounds great.
Nellie says
Yum!!! Yummmm!!! This sounds amazing and I need it in my coffee right now!!!
★★★★★
jacquee | i sugar coat it! says
Homemade MARSHMALLOW SYRUP!!! This is sure gon get made !!
Claudia | Gourmet Project says
OMG, I soooo want a big bottle of this syrup. Can't wait to try it!
★★★★★
Christine | Vermilion Roots says
What a great idea, and a fantastic treat for special occassions. Happy new year to you!
Tania @ COOKTORIA says
I make a lot of coffee based drinks, and I feel that this syrup is just what I am missing! I am very excited to give it a try. Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
mary says
I didn't know there was such a thing as marshmallow syrup, but I'm pretty sure my kids will insist on giving it a try. Would be great over a bit of whipped cream and hot chocolate.
Krayl @ An Appealing Plan says
I'm in LOVE!! I make simple syrups all the time but toasted marshmallow is a whole new level!
Angela @thechewylife says
What a simple and tasty recipe for drinks! Wow, looks good :)
Nutmeg Nanny says
I had no idea you could make your own marshmallow syrup! This must be done NOW! Although I fear drinking it all and making my waistline even larger...haha.
Sarah Walker Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella) says
Sounds so tasty! I had no idea it was this easy to make toasted marshmallow syrup!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
This syrup is calling out my name!! Love it. Have a great time visiting your family for the holidays and safe travels!
The Food Hunter says
This sounds like a wonderful treat!!