Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable treat: crispy, golden Deep Fried Marshmallows! This incredible dessert brings the beloved flavors and textures of a classic fairground right into your home. Imagine a perfectly golden-brown, lightly crunchy exterior giving way to an irresistibly warm, impossibly gooey marshmallow center. It’s a simple recipe that delivers maximum delight, ideal for adding a touch of magic to parties, creating fun family memories, or simply satisfying that late-night sweet craving.
If you’ve ever dreamt of a dessert that combines the satisfying crunch of fried batter with the melt-in-your-mouth sweetness of marshmallows, then this recipe is your dream come true. These delightful golden bites are surprisingly easy to prepare, transforming ordinary marshmallows into an extraordinary dessert experience. It’s a nostalgic treat that promises to be a conversation starter and a crowd-pleaser on any occasion.
Beyond their amazing flavor and texture, deep-fried marshmallows offer a unique versatility. They can be enjoyed plain, or elevated with a variety of toppings, making them perfect for customizing to suit any preference. Whether you’re planning a dessert bar for a celebration or simply looking for a fun kitchen project, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles.
For those who love the indulgent world of fried desserts, you might also enjoy making Deep Fried Twinkies, Funnel Cake Bites, and Deep Fried S’mores. And if marshmallows are your passion, don’t miss our recipes for Marshmallow Frosting, Marshmallow Fondant, and Marshmallow Cookies.
Table of Contents
- Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Ingredients for Deep Fried Marshmallows
- Step-by-Step Guide to Making Deep Fried Marshmallows
- Expert Frying Tips for Perfect Results
- Delicious Serving Suggestions and Toppings
- Storage Recommendations
- More Irresistible Deep Fried Desserts
- Deep Fried Marshmallows Recipe Card
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
There’s something uniquely enchanting about Deep Fried Marshmallows. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience. The magic lies in the contrasting textures: a crisp, golden-brown shell giving way to a warm, incredibly fluffy, and molten marshmallow interior. It evokes the joyful atmosphere of a carnival or county fair, bringing that same sense of wonder and indulgence right into your kitchen.
This recipe is incredibly straightforward, requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation time. It’s a fantastic project for home cooks of all skill levels, and it’s particularly fun to make with kids. The results are consistently delicious and always impress, making it a perfect choice for last-minute gatherings, special occasions, or simply when you need a little pick-me-up. Forget complicated desserts; these warm, sweet bites hit all the right spots with their comforting and playful charm. The rich flavor and captivating texture make them an instant favorite.
What Makes Deep Fried Marshmallows So Special?
The secret to deep-fried marshmallows’ irresistible appeal lies in the rapid cooking process. When a cold, batter-coated marshmallow hits hot oil, a fascinating transformation occurs. The batter quickly cooks, forming a crunchy, savory crust that perfectly complements the marshmallow’s sweetness. Simultaneously, the intense heat causes the marshmallow inside to melt into a wonderfully gooey, almost liquid state, without burning or losing its characteristic light, airy texture. This creates an incredible explosion of contrasting sensations in every bite – the crispiness of the exterior yielding to the soft, warm, and stretchy core. It’s a truly decadent dessert that’s both playful and profoundly satisfying, offering a sophisticated twist on a beloved campfire classic.
Ingredients for Deep Fried Marshmallows
Crafting these heavenly treats requires only a handful of pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of crispy and gooey.
- Jumbo Marshmallows: These are essential! Their larger size provides more surface area for the batter and a bigger, softer, gooier center when fried. Standard or rectangular campfire marshmallows work best, as mini marshmallows cook too quickly and can become too messy.
- Pancake Mix: The foundation of our crispy coating. Any brand of your favorite pancake mix will do. It provides a convenient and flavorful batter base that fries up beautifully golden.
- Milk: Used to thin out the pancake mix and create a smooth, dippable batter. Whole milk is recommended for a richer batter, but any milk you have on hand will work.
- Large Egg: Helps bind the batter ingredients together, ensuring a consistent coating on each marshmallow and contributing to the overall crispiness and golden color.
- Vegetable Oil (plus more for frying): A small amount is added to the batter for richness, while a generous amount is needed for deep frying. Choose an oil with a high smoke point for best results.
- Toppings (Optional, but highly recommended):
- Sprinkles: Add a pop of color and fun, especially appealing to kids.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of light, airy whipped cream offers a cool contrast to the warm marshmallow.
- Chocolate Syrup: A classic pairing, drizzled chocolate adds another layer of decadent sweetness.
These simple components combine to create a truly spectacular dessert!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Deep Fried Marshmallows
Follow these easy steps to create your own batch of irresistible deep-fried marshmallows.
- Step 1: Prepare Your Frying Setup. Heat approximately 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot, Dutch oven, or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. It’s crucial to get the oil to the correct temperature for perfect frying. Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil reaches around 350-375°F (175-190°C). This temperature ensures the batter crisps quickly without the marshmallow absorbing too much oil or burning.
Step 2: Whisk the Batter to Perfection. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the pancake mix, one large egg, milk, and 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil. Whisk everything together until the batter is smooth and lump-free. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the marshmallows evenly, but not so thick that it creates a heavy crust. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash more milk; if too thin, a touch more pancake mix.
Step 3: Coat the Marshmallows. Carefully dip each jumbo marshmallow into the prepared batter. Ensure it is fully coated on all sides. Gently lift the marshmallow, allowing any excess batter to drip off back into the bowl. A thin, even coating is key for that perfect crispy shell. Work quickly to prevent the marshmallow from dissolving in the batter.
Step 4: Gently Place into Hot Oil. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the coated marshmallow into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pot; fry only a few at a time to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking. If you add too many, the oil temperature will drop, leading to greasy marshmallows.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden and Drain. Cook the marshmallows for approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute, turning them occasionally with tongs or a slotted spoon to ensure all sides achieve a beautiful golden-brown color. They cook very quickly, so watch them closely to prevent burning. Once golden, immediately remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate generously lined with paper towels. The paper towels will absorb any excess oil, ensuring your marshmallows are deliciously crispy, not greasy.
Expert Frying Tips for Perfect Results
Achieving the perfect deep-fried marshmallow is easy with a few key considerations:
- Choose the Right Marshmallows: For the best experience, stick with jumbo or regular-sized marshmallows. Their larger surface area and volume allow the exterior to crisp up nicely while the interior melts perfectly. Mini marshmallows tend to cook too quickly and can become overly messy or burn easily. Rectangular campfire marshmallows also work wonderfully.
- Precise Oil Temperature is Crucial: This is perhaps the most important tip. The oil should be heated to a consistent 350-375°F (175-190°C) before you begin frying. If the oil is too cool, the batter will absorb too much oil, resulting in a greasy, soggy marshmallow. If it’s too hot, the exterior will burn before the marshmallow inside has a chance to properly melt and become gooey. Invest in a reliable kitchen thermometer to monitor the oil temperature accurately.
- Use High Smoke Point Oil: Always use an oil that can withstand high temperatures without breaking down or imparting an off-flavor. Good choices include vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, or sunflower oil. These oils are neutral in flavor and have high smoke points, making them ideal for deep frying.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Fry marshmallows in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping significantly. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and lead to uneven cooking and greasy results. Give each marshmallow enough space to fry properly.
- Turn Frequently for Even Browning: Marshmallows cook very quickly. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to gently turn them in the oil every few seconds. This ensures a uniform golden-brown crust all around and prevents one side from burning while the others remain undercooked.
- Drain Thoroughly: As soon as the marshmallows are golden, remove them with a slotted spoon and immediately transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This step is essential for soaking up any excess oil, ensuring your deep-fried marshmallows are wonderfully crispy and not oily.
Delicious Serving Suggestions and Toppings
Deep Fried Marshmallows are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine when paired with complementary toppings. Here are some ideas to elevate your dessert:
- S’mores Style: Take your fried marshmallows to the next level by transforming them into instant s’mores! Place a warm, deep-fried marshmallow between two graham cracker halves, add a piece of your favorite chocolate bar, and gently press. The residual heat from the marshmallow will slightly melt the chocolate, creating a deliciously gooey and crunchy treat.
- Classic Chocolate Drizzle: A generous drizzle of Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce or a simple chocolate syrup is always a winner. The rich, sweet chocolate perfectly complements the warm, melty marshmallow.
- Fluffy Whipped Cream: A dollop of Homemade Whipped Cream adds a light, airy contrast to the dense, sweet marshmallow. It’s a refreshing addition that balances the richness of the fried dessert.
- Colorful Sprinkles: For a festive and fun touch, especially when serving to kids, colorful sprinkles are a must! They add visual appeal and a slight textural crunch that everyone loves. Consider using seasonal sprinkles for holiday parties.
- Caramel Sauce: A sweet, buttery caramel sauce drizzled over the top adds another layer of indulgence and a sophisticated flavor profile.
- Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of powdered sugar creates a beautiful, elegant finish and adds a subtle extra touch of sweetness.
- Ice Cream: Serve warm deep-fried marshmallows alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The hot and cold contrast is absolutely divine, making for an unforgettable dessert experience.
- Cinnamon Sugar: For a churro-like flavor, toss the hot fried marshmallows in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar immediately after draining.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings and make this dessert truly your own!
Storage Recommendations
Deep-fried marshmallows are a dessert best enjoyed immediately after preparation. The crispy coating that makes them so delightful will begin to soften and lose its crunch relatively quickly as they cool and are exposed to air. Therefore, we highly recommend serving them fresh and warm for the ultimate taste and texture experience. They do not store well for later use, as reheating them can alter their texture and make them soggy.
More Irresistible Deep Fried Desserts
If you’ve fallen in love with the magic of deep-frying sweet treats, you’re in for a joyride! The world of fried desserts is vast and delicious. Here are some more incredible recipes that promise that delightful crispy exterior and warm, tender interior:
- Deep Fried Pop Tarts Recipe
- Deep Fried Honey Buns
- Fried Cookie Dough
- Deep Fried Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- Easy Deep Fried Oreos
- Funnel Cake Recipe
Each of these recipes offers a unique twist on fried indulgence, guaranteeing a fun and delicious culinary adventure!
Deep Fried Marshmallows Recipe Card
Deep Fried Marshmallows
Deep Fried Marshmallows are coated in pancake batter and fried to perfection. They are gooey on the inside and even better topped with melted chocolate.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 min
Total Time: 11 mins
Servings: 20
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Calories: 138 kcal
Author: Carrie Barnard
Ingredients
- 20 Jumbo Marshmallows
- 1 1/2 cups Pancake Mix
- 1 Large Egg
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons Vegetable Oil (plus more for frying)
- Whipped Cream (for serving)
- Chocolate Syrup (for serving)
- Sprinkles (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the pancake mix, egg, milk, and 2 teaspoons vegetable oil in a medium bowl. Stir to combine until smooth.
- Dip each jumbo marshmallow into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off.
- Carefully place the coated marshmallows into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, turning occasionally with tongs or a slotted spoon, until golden brown all over. Be careful not to overcook, as they can burn quickly.
- Remove the fried marshmallows with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
- Serve warm, topped with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and sprinkles.
- Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
These deep-fried marshmallows are best served fresh, as the crispy coating will soften quickly when stored. We do not recommend storing them for later use.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 138 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Cholesterol: 17mg
- Sodium: 78mg
- Potassium: 42mg
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Sugar: 16g
- Vitamin A: 56IU
- Vitamin C: 0.1mg
- Calcium: 38mg
- Iron: 0.2mg
We encourage you to try making these amazing Deep Fried Marshmallows today! Once you experience their delightful crunch and gooey center, we’d love for you to come back and share your thoughts in the comments below.