You probably love your marshmallows and, like most of us, would wish there was a way to make their freshness last longer. So if you’ve ever asked yourself, how to keep marshmallows fresh? Then you are in the right place because we’ll be telling you all about it.
We’ve all been guilty of eating probably not very healthy quantities of marshmallows, but when your stomach says no more and your reason says save them for later, what do you do! You still want to be able to eat them as fresh as possible right, then keep them in your freezer! That’s right, keeping your marshmallows frozen is the right move.
Freezing marshmallows may not be the first thing that pops into your head when looking for a storage option. You may be thinking it would be a sticky mess. However, it’s totally the opposite. Sticky marshmallows happen when you leave them in your pantry, but if you keep them frozen is a whole other story with a happy ending.
Now that you know that freezing marshmallows is possible, it’s time to learn about the actual process. Contrary to what you may think, the process is quite simple. However, it does require a few key tips and tricks. Keep reading and learn how to keep marshmallows fresh!
FAQ’s
What happens to marshmallows when you leave them in your pantry?
So you opened your marshmallows bag, grabbed what you wanted, and then put a twist tie on the bag and set the bag on your pantry shelf. The day comes when you need marshmallows again, and you pull out the bag only to find you have a gooey mess. The marshmallows left in the bag have stuck together.
What are marshmallows made of?
Marshmallows are made from a mixture of sugar (or corn syrup), gelatin, and water. The ingredients are whipped together into a spongy texture. Put simply; marshmallows are sugar and water wrapped around bubbles.
Why is moisture bad for marshmallows?
Air pockets help marshmallows keep their shape, so just a bit of moisture pumped into those air pockets makes them collapse. This is the reason why when you open your marshmallows bag, moisture from the air slips into the bag and then into the marshmallows, filling up the air pockets, ultimately dissolving and stick to one another.
How long do marshmallows last?
If unopened, marshmallows can last a long period of time, approximately 6 or 8 months. However, once you open that bag, your marshmallow shelf life can only be from 2 to 4 months when stored properly.
How do you know if marshmallows are damaged?
Marshmallows can get spoiled if you leave them for too long in a humid spot. You can easily detect if they’ve gone bad by tasting, smelling, or even looking at them. Bad marshmallows will not taste sweet or have their signature mild aroma, nor will they have their usual pillowy-soft texture.
What to do to keep marshmallows fresh?
Now that you understand a little more about marshmallows, the million-dollar question is that all you need to do to keep them fresh and not sticky is avoid moisture from the marshmallows bag once you open it.
How to keep marshmallows fresh
There are a few ways in which you can prevent moisture from ruining your marshmallows. We’ll give you at least three options so you can choose the one that you like best.
Keep marshmallows frozen
What you need:
Container with a lid or Ziploc plastic bag
Freezer
- Get your marshmallows in a container with a tight-fitting lid or a freezer-safe. A Ziploc plastic bag also works well.
- Seal the container or bag securely.
- Place the bag in the freezer.
- Marshmallows will keep the freezer in good shape for up to 3-4 months.
How to use frozen marshmallows
- Remove the bag from the freezer and set them on the counter
- Leave them for 10-15 minutes at room temperature
- Sprinkle cornstarch or some powdered sugar on your marshmallow bag if they are stuck together
- Shake it to help the marshmallow break apart
Tips when storing marshmallows in the freezer
- Avoid packing too many marshmallows into the container or bag because it will squish them together.
- To use your frozen marshmallows, you must leave them for several minutes before using them so they can defrost.
- If the marshmallows stick together, sprinkle a dash of powdered sugar or cornstarch in the bag and shake to coat them. The marshmallows should break apart.
- If you plan to slice marshmallows, you don’t need to let them thaw. All you need to do is remove them from the freezer and get to work. It is a lot easier to slice them when frozen.
How to keep marshmallows fresh in the fridge
If you plan to use your marshmallows soon, then your refrigerator is your safest option. The principle is the same, keeping marshmallows in a cool, dry place. To override the slightly higher humidity in refrigerators over freezers, you need to add one step.
What you need:
Container with a lid or Ziploc plastic bag
Dash of powdered sugar or cornstarch
Refrigerator
- Remove the marshmallows from the original package
- Transfer them in an airtight container or plastic Ziploc bag
- Sprinkle a dash of powdered sugar or cornstarch over the marshmallows
- Seal the container or zipped bag opening
- Shake the container to coat the marshmallows and prevent them from sticking together
- You can store the marshmallows in the refrigerator for 2-3 months
How to use refrigerator marshmallows
- Remove marshmallows from the refrigerator when you’re ready to use them.
- Leave them for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
Tips when storing marshmallows in the refrigerator
- The extra powdered sugar or cornstarch will collect the bit of extra moisture from the refrigerator’s air and will keep the marshmallows from sticking together.
Keep marshmallows on your pantry with bread
If your freezer and fridge are full in the unusual but very possible case, your marshmallows can stay fresh if you keep them stored with bread.
What you need:
Peace of white bread
- Place a piece of white bread in the opened marshmallow bag
- Twist the bag’s opening
- Seal it with a rubber band or twist tie
- Set the bag away from direct light and in a cool, dry place
- When you are ready, use as usual.
Tips when storing marshmallows with bread
- What you’re looking for is for the bread to pull moisture out of the air and away from the marshmallows to keep them fresher for longer.
- Also, if you’re dealing with marshmallows that are too dry, add a piece of white bread to a container with your marshmallows; the moisture from the bread will help soften the marshmallows. Let it stand for a few days, after which time the marshmallows should be soft again.
- The bread method works best if you live in a cool environment. If it’s a tropical area, you need to put the marshmallow in the refrigerator or freezer.