These Cat Paw Marshmallows are a fun and adorable treat that will make anyone smile. With their soft, pillowy texture and the delicate balance of sweetness, these marshmallows are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re looking to make a cute gift or just satisfy a sweet tooth. Plus, with a touch of pink food coloring and a fluffy texture, they look just like little cat paws!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Adorable Design: These marshmallows are shaped like cute cat paws, making them a perfect treat for cat lovers or themed parties.
Soft & Fluffy: The marshmallows are airy and melt in your mouth, thanks to the perfect balance of egg whites and sugar syrup.
Customizable Flavor: You can adjust the flavor by experimenting with different extracts or food colorings.
Fun to Make: The process is fun, and the results are both visually pleasing and delicious!
Perfect Gift: Packaged in a cute jar or box, these marshmallows make a sweet and unique gift idea.

Ingredients

65 g egg white
190 g granulated sugar
40 g glucose syrup
75 g water
5 g gelatin sheets
5 g vanilla extract
0.2 g red food coloring
Baked cornstarch (for dusting)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Egg Whites: Separate the egg whites and freeze them for 10-15 minutes to ensure they whip well.
Make the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the glucose syrup, sugar, and water. Heat the mixture over high heat until it boils, then reduce the heat to low. Do not stir or mix the syrup while heating.
Soften the Gelatin: Soak the gelatin sheets in ice water until softened. Then, microwave them until fully melted.
Whip the Egg Whites: Begin whipping the egg whites at medium speed when the sugar syrup reaches 122°C (252°F). Once the syrup reaches 144°C (291°F), carefully pour it into the whipped egg whites. Add the vanilla extract and melted gelatin sheets and continue whipping until the mixture cools to 40°C (104°F).
Color the Mixture: Quickly take out 1/4 of the mixture and mix it with the red food coloring to create a pink mixture. Transfer both the white and pink mixtures into piping bags.
Prepare the Mold: Sprinkle cornstarch evenly over the mold to prevent sticking. Pipe the marshmallow mixture into the mold, alternating between the white and pink mixtures to create a two-tone effect. Sprinkle more cornstarch over the top to prevent the marshmallows from sticking.
Set and Unmold: Let the marshmallows set at room temperature overnight. Once they’ve fully set, remove them from the mold and they’re ready to enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 1 (This recipe can be scaled for larger batches.)
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Setting Time: Overnight (or at least 8 hours)
Total Time: Approximately 8-9 hours (including setting time)

Variations

Different Colors: You can customize the color of your marshmallows to match different themes or occasions. Use any food coloring of your choice.
Flavored Marshmallows: Add other extracts like almond or strawberry to the marshmallow mixture for a unique flavor twist.
Shaped Molds: While this recipe is for cat paws, you can use any silicone mold to create different shapes for holidays or special events.
Mini Marshmallows: Pipe smaller marshmallows into molds for bite-sized treats.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store your marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating: Marshmallows are best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to re-soften them, place them in a microwave for a few seconds.

FAQs

Can I use egg substitute in this recipe?

Since egg whites are key to the texture of marshmallows, it’s challenging to use an egg substitute. However, some people have tried aquafaba (chickpea brine) as an alternative.

How do I prevent the marshmallows from sticking?

Dust your molds with cornstarch before piping in the marshmallow mixture. After piping, sprinkle more cornstarch on top to keep them from sticking.

Can I use a different flavor of gelatin?

Gelatin sheets are preferred in this recipe, but if you’re using powdered gelatin, make sure to follow the proper conversion. You can also experiment with flavored gelatin for a unique twist.

How long does it take for the marshmallows to set?

The marshmallows need to set overnight or for at least 8 hours at room temperature. The gelatin takes time to firm up the mixture.

Can I use a regular piping bag?

Yes, any standard piping bag will work. Just make sure the tip is small enough to create precise piping for the cat paw shapes.

Can I add different colors to the marshmallows?

Yes! You can add multiple colors to create a multi-colored effect. Just divide the marshmallow mixture into separate bowls and color them as desired.

Do I need a special mold for this recipe?

While a cat paw mold is used here, you can use any silicone mold that fits the size and shape you desire.

Can I use other sweeteners instead of granulated sugar?

Granulated sugar provides the right texture, but you can experiment with other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. However, this may affect the final result.

How can I make these marshmallows vegan?

To make these marshmallows vegan, you can replace gelatin with agar-agar, a plant-based alternative.

Can I freeze these marshmallows?

You can freeze marshmallows, but they may lose some of their fluffy texture once thawed. Store them in an airtight container and consume within a few weeks for best results.

Conclusion

These Cat Paw Marshmallows are a delightful and creative treat that combines sweetness with a touch of whimsy. Whether you’re making them for a themed party, as a gift, or simply to enjoy as a sweet snack, they’re sure to be a hit. With their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and cute cat paw shape, they’re a fun, customizable dessert that will bring joy to anyone who tries them. Enjoy the process, and of course, the delicious results!