Like Peeps but want a change of texture as a treat? Don't just let them go stale, but dehydrate them! Dehydrated Peeps are fun and can be a way to extend their use through the season! Your kids will love to do this with their Easter treats!
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There is a fascination in the dehydrating world for drying marshmallows for a snack, for inclusion in hot cocoa, for making hot cocoa bombs, etc.
WHAT ARE PEEPS?
Peeps are marshmallow treats sold mainly in the spring (though they are showing up for other holiday seasons now as well). They are slightly spongier than a typical commercial marshmallow and have a colored, flavored, sugar coating.
As the years have progressed, Marshmallow Peeps have expanded to include many flavors such as Cotton Candy, Hot Tamales, Chocolate Pudding, Sour Watermelon, etc.
There is a real love/hate relationship with Peeps - you either really love them, or you really don't. There aren't too many in the middle.
My crew loves them stale by letting them sit out in the open for quite a few days to get stale, giving them a bit more texture.
But here is a step to how you can use your Peeps and give them a different life!
HOW TO DEHYDRATE PEEPS
Instructions
- Place Peeps on your dehydrator trays.
- Give them a little space, but they don't need a ton
- Dry at 125°F/52°C for 10-12 hours until they are completely dry.
- Allow a sample to cool completely, then test for dryness. It should have a slight honeycomb look to the inside and shatter when crushed (as in the photo below).
- Store in an airtight container. It's helpful to include a moisture absorber if you live in a humid environment.
Darcy's Tips
- Dry low and slow - it helps stop expansion
- Be sure to wait 15 minutes before testing - it's important if you want that crunchy consistency.
- Be very careful if you have dental work - these things CAN pull out fillings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, unlike their cousins, the mini marshmallow, Peeps tend to puff up a bit when drying, especially if using temperatures over 125F/52C.
Because they are not dry enough. Put them back inside and dry more.
The simple answer is: "Because I can."
It's fun, a different way of looking at a pretty one-dimensional food, and a great way to get kids interested in dehydrating with something other than apples and bananas.
Store in an airtight container for a month or two. They will begin to absorb moisture over time as is the nature of it, but look at them as a short-term snack more than a long-term storage solution
The texture is completely different between a stale Peep that so many people like and a dehydrated Peep's honeycomb effect. But it's a favorite way of doing it, as well!
Dehydrate Peeps Marshmallows
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place Peeps on your dehydrator trays.
- Give them a little space, but they don't need a ton
- Dry at 125F/52C for 10-12 hours until they are completely dry.
- Allow a sample to cool completely, then test for dryness. It should have a slight honeycomb look to the inside and shatter when crushed
- Store in an airtight container.
Video
Darcy's Tips
Darcy's Tips
- Dry low and slow - it helps stop expansion
- Be sure to wait 15 minutes before testing - it's important if you want that crunchy consistency.
- Be very careful if you have dental work - these things CAN pull out fillings.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only. Nutrient information for dehydrated foods is based on fresh. Use ¼ of the servicing size for the same nutrient information. Thus 1 Cup of fresh fruit has the same sugars as ¼ dried.
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Dvora Herman says
We eat vegetarian foods. Can we dehydrate kosher or vegan marshmellows the same way. They don't have gelatin which is an animal product.
Darcy Baldwin says
You'll need to experiment - there are too many variations for me to know if your particular recipe will work -but give it a tray!
Jenn says
Now I have to buy peeps!! This looks like it might be the way they make Charleston chews! Game changer!
SandR says
Great way to save them and extend their life!