Yes, this is in fact the second ice cream recipe I’ve posted in less than a week. I’m going through a phase, bear with me. Tomorrow we’ll get back to something savory, promise π
So, for at least a week now, I’ve been randomly craving toasted marshmallows. Something about their charred, toasty exteriors and gooey centers just renders me completely powerless. I tried to wait it out, but eventually it became clear that craving wasn’t going anywhere. I made a point to add marshmallows to the shopping list, and grabbed them the last time I was at the grocery store. Originally I’d thought I’d make a toasted marshmallow milkshake, but at the last minute I found myself on Google searching for ice cream instead, and luckily for me, someone else loves toasted marshmallows just as much as me and had already figured out how to create this magnificent ice cream flavor!
As you might have guessed, toasted marshmallow ice cream starts with a whole bunch of toasted marshmallows. An entire bag, in fact. I used my kitchen torch to do the job, and when they were done, it was all I could do to resist the intoxicating scent. I’d only bought one bag of marshmallows, though, so it wasn’t an option to devour a bunch and then toast more… A pretty basic vanilla ice cream custard is made and then blended with the toasted marshmallows to create the base.
I waited until the next day to churn the ice cream, and in the meantime, pondered what I would do with it. I ran the idea of a s’mores ice cream sandwich by Shane, and he was the one to suggest calling them s’morewiches (though in fairness, a quick Google search reveals that is sadly not an original idea) π Toasted marshmallow ice cream sandwiched between two graham crackers with some chocolate thrown in for good measure? Sign me up! I used store bought graham crackers for this project, but if you’re feeling ambitious, I’m sure homemade would be even better. I decided to press mini chocolate chips into the side of the s’morewiches for the chocolate component, but a layer of ganache would be tasty too.
The flavor of the marshmallows is prominent in the ice cream, and if you’ve really charred them while toasting, you’ll pick up on that too. This recipe makes a lot of ice cream – my 1 1/2 quart ice cream maker was pretty much maxed out, so consider halving it if you don’t need a ton. I’m pretty smitten with the cuteness factor of the s’morewiches but if you don’t feel like taking the time to assemble them, just top a few scoops of ice cream with graham cracker crumbs and chocolate chips (or chocolate sauce). The flavor profile is just as good. Oh, and that craving? Consider it satisfied in the best possible way!
Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream S’morewiches
ice cream from Roasting Rambler
10 oz bag marshmallows
1 vanilla bean
2 cups milk (I used 1%)
5 large egg yolks
scant 1/2 cup sugar
pinch salt
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
graham cracker squares (homemade or store-bought)
mini chocolate chips
Spread the marshmallows in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Toast the marshmallows with a kitchen torch, flipping them to toast all sides (be careful when flipping, they’ll be hot). If you don’t have a torch, you could probably also toast the marshmallows using the flame on a gas stove or under the broiler in your oven. If you use the broiler, keep a close eye on the marshmallows. Set the marshmallows aside.
Use a small paring knife to split the vanilla bean down the middle. Scrape the bean with the back of the knife to remove the seeds. Add the seeds and the vanilla bean to a medium saucepan along with the milk. Set over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and salt in a heatproof bowl. Slowly add the warm milk mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly. Pour back into the saucepan and set over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon (about 170-175 F on an instant read thermometer). Strain the custard into a heatproof bowl.
Let the mixture cool for a few minutes (you can stir it vigorously to cool it faster). Add the toasted marshmallows to your blender, and once it’s cooled slightly, add the custard to the blender too (my blender was almost filled to the top, but it worked out fine – you could do it in batches if you’d rather). Blend until the marshmallows are completely broken down and the mixture is smooth. Add the heavy cream and vanilla to the blender and blend to combine.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled (overnight is best). Before churning, whisk the mixture vigorously until the custard is smooth and has a pourable consistency (it might be slightly spongy when you first pull it from the fridge). Freeze in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Transfer to airtight container and freeze until firm, at least 2 hours.
To make the ice cream sandwiches: Spread some slightly softened ice cream in a layer of the thickness you want for your sandwiches. Freeze until fairly solid, then use a cookie cutter roughly the size of your graham cracker squares to cut blocks of ice cream. Sandwich the ice cream between 2 graham cracker squares, and if necessary, pop in the freezer briefly to firm up. Press mini chocolate chips into the sides of the ice cream before serving. You can wrap the sandwiches individually in plastic wrap and store in the freezer.
They look fabulous!
Just today I toasted marshmallows for a recipe I’m working on.
When I saw your toasted marshmallow pic on Instagram yesterday, I was all excited for this recipe!
Sounds and looks delicious!!
Tracy, this is genius! And, the bars came out gorgeous, as well as your pics! Go girl!
Mmm these sound so awesome! Like little heavenly bars!
I’ve put small marshmallows into ice cream as a fold-in at the end, but flavoring the ice cream base with toasted marshmallows? That’s definitely a flavor that I never would have thought of.
Love the flavor! These look delicious.
I seriously love that you are posting ice cream recipes. And this looks amazing! I need to get out my ice cream maker.
Best. Idea. Ever. I need one of these NOW!!!
I too am obsessed with marshmallows. I make homemade ones and toast them under the broiler to make s’mores, but this also looks amazing.
NEVER apologize for posting sweets! I’m sustaining my sweet tooth vicariously through your posts! Darn new years resolution…
That looks amazing. I too am obsessed with the toasted marshmallow shake and have tabbed it numerous times :).
I’m not sure how you managed to not eat all of the toasted marshmallows before getting to the ice cream part! Looks fantastic!
oh my goodness! i saw your pic of the marshmallows and i wondered what you had up your sleeve. can’t wait to make this ice cream!!!!
I could totally dive in head first these.
I bet that ice cream tastes amazing, there is no way I’d cut it in half:-)
OMG. Those look good.
What a great idea – the sandwiches look beautiful! I don’t often crave marshmallows, but I am fore sure after reading this.
That ice cream is what dreams are made of! I’d have a hard time keeping my paws off those toasted marshmallows to even get the ice cream made!
Omg I have to make this. Toasted marshmallows are the bomb! Even when the s’morewixhes aren’t in sandwich form the ice cream looks so good. I wish I could have some right now
This is too awesome! Toasted marshmallows are just heaven, especially when it gets really charred and the interior is all mushy π I love the idea of toasted marshmallow ice cream!
I saw this on foodgawker, and it was the first one I noticed and clicked! It looks divine! I’ve never even thought of adding toasted marshmallows to ice cream. If it was mini marshmallows just tossed into the ice cream, that can be boring, but this brings it to a whole new level!
http://daily-iphoneography.posterous.com
Oh, gosh, I’d even eat one of these beauties in this freezing weather…and that says a lot!
Stop, just stop! I can’t handle anymore amazing ice cream (creams?) from you! I don’t even like s’mores but I want this!
Just froze your malted milk ice cream tonight. Now I’ve got another one up on my list! This sounds so good. Roasted marshmallows definitely remind me of summer (which is good this time of year)!
I can’t believe you come up with this stuff! I want one now!
I am pregnant and have a cold, so the idea of just about any food sounds awful right now. Except these. These sound amazing. π
GASP! Genius!! So wishing I could grab one right off the screen.
I’m not sure who would like this more- me or my kiddos! Yum!
What a genius idea! And fun treat π
I love the s’mores kick you’ve been on, I’ve saved so many recipes! I can only imagine how amazing this ice cream tastes. I can’t wait to try it!
Ice cream made with toasted marshmallows? I LOVE the sound of that!! These are so adorable, and I bet they taste amazing!
I think I’d be OK with having a ton of this in my freezer!
Do you have a kitchen torch that you like a lot? I have been thinking of getting one, but aren’t sure about a good brand to try.
@Jill – The torch I have is just a cheap one that came as part of a creme brulee kit I bought years ago at Bed, Bath and Beyond. It serves its purpose but I’m sure there are better ones out there π
Thank you so much for posting the recipe for this ice cream! I made some yesterday and it’s AMAZING and my new favorite flavor. I am crazy about the flavor of toasted marshmallows and was so surprised at how strong the flavor comes through in this ice cream! I can’t wait to make this again and again. π
@Amy Kelly – So glad you liked it! π
I love the presentation Tracey! And I wouldn’t mind eating one of these. Like now.
what about using chocolate covered grahms from the cookie section?
My daughter made these for a family dinner, not just the ice-cream, the whole S’morewich. Fabulous. No problems with the recipe, at all.
@Leanna – I’m not sure I’ve ever seen those but that could definitely work!
@Polly – Glad you guys liked them π
OH yes, the toasted marshmallows are a must! Love this!
Just made this for 4th of July (fire restrictions, no fires, no toasted marshmallows π here in CO.) I toasted my marshmallows under the broiler, worked great, and love the ice cream! Thanks for a great recipe, I could have eaten the whole batch with a spoon.
I made this for the 4th weekend and it was a big hit with the family. We all really enjoyed it both with graham crackers and in the bowl. Would definitely make again. Great recipe.