Toasted Marshmallow Cold Brew: Ultimate 16-Hour Recipe

Toasted Marshmallow Cold Brew – tired of boring, bitter cold coffee that leaves you reaching for sugar packets? Picture this: you’re sitting around a campfire, the sweet aroma of toasted marshmallows filling the air, graham crackers crunching between your teeth. Now imagine capturing that exact magic in a refreshing cold brew that transforms your morning routine into a nostalgic escape.

Hi there! I’m Emeli, and as someone who’s spent years perfecting coffee recipes from cozy café corners in Paris to bustling street vendors in Vietnam, I can tell you that this toasted marshmallow cold brew recipe will transport you straight back to those cherished summer nights. The secret? It’s all about balancing the smoky sweetness of perfectly toasted marshmallows with the rich, smooth base of expertly cold-brewed coffee.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything – from selecting the perfect coffee beans and mastering the toasting technique, to pro tips for creating that irresistible graham cracker dust that makes this drink absolutely unforgettable.

Why This Toasted Marshmallow Cold Brew Recipe Works

This isn’t just another flavored coffee – it’s a carefully crafted experience that hits all the right notes of nostalgia, flavor, and convenience:

• Uses affordable, pantry-friendly ingredients that you can find at any grocery store • 16-hour cold brew base creates smooth, low-acid coffee that won’t overpower the delicate marshmallow flavors
• Perfect for any season – serve hot in winter or iced for summer refreshment • Customizable sweetness levels to suit every palate, from subtle hints to full s’mores indulgence

Choosing the Right Coffee for Toasted Marshmallow Cold Brew

The foundation of any great cold brew starts with selecting the perfect beans, and this recipe has specific requirements to complement those toasted marshmallow flavors.

Best Coffee for This Recipe

Medium-dark roast is your sweet spot here. Look for beans with chocolate or nutty undertones – they’ll harmonize beautifully with the marshmallow syrup without competing for attention. Colombian or Brazilian beans work exceptionally well, offering that smooth, rich base that cold brew demands.

Grinding Tips

Coarse grinding is crucial for cold brew success. Think sea salt texture, not fine sand. This prevents over-extraction and bitter flavors that would clash with your sweet marshmallow elements.

Coffee Substitutions

If you only have light roast on hand, extend your steeping time to 18-20 hours. For espresso lovers, you can substitute with a concentrated espresso base, but you’ll lose some of that signature cold brew smoothness.

Ingredients & Prep for Toasted Marshmallow Cold Brew

Getting your prep work right makes the difference between good and absolutely spectacular results.

Coffee Prep Essentials

Start with 1 cup coarsely ground coffee to 4 cups cold filtered water. The quality of your water matters – if you wouldn’t drink it straight, don’t brew with it. Room temperature water works best for even extraction.

Marshmallow Magic

Here’s where the real artistry begins. 8 large marshmallows might seem like a lot, but trust the process. The key is achieving that perfect golden-brown toast – not charred, not pale, but that beautiful caramelized color that screams campfire perfection.

Pantry Staples

Keep these essentials stocked: graham crackers for that signature dust, quality vanilla extract (optional but recommended), and always have extra marshmallows on hand – they have a way of disappearing during the toasting process!

Step-by-Step Toasted Marshmallow Cold Brew Instructions

Let’s break this down into manageable steps that guarantee success every time.

1. Pre-Brewing Prep for Toasted Marshmallow Cold Brew

Combine your coarsely ground coffee with cold filtered water in a large jar or cold brew maker. Give it a gentle stir to ensure all grounds are saturated, then cover and refrigerate for exactly 16 hours. Timing matters here – under-extracted cold brew will taste weak, while over-extraction brings unwanted bitterness.

2. Marshmallow Toasting Method for Cold Brew

This is where the magic happens. Preheat your broiler and arrange 8 large marshmallows on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully – they go from perfect to burnt in seconds. You want that gorgeous golden-brown color that promises maximum flavor development.

3. Syrup Creation for Toasted Marshmallow Cold Brew

Immediately transfer your beautifully toasted marshmallows to a bowl with 1/4 cup hot water. Stir until completely dissolved – this creates your liquid gold marshmallow syrup. The hot water helps extract every bit of that toasted flavor.

4. Final Assembly for Toasted Marshmallow Cold Brew

Strain your cold brew through a coffee filter for crystal-clear results. Fill glasses with ice, pour cold brew halfway, add 2-3 tablespoons of your marshmallow syrup per glass, then top with remaining cold brew. Finish with a generous sprinkle of finely crushed graham crackers.

Pro Tips for Perfect Toasted Marshmallow Cold Brew

Years of coffee experimentation have taught me these game-changing techniques.

Avoiding Common Cold Brew Mistakes

Never rush the steeping process – that 16-hour window is non-negotiable for optimal extraction. Keep your cold brew concentrate in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, but make fresh marshmallow syrup for each batch to maintain that just-toasted flavor.

Tool Recommendations for Cold Brew Success

A fine-mesh coffee filter or cheesecloth creates the smoothest results. For marshmallow toasting, a kitchen torch gives you more control than the broiler, though both work beautifully.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Your cold brew base can be prepared in large batches, but marshmallow syrup is best made fresh. Graham cracker dust can be prepared a day ahead and stored in an airtight container to maintain crunch.

Flavor Variations for Toasted Marshmallow Cold Brew

This recipe is incredibly versatile and begs for creative interpretation.

Seasonal Twists

Fall version: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to your graham cracker dust. Winter variation: Incorporate a splash of peppermint extract for a minty s’mores experience. Summer special: Blend with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent cold brew float.

Dietary Adaptations

Vegan option: Use plant-based marshmallows and ensure your graham crackers are vegan-friendly. Low-sugar version: Reduce marshmallow syrup and add stevia to taste. Protein boost: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder before blending.

Global Flavor Inspirations

Mexican hot chocolate twist: Add a pinch of cayenne and cinnamon. French café style: Incorporate a splash of vanilla extract and use buttery French cookies instead of graham crackers.

Serving Suggestions for Toasted Marshmallow Cold Brew

The right presentation and pairings elevate this drink from delicious to unforgettable.

Perfect pairings include: Buttery croissants for breakfast, chocolate chip cookies for afternoon treats, or fresh berries for a lighter option. For special occasions, serve alongside mini s’mores or graham cracker cheesecake bars.

Beverage companions: This cold brew pairs beautifully with sparkling water as a palate cleanser, or consider serving it as the base for an adults-only version with a splash of bourbon or rum.

FAQs for Toasted Marshmallow Cold Brew

Can I use instant coffee instead of cold brew? While possible, you’ll lose the smooth, low-acid qualities that make this recipe special. If you must, use strong instant coffee cooled to room temperature.

How do I prevent marshmallows from burning? Watch them like a hawk under the broiler. Set a timer for 1 minute, then check every 15 seconds. Golden-brown happens fast!

Can I make this dairy-free? Absolutely! Skip the optional whipped cream or use coconut whipped cream. Ensure your marshmallows and graham crackers are dairy-free.

How long does the marshmallow syrup last? Best used within 2-3 days when refrigerated. The flavor is most vibrant when fresh.

Can I double the recipe? Definitely! This recipe scales beautifully. Just maintain the ratios and consider making marshmallow syrup in smaller batches for optimal freshness.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about recreating childhood memories in your kitchen, and this toasted marshmallow cold brew with graham cracker dust does exactly that. Every sip transports you to those perfect summer evenings, complete with crackling fires and star-filled skies.

Ready to bring some campfire magic to your coffee routine? Grab your marshmallows and get that broiler preheating – your taste buds are about to go on the most delicious nostalgic journey!

Join the thousands of home coffee enthusiasts who’ve fallen in love with this recipe, and don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media. I love seeing how you make this recipe your own!

Craving more unique coffee adventures? Try my [Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk] or explore my [Ultimate Guide to Cold Brew Variations] for your next caffeinated creation!

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends or save it for later!

I’d love to see your unique twist—feel free to post your photos on Pinterest!

Toasted Marshmallow Cold Brew: Ultimate 16-Hour Recipe

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• Author: Emeli
• Total Time: 15mins

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Description

A creamy cold brew with toasted marshmallow sweetness and graham cracker magic

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Ingredients

• 1 cup coarsely ground medium-dark roast coffee

• 4 cups cold filtered water

• 8 large marshmallows

• 1/4 cup hot water

• 2 graham crackers, finely crushed

• Ice cubes

• Optional: whipped cream for topping

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Instructions

 

• Combine ground coffee with cold water in a large jar. Steep for 16 hours in the refrigerator

• Toast marshmallows under the broiler until golden brown

• Dissolve toasted marshmallows in hot water to create syrup

• Strain cold brew through a coffee filter

• Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs

• Fill glasses with ice, pour cold brew halfway

• Add 2-3 tablespoons marshmallow syrup per glass

• Top with remaining cold brew and stir

• Sprinkle with graham cracker dust

• Optional: top with whipped cream and additional graham cracker dust

• Prep Time: 15minutes
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 245kcal
• Sugar: 38g
• Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g

Keywords: Cold Brew Coffee