Paleo Peeps (Paleo Marshmallows): Raspberry + Toasted Coconut Lemon
These paleo peeps are the perfect paleo Easter candy! With recipes for both raspberry paleo marshmallows and toasted coconut lemon paleo marshmallows, you'll love the tangy sweetness that the light and fluffy bites offer. Cut them into bunny shapes and you've got yourself a healthy version of the Easter favorite.
These paleo peeps are the perfect paleo Easter candy! With recipes for both raspberry paleo marshmallows and toasted coconut lemon paleo marshmallows, you'll love the tangy sweetness that the light and fluffy bites offer. Cut them into bunny shapes and you've got yourself a healthy version of the Easter favorite.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- parchment paper
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 cup + 1/4 cup water ( divided)
- 2 .25- ounce packets gelatin ( )
- 1 1/4 ounces freeze-dried raspberries ((i get mine at target i
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot for dusting ( plus extra for preparing pan)
- 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips ( optional, for faces)
- coconut oil for preparing pan
- 6 tablespoons + 1/4 cup water ( divided)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice ( divided)
- 2 .25- ounce packets gelatin ( )
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest ( grated)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes ( lightly toasted in a skillet)
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot for dusting ( plus extra for preparing pan)
- 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips ( optional, for faces)
- coconut oil for preparing pan
- Carbohydrate 35.1635773361576 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.00787333333333333 g
- Fiber 0.100360418299788 g
- Protein 0.133909375161982 g
- Saturated Fat 0.00234333333333333 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (48g)
- Sodium 1.86470833549309 mg
- Sugar 35.0632169178578 g
- Trans Fat 0.00258033333333333 g
- Calories 134 calories
Step-by-step
- Place freeze-dried raspberries in a blender or food processor and blitz until powder. Separate out 2 1/2 tablespoons and set both aside.
- Prepare your pans: grease an 8x8" pan with a little coconut oil. Take a piece of parchment paper and rub the top of it with a bit of coconut oil. Press the parchment paper evenly down in the middle of the baking pan, then sprinkle a bit of arrowroot on top. Shake around to lightly coat.
- Place gelatin in a small bowl and sprinkle 1/4 cup water over. Stir to mix and set aside.
- Combine 1 cup honey, 1/2 cup water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan with high sides. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil, whisking until very smooth and well combined. Continue boiling very gently for 10 minutes, or until a thermometer reaches 240°F. Remove from heat.
- Stir in gelatin and water mixture and whisk until very smooth. Let cool for about 2-3 minutes then stir in vanilla extract.
- Add honey syrup to the large bowl of a stand mixer with whisk attachment. Beat on high speed for 5 minutes or until tripled in size, almost white. The texture should be like a soft lava that holds a soft peak for a few seconds. Add in raspberry powder (minus the 2 1/2 tablespoons you set aside) and beat for another 2 minutes, or until well combined and a lovely, even pink.
- With a rubber spatula, scrape out marshmallow mixture and spread into one prepared 8x8" pan. Smooth the top with the spatula and sprinkle a little (1/2 tablespoon) of the raspberry powder you reserved on top. Let dry, uncovered, at least 4 hours or overnight. Do not refrigerate.
- Combine 2 tablespoons arrowroot with the remaining raspberry powder (about 2 tablespoons). Lift marshmallows out using the sides of the parchment and use a bunny dipped in the arrowroot-raspberry powder mixture to cut out shapes. For regular marshmallows, use a very sharp knife coated in a bit of the arrowroot-raspberry powder mixture to cut into cubes. Place marshmallow shapes in a large bowl and coat with the remaining powder mixture. Toss until pieces are well-coated.
- To create Peep eyes and mouth, melt the dark chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between each burst. Use a toothpick to dot the melted chocolate on the "face" of the Peeps. It might be tricky, since the surface is covered in arrowroot, but you can almost spear the surface to help.
- Keep in an airtight container for a few days or in an airtight freezer bag in the freezer for months. Thaw 2 hours before eating.
- Place toasted coconut in a blender or food processor and blitz until ground fine and texture is consistent.
- Prepare your pans: grease an 8x8" pan with a little coconut oil. Take a piece of parchment paper and rub the top of it with a bit of coconut oil. Press the parchment paper evenly down in the middle of the baking pan, then sprinkle a bit of arrowroot on top. Shake around to lightly coat.
- Place gelatin in a small bowl and sprinkle 1/4 cup water over. Stir to mix and set aside.
- Combine 1 cup honey, 6 tablespoons water, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan with high sides. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil, whisking until very smooth and well combined. Continue boiling very gently for 10 minutes, or until a thermometer reaches 240°F. Remove from heat.
- Stir in gelatin and water mixture and whisk until very smooth. Let cool for about 2-3 minutes then stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon turmeric.
- Add honey syrup to the large bowl of a stand mixer with whisk attachment. Beat on high speed for 5 minutes or until tripled in size, almost white. The texture should be like a soft lava that holds a soft peak for a few seconds. Add in lemon zest and remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice and beat for another 2 minutes, or until well combined and a lovely, even light yellow color.
- With a rubber spatula, scrape out marshmallow mixture and spread into one prepared 8x8" pan. Smooth the top with the spatula and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of the ground toasted coconut. Let dry, uncovered, at least 4 hours or overnight. Do not refrigerate.
- Lift marshmallows out using the sides of the parchment and use a bunny dipped in arrowroot to cut out shapes. For regular marshmallows, use a very sharp knife coated in a bit of the arrowroot to cut into cubes. Place marshmallow shapes in a large bowl and sprinkle with remaining 3 tablespoons ground toasted coconut. Toss to coat, then sprinkle with 1 tablespoon arrowroot. Toss to coat until no longer sticky.
- To create Peep eyes and mouth, melt the dark chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between each burst. Use a toothpick to dot the melted chocolate on the "face" of the Peeps. It might be tricky, since the surface is covered in arrowroot, but you can almost spear the surface to help.
- Keep in an airtight container for a few days or in an airtight freezer bag in the freezer for months. Thaw 2 hours before eating.
A Sweet Escape: Crafting Paleo Easter Delights
Easter is a time for family, friends, and of course, candy! But for those of us following a Paleo lifestyle, finding treats that fit our dietary needs can be a challenge. This year, I decided to take matters into my own hands and create my own Paleo Easter candy: Paleo Peeps! These adorable little marshmallows are not only delicious but also completely free from refined sugar and artificial ingredients.
The recipe, which I've perfected over several attempts (let's just say there were a few marshmallow mishaps along the way!), is surprisingly simple. The key is using honey as a natural sweetener and arrowroot powder for that perfect marshmallow texture. I experimented with different flavors, finally settling on a vibrant raspberry and a tangy toasted coconut lemon combination. The results were beyond my expectations – light, fluffy, and bursting with flavor!
The Raspberry Delight: The raspberry marshmallows are a beautiful, vibrant pink, with a delightful tartness that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the honey. The freeze-dried raspberries provide a natural, intense flavor that avoids any artificial aftertaste. I love the ease of simply blitzing the raspberries into a powder – minimal fuss for maximum impact.
The Zesty Coconut Twist: For the coconut lemon version, I toasted coconut flakes until they were fragrant and golden brown, then blitzed them into a fine powder. The combination of toasted coconut, lemon zest, and a hint of turmeric for color created a stunning light yellow marshmallow with a tropical twist and a slight zest.
Beyond the Recipe: This isn't just about a recipe; it's about embracing the spirit of Easter in a way that aligns with your health goals. It's about making memories with loved ones around a table filled with delicious, wholesome treats. It’s about showing that healthy can also be incredibly fun and creative. This process also teaches patience and appreciation for the small details, from carefully preparing the pans to letting the marshmallows dry naturally, allowing the magic of homemade treats to unfold.
The Art of Marshmallow Making: The process of making these Paleo Peeps is a journey in itself. It's a testament to the satisfying feeling of creating something from scratch, and witnessing the transformation of simple ingredients into something so incredibly delightful. The patience required allows time for quiet reflection and mindful creation.
A Celebration of Spring: These aren't just marshmallows; they’re tiny bursts of spring sunshine. The vibrant colors, the sweet and tangy flavors, and the delightful bunny shapes are all expressions of the joyous season. They are not only a treat for your taste buds, but also a beautiful addition to your Easter table. These little peeps bring a sense of charm and whimsy to celebrations, turning a simple dessert into a centerpiece of delight. They add a touch of personalized care and love to any Easter gathering.
Beyond the Holiday: While perfect for Easter, these Paleo Peeps can be enjoyed year-round. They are a versatile treat for any occasion, providing a healthy alternative to traditional candies. They add a touch of sophistication to picnics, gatherings and simply a delightful treat whenever a sweet craving arises.
So, ditch the store-bought candy this year and create your own Paleo Easter magic! These Paleo Peeps are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and a testament to the fact that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and fun. Give it a try and let me know how it goes!
