Edible Holiday Centerpiece
A festive, edible holiday wreath made with marshmallows, corn flakes, and colorful decorations, perfect for a charming centerpiece or sweet gift during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine margarine and marshmallows in the top of a double boiler. Heat over hot water until melted and well mixed.
- If using direct heat, keep heat low, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add green food coloring and vanilla extract to the melted mixture.
- Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Pour the mixture over corn flakes, or if the pot is large, add corn flakes to the warm mixture and stir to coat evenly.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto waxed paper to form a 9-inch wreath.
- Shape the wreath with hands and a spoon, or place the waxed paper into a 10-inch tube pan to shape the wreath.
- Decorate the wreath with red cherries. Use maraschino cherries if planning to eat soon, or candied cherries or silver dragees for longer storage.
- Stand a red candle (3 inches in diameter) in the center of the wreath for decoration.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother mixture, ensure the margarine and marshmallows are fully melted before adding the food coloring and vanilla. If you want to make this recipe vegan, substitute the margarine with a plant-based butter alternative. Additionally, consider adding mini chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different food coloring to create festive variations.
Serving Suggestions
This edible holiday centerpiece makes a delightful table decoration that can be enjoyed as a sweet treat. Pair it with a festive drink like Fruity Iced Tea or serve alongside dessert options like Ann'S Crazy Cake. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or as a fun activity with kids during the festive season.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover wreath in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If using fresh cherries, it’s best to consume the wreath within a few days. For longer storage, you can keep the wreath without the cherries and add them just before serving. Avoid refrigeration as it may alter the texture of the marshmallow.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Edible Holiday Centerpiece contains roughly 1602 calories, with 1g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 170g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1397mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different colors for the wreath?
Absolutely! You can customize the color of your edible wreath by using different shades of food coloring. Consider using red or blue for a different festive look, or even create a multi-colored wreath by dividing the mixture and adding different colors to each batch.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this wreath gluten-free, ensure that the corn flakes you use are certified gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free options. Always check the labels of your ingredients to avoid any gluten contamination.
What can I use instead of corn flakes?
If you want a different texture or flavor, you can substitute corn flakes with rice cereal or even crushed graham crackers. Each alternative will give a unique taste to your wreath while still maintaining the fun, crunchy texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).