Will gourmet marshmallows replace cupcakes as the go-to treat?

Gourmet marshmallows are predicted to replace cupcakes as the top food trend in 2012. (iStock)A New York baker predicts marshmallows will become the food trend of 2012.

"Marshmallows are the new cupcakes," Maria D'Urso, co-owner of Three Tarts Bakery, told New York Times food blogger S.S. Fair.

Three Tarts Bakery offers homemade marshmallows in a variety of flavours, including raspberry, cinnamon, vanilla, espresso, chocolate-rosemary and mango. They retail for $11 US for a pack of 10. They also offer marshmallow baby booties and an "indoor s'mores" kit.

Fair acknowledges the sugar and gelatine treats have zero nutritional value, but calls them "yummy," with a unique "texture and mouth feel."

"They're brilliantly over-the-top, a meal in itself," Fair wrote. "If you're going to blow your diet this early in the year, do it properly with one of these."

Gourmet marshmallows are also being sold at Manhattan's Epicerie Boulud, and the Brooklyn bakeries Brooklyn's Baked, Robicelli's and Tazza..

Can you imagine marshmallows unseating cupcakes as the trendy treat? If not marshmallows, what should replace cupcakes? Have you seen gourmet marshmallows for sale where you live? Share your thoughts in the field below.


(This survey is not scientific. Results are based on readers' responses.)