Simple Homemade Marshmallow Recipe (2024)

Dec 1, 2013 | Desserts | 16 comments

Simple Homemade Marshmallow Recipe (1)

Everyone needs to try their hand at Homemade Marshmallows at least once because the end result is just SO MUCH FUN! The amazing thing with this recipe is that once you make them, you will not want to go back to store bought.

I’m not even a marshmallow lover, but I will eat these and once you’ve tried this recipe a few times, and worked out any kinks, you can start experimenting with the flavors. There are so many fun, creative things you can do with the recipe like substituting peppermint for the vanilla or other varying flavors.

Simple Homemade Marshmallow Recipe (2)

I do think homemade chocolate marshmallows would be quite a winner as well. (For that, just use hot cocoa powder mixed with the powdered sugar mixture.)

Also, once they are done, think of the optional toppings and garnishes – hot fudge, caramel ice cream topping, crushed cookies or candies rolled on the chocolate (or how about both?), sugar sprinkles or my friend loves crushed coconut. I know you can think of a host of other varieties, but this should get your creative juices flowing.

Simple Homemade Marshmallow Recipe (3)

They are just so fun and make the perfect party favor.

The first time you try them, don’t be intimidated by all the steps. I know I called this recipe “Simple Homemade Marshmallows,” and the ingredient are that simple, and if you follow these direction, the marshmallows will turn out. They are sticky to make, and sometimes when you add the vanilla, the mixer goes a bit crazy, so be warned, but it’s so worth it.

One of the biggest tips is make sure that your spatula is greased VERY well, along with your pan coated with the powdered sugar mixture. Using an oiled and powdered pizza cutter to cut them works so much better than a knife.

Are you ready? I know you’ll do great!!

Let me know how your amazed friends react. I can’t wait to hear. 🙂

Recipe: Simple Homemade Marshmallows

Summary: Everyone needs to experience making homemade marshmallows at least once. They are that fun to make.

Ingredients

  • 3 packets of unflavored gelatin
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • The seeds of one vanilla beans, 1 tbsp. vanilla extract, OR 1 tbsp. vanilla paste
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • nonstick spray

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the gelatin and 1/2 cup of cold water. Set aside.
  2. In a small saucepan, stir together 1/2 cup cold water, sugar, corn syrup, and salt.
  3. Put the lid on, turn the heat to medium-high, and allow it to bubble for four minutes.
  4. Take off the lid, place a candy thermometer on the side of the pan, and cook another 7-8 minutes until the mixture reaches 240 degrees F.
  5. Using a whisk attachment, whisk the sugar mixture into the gelatin mixture on low speed.
  6. Add the sugar mixture slowly.
  7. Once it’s combined, add the vanilla. Turn the mixer to high, and beat 15 minutes or until the mixture is white, shiny, and gooey (it may be less depending on mixer).
  8. Combine the powdered sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl.
  9. Line a 13×9 pan with foil or parchment paper, and lightly spray it with cooking spray.
  10. Sprinkle a bit of the cornstarch mixture into the bottom of the pan and along the sides.
  11. Pour the whisked mixture into the pan. Top with more of the cornstarch mixture. Allow it to sit uncovered for several hours or overnight.
  12. Turn the marshmallow square on to a board sprinkled with the cornstarch mixture. Cut the marshmallows into the desired size, coating all sides with the cornstarch mixture.
  13. Store in an airtight container.

Number of servings (yield): 12

Do you need some more simple holiday recipe ideas? Click on over and check them out or feel free to submit your own.

Don’t forget to dunk these delicious treats into my Homemade Hot Chocolate. So easy and fun!!

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Simple Homemade Marshmallow Recipe (6)

  1. Simple Homemade Marshmallow Recipe (7)

    Angela @Angela Sayson December 6, 2013 at 3:54 pm

    These look so good and look like the perfect addition to hot chocolate! One of my most favorite things of the Christmas Season is chocolate covered marshmallows. This recipe looks pretty easy so I’m definitely going to try it out. Thanks so much!

    Stopping by from Tidy Mom.

    Reply

    • Simple Homemade Marshmallow Recipe (8)

      Jenon December 6, 2013 at 4:29 pm

      Oh yes, chocolate covered marshmallows are amazing and my fave to eat, but for the hot chocolate, I’m a regular girl all the way. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply

    • Simple Homemade Marshmallow Recipe (10)

      Jenon January 12, 2014 at 6:24 pm

      YAY!! I am SO thrilled that you enjoyed them!!

      Reply

  2. Simple Homemade Marshmallow Recipe (11)

    Courtneyon October 22, 2014 at 11:08 pm

    How long would these lady in an airtight container?

    Reply

    • Simple Homemade Marshmallow Recipe (13)

      Jenon October 23, 2014 at 7:53 am

      I’ve had others ask as well and ours go fast, so I can’t say for certain, but I know another reader mentioned having hers for over two weeks before they finished their batch. It could be longer but not sure. They are yummy though. 🙂

      Reply

  3. Simple Homemade Marshmallow Recipe (14)

    Tru Delanoon November 9, 2014 at 12:47 am

    How long will these keep? I would like to make ahead for thanksgiving cocoa.

    Reply

  4. Simple Homemade Marshmallow Recipe (15)

    Hannaon November 20, 2014 at 12:59 pm

    Can you tell me about how many this makes

    Reply

    • Simple Homemade Marshmallow Recipe (16)

      Hannaon November 20, 2014 at 1:00 pm

      @Hanna,
      NEvermind haha I saw it

      Reply

  5. Simple Homemade Marshmallow Recipe (17)

    deeon December 8, 2014 at 12:33 pm

    Hi! Can I use these marshmallows to make marshmallow fondant?

    Reply

    • Simple Homemade Marshmallow Recipe (18)

      Deb Salvatoon September 27, 2016 at 5:38 pm

      @dee, One packet of unflavored gelatin is 7 grams. So you need 21 grams for the recipe.

      Reply

  6. Simple Homemade Marshmallow Recipe (19)

    Annon December 10, 2014 at 6:35 pm

    Oh my gosh! Heavenly is an understatement. I want these instead of a birthday cake next year. Soooo good. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  7. Simple Homemade Marshmallow Recipe (20)

    Najaton September 17, 2016 at 12:45 pm

    How much would the gelatine be in grams? I have a massive packet so I need to know the weight to be able to make this recipe.

    Reply

    • Simple Homemade Marshmallow Recipe (21)

      Jenon September 21, 2016 at 12:21 pm

      So sorry. I have no idea how that would transfer to gram. Wish I could be of more help.

      Reply

  8. Simple Homemade Marshmallow Recipe (22)

    Sherylon December 17, 2018 at 10:13 am

    How should the final product look and feel? Should they be firm but squishy and kind of moist and chewy?

    Would they last longer if kept in airtight container in the fridge?

    Reply

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Simple Homemade Marshmallow Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the three main ingredients in marshmallows? ›

A typical marshmallow contains sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin, plus some air. That's it. “A marshmallow is basically a foam that's stabilized by gelatin,” says Richard Hartel, a food engineer at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In marshmallows, the foam is made up of air suspended in a liquid sugar mixture.

How are marshmallows made step by step? ›

How to Make Marshmallows
  1. Mix gelatin with water, set aside.
  2. Over the stovetop, melt sugar/corn syrup with water, then heat to 240 degrees Fahrenheit.
  3. Pour sugar mixture into the bowl with gelatin and beat until the batter is thick. Pour into a pan and let sit for 6 hours.
  4. Dust with powdered sugar and slice 'em up!
Nov 25, 2020

Why are my homemade marshmallows not fluffy? ›

Even just a couple degrees too hot or too cool makes all the difference. If the sugar isn't cooked hot enough, they'll be mushy (and possibly contribute to the "soggy" factor mentioned above). If the syrup is cooked too hot, they'll set too firm and chewy and lack volume.

What makes marshmallows fluffy? ›

The fluffy and chewy texture of marshmallows is thanks to gelatin, the same ingredient that gives Jell-O its jiggle. Cornstarch and powdered sugar coat the outside to keep them from sticking to one another.

What were old marshmallows made of? ›

In the 19th century, marshmallows were made by mixing mallow root sap, egg whites and sugar into a fluffy mold. The French added cornstarch to help speed up the production and give the candy its unforgettable form. Today the manufacturing of marshmallows is quite different. Mallow root sap has been replaced by gelatin.

How long will homemade marshmallows last? ›

Store homemade marshmallows layered between sheets of wax or parchment paper in an airtight container. If kept in a dry place at cool room temperature, they should keep for about a month. Marshmallows that include mix-ins or that have been dipped in chocolate will have a slightly shorter shelf life.

Where can I find marshmallows without gelatin? ›

Dandies - All Natural Vegan Marshmallows Vanilla - 10 oz. - Walmart.ca.

How did the Egyptians make marshmallows? ›

The Egyptians squeezed sap from the mallow plant and mixed it with nuts and honey. However, no one knows what the mallow looked like in those times but it does sound delicious! The French were introduced to marshmallows in the early to mid-1800s.

Can Muslims eat marshmallows? ›

Foods like jellybeans, marshmallows, and other gelatin-based foods also typically contain pork byproducts and are not considered Halal. Even products like vanilla extract and toothpaste can contain alcohol! Muslims will generally not eat meat that has also come in contact with pork.

Can you use regular marshmallows instead of fluff? ›

Yes, you can use your delicious homemade marshmallows to make fluff! However, you might need to increase the amount of corn or simple syrup in the recipe to 1 1/2 teaspoons per 1 cup of marshmallows.

What's the difference between marshmallows and marshmallow fluff? ›

Unlike marshmallows which have a firm and spongey consistency, marshmallow cream doesn't firm up because it's made without gelatin. The most popular brand of marshmallow creme, Marshmallow Fluff, originated in the early 20th century.

What does cornstarch do in marshmallows? ›

The reason marshmallows in a bag don't stick together and form a sugar-monster glob is that they're coated in a thin dusting of cornstarch. You can use cornstarch, or, as in this recipe from King Arthur Baking, with powdered sugar, which contains cornstarch.

Do marshmallows have beef or pork gelatin? ›

Although most gelatin is obtained from pigs bones, there is no meat present in sweet marshmallows. Most marshmallows contain gelatin which is a substance obtained from collagen found in the bones of various animals, including cattle, pigs and fish.

What are the ingredients in store bought marshmallows? ›

CORN SYRUP, SUGAR, DEXTROSE, MODIFIED CORNSTARCH, WATER, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF GELATIN, TETRASODIUM PYROPHOSPHATE (WHIPPING AID), NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, BLUE 1.

What was the main ingredient in marshmallows before animal gelatin was used? ›

Long ago people made marshmallows with ingredients from the marshmallow herb, but today we usually make them with other ingredients, namely gelatin, corn syrup and sugar. In this appetizing activity you'll get to explore what ratio of sugar to corn syrup produces the best-tasting and best-textured marshmallows!

What gross things are in marshmallows? ›

Yes, technically this means that marshmallows have ingredients that are made out of bones (usually pig or cow bones), and they're therefore not safe for vegans or vegetarians to eat. However, it is possible to make vegan and vegetarian substitutes that mimic the properties of gelatin.

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