Simple Homemade Marshmallow Recipe (2024)

Dec 1, 2013 | Desserts | 16 comments

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.

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.

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

In a large mixing bowl, combine the gelatin and 1/2 cup of cold water. Set aside.
In a small saucepan, stir together 1/2 cup cold water, sugar, corn syrup, and salt.
Put the lid on, turn the heat to medium-high, and allow it to bubble for four minutes.
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.
Using a whisk attachment, whisk the sugar mixture into the gelatin mixture on low speed.
Add the sugar mixture slowly.
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).
Combine the powdered sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl.
Line a 13×9 pan with foil or parchment paper, and lightly spray it with cooking spray.
Sprinkle a bit of the cornstarch mixture into the bottom of the pan and along the sides.
Pour the whisked mixture into the pan. Top with more of the cornstarch mixture. Allow it to sit uncovered for several hours or overnight.
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.
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 (2024)

FAQs

What are the three main ingredients in marshmallows? ›

The Key to a Gooey Marshmallow

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.

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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.

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How long do homemade marshmallows last? ›

Turn the marshmallows out onto a cutting board and cut into 1-inch squares using a pizza wheel dusted with the confectioners' sugar mixture. Once cut, lightly dust all sides of each marshmallow with the remaining mixture, using additional if necessary. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

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What can be used instead of marshmallows? ›

Sweet And Sticky Alternatives To Marshmallows

Honey and maple syrup are some of the more common choices, as they're less processed, but other syrups will work fine. Just be cautious of using more strong flavored syrups like molasses or treacle, as that intense flavor may overpower all others.

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What are the ingredients in jet puffed marshmallows? ›

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

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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.

Are marshmallows good or bad for you? ›

Marshmallows are a sweet treat that many of us enjoy with hot chocolate, on top of sweet potatoes, or even shaped into peeps at Easter time. But these fluffy white puffs aren't very nutritious. Marshmallow ingredients usually include just sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin.

How long will marshmallows stay fresh in a Ziploc bag? ›

Seal the container or zipped bag opening. Then shake the container to coat the marshmallows and prevent them from sticking together. Remove marshmallows from the refrigerator when you're ready to use them. You can store the marshmallows in a dark corner of the refrigerator for 2-3 months.

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What does corn syrup do in marshmallows? ›

Corn syrup pulls double duty in a marshmallow. It doesn't crystallize like sugar does, plus it actually reduces the amount of dissolved sugar that crystallizes.

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What is a cooked marshmallow called? ›

S'mores are usually made by the campfire. Marshmallows are roasted over the fire until they're gooey.

Get More Info Here ›

What do the English call marshmallows? ›

Most people call them - correctly - marshmallows. But there are a lot of people who say 'marshmellows'. These people often argue that they're right, but they're not.

Find Out More ›

What is the liquid marshmallow called? ›

Marshmallow creme (also called marshmallow fluff, marshmallow stuff, marshmallow spread, marshmallow paste, or simply fluff) is a marshmallow confectionery spread similar in flavor, but not texture, to regular solid marshmallow.