Easy Homemade Marshmallows • Keeping It Simple Blog

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Homemade marshmallows are thick, creamy, and delicious. This easy marshmallow recipe is made with honey instead of corn syrup and will prove that making your own marshmallows is easy, and healthier than store-bought and that anyone can do it! Make these easy marshmallows for your next holiday party, for gift-giving, or just because.

Making homemade marshmallows is such a fun baking project! These from-scratch marshmallows are easy to make, so much better than store-bought, and cheaper than the gourmet marshmallows you can buy at specialty food stores.

My number one reason for making homemade marshmallows is I would like to control the ingredients, meaning I do not want all the artificial stuff that comes along with store-bought marshmallows. Every year I make these and everyone loves them.

These easy homemade marshmallows are easy, lofty, delicious, and better than anything you can buy! They are such a fun project to do on your own or with the family.

What are marshmallows

If you ever wondered what are marshmallows made of, they are a confection that is made from sugar, gelatin and water. The gelatin is mixed with water and the sugar and vanilla are heated with a little water. The two then are whipped together for a while until a gooey, glossy texture and consistency is formed.

At this point, while the marshmallow mixture is soft and pliable, it is poured into a mold (or baking pan) where it is coated with powdered sugar and allowed time to cool and set up.

Homemade Marshmallows Ingredients

Unflavored gelatin (you can find this in the baking section of your grocery store.) It will either be sold as a powder or as sheets.
Vanilla extract. This is for a more classic marshmallow flavor.
Powdered sugar. This prevents the marshmallows from sticking to the pan.
Honey. I like to use this instead of corn syrup.
Granulated sugar.
Non-stick cooking spray. Because of the stickiness of the marshmallows, this helps to make sure the marshmallows will release from the pan.
Salt (I use kosher salt.)
Water

Recipe Notes

I use powdered gelatin in this marshmallow recipe because that is what I can find at my local store. I have also included instructions for those who are working with gelatin sheets.

How to make these easy marshmallows

Preparing homemade marshmallows from: dissolving gelatin, heating water, sugar and honey and mixing them all together until glossy then pouring them into a pan to set with powdered sugar and cutting them into squares when ready.

Making homemade marshmallows is easier than you think. There are no candy thermometers or special equipment needed other than a hand mixer. Here are the steps (full recipe below):

Prepare A large Baking Pan. Line a 9x13 pan with aluminum foil or plastic wrap making sure it comes up a little from the edge so you can lift it out of the pan later. Now spray your lined pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Moisten gelatin: Add water and your gelatin and vanilla. Mix lightly and let sit.
Heat ingredients in a saucepan: water, salt, sugar, and honey, and let this come to a boil so the sugar dissolves.
Combine gelatin and heated mixture: Bring your gelatin bowl over to your stand mixer or to a hand mixer and now pour your warm sugar mixture into the bowl of gelatin and mix on high speed for 10 minutes. The color of your sugar will change to a glossy white eventually.
Pour Marshmallow mixture into pan: Pour your mixture into your prepared pan quickly so it doesn't stiffen on you. You will need a spatula to help it out of the bowl.
Dust the top of your marshmallows with powdered sugar: dust powdered sugar over marshmallows cover and let sit on the counter for at least 6 hours but preferably overnight.
Slice: Once the marshmallows are set, with a sharp knife, cut them into squares in whatever size you prefer.

Tips

These homemade marshmallows have no corn syrup in them and they come out delicious. I use honey in this marshmallow recipe to go along with the sugar instead of corn syrup. The traditional way to make marshmallows is to use corn syrup and that is totally fine if you want to go that route. If you decide to do that, just use the same quantities of corn syrup that is listed for honey in this recipe. If you do decide to use honey, the flavor of honey will not be too strong, just a light hint of it.
Best Gelatin for Marshmallows: The gelatin you want to use for this recipe is unflavored gelatin. You can buy this at any store, usually in the baking section. Gelatin comes either in a powdered form or in gelatin sheets. I have quantities for both of these in the recipe below depending on what type of gelatin you are using.

Homemade marshmallows are a little extra work compared to store-bought but so worth it. You can be certain there are no preservatives or artificial ingredients when it is homemade.

Different Marshmallow Flavors And Variations

This recipe is for regular marshmallows with a hint of vanilla. You can customize this recipe to make any flavor marshmallow you would like.

These are already artisan marshmallows on their own but you can jazz them up even more with these delicious flavor ideas.

Cocoa powder to make chocolate marshmallows.
Ground cinnamon to make cinnamon marshmallows.
Peppermint extract to make peppermint marshmallows.
Make colored marshmallows: Add a little food coloring when mixing to reach your desired color. I love using a little green for St. Patrick's Day and pastel colors for Easter.
Use different cookie cutter shapes: For St. Patrick's Day, I love using shamrock cookie cutters. For Christmas, candy cane cookie cutters are real fun. Use your imagination!

Ways to use homemade marshmallows

I am sure I do not need to convince you of ways to use these homemade marshmallows. From homemade s'mores to Rice Krispie treats or making the most amazing topping for hot chocolate or a boozy coffee drink.

I also love cutting these marshmallows into little squares and adding them to my cookie boxes! They are even delicious to eat all on their own.

Storing

Making sure you store your homemade marshmallows correctly is important! You want to make sure you place the marshmallows in an airtight container stored on the counter (not the fridge). The refrigerator will dry out the marshmallows.

Faqs

How long can you store homemade marshmallows?

Homemade marshmallows will last for up to 2 weeks if stored properly in an airtight container.

How do you store homemade marshmallows?

To store homemade marshmallows or any marshmallows, you want to make sure to place the marshmallows in an airtight container to keep them from drying out.

Print Recipe

5 from 14 votes

Easy Homemade Marshmallows (no corn syrup)

A homemade marshmallow recipe that is so easy and delicious

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

rest time6

Total Time6 15

Servings: extra large marshmallows

Author: Melissa Oleary

Equipment

hand mixer or stand mixer
9x 13 baking dish preferably ceramic or glass

Ingredients

2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup powdered sugar
¾ cup honey
½ cup ice water for gelatin
¼ cup water for saucepan
3 tablespoon powdered gelatin or 12 gelatin sheets
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
cooking spray for pan

Instructions

Line a 9x13 pan with aluminum foil or plastic wrap making sure it comes up a little from the edge so you can lift it out of the pan later
Now spray your lined pan with non stick cooking spray
cooking spray for pan
In a large bowl, add the ½ cup of water and your gelatin and vanilla. Mix lightly and let sit.
½ cup ice water for gelatin, 2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 tablespoon powdered gelatin
In a medium sauce pan over medium heat, add the ¼ cup of water, salt, sugar and honey
¼ cup water for saucepan, ¾ cup honey, ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt, 2 cups granulated sugar
Let this come to a boil, mixing lightly occasionally
Once it comes to a boil, let it boil for 1-2 minutes
After this, remove it from the heat
Bring your gelatin bowl over to your stand mixer or to a hand mixer and now pour your warm sugar mixture into the bowl of gelatin and mix on high speed for 10 minutes
The color of your sugar will change to a glossy white eventually
After 10 minutes, your mixture should be ready.
Pour your mixture into your prepared pan quickly so it doesn't stiffen on you
You may not get everything; some will stay stuck to the sides
Smooth out the top of your marshmallow mixture in the pan (you may need to grease the back of a spoon to do this)
Dust the top of your marshmallows with ½ of your powdered sugar and cover and let sit on the counter for at least 6 hours but preferably overnight
1 cup powdered sugar
Reserve the remaining powdered sugar for later when you release the marshmallows from the pan
Once the marshmallows are set (after resting 6 or more hours) you can lift them out of the pan by grabbing the sides of your plastic wrap or aluminum foil and gently pull the sides of the wrap down and away from the marshmallows
At this point, you can begin to cut your marshmallows into any shape you like.
Once you cut them, roll them lightly in the reserved powdered sugar from the day before and shake off any excess and place on a plate
Use right away or marshmallows can be stored up to 4 days in an air tight container.

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