Once you try Homemade Marshmallows, you will be hooked. They are soft and fluffy with so much flavor. Enjoy as a snack or in your favorite Hot Chocolate.
Store-bought marshmallows do not compare to these decadent homemade vanilla marshmallows. I started making these a few years ago and it’s surprisingly simple. They are so delicious in hot chocolate, but you will love eating these plain too.
If you have been hesitant to try this homemade marshmallow recipe, give it a try and see just how easy it is. I think it’s just as simple as making Homemade Marshmallow Fluff.
Table of contents
Why We Love This Recipe
The marshmallow mixture is super easy to make. You do not need any special gadgets or fancy ingredients. The light and fluffy texture combined with the vanilla flavor is hard to beat.
You won’t ever go back to store bought marshmallows.
Ingredients
- Cornstarch. Helps to prevent the marshmallows from sticking.
- Sugar. Plain, granulated sugar.
- Light Corn Syrup. Helps to give the marshmallows the delicious texture.
- Unflavored Gelatin. Make sure you buy plain gelatin powder.
- Vanilla Extract. For the best flavor, use pure vanilla.
For Dusting
- Powdered Sugar. Sift the powdered sugar so it’s smooth and without lumps.
Find the complete list of ingredients at the bottom of the page.
Variations
- Peppermint Flavor. If you want to make peppermint flavored marshmallows, add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract along with the vanilla extract.
- Fruity Marshmallows. Try adding freeze dried strawberries or raspberries into the powdered sugar and cornstarch topping mixture.
- Different shapes. Cut the marshmallow slab into different shapes using cookie cutters. Make sure to spray them with cooking spray or coat with oil.
- Chocolate. Dip in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the baking dish. This recipe is best in a 9 x 9-inch baking dish. Line with parchment paper or wax paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Then dust the paper in the pan with cornstarch to help the marshmallows from sticking to the pan and the liner.
Step 2. Next, add gelatin in a large bowl of a stand mixer. Then pour ½ cup of the water on top. Set aside and let the water soak into the gelatin.
Step 3. Use a small saucepan and combine the gelatin with the remaining water, corn syrup and sugar. Bring the sugar mixture to a boil for about 1 minute or until the sugar has dissolved. The mixture needs to reach 240 degrees with a candy thermometer.
Step 4. Combine the corn syrup mixture into the bowl with the gelatin. Beat with a stand mixer using the whisk attachment. Mix for 10-12 minutes until stiff peaks are easily formed in the mixture. Then add the salt and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Step 5. Once combined, pour the mixture into the pan. The mixture will be sticky so make sure to grease a spatula and wet your fingertips to prevent the mixture from sticking. Cover the pan with plastic wrap. Allow to sit at room temperature for 4 hours until set. Use separate shallow bowl and whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture for dusting once set.
Step 6. Finally, remove the marshmallow slab from the pan. Place on a cutting board dusted with the dusting mixture. Cut with a large, oiled kitchen knife to cut into 1-inch squares. This will prevent it from sticking. Then roll the marshmallows in the dusting mixture so that they do not stick together. Then serve and enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
- S’mores. Once you use homemade marshmallows in s’mores, there is no going back. Also, try it in Oven S’mores Dip.
- Hot Chocolate. Use your favorite brand or try it in Grinch Hot Chocolate Bombs.
- Marshmallow Pops. Try these for any occasion or make Halloween Marshmallows.
- Hot Chocolate Dip Recipe. This decadent dip is even better with homemade marshmallows on top.
Storage
Store the leftover marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
Pro Tips
- You need a candy thermometer. The syrup needs to be the correct temperature. Using a candy thermometer ensures you don’t have to guess.
- Prepare the pan. The marshmallow mixture is super sticky. It’s very important to line the pan and spray with cooking spray.
- Cut with a sharp oiled knife. This will make it easy to cut the marshmallows.
- Allow to set. The mixture needs to set for at least 4 hours. Removing from the pan too soon will make it hard to cut the marshmallows.
- Thinner marshmallows. If you prefer thinner marshmallows, use a 9×13 pan.
- Use a stand mixer. The mixture is thick and best combined with a stand mixer and not a hand mixer.
More Homemade Treats
Homemade Pudding
Homemade Vanilla Pudding Recipe
Baking Tips
Homemade Brown Sugar Recipe
All Recipes Dessert
Homemade Whipped Cream
Make homemade marshmallows today for such a delicious treat. Please leave a comment and star rating once you try it.
Homemade Marshmallows
Ingredients
- 1/8 cup Cornstarch
- 2 cups Granulated Sugar
- 2/3 cup Light Corn Syrup
- 3/4 cup Water divided
- 3 packets Unflavored Gelatin 0.25 ounces each
- 1/8 teaspoon Salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
For Dusting:
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch
Instructions
- Line a 9X9 baking dish with parchment paper or wax paper and spray the paper with a non-stick cooking spray. Carefully dust the paper in the pan with cornstarch to help the marshmallows from sticking to the pan and the liner.
- Place the gelatin in a large bowl for a stand up mixer. Pour ½ cup of the water on top. Set aside and let the water soak into the gelatin.
- While the gelatin is setting, combine the remaining water, corn syrup and sugar in a saucepan. Stir together and bring the mixture to a boil. Boil for about 1 minute or until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture reaches 240 degrees F (check with a candy thermometer).
- Pour the corn syrup mixture into the bowl with the gelatin. Beat with a stand up mixer with the whisk attachment. Mix for 10-12 minutes until stiff peaks are easily formed in the mixture.
- Add in the salt and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. The mixture will be sticky so make sure to grease a spatula and wet your fingertips to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 4 hours until the marshmallows are set.
- In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch for dusting of the marshmallows.
- Carefully remove the marshmallow slab from the pan and place the slab on a cutting board dusted with the dusting mixture.
- Use a large oiled kitchen knife (to prevent it from sticking) to cut the marshmallow slab into 1 inch squares.
- Roll the marshmallows in the dusting mixture so that they do not stick together. Then they are ready to serve and enjoy!
So easy and really tasty!
Can these be frozen or just kept in the refrigerator? thank you
They don’t have to be stored in the refrigerator. Just store in an airtight container away from moisture or heat. You can freeze them for up to 2-3 months.