How to Make a Perfect Homemade Marshmallow

Craving for something sweet and fluffy? Marshmallows are the perfect treat! These delightful confections are loved by both kids and adults alike and can be made right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Making marshmallows from scratch may seem daunting at first, but it’s actually a lot easier than you might think. With the right ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can whip up a batch of soft and fluffy marshmallows that will impress your friends and family.

To make marshmallows, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. All you need is sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, water, and vanilla extract. These ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store and are relatively inexpensive. With a little bit of time and effort, you can create a batch of marshmallows that are soft, chewy, and oh-so-delicious. So, grab your mixing bowl and get ready to indulge in the sweet taste of homemade marshmallows!

Ingredients Needed to Make Marshmallows

Marshmallows are a beloved sweet treat enjoyed across the world by young and old alike. They are used to make s’mores, added to hot chocolate, or eaten on their own. Making marshmallows is surprisingly easy and requires only a few ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. Here are the ingredients you need to make marshmallows:

1. Gelatin
2. Water
3. Sugar
4. Corn syrup
5. Salt
6. Vanilla extract
7. Confectioner’s sugar or cornstarch
8. Food coloring (optional)
9. Flavor extract (optional)
10. Candy thermometer

Step-by-Step Process of Making Marshmallows

Now that you know what ingredients are required to make marshmallows let’s jump into the step-by-step process of making marshmallows. Follow these steps, and you’ll have fluffy homemade marshmallows in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Tools

Before starting, ensure that you have all the necessary tools, including:

1. A stand mixer or hand-held mixer.
2. A saucepan.
3. A candy thermometer.
4. A silicone spatula or wooden spoon.
5. A greased baking pan or mold.
6. A sifter or sieve.
7. Pastry brush
8. Large, clean work surface

Step 2: Mix the Gelatin and Water

Place gelatin in a stand mixer mixing bowl or a large mixing bowl if you’ll be using a hand mixer. Pour ½ cup of water over the gelatin, and let it settle while you continue to the next step.

Step 3: Cook the Sugar Syrup

Combine sugar, corn syrup, salt, and ¼ cup water in a saucepan, and place over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves fully, and it starts to boil. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan, and cook the sugar syrup without stirring until it reaches 240°F (116°C).

Step 4: Make the Marshmallow Base

Once the sugar syrup reaches 240°F, take it off the heat. With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour the hot syrup into the gelatin. Increase the mixer’s speed to high and continue whipping until the mixture thickens and becomes fluffy.

Step 5: Add Flavoring and Food Coloring

Next, add flavor extract and any desired food coloring to the marshmallow mixture, and mix well.

Step 6: Pour the Marshmallow Mixture

Pour the mixture into the greased baking pan or mold, smooth the surface with a greased spatula, and let it rest for 6 to 12 hours.

Step 7: Coat the Marshmallows

Using a sifter or sieve, dust confectioners’ sugar or cornstarch over a large clean work surface. Then, turn out the marshmallow slab onto the surface, and remove it from the pan gently. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the marshmallows to your desired size and shape.

Step 8: Store the Marshmallows

After cutting, coat each marshmallow piece in confectioners’ sugar or cornstarch to prevent them from sticking together. The marshmallows can be stored in an airtight container for up to four weeks.

Step 9: Serve the Marshmallows

Now that your homemade marshmallows are ready, they are perfect for use as a dessert topping, a snack, or in a wide range of recipes that call for marshmallows.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Enjoy your homemade marshmallows, and don’t forget to experiment with different flavors and colors to make your treats stand out. Making marshmallows is a fun activity that anyone can try at home, and it makes for deliciously satisfying treats that you and your loved ones will enjoy.

What You Will Need

Now that you have decided to make your own marshmallows, let’s go over the things you will need to get started. Making marshmallows is not as complicated as it might seem, but it does require some special tools and ingredients.

Gelatin

The first ingredient you will need is gelatin. Gelatin is a protein that is derived from animals, most commonly pigs, and is used to create the marshmallow’s fluffy texture. You can usually find gelatin packets in the baking or dessert section of your local grocery store.

Corn Syrup

Corn syrup is another essential ingredient in making marshmallows. It is used to sweeten the marshmallows and to help prevent them from crystallizing. You can also find corn syrup in the baking section of your local grocery store.

Sugar

To make marshmallows, you will also need sugar. Granulated sugar is commonly used in this recipe, but you can also experiment with other types of sugar such as brown sugar, powdered sugar, or even maple syrup.

Water

Water is also an important ingredient in making marshmallows. It is used to dissolve the gelatin and sugar and to create the syrup that will be used to make the marshmallows.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is used to prevent the marshmallows from sticking to each other and to the surface they are placed on once they are cut. You can also use powdered sugar if you prefer.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is added to give the marshmallows a delicious flavor. You can use any type of vanilla extract you prefer, but make sure it is pure vanilla extract and not imitation.

Candy Thermometer

A candy thermometer is an essential tool for making marshmallows. It is used to measure the temperature of the syrup to ensure that it reaches the correct temperature. You can find candy thermometers at most kitchen supply stores or online.

Stand Mixer

A stand mixer is helpful in making marshmallows. It is used to mix the marshmallow mixture and to whip it until it becomes fluffy and light. If you do not have a stand mixer, you can use a hand mixer instead.

Parchment Paper

Parchment paper is used to line the baking dish when making marshmallows. It makes it easier to remove the marshmallows from the dish once they have set.

Baking Dish

Finally, you will need a baking dish to set the marshmallows in. An 8×8 inch square baking dish is a good size for making a batch of marshmallows.

Making the Marshmallow Mixture

After successfully preparing the equipment and ingredients, the next step is mixing them together to form the marshmallow mixture. This step requires precision and patience as the mixture must be heated on the stove while being constantly stirred. Below are the subheadings that will guide you through making the marshmallow mixture.

Gelatin Bloom

First and foremost, you must prepare the gelatin by blooming it. This refers to allowing the gelatin to soak in cold water for a few minutes to soften the granules. The blooming process helps to dissolve the gelatin smoothly when you heat it on the stove later. Use the ratio of 1 tablespoon of gelatin to ¼ cup of cold water for this step.

Making the Sugar Syrup

The sugar syrup serves as the base for the marshmallow mixture. In a saucepan, mix sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Once the sugar dissolves, turn up the heat and let the mixture boil.

Mixing the Gelatin and Sugar Syrup

Once the sugar syrup boils, remove it from the heat and mix it with the bloomed gelatin. Whisk the mixture until the gelatin dissolves into the syrup. Make sure to whisk it thoroughly to prevent lumps from forming. You can also add flavorings at this point, such as vanilla extract or fruit puree.

Beating the Marshmallow Mixture

After mixing the gelatin and syrup, you will need to beat the mixture until it becomes fluffy and triples in volume. Use an electric mixer on high speed and make sure to keep it steady and constantly beat the mixture. Beat the mixture for about 10-15 minutes or until it is thick and glossy. You can also add food coloring to your mixture at this time.

Setting the Mixture

Once the mixture has been beaten to the desired consistency, it’s time to transfer it to a pan that has been greased and dusted with cornstarch and powdered sugar. Allow the mixture to cool and set for at least four hours, preferably overnight. Once set, you can cut the marshmallow into cubes and toss them in additional powdered sugar to prevent them from sticking together.

With this step-by-step guide, making marshmallows at home can be easy and fun. The process may require some practice to perfect it, but the result will undoubtedly be delicious marshmallows that you can enjoy with your loved ones. Get creative with shapes, colors, and flavors to make your marshmallows even more exciting. Happy marshmallow-making!

Happy marshmallow-making!

Now that you know how to make your own marshmallows at home, it’s time to get creative with fun flavors and shapes. Whether you’re roasting them over a campfire or adding them to your favorite hot chocolate recipe, homemade marshmallows always taste better. Thanks for reading and I hope you had a sweet time learning how to make marshmallows. Don’t forget to come back and visit for more fun and easy DIY recipes!