How to Make Delicious Homemade Marshmallows

Making marshmallows is so much fun and surprisingly easy, too! Whether you want to make them for a special occasion or just for fun, these fluffy treats are sure to delight. In this article, we’ll show you how to make marshmallows from scratch, and you won’t believe how easy it is.

All you need are a few basic ingredients, some patience, and a little bit of time, and soon you’ll have a batch of delicious marshmallows that are way better than anything you can buy at the store. So grab your apron and let’s get started!

Section: Steps on How to Make Marshmallow

Gather the Ingredients

Before anything else, you need to gather all the ingredients needed for making marshmallows. These include sugar, corn syrup, gelatin powder, salt, vanilla extract, and confectioners’ sugar. You should also prepare a saucepan, candy thermometer, stand mixer with a whisk attachment, sifter, and a baking dish.

Prepare the Gelatin Mixture

The first step in making marshmallows is to prepare the gelatin mixture. To do so, you need to bloom the gelatin by sprinkling it over cold water. Then, mix it with hot syrup, which will help dissolve the gelatin completely. Once fully mixed, set it aside.

Make the Marshmallow Syrup

In a saucepan, mix sugar, corn syrup, salt, and water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and allow it to boil until it reaches 240°F. This is where the candy thermometer comes to play, as it helps you monitor the temperature of the mixture. Once it reaches the desired temperature, you can remove it from heat.

Stir the Gelatin Mixture in the Syrup

After preparing the marshmallow syrup, bring back the gelatin mixture that you have set aside earlier. Place it onto a stand mixer with a whisk attachment. Begin mixing on low speed while pouring in the hot syrup mixture in a steady stream. Once all the syrup has been added, increase the speed of the mixer to high and continue mixing for about 8-10 minutes.

Flavor the Marshmallow Mixture

While the mixer is still running, add the vanilla extract and continue whisking until the mixture becomes thick and shiny. If you want to add some color to your marshmallows, this is the time to do so by adding food coloring. Mix for another minute or until the color becomes evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Prepare the Pan and Marshmallow Mixture

Prepare a baking dish by dusting it with confectioner’s sugar. This will prevent the mixture from sticking to the dish. Once the baking dish has been prepared, pour the marshmallow mixture into it and use an offset spatula to spread the mixture evenly.

Add More Confectioner’s Sugar

After pouring the marshmallow mixture into the baking dish, sift a generous amount of confectioner’s sugar over the top. Make sure that the entire surface is covered with the sugar.

Let it Set and Harden

Once you have prepared the pan and the marshmallow mixture, allow it to set and harden. You can do this by leaving it out at room temperature for about 8-10 hours, or you can place it in the refrigerator for a shorter amount of time.

Cut the Marshmallows into Pieces

Once the marshmallows have set and hardened, remove them from the pan and shake off any excess coating of confectioner’s sugar. Cut them into pieces using a sharp knife or cookie cutter.

Cover the Marshmallows

After cutting the marshmallows, toss them in a mixture of confectioner’s sugar and cornstarch. This will help them retain their shape and prevent them from sticking together. Store the marshmallows in an airtight container and keep them in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks. Enjoy!

Ingredients Needed for Making Marshmellow

If you want to make your own marshmallows at home, you’ll need a few key ingredients before you get started. These are the basic items that you’ll need, but keep in mind that some variations on the recipe may call for additional or different ingredients:

1. Gelatin Powder

The main ingredient of marshmallows is gelatin powder, which is derived from collagen by boiling animal parts such as skin, bones, and connective tissue. Gelatin gives the marshmallows their characteristic chewy texture and allows them to hold their shape.

2. Granulated Sugar

Marshmallows are a sweet treat, so you’ll need granulated sugar to give them their delicious sweetness. This type of sugar is finely ground and dissolves easily in liquids, making it perfect for marshmallow recipes.

3. Water

Water is needed to hydrate the gelatin and dissolve the sugar. It’s important to use the right amount of water to create the correct consistency in your marshmallow mixture.

4. Corn Syrup

Corn syrup is often added to marshmallow recipes to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing during the cooking process. It also helps to give the marshmallows a smoother texture.

5. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is optional, but it can add a nice flavor to your marshmallows. You can also experiment with other flavorings like peppermint, almond, or coconut extract.

6. Salt

Salt is added to balance out the sweet flavor of the marshmallows. It’s important to use only a small amount, as too much can make the marshmallows taste salty.

7. Cornstarch

Cornstarch is often used to dust the marshmallow pan or mold to prevent the mixture from sticking. It can also be added to the marshmallow mixture to help give it a firmer texture.

8. Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar can be used to dust the marshmallows once they are cut. This helps to prevent them from sticking together and makes them easier to handle.

9. Food Coloring

Food coloring is optional, but it can be used to give your marshmallows a fun and festive appearance. You can experiment with different colors and designs to create your own unique marshmallow creations.

10. Marshmallow Pan or Mold

Finally, you’ll need a marshmallow pan or mold to shape and set your marshmallows. You can use a traditional rectangular pan or try different molds like hearts, stars, or animals to create fun shapes.

Ingredients needed to make marshmallows

Making homemade marshmallows is a fun and fulfilling activity that is perfect to do with the family. Before we start with the process, it is crucial to prepare and gather all the necessary ingredients. Here are the key ingredients needed to make marshmallows:

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Marshmallows

Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, you are ready to make your homemade marshmallows. Follow these step-by-step instructions to get it right:

1. Prepare the gelatin mixture

Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and setting it aside. In a mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup of cold water and sprinkle the gelatin on it. Stir until they are thoroughly mixed and let it stand for at least 15 minutes.

2. Mix the sugar mixture

In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/4 cup of water. Heat over medium-high heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan and boil until it reaches 240°F (115°C).

3. Combine the mixtures

Once the sugar mixture has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the heat. Turn on the mixer to low speed and pour the sugar mixture into the gelatin mix in a steady stream. Increase the speed to high and beat until the mixture is thick, fluffy, and tripled in volume, which should take about 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Add vanilla extract

Add in the vanilla extract and beat for an additional minute to fully incorporate it into the mixture.

5. Mold and coat

Pour the mixture into the greased dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Let it sit uncovered at room temperature for at least six hours or overnight. Combine confectioners’ sugar and cornstarch in a large bowl. Sprinkle the surface with the sugar and cornstarch mixture before slicing and serving.

Tips and Tricks to Make Perfect Marshmallows Every Time

Making marshmallows can be a finicky process, but there are ways to ensure that you are making them correctly every time. Here are some tips and tricks that can be helpful:

1. Use a stand mixer

Using a stand mixer is crucial when making marshmallows. The mixture will be thick and fluffy, and mixing it by hand or with a hand mixer will take a lot longer. Stand mixers are designed to handle stiff, fluffy mixtures like marshmallows.

2. Get the temperature right

Be careful not to overcook or undercook the sugar mixture. If it is undercooked, the marshmallows will be too soft, and if it is overcooked, the marshmallows will be too hard. Use a candy thermometer to get the temperature just right.

3. Cut into desired shapes

Once your marshmallows are set, cut them into desired shapes. You can use cookie cutters to cut them into fun shapes for special occasions, or you can cut them into squares or rectangles for everyday use.

4. Use cornstarch instead of flour

When coating your marshmallows, use cornstarch instead of flour. Flour has a distinct flavor that can alter the taste of your marshmallows, while cornstarch is flavorless.

5. Experiment with flavors

Marshmallows are incredibly versatile and can be infused with a variety of flavors. Add peppermint for a festive flair, or cocoa powder for a chocolatey taste. The possibilities are endless!

Time to Relax and Enjoy Your Homemade Marshmallows

Congratulations on making your very own marshmallows! You deserve a pat on the back for your efforts. Now, it’s time to sit back, relax, and appreciate your delicious treats. Whether you’re roasting them over a fire, adding them to your hot cocoa, or simply snacking on them as they are, your homemade marshmallows are sure to taste amazing. Don’t forget to share them with your loved ones and impress them with your newfound culinary skills. Thank you for reading and we hope to see you again soon for more fun and easy recipes!