Indulge in the soft, fluffy delight of homemade marshmallows with just five simple ingredients!
These marshmallows are perfect for hot cocoa, s’mores, or a sweet standalone treat.
The best part? They are free from unnecessary additives and can be customized with your favorite flavors or colors.
Homemade 5-Ingredient Marshmallows
Equipment
- Stand mixer with whisk attachment or hand mixer
- Medium saucepan
- Candy thermometer
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Sifter or fine mesh strainer
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 7 tsp unflavored gelatin or 3 packages
- 1 cup cold water divided
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Lightly grease the paper and dust it generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Bloom the Gelatin: In the bowl of a stand mixer, add ½ cup of cold water. Sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let it sit for 5–10 minutes to bloom.
- Cook the Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining ½ cup of cold water, granulated sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Stir gently to combine. Attach a candy thermometer to the pan and cook over medium heat without stirring until the mixture reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage).
- Combine Syrup with Gelatin: Turn the mixer on low speed and carefully pour the hot syrup into the bloomed gelatin. Be cautious as the syrup is extremely hot.
- Whip the Mixture: Increase the mixer speed to high and whip for about 10–12 minutes, or until the mixture becomes thick, fluffy, and lukewarm. Add the vanilla extract in the final minute of whipping.
- Transfer to Pan: Using a greased spatula, spread the marshmallow mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Smooth the top as much as possible. Dust the surface generously with powdered sugar.
- Set the Marshmallows: Let the marshmallows sit at room temperature for at least 6 hours, or overnight, until fully set.
- Cut and Coat: Dust a cutting surface with powdered sugar. Turn the marshmallows out onto the surface and peel away the parchment paper. Use a sharp, greased knife or pizza cutter to slice the marshmallows into squares. Toss each piece in powdered sugar to coat all sides.
Video
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
Cooking Tips
- Flavor Variations: Swap out vanilla extract for almond, peppermint, or your favorite extract to customize the flavor.
- Color Fun: Add a few drops of food coloring during the whipping stage for festive marshmallows.
- Storage: Store marshmallows in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness.
What About Alternative Ingredients?
If you’re looking to switch up the ingredients in this recipe, there are several options to consider.
For those avoiding gelatin, agar-agar is a popular plant-based substitute. It works similarly to gelatin but may require slight adjustments in quantities and preparation methods.
Instead of light corn syrup, you can use honey, golden syrup, or maple syrup as a natural sweetener option, although these may subtly affect the flavor and color.
To make the marshmallows sugar-free, use a sugar-free sweetener like allulose or erythritol syrup, but keep in mind that the texture might be slightly less fluffy.
If vanilla extract isn’t to your taste, you can replace it with other extracts like coconut, almond, or peppermint, or even add a splash of coffee or fruit puree for a unique twist. For dusting, arrowroot powder or cornstarch can be used instead of powdered sugar if you’re looking for a less sweet coating.
With these alternatives, you can tailor the recipe to suit dietary needs and flavor preferences. If you are looking for a similar recipe, you should check out traditional candied citron.
The Bottom Line
Homemade marshmallows offer a wonderful opportunity to experiment with ingredients, allowing for both creativity and personalization.
By trying alternative components like plant-based substitutes or natural sweeteners, you can adapt the recipe to align with dietary preferences and flavor inspirations.
The versatility of this recipe ensures that anyone can enjoy crafting these delightful treats, making them a memorable addition to any occasion or snack.
