Homemade Marshmallows

Marshmallows seem to be one of those universal treats that almost everyone enjoys.  Whether melted gooey on S'mores, added to a cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter day, toasted by a summer bonfire, or sprinkled on top of your favorite Thanksgiving sweet potato casserole.  Until recently I never really thought about the ingredients of a marshmallow, or even how to go about making them from scratch.  I really didn't know you could make them!  I thought they just came in the bag...hehe.  But then I ran across this recipe and realized they were very similar to meringue with the added gelatin for firmness.  Now this I could do!

Homemade Marshmallows
adapted from Ina Garten - Food Network


3 packets unflavored gelatin (my small gelatin box contained 4 packets)
1 cup cold water, divided
1 cup light Karo syrup
1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
Baking spray with flour
Powdered sugar for dusting/stick-proofing

Place 1/2 cup cold water in the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, or in a bowl with hand mixer on standby. Sprinkle the gelatin over top of water and set aside.


Heat corn syrup, sugar, salt, and the other 1/2 cup cold water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Then turn to high and cook to 240 F (use a candy thermometer), 6-8 minutes longer.


Turn mixer to low and slowly pour the hot syrup over the gelatin. Add the vanilla extract. Increase the mixer speed to high, very gradually to prevent hot sugar from slinging, and let run for 15 minutes until you have a glossy, smooth, and thick marshmallow mixture.


While the marshmallow is whisking, heavily coat the inside of an 8×8 pan with baking spray. Coat with powdered sugar and tap out the excess. Pour in the marshmallow mixture (it will come all the way to the top).  Let sit for 3 hours, or until solidified and cooled.


Turn the marshmallow squares out onto a heavily powder-sugared surface. Using a pizza cutter, with a single stroke to make a smooth edge, cut the marshmallows into 1-inch strips, one at a time.  They will be 2 inches tall.  Then cut the 1 inch x 2 inch tall strip in half again to make long 1 inch x 1 inch strips. Then cut those into little 1 inch squares.  As you’re cutting the marshmallows, keep all sides dusted with powdered sugar and store in an airtight container.


Enjoy the marshmallows your favorite way!