Homemade Marshmallows | Gelatin Recipe
These are the homemade marshmallows we make using gelatin. They’re soft, easy to make, and a fun way to use gelatin in a form kids actually enjoy 😊
Ingredients
- 1 cup water (divided)
- 2–3 tablespoons unflavored beef gelatin
- ½–¾ cup honey or cane sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Bloom the gelatin
Pour ½ cup of water into a bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin over the top, stir, and let sit for 5–10 minutes until thick and gel‑like.
2. Heat the sweetener
Add the remaining ½ cup of water and honey (or sugar) to a saucepan. Heat until fully dissolved and hot, but not boiling.
3. Combine
Pour the hot mixture over the bloomed gelatin and mix until everything is dissolved.
4. Whip
Using a hand mixer, whip the mixture for 5–10 minutes until it thickens and becomes fluffy.
5. Set
Pour into a lined dish, spread evenly, and let sit at room temperature or in the fridge until firm (about 2–4 hours).
Next,
6. Cut into squares
7. Dust lightly with arrowroot powder or cornstarch if needed
8. Store in an airtight container
Notes
➡️ You can adjust sweetness depending on your preference
➡️ You can add cocoa powder for chocolate marshmallows
➡️ Texture may vary slightly depending on gelatin used
Optional: Using Real Marshmallow Root
If you want a more traditional version, marshmallow root can be used alongside gelatin. It won’t fully replace gelatin, but it adds extra gut support and gives the marshmallows a slightly softer texture.
- Steep 1–2 tablespoons of dried marshmallow root in hot water for 10–15 minutes
- Strain and use this liquid in place of some of the water in the recipe
Fun Fact About Marshmallows
Marshmallows actually started as a medicinal food. They were originally made using marshmallow root and were used to help soothe the gut and throat, especially for people who were sick. Over time, they turned into the sugar‑based version most people know today, but making them this way brings it back closer to how they were originally used. I absolutely love marshmallow root, you can use it in tea form, tincture form, or pill form.

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