Healthy Homemade Marshmallow Recipe (No Corn Syrup) (2024)

Marshmallows take any hot beverage to the next level. Period. Unfortunately, like many products from grocery stores, the marshmallows you buy are often loaded with processed ingredients, including high-fructose corn syrup. In this post, I’ll show you a healthier alternative that is SO easy to make. These healthy homemade marshmallows use just 4 simple whole food ingredients and are pillowy soft and delicious. They are the perfect compliment to your warm drink, and I promise you won’t miss the store-bought kind!

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Ingredients in Store-Bought Marshmallows

Take a look at the ingredients in this popular brand:

CORN SYRUP, SUGAR, DEXTROSE, MODIFIED CORNSTARCH, WATER, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF GELATIN, TETRASODIUM PYROPHOSPHATE (WHIPPING AID), NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, BLUE 1.

I’m not sure why blue food coloring is needed, but it’s there, along with HFCS, and preservatives. As you can see, there isn’t much in marshmallows that is good for you. Okay, nothing. But worry not, because you can still enjoy marshmallows with this healthy homemade marshmallow recipe! The best part is that they only require 4 ingredients.

Is Corn Syrup Bad For You?

High fructose corn syrup is a man-made sweetener that is usually made from genetically modified corn. High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a common ingredient in commercial marshmallows, and its negative health implications are well-documented. HFCS has been linked to various health issues, including (source):

1. Weight Gain
2. Cancer
3. Fatty Liver / Liver Stress
4. Increased Cholesterol Levels
5. Diabetes
6. High Blood Pressure
7. Heart Disease
8. Leaky Gut
9. Increased Mercury Intake

That is a lot of health issues. The worst part is, that HFCS is used in so many different food products you find at the store. It’s the primary sweetener in most soft drinks.

Ingredients for Healthy Marshmallows:

This recipe is super simple, and you will only need 4 ingredients.

• Water (3/4 Cup + 1/2 Cup)
• 8 TB Maple Syrup (Real Maple Syrup is the best!)
• 30 grams Grass-Fed Gelatin Powder (I get mine from Thrive Market. Unflavored gelatin is best)
• Dash of Vanilla Extract (optional)
• Arrowroot powder

Other Supplies You Will Need:

This recipe is easiest with a stand mixer, but you can also use a hand mixer. You could probably whisk it by hand… if you want an arm workout!

• Stand Mixer with a whisk attachment (I use my Kitchen-Aid)
• Rubber Spatula
• Measuring Cups
• Glass 9×13 Baking Dish
• Sharp Knife or pizza cutter
• Kitchen Towel (to prevent splatter)

Benefits of Grass-Fed Gelatin

The star of these homemade marshmallows is grass-fed gelatin. This special ingredient makes these marshmallows especially nutritious and has loads of benefits! Grass-fed gelatin, derived from the collagen in animal tissues, usually beef or pork. Choosing grass-fed gelatin will ensure that the gelatin is coming from animals that have not been treated with artificial hormones or antibiotics. Pasture-raised or grass-fed cows are generally healthier animals overall. Here are some of the key advantages associated with using grass-fed gelatin:

1. Rich in Protein
2. Supports Joint Health
3. Promotes Gut Health
4. Aids in Digestion
5. Supports Skin, Hair, and Nail Health
6. Balances Amino Acid Profile
7. Contains Nutrients for Bone Health
8. May Improve Sleep Quality
9. Natural Source without Additives

You can find beef gelatin at most health food stores, or online. I have purchased grass-fed gelatin from thrive market, as well as from perfect supplements. Both are good options for high-quality gelatin.

How to Make Healthy Homemade Marshmallows

Step 1: Allow the Gelatin to Bloom

In the bowl of the stand mixer, pour 3/4 cup water. Sprinkle gelatin over the top. Allow it to “bloom” for a few minutes.

Step 2: Add sweetener & Vanilla

Pour 8 TB pure maple syrup over the top of the bloomed gelatin. Add a dash of vanilla extract.

Step 3: Add Boiling Water

Boil 1/2 cup of water. I like to put it in a glass measuring cup and microwave it while I add the maple syrup to my marshmallows.Make sure you have a whisk attachment on. Turn your stand mixer on at a low speed, and pour the boiling water over the mixture as it stirs.

Step 4: Whisk, whisk whisk!

Cover your stand mixer with a towel to prevent too much splatter. Turn the mixer up to high speed. Let it go for 8-10 minutes.

Step 5: Transfer to a baking dish

After about 8-10 minutes, the marshmallow batter will be thick and creamy, filling the bowl of the mixer. Soft peaks should be forming, and the mixture should hold it’s shape for at least a few seconds when you lift it out of the bowl. Transfer the fluffy marshmallows to a glass baking dish, using a rubber spatula.You can line the baking pan with parchment paper if you want, but I usually don’t.

Step 6: Refrigerate

Place the baking pan in the refrigerator to allow the marshmallow mixture to cool and firm up. A few hours or overnight is best, but if you are in a hurry you can place them in the freezer to speed up the process.

Step 7: Cut, serve, and store!

Using a very sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the marshmallows into squares, however big you like. Coat the marshmallows in arrowroot powder or powdered sugar (homemade marshmallows are sticky!) and place them in an airtight container. These can be stored at room temperature for about a week, or keep them in the freezer for much longer!

Healthy Marshmallow Recipe Variations

There are so many different ways to flavor your homemade marshmallows! Try adding:

• Cocoa powder
• Elderberry syrup
• Peppermint, almond, or lemon extract

Tips for Making Homemade Healthy Marshmallows

• Make sure the marshmallows are nice and dry before storing. You don’t want any moisture in the container.
• Don’t Overwhip – If you whip the marshmallows in the stand mixer too long, they will start to cool and turn to a taffy consistency. They will be really hard to get out of the bowl.

How to Use Homemade Marshmallows

Homemade marshmallows are delicious by themselves, but you can also use them on top of any of your favorite beverages. Here are a few ideas:

• Homemade hot chocolate (Try this homemade bone broth hot chocolate recipe)
• Coffee. Maybe not your first thought, but it’s really delicious!
• Roast them over a campfire: Homemade marshmallows need to be really dry for this, or they will melt into goop. Leave them out on the counter to dry
• In Rice Crispy treats
• In any recipe that calls for marshmallows

Conclusion

These simple, healthy homemade marshmallows are delicious and nutritious! You can feel good about adding this sweet treat to your next cup of hot cocoa. I know that after trying this recipe, you will never go back to regular old store bought marshmallows again!

Did you try these marshmallows? I’d love to hear what you think!