If you’re lucky enough to live in a warm place, then hot chocolate is simply a luxury that makes you feel festive. For the rest of us living in freezing conditions… hot chocolate is a necessity. And let’s be serious, hot chocolate is nothing without marshmallows.
Homemade marshmallows are one of my favorite treats and they easily trump the store-bought variety. They are fluffy, perfectly sweet, and can be made in any flavor variation that you like.I chose a seasonally appropriate flavor combination of maple syrup and vanilla bean. You can even dip them in caramel or chocolate. Drooling over here!
This was my first time making homemade marshmallows and they were way easier than I thought! I promise you can do it. No candy thermometers here. The one kitchen item you will definitely need, though, is an electric mixer or beater. And some patience while the marshmallows set. I used this grass-fed gelatin because its a favorite among paleo enthusiasts…and we know how they feel about grass-fed animals
Pair the marshmallows with hot chocolate or enjoy them on their own…I only had a handful or so. Oops.
Have you made homemade marshmallows before? What’s your favorite marshmallow flavor?
- 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
- 8 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup cold water
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (removed from vanilla bean pod or purchased in tube)
- powdered sugar to coat marshmallows
- Place the gelatin in a small bowl and stir in the 8 tablespoons of cold water. Set aside.
- Spray an 8x8 pan with nonstick spray (or line with parchment paper or tin foil), then sprinkle powdered sugar in the pan and shake well to cover the entire bottom and sides of the pan.
- In a small saucepan, add the sugar, maple syrup and remaining cold water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved and begins to bubble, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the gelatin mixture, whisking to dissolve, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, immediately remove from heat.
- Add to a bowl (for handheld mixer) or to the bowl of an electric mixer attached with a whisk. Let sit and slightly cool. Add vanilla bean paste.
- Beat on medium-high speed for 10-15 minutes, until white, glossy and thick. Spread in the pan and let sit for about 4 hours, or even overnight.
- Cut marshmallows and toss in powdered sugar if you'd like. This helps to keep them from sticking.
- Serve with hot chocolate!
Those look fabulous! I’ve never tried making marshmallows at home, but I bet it’s pretty cool 🙂
It’s way easier than I thought. Hope you get to give it a try!
These marshmallows are perfect for a chilly snowy winter day! They are so fluffy and i think that maple is an amazing flavor.
Thanks, Yelena! Hot cocoa with marshmallows is all I want with all the cold and icy weather we’ve been having in Philadelphia these days 🙁
do you have the nutritional information for this dessert and do you have a way to see all your recipes and nutritional information in a easy to read way? Thanks!!
Hi Julia- I’m not very consistent with posting nutritional information for my recipes, I’m afraid. If I am able to do it, you will find it at the end of the recipe. My Fitness Pal is a great way to calculate this info on your own though!