-
Dairy Free
-
Gluten Free
-
Nut Free
-
Vegetarian
Homemade Marshmallows Recipe
I like to call these fluffy, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth creations homemade marshmallows. They may not be traditional marshmallows, but they are delectable Russian Zefir Marshmallows that are super easy to make!
I haven’t been baking lately but as a home cook, these marshmallows are definitely on my to-do list for this winter. My kids love to play outside in the cold, and they love a warm cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows when they come back in. Especially with a plate of raspberry macarons to go with them! Another plus for winter – marshmallows are a yummy way to soothe a sore throat!
And don’t underestimate their power to wow the guests at the next party or baby shower you throw. You can dress up this home-made zefir recipe with blackberry juice. Squeeze strawberries for a strawberry marshmallow flavor. Then use a star tip pastry bag to make a gorgeous Russian dessert table showstopper.
Add some flavor to these tasty marshmallows!
If you want to flavor your marshmallows with something other than vanilla, you can strain fresh-squeezed blackberry, raspberry or strawberry juice (or apple puree). Add it to the water to make 1 cup of liquid. But only add just a bit – you don’t want to throw off the reaction of the gelatin.
If you use high acid flavorings like lemon juice, you will have to adjust the amount of agar powder. The best way to go with unique flavors is to Google instructions for how to use your flavoring with agar-agar.
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients
You’ll find other bloggers recommend unhealthy ingredients like Jello or food coloring. But for this recipe, we keep to tradition and healthy ingredients.
Before you begin, set aside these ingredients:
A cup of cold water is as simple as it gets.
Agar powder
Agar-agar is a: A non-GMO gelatin substitute that is gluten-free and vegan. It is high in vitamins and minerals and makes these marshmallows a healthy treat. You can find agar in health food stores, online, and in some Kroger stores.
Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar, also known as confectioner’s sugar, sweetens things up and helps the recipe come together. It is crucial that you use powdered sugar and not granulated sugar or the recipe will not work.
Vanilla
For delicious, great cocoa home-made zefir, I love to use simple but high quality vanilla. But you must use dry vanilla! It absolutely must be dry vanilla and not liquid vanilla extract.
Egg Whites
Room temperature egg whites are a must-have to make this recipe. They are also low-calorie and a strong protein choice.
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
How to make Homemade Marshmallows
Step 1: Beat the egg whites
Use an electric or stand mixer, set to high speed, to beat together the egg whites. Add dry vanilla. Whip until the mixture forms soft, fluffy white peaks.
Step 2: Boil the agar-agar mixture
Meanwhile, on the stove, bring to a boil in a medium-sized pot 1 cup of water and agar-agar. Whisk powdered sugar into the pot, and boil for exactly 6 minutes.
Step 3: Mix agar-agar and egg whites
Take off the heat and add the agar mixture to the egg whites with the mixer on low speed. Mix for another 3 minutes.
Step 4: Pipe the marshmallows
Shape or pipe the marshmallow mixture onto two large baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Shape the marshmallows into any shape you want. I used a pastry bag with a decorating tip. If you’re worried about stickiness, try dusting the baking sheet with a little powdered sugar.
Step 5: Rest and enjoy
Let marshmallows stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. For faster results put it in the refrigerator. Enjoy!
Expert Tips:
- Boil the agar-agar for exactly 6 minutes for the perfect texture. Boiling longer will affect the texture.
- Get creative with shapes by using a pastry bag with a decorating tip. The versatility of homemade marshmallows allows for various fun shapes.
- Experiment with different flavor extracts for a unique twist. Vanilla bean, peppermint, almond, or orange extracts can add exciting variations.
- Make these marshmallows ahead of time and combine them with one-pan dinners for easy to clean meals!
Recipe FAQs
While possible, using an electric or stand mixer is recommended for achieving the desired fluffy consistency.
No, I do not recommend substituting gelatin for agar-agar. It’s best to stick to the recipe!
Make easy desserts right at home! Check out these simple ones:
- This Easy Cherry Danish with Sweet Cream Cheese requires only a handful of ingredients!
- Looking for a make-ahead dessert? These Sweet Tropical Green Chia Fruit Cups are super easy!
Other sweet recipes
If you tried these Homemade Marshmallows or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you enjoyed it in the📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!
Homemade Marshmallows Recipe
Equipment
-
Stand mixer
-
whisk
-
Pastry bag with tips
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 tsp agar-agar
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ tsp dry vanilla
- 3 egg whites, room temperature
Instructions
-
Use an electric or stand mixer, set to high speed, to beat together the egg whites. Add dry vanilla. Whip until the mixture forms soft, fluffy white peaks.3 egg whites,, ¼ tsp dry vanilla
-
Meanwhile, on the stove, bring to a boil in a medium-sized pot 1 cup of water and agar-agar. Whisk powdered sugar into the pot, and boil for exactly 6 minutes.1 cup water, 2 tsp agar-agar, 4 cups powdered sugar
-
Take off the heat and add the agar mixture to the egg whites with the mixer on low speed. Mix for another 3 minutes.
-
Shape or pipe the marshmallow mixture onto two large baking sheets. Shape the marshmallows into any shape you want. I used a pastry bag with a decorating tip. If you're worried about stickiness, try dusting the baking sheet with a little powdered sugar.
-
Let marshmallows stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. For faster results put it in the refrigerator. Enjoy!
