Is there a way to make homemade marshmallows?
Marshmallows can be made by incorporating marshmallow root powder from the marshmallow plant. Yes, there is actually a marshmallow plant, Althaea officinalis, and it has pretty white and pink flowers, and roots with herbal benefits! Even better, here is a recipe to make your own homemade marshmallows. This is not an easy recipe; it takes time, but it is worth it! These marshmallows taste way better then what you can buy in a plastic bag from the store.
Ingredients for Making Homemade Marshmallows
- 1 Tbsp of marshmallow root powder
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1/4 cup of gelatin powder
- 1 cup of maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp of vanilla
- Parchment paper
- Optional: 1/8 cup of jelly (no seeds or chunks) to make colored marshmallows and food coloring as needed for pretty colors. Raspberry, orange, and grape are nice jelly choices.
Homemade Marshmallow Making Instructions
- Mix the 1 cup of warm water and marshmallow root powder together. Pour 1/2 cup of the mix into a saucepan. Pour the other 1/2 cup of the mix into a large mixing bowl.
- Using the marshmallow root water you just poured into the mixing bowl, whisk in the gelatin powder. Set aside.
- Using the marshmallow root water you poured into the saucepan, add in the maple syrup and heat to a gentle boil, WHISKING CONSTANTLY. Once it comes to a gentle boil, continue WHISKING CONSTANTLY for 10 more minutes while it is still just gently boiling.
- Next, In your mixing bowl of marshmallow water and gelatin from Step 2, slowly add the heated marshmallow honey water you just made in Step 3. All the while, continue mixing on low with an electric mixer. (If you want to add the optional jelly, do so after you have added all the marshmallow honey water. Add additional drops of food coloring to achieve the desired color.) Once all the heated marshmallow honey water and optional jelly is added, turn the mixer to high and mix for about 10 more minutes, until it forms marshmallow cream with peaks.
- Next, Line a glass baking dish with parchment paper. Make sure the paper has at least 2 inch lips to use as a handle to pull up the marshmallows once set.
- Pour the marshmallow cream you made in Step 4 into the lined baking dish and allow to set for 4-8 hours.
- Once the recipe has set, line a large cutting board with parchment paper and set on top of the marshmallow cream in the baking dish. Turn dish upside down, holding the lined cutting board to the opening. This is so that the marshmallows, when flipped upside down, will land onto the cutting board.
- Finally, butter a knife and cut the marshmallows into squares.
- Store in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Please share this Homemade Marshmallow Recipe Flyer. It provides all you need to know on one easy page.
Did you know that marshmallow root may help with a cough and sore throat? Here is some research.
- Marshmallow root reduced the cough of those taking and having side effects from enzyme inhibitor drugs to treat hypertension. From: Effect of Althaea officinalis on cough associated with ACE inhibitors.
- In an open trial of 62 patients, a cough syrup made from ivy leaves, thyme herb, aniseed, and marshmallow root was effective. From: Open trial to assess aspects of safety and efficacy of a combined herbal cough syrup with ivy and thyme.
- Lozenges containing marshmallow root showed helped with irritated throat mucosa associated with a dry cough. From: Development and evaluation of novel lozenges containing marshmallow root extract. Pak J Pharm Sci, 26, 1103-1107.
- Throat coat, a tea including licorice, slippery elm, and marshmallow, reduced throat pain in patients. From: Safety and efficacy of a traditional herbal medicine (Throat Coat®) in symptomatic temporary relief of pain in patients with acute pharyngitis: A multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.
Have a fluffy fun day!
By: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, RA (ARC), NAHA and AIA Professional Member, LMT
4/11/18
This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use. These statements are not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any diseases. The information at this page has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Consult a Doctor before using herbs and essential oils if you have medical conditions, are taking medications, or have questions.
