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Home » Dessert

Homemade Marshmallows with Egg Whites

Published: Dec 7, 2020 · Modified: Jan 26, 2021 by Ash, The Grocery Addict · This post may contain affiliate links ·

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If you have only ever eaten store bought marshmallows, I'd venture to say you haven't truly lived. Melodramatic much? Maybe. But once you experience the sheer joy that is encapsulated in a melty, pillowy, perfect homemade marshmallow, you'll understand what I mean. Bonus points if you serve it up in a mug with real, homemade hot chocolate - none of that packaged stuff allowed.

homemade vanilla marshmallows coated in powdered sugar on a wooden surface

As a self proclaimed Grocery Addict, you know I'm all about buying the stuff that will make it easier to get delicious food on the table at home. I love me some store bought cheats! But there are some things, these marshmallows included, that are echelons above their store bought counterparts. Spend a bit of time making them, and I can almost guarantee you won't go back to the bagged Jet-Puffed's ever again.

Making marshmallows might sound like a project that is out of your skill level. It might sound downright ridiculous to even consider making homemade marshmallows. Plus, they couldn't be all that different from store bought marshmallows, right? Wrong. I'm here to convince you that none of these things is true.

Table of contents

  • Ingredients and Equipment for Homemade Marshmallows
  • How to Make Homemade Marshmallows with Egg Whites
  • Frequently Asked Questions:
    • Can I make flavored marshmallows?
    • What is the best way to serve these marshmallows?
    • How long do homemade marshmallows last?
  • Need more homemade sweets inspiration? Check out these other delicious recipes:
corn syrup, sugar, water, gelatin, vanilla paste and egg whites as mis en place for homemade marshmallows

Homemade marshmallows requires a shockingly short list of ingredients, most of which I'd reckon you already have on hand. There's also no real special equipment that you need, with the exception of a candy thermometer. And the flavor and consistency of homemade marshmallows is so superior to the store bought version, they're on a different plane entirely.

Take a leap of faith with me and dedicate the next 25 minutes to making yourself some homemade marshmallows. I can pretty much promise your life will be infinitely sweeter because of it.

Ingredients and Equipment for Homemade Marshmallows

I followed Cronut master Dominique Ansel's base recipe for his light and fluffy marshmallows, adding a touch of vanilla paste to up the flavor quotient. His base recipe calls for just 4 ingredients - granulated sugar, corn syrup, egg whites and powdered gelatin. Oh, and water. So 5 ingredients if you're being a stickler.

mis en place for marshmallows on a wooden table with an 8x8 cake tin that has been greased and coated with powdered sugar and corn starch

You're also going to need at least cornstarch, though I prefer a mix of cornstarch and powdered sugar, to keep the marshmallows from sticking.

In terms of equipment, you need a heavy bottomed saucepan, a whisk or fork, a candy thermometer, a measuring cup, measuring spoons and an 8 x 8 cake pan. I'd bet you probably have just about everything you need to make marshmallows at home already, so why not experiment??

If you want to make flavored or brightly colored marshmallows, read the FAQ section for ways to incorporate more yum!

How to Make Homemade Marshmallows with Egg Whites

The way I was taught to make marshmallows is in the traditional French way - using egg whites. This method yields a softer, fluffier and altogether lighter consistency, which I absolutely adore. I also love having recipes to use up whites when I make recipes that use a ton of egg yolks (remember my banana pudding??).

sugar and water in a saucepan
sugar dissolving in water in a saucepan
sugar, water and cornstarch in a saucepan with a candy thermometer at a boil

First up, bring your sugar and ⅓ cup of water to a boil over medium high heat. Next, add your corn syrup. Don't stir! Let the mixture continue to boil until it reaches a temperature of 160F.

hand stirring bowl with gelatin and water

In the meantime, add the other ⅓ cup of water to your gelatin and stir to get rid of any dry parts.

Once the sugar mix comes to 160F, remove from heat and stir in the gelatin mix. It will bubble a bit, but don't fret. Like Dory says: Just keep stirrin', just keep stirrin'.

hand beaters showing soft peaked egg whites in a silver bowl

In a separate mixing bowl, add your egg whites and whip to soft peaks. If you're using a hand mixer, you can stop your bowl from spinning by dampening a kitchen towel and placing it on the counter in a ring shape. Set your bowl inside it like a nest. Neat, right?

corn syrup sugar mixture being poured into egg white mix with beaters mixing

With the mixer going, slowly pour the sugar gelatin mix into the eggs using the side of the bowl to pour it down. Keep beating until the mix becomes thick and you can see air bubbles getting trapped.

overhead shot showing finished consistency of homemade marshmallow mix next to corn starch coated 8x8 cake tin

If you want to add flavoring, the last minute of beating is when to do it! I added my vanilla paste here.

overhead shot of finished marshmallow mix dropping from beater into mixing bowl
vanilla marshmallow mix in a coated 8x8 tin

Now scoop the finished marshmallow mix into a prepared 8 x 8 cake tin that you've greased with a neutral oil and heavily dusted with a 50/50 mix of cornstarch and powdered sugar. Rest for at least 3 hours before turning out and cutting.

homemade marshmallows turned out on a wooden cutting board after being cut into cubes with a bench scraper and corn starch

Once the marshmallows are firm, sprinkle the top with more confectioner's sugar and cornstarch. Turn out onto a work surface that you've dusted with the same. Use a bench scraper to cut into squares. Toss with more powdered sugar and store in an airtight, dry container at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make flavored marshmallows?

You sure can! Feel free to switch out the vanilla paste and use a few drops of any number of extracts - almond, maple, coffee, orange, or peppermint all sound delicious. You can also easily add color by adding gel food coloring to the mix. If you go the peppermint route, lightly swirl some red food coloring through the mix!

My friend Jess suggested that I try a famous Minnesotan treat and dip the marshmallows in thick caramel like you would use for a candy apple. I'd also venture to say dipping them in some tempered dark chocolate would also yield a delicious bite.

Per Dominique Ansel's suggestions (this is his base recipe, after all), you can also do the following:

  • Cinnamon Flavored: Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon during the last minute of beating, then add 1 teaspoon cinnamon to the confectioner's sugar and corn starch mix to toss them in
  • Hazelnut Flavored: Add ¼ cup of hazelnut praline paste during the last minute of beating, then roll the marshmallows in coarsely chopped toasted hazelnuts
  • Coconut Lime Flavored: Add 1 teaspoon pure coconut extract and 2 teaspoons of lime zest during the last minute of beating, then roll them in toasted unsweetened shredded coconut

What is the best way to serve these marshmallows?

Use these marshmallows in any recipe that you would normally use marshmallows for. Toast them over the fire for some s'mores! (Or make my Indoor S'mores Bars if it's too cold outside.)

Add them to a mug of hot chocolate! Make a batch of crispy cereal treats! Take them and dip them in chocolate or caramel! Or both! Honestly, whatever your store bought marshmallows can do, these can do much, much better.

marshmallows melting into a mug of hot chocolate

How long do homemade marshmallows last?

Whenever I make homemade marshmallows, I usually share with buddies because they're so dang good. I also have a tendency to up my consumption of things like hot chocolate and s'mores, so they don't often last very long at all. That said, if kept in an airtight container at a cool room temperature, marshmallows should last 3 weeks.

Need more homemade sweets inspiration? Check out these other delicious recipes:

  • Homemade Candy Corn with Honey
  • Easy Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread
  • Healthy Apple Crisp for Two
  • Julia Child's Favorite Brownies

If you made these awesome homemade vanilla marshmallows with egg whites, please be sure to rate and review the recipe below. I'd love to know how they turned out for you!

If you’d like more delicious recipe inspiration delivered straight to your inbox, be sure to sign up for my email newsletter. You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest or Facebook for more yummy and easy grub ideas!

homemade vanilla marshmallows dusted in powdered sugar and cornstarch on a wooden cutting board

Homemade Marshmallows with Egg Whites

Adapted from Dominique Ansel These fluffy, melty pillows of deliciousness are so far superior to the bags of store bought marshmallows you're used to. Use them in hot chocolate, cereal treats or s'mores for a serious level up.
5 from 4 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Cooling Time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 25 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine French
Servings 25
Calories 40 kcal

Equipment

  • Sauce Pan
  • Candy Thermometer
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Hand Mixer
  • Bench Scraper
  • Cutting Board

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Tbsp + 2 tsp Gelatin Powder mixed with ⅓ C Water
  • 1 C Sugar mixed with ⅓ C Water
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 2 tablespoon Corn Syrup
  • 3 Egg Whites
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Paste
  • 50/50 Mix of Cornstarch and Powdered Sugar to Coat

Instructions
 

  • Prepare 8x8 cake tin by spraying with a neutral non-stick spray. Completely coat the spray with cornstarch.
  • Bring sugar, salt and ⅓ C water to a boil in a saucepan fitted with a candy thermometer. Ensure that the thermometer tip doesn't touch the bottom of the pan.
  • Add the corn syrup to the sugar and water mixture, but don't stir it. Allow it to come to 260F without stirring. Remove from heat.
  • Mix together gelatin and ⅓ C water until completely incorporated. Add gelatin mix to sugar water and whisk to incorporate. It will bubble quite a bit, but continue to whisk until it subsides and the gelatin is dissolved.
  • Whip egg whites in a separate mixing bowl until soft peaks form. Slowly drizzle in the sugar mix using the side of the bowl while beating constantly. Continue beating on high until mixture looks thick and leaves trails.
  • Add vanilla paste and beat for another minute to fully disperse.
  • Pour mix into prepared pan, tapping it on a counter a few times to release any air bubbles. Allow to cool for 2-3 hours.
  • When the marshmallows do not feel super sticky to the touch, sprinkle them with cornstarch.
  • Turn out contents of the pan onto a cutting board that has been covered with a 50/50 mix of cornstarch and powdered sugar. Cut into cubes with bench scraper and roll in the sugar/cornstarch.

Notes

  • Marshmallows will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month, or at room temperature for up to a week.
  • You can add a few drops of gel food coloring and either swirl it through the mix at the end, or beat it in at the end.
  • Feel free to swap out the vanilla paste for your choice of flavor. Add up to ½ teaspoon of your choice of extract including peppermint, maple, almond or hazelnut.
  • Per Dominique Ansel's suggestions (this is his base recipe, after all), you can also do the following:
    • Cinnamon Flavored: Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon during the last minute of beating, then add 1 teaspoon cinnamon to the confectioner's sugar and corn starch mix to toss them in
    • Hazelnut Flavored: Add ¼ cup of hazelnut praline paste during the last minute of beating, then roll the marshmallows in coarsely chopped toasted hazelnuts
    • Coconut Lime Flavored: Add 1 teaspoon pure coconut extract and 2 teaspoons of lime zest during the last minute of beating, then roll them in toasted unsweetened shredded coconut

Nutrition

Calories: 40kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 10mgPotassium: 6mgSugar: 9g
Keyword Cheap, Dessert, Easy, Gluten Free
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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  1. Candace Syrowitz says

    March 13, 2022 at 12:37 pm

    5 stars
    We doubled the recipe. We needed to use up eggs whites from left over creme Brulee separated eggs. These were so easy to make and DIVINE!

    Reply
    • Ash, The Grocery Addict says

      March 13, 2022 at 1:01 pm

      Hooray!! Thanks so much for sharing your success story 💛

      Reply
  2. Keri says

    February 12, 2023 at 3:40 pm

    I'm not sure what I did wrong but my mixture was very stiff when I finished mixing in the gelatin to the egg whites. It had the consistency of a stiff meringue and wouldn't pour nicely into the baking dish, it was lumpy and airy. Any idea what went wrong? Did I mix it too much or not enough?

    Reply
    • Ash, The Grocery Addict says

      February 12, 2023 at 4:14 pm

      Hey Keri, I'm wondering if the sugar-corn syrup mixture got too hot, or maybe was added to the egg whites too quickly? It should be right at 260F, then remove it from heat. If you are certain that you pulled it at that temperature, consider testing your thermometer for accuracy. Put it in a pot of boiling water (not touching the bottom of the pan) and make sure you're reading 212F. If all that is in order, then it's possible that you overwhipped it. If that's the case, they may look a little rough, but they should still taste good when they set up!

      Reply
  3. Rose says

    June 02, 2023 at 2:14 pm

    Can you substitute anything for corn syrup? Simple syrup?

    Reply
    • Ash, The Grocery Addict says

      June 04, 2023 at 1:14 pm

      Simple syrup won't work, I don't think. But you can try using another form of invert sugar like glucose syrup or perhaps honey? Let me know how it turns out if you try!

      Reply

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Hey y'all! My name is Ashley, and I'm the Grocery Addict. I'm here to share my best time saving tips, money saving tricks and store bought grocery hacks to make being the CFO (Chief Food Officer) of your family a little easier. All of my recipes are designed for real, busy people - like you! - who want to eat healthy, homemade food on a tight budget. I can't wait to see you in the kitchen!

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