If you’ve ever enjoyed a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth marshmallow and wondered how to make them at home, you’re in for a treat. This beef gelatin marshmallow recipe is a fantastic way to create soft, pillowy marshmallows using high-quality, natural ingredients.
Unlike store-bought marshmallows, which often contain modified starches and artificial additives, homemade marshmallows made with beef gelatin offer a cleaner, more authentic texture and flavor. Plus, making marshmallows from scratch is surprisingly simple and allows you to customize sweetness, flavor, and even add fun extras like vanilla or cocoa.
Whether you want to impress friends with homemade treats or prefer to avoid commercial preservatives, this recipe will guide you through every step. From blooming the gelatin to whipping the perfect marshmallow fluff, you’ll learn how to make marshmallows that are perfect for hot cocoa, roasting over a fire, or simply snacking.
Ready to sweeten your kitchen with a batch of homemade goodness? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This beef gelatin marshmallow recipe stands out for its simplicity and quality. Using beef gelatin gives the marshmallows a stable, elastic texture that holds up well in various applications, from s’mores to dessert toppings.
Unlike plant-based gelatin alternatives, beef gelatin creates a classic marshmallow chewiness that’s hard to beat.
Not only are these marshmallows deliciously soft, but they’re also free from artificial ingredients and preservatives. The recipe uses everyday pantry staples like sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla extract.
Plus, you can easily customize the flavor to suit your mood—think peppermint for the holidays or citrus zest for a refreshing twist.
Best of all, making marshmallows at home is a fun project that yields a delightful treat. You’ll impress your family and friends, and once you try making them yourself, store-bought marshmallows won’t satisfy your cravings anymore!
Ingredients
- 3 packages (21 grams total) beef gelatin
- 1 cup cold water, divided
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Optional: cornstarch or additional powdered sugar for coating
Equipment
- Stand mixer with whisk attachment (or a hand mixer)
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Candy thermometer
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Spatula
- Sifter or fine mesh sieve
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Non-stick cooking spray or oil
Instructions
- Bloom the gelatin: Pour 1/2 cup of cold water into the large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the beef gelatin evenly over the water and let it sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the gelatin to absorb the water and soften.
- Prepare the sugar syrup: In the medium saucepan, combine the remaining 1/2 cup cold water, granulated sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Place over medium-high heat and stir gently just until the sugar dissolves.
- Cook the syrup to soft-ball stage: Clip the candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan. Allow the mixture to boil without stirring until it reaches 240°F (115°C), also known as the soft-ball stage. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Combine syrup with gelatin: Carefully remove the hot sugar syrup from heat. Slowly pour the syrup into the bloomed gelatin while mixing on low speed with the stand mixer. Be cautious as the syrup is extremely hot.
- Whip the marshmallow mixture: Increase the mixer speed to high and whip the mixture until it becomes very thick, glossy, and lukewarm, about 10-15 minutes. Add the vanilla extract during the last minute of whipping.
- Prepare the pan: Lightly grease the 8×8-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or oil. Dust the pan generously with powdered sugar (or a mix of powdered sugar and cornstarch) to prevent sticking.
- Pour and set: Pour the marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Dust the top with more powdered sugar to prevent stickiness. Let it sit uncovered at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
- Cut and coat: Once set, turn the marshmallow slab onto a cutting board dusted with powdered sugar. Cut into squares with a sharp knife dusted with powdered sugar. Toss each marshmallow in additional powdered sugar or cornstarch to coat all sides.
- Store properly: Store marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Avoid refrigeration as it can make marshmallows sticky or hard.
Tips & Variations
For perfectly smooth marshmallows, ensure your sugar syrup reaches the precise temperature of 240°F. Using a reliable candy thermometer is key.
If you want to get creative, try these variations:
- Chocolate Marshmallows: Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the gelatin before blooming for a rich chocolate flavor.
- Mint Marshmallows: Substitute vanilla extract with peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.
- Fruit-Flavored Marshmallows: Fold in 1/4 cup of freeze-dried fruit powder (such as raspberry or strawberry) during the last minutes of whipping.
- Spiced Marshmallows: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar syrup for a cozy flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per 1 Marshmallow (approx. 20g) |
---|---|
Calories | 60 |
Total Fat | 0g |
Sodium | 15mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 15g |
Sugars | 12g |
Protein | 1g |
Serving Suggestions
These homemade beef gelatin marshmallows are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:
- Classic Hot Cocoa: Drop a few marshmallows into a steaming mug of hot chocolate for a creamy, sweet topping.
- Roasted over a Fire: Toast them on a campfire or stovetop for gooey, caramelized treats perfect for s’mores.
- Dessert Toppings: Use chopped marshmallows to decorate cakes, cupcakes, or ice cream sundaes.
- Snack Packs: Pack marshmallows in small bags as a fun treat for parties or lunchboxes.
Want to explore more homemade treats? Check out my recipes for Homemade Gummy Candy, Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Easy Pumpkin Bread for delicious, crowd-pleasing desserts.
Conclusion
Making your own marshmallows with beef gelatin is a rewarding experience that combines simple ingredients and straightforward techniques to create a delightful treat. The soft, airy texture and pure flavor of homemade marshmallows far surpasses anything you can find on store shelves.
Plus, the ability to customize flavors and shapes means you can tailor them perfectly to any occasion or craving.
With this recipe, you’ll gain confidence in handling sugar syrups and gelatin, skills that open the door to many other fun kitchen projects. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for yourself or gifting them to friends, these marshmallows are sure to bring smiles and sweet moments.
So grab your ingredients, get your mixer ready, and enjoy the magic of homemade marshmallows today!
📖 Recipe Card: Beef Gelatin Marshmallow Recipe
Description: A fluffy and chewy marshmallow made using beef gelatin for a natural, protein-rich treat. Perfect for snacking or adding to hot chocolate.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons beef gelatin powder
- 1/2 cup cold water, divided
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Sprinkle gelatin over 1/4 cup cold water and let bloom for 5 minutes.
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, salt, and remaining 1/4 cup water in a saucepan and heat until 240°F (soft-ball stage).
- Slowly add hot syrup to gelatin while mixing on low speed.
- Increase mixer speed to high and whip until mixture is thick and fluffy, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add vanilla extract and mix briefly to combine.
- Pour mixture into a powdered sugar-dusted pan and let set for 4 hours.
- Cut into squares and dust with additional powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Nutrition: Calories: 90 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 21g
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