Best Vegetarian Marshmallow Recipe for Fluffy Treats

Marshmallows are a delightful treat that bring back childhood memories of campfires, hot cocoa, and s’mores. But traditional marshmallows often contain gelatin, which is derived from animals, making them unsuitable for vegetarians.

Fortunately, there’s a way to enjoy fluffy, soft, and perfectly sweet marshmallows without compromising your vegetarian lifestyle. This best vegetarian marshmallow recipe is simple, uses plant-based ingredients, and yields the same melt-in-your-mouth texture you crave.

Whether you want to top your hot drinks, bake into desserts, or enjoy them straight, this recipe will become your go-to for homemade marshmallows that everyone can enjoy. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy, fun, and delicious treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unlike conventional marshmallows that rely on animal gelatin, this recipe uses agar-agar, a vegetarian-friendly alternative extracted from seaweed. Agar sets quickly, creating a stable but light texture perfect for fluffy marshmallows.

Plus, this recipe is customizable with natural flavors like vanilla or even a touch of rose water, giving you room to get creative. You’ll find the process surprisingly straightforward, and the results are incredibly satisfying—soft, chewy, and just sweet enough.

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to avoid animal products, these marshmallows are a perfect homemade treat. They’re great for gifting too, wrapped in cute jars or boxes!

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup or golden syrup
• 3/4 cup water, divided
• 2 teaspoons agar-agar powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
• 1/3 cup cornstarch (for dusting)

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Stand mixer with whisk attachment or electric hand mixer
• Candy thermometer
• 9×9 inch square baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Sifter or fine mesh sieve
• Rubber spatula

Instructions

1. Prepare your pan: Line the 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, then lightly dust it with a mix of powdered sugar and cornstarch to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Bloom the agar-agar: In the medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water and agar-agar powder. Let it sit for 5 minutes to hydrate.
3. Cook agar-agar: Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the agar dissolves completely. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Make sugar syrup: In a separate saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, salt, and remaining 1/4 cup water. Attach the candy thermometer and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Continue boiling without stirring until the syrup reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage).
5. Combine mixtures: Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the agar-agar mixture while stirring gently to combine.
6. Whip the marshmallow base: Transfer the mixture to a stand mixer bowl. Using the whisk attachment, beat on high speed for about 10-12 minutes until the mixture triples in volume, becomes thick, glossy, and holds stiff peaks. Add the vanilla extract in the last minute of whipping.
7. Set the marshmallows: Immediately pour the fluffy mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a wet spatula.
8. Let it rest: Allow to set uncovered at room temperature for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until firm and dry to the touch.
9. Cut and coat: Lift the marshmallow slab out using the parchment paper. Using a sharp knife dusted with powdered sugar and cornstarch, cut into 1-inch squares. Toss the squares in the sugar-cornstarch mixture to coat all sides.
10. Store properly: Store marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Tips & Variations

“To get the perfect fluffy texture, ensure your agar-agar is fully dissolved and your sugar syrup reaches the right temperature. Under or overheating can affect the final consistency.”

• Flavor twists: Try adding 1 teaspoon of rose water, almond extract, or peppermint extract instead of vanilla for fun variations.
• Coloring: Add a few drops of natural food coloring during the whipping stage for festive marshmallows.
• Chocolate dipped: Dip finished marshmallows in melted vegan dark chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt for an indulgent treat.
• Storage tip: Keep marshmallows in a dry, cool place. Avoid refrigeration as it can make them sticky.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegetarian marshmallows open up a world of delicious serving options. Here are some ideas to make the most of your homemade batch:

• Toast over a fire or stove flame for classic s’mores with your favorite vegan or vegetarian graham crackers and chocolate.
• Stir into hot chocolate or coffee for a creamy, sweet topping.
• Add to a bowl of fresh fruit salad for a sweet, fluffy contrast.
• Use as decoration on cakes and cupcakes like this Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe to add texture and sweetness.
• Crush and sprinkle over ice cream, such as the creamy Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe, for added crunch and flavor.

Conclusion

Making your own vegetarian marshmallows is a rewarding and fun kitchen adventure. With simple ingredients like agar-agar and pure vanilla, you can recreate the fluffy, sweet treat without any animal products.

This recipe is perfect for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to enjoy a healthier, cleaner version of marshmallows. The versatility of these marshmallows means they’re wonderful for both snacking and baking, and they make thoughtful homemade gifts.

Once you try this recipe, you’ll appreciate the ease and deliciousness of homemade marshmallows, plus the satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s in them. Ready to explore more tasty homemade delights?

Check out our other recipes like the savory Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe or the fun Christmas Cookie Shots Recipe to keep your kitchen buzzing with flavor and creativity!

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