This 5-Ingredient Healthy Marshmallow Recipe is the perfect sweet treat to pair with hot chocolate. It’s made with the best quality ingredients with added health benefits that are much better for you than from your grocery store.

Fromt facing view of powdered sugar being dusted on Healthy Gluten Free Homemade Marshmallows in small white bowl.

Healthy Marshmallow Recipe

Okay, marshmallow lovers, let’s talk.

We all know that marshmallows are fluffy little pillows of sugary goodness, but what if I told you there’s a way to enjoy them without feeling like you’re eating straight-up sugar cubes? Yep, we’re talking a healthy marshmallow recipe!

These beauties are made with honey instead of processed sugar, and trust me, they’re just as fluffy and sweet as the store-bought kind. Plus, they’re made with unflavored gelatin and a touch of vanilla, so you’re basically whipping up a treat that’s simple, pure, and totally indulgent without all the junk.

Get ready to impress yourself (and everyone you know) with these homemade marshmallows that are so much better for you than the ones from the bag.

Whether you’re roasting them over a campfire, melting them into your hot cocoa, or just snacking on them straight up (no judgment here), these healthy marshmallows are going to change your treat game forever.

The best part about this recipe is you don’t need any special equipment like a candy thermometer. You only need the bowl of a stand mixer or a hand mixer and a large bowl.

If you love this gluten free marshmallows recipe you may like to try my Gluten Free Sugar Cookies or my Christmas Rice Krispies.

Bowl of white fluffy square desserts in white bowl with powdered sugar in foreground.

MAIN INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED FOR THE 5 INGREDIENT HOMEMADE HEALTHY MARSHMALLOWS

You will need the following simple ingredients listed below to make these fluffy marshmallows (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post):

Water
Grass-fed gelatin – can use Vital Proteins for the gelatin mixture.
Honey – alternatively you can use pure maple syrup.
Vanilla extract
Sea salt
Arrowroot powder or powdered sugar

Close up shot of hand squishing a homemade healthy marshmallow.

HOW TO MAKE

Spray an 9″ x 11″ rectangle baking dish and cover with parchment paper (leaving it longer on the sides for easy removal).
In a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, add gelatin and half the cold water (2/3 cup).
In a medium saucepan bring the remaining 2/3 cup of water to a boil. Add the honey, vanilla, and salt and let boil for 1 minute. Then quickly add the water honey mixture into the bowl of the stand mixer bowl and begin mixing together on low speed.
After about 1 minute, turn mixer onto high speed and beat for 8-10 minutes. The marshmallow mixture should look thick and shiny. Almost as if you were mixing egg whites trying to get stiff peaks.
Once it’s done, quickly transfer to the pan using a rubber spatula, ensuring it’s even. Let sit for minimum 2 hours, preferably 4-5 hours or overnight.
Once it is set, dust countertop with arrowroot starch or icing sugar, and flip marshmallows onto the counter or onto a cutting board. Cut into 30 pieces with a sharp knife! If they are not sweet enough for your liking, sprinkle more icing sugar overtop.

Easy Homemade Healthy Marshmallows For Christmas By Basics With Bails

DIFFERENT FLAVORS YOU CAN TRY

Once you have mastered making marshmallows, it can be fun to get creative! The most simple and straight forward flavour is vanilla.
If you want to get more creative, you can also use different types of extracts. Almond, peppermint, orange, etc to make the flavours festive!
Peppermint marshmallows in a peppermint hot cacao, YUM! If you are adding cocoa powder to make chocolate marshmallows, or jams/fruit purees, you will probably need to add more gelatin to counter balance!

Side angle of powdered sugar being sprinkled on homemade dessert in white bowl.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

When you get to the whipping step, whip it until it looks like thick marshmallow cream. Wait until it gets voluminous and shiny and almost has soft peaks.
Work quickly while scooping the mixture into a prepared pan, otherwise the texture may be off slightly.
When storing the marshmallows, don’t allow any moisture in them. Do not store them with a lid or use the refrigerator. Use a Tupperware container or stasher bag and keep it only slightly covered.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

4.34 from 9 votes

5-Ingredient Healthy Homemade Marshmallows (Easy)

These 5 Ingredient Healthy Homemade Marshmallows are the perfect sweet treat to pair with hot chocolate. They are made with the best quality ingredients with added health benefits that are much better for you than from your grocery store.

Prep Time20

Cook Time2

Total Time2 20

Course: Christmas

Cuisine: American

Servings: marshmallows

Calories: 56kcal

Author: Bailey Campbell

Ingredients

1 ⅓ cup water divided in half
3 tbsp unflavoured gelatin
1 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla
pinch of salt
arrowroot starch or icing sugar for countertop and dusting marshmallows

Instructions

Spray an 9″ by 11″ rectangle pan and cover with parchment paper (leaving it longer on the sides for easy removal).
In a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, add gelatin and half the water (2/3 cup), making sure its cold.
In a saucepan bring the remaining 2/3 cup of water to a boil. Add the honey, vanilla, and salt and let boil for 1 minute. Then quickly add the water mixture into the stand mixer bowl and begin mixing together.
After about 1 minute, turn mixer onto high and beat for 8-10 minutes. The mixture should look thick and shiny. Almost as if you were mixing egg whites trying to get soft peaks.
Once it’s done, quickly transfer to the pan, ensuring it’s even. Let sit for minimum 2 hours, preferably 4-5 hours or overnight.
Once it is set, dust countertop with arrowroot starch or icing sugar, and flip marshmallows onto the counter. Cut into as many pieces as you desire! If they are not sweet enough for your liking, sprinkle more icing sugar overtop.

Notes

Used grass-fed gelatin

Nutrition

The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.

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STORING LEFTOVERS

Keep marshmallows in an airtight container at room temp for 5–7 days. Dust them well, separate layers with parchment, and stash in a cool, dry spot (heat + sun = sticky chaos).

FAQS

HOW DO I BLOOM GELATIN PROPERLY?

For the best results, sprinkle gelatin over half of the water in a bowl and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the gelatin to fully absorb the warm water, creating the perfect base for your honey marshmallows.

CAN I MAKE THIS HEALTHY MARSHMALLOW RECIPE WITHOUT HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP?

Absolutely! This healthy marshmallow recipe uses honey as a natural sweetener instead of high fructose corn syrup. You can enjoy these fluffy treats knowing they’re made with natural sweeteners that are better for your body and taste just as sweet!

Other Sweet Treats You May Like To Try!

IF YOU TRIED THESE DELICIOUS TREATS PLEASE LEAVE IT A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THESE PALEO MARSHMALLOWS ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails