Easy Beef Gelatin Marshmallows – Homemade, Fluffy & Delicious

Discover how to make homemade marshmallows using beef gelatin. This easy recipe yields fluffy, delicious treats perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding to your favorite desserts.

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Whether it’s toasted over a campfire, melted into hot chocolate, or simply enjoyed straight out of the pan, marshmallows are a classic treat. But if you’re like me and want to avoid the additives, preservatives, and artificial dyes found in store-bought versions, this homemade beef gelatin marshmallow recipe is the answer. With just a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can whip up the fluffiest, healthiest marshmallows at home.

Why Use Beef Gelatin?

Beef gelatin is a protein-rich gelling agent derived from cattle collagen. It not only provides the perfect texture for marshmallows but also contains amino acids like glycine and proline, which may support skin health, joints, digestion, and immunity. It’s a nourishing upgrade to conventional gelatin, making these homemade marshmallows a little better for you too.

Still not sure if you should make natural marshmallows with beef gelatin? For more information read this article by the National Library of Medicine.

Equipment

• Pot
• Candy thermometer
• Stand mixer or hand mixer with bowl
• Knife
• Flour sifter
• Spoon
• Measuring cup
• Measuring spoons

Ingredients

• ½ cup cold water
• 2½ tbsp Beef gelatin
• 2 cup Sugar
• ¾ cup hot water
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp vanilla
• 2 tbsp room temperature butter (To coat your dish.)
• Powdered sugar (For dusting)

How to Make Homemade Beef Gelatin Marshmallows

1. Prep Your Dish: Grease a 9×13 dish with butter and generously dust with powdered sugar.

2. Bloom the Gelatin: In a measuring cup, combine cold water and beef gelatin. Stir to combine it’s okay if there are a few clumps. Let sit to bloom.

3. Make the Sugar Syrup: In a pot, combine hot water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Use a candy thermometer and heat until the mixture reaches 240°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for the mixture to cling to your whisk. That’s your visual cue that it’s ready.

4. Combine & Whip: Carefully pour the hot syrup into your mixing bowl. Add the bloomed gelatin. Using a stand or hand mixer, begin on low for 1 minute to combine. Increase speed gradually: mix on medium (6) for 1 minute, high (8) for another minute, then full speed (10) for 3 minutes. Add vanilla, mix on low for 15 seconds, then return to high for 1 more minute until thick and fluffy.

5. Pour & Set: Immediately pour the mixture into the greased and sugared pan. Spread evenly and dust the top with more powdered sugar. Let set at room temperature overnight or refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

6. Cut & Coat: Once set, cut into even squares. Toss uncoated sides in powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container.

Want Marshmallow Fluff Instead?

To use this as marshmallow fluff, stop before pouring the mixture into a pan. Use immediately in recipes that call for fluff, or store in an airtight container for later use.

How to Use These Marshmallows

These fluffy marshmallows are perfect in hot chocolate, s’mores, or dipped in chocolate for party favors. Want to take it a step further? Sandwich one between our Einkorn Brownies or enjoy it alongside our Einkorn Chocolate Chip Cookies for an extra special treat.

Flavor Variations for Beef Gelatin Marshmallows

Looking to level up your homemade marshmallows? Try these fun and easy flavor twists:

1. Vanilla Bean Marshmallows

• Use scraped vanilla bean or vanilla bean paste for a rich, speckled look and gourmet flavor.

2. Peppermint Marshmallows

• Add ½ tsp peppermint extract (in place of or in addition to vanilla).
• Optionally swirl in natural red beet powder or crushed peppermint candy.

3. Cocoa Marshmallows

• Add 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder to the sugar mixture before boiling.
• For an extra treat, sprinkle cocoa powder on top before dusting with powdered sugar.

4. Cinnamon Sugar Marshmallows

• Add 1 tsp ground cinnamon to the gelatin mixture.
• Dust the finished marshmallows with a cinnamon-powdered sugar blend.

5. Strawberry or Raspberry Marshmallows

• Blend freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries into a powder and add 2–3 tbsp to the gelatin mix.
• You can also swirl in homemade berry syrup before the final whip.

6. Maple Marshmallows

• Replace white sugar with maple sugar or use ½ cup maple syrup and reduce other liquid accordingly.
• Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for fall flavor.

What to Serve with Homemade Marshmallows

These fluffy, clean-ingredient marshmallows pair beautifully with a variety of treats and drinks:

Baked Treats

• Einkorn Brownies – Top a warm brownie with a toasted marshmallow.
• Chocolate Chip Cookies – Sandwich marshmallows between cookies for a homemade s’more.
• Homemade Graham Crackers – Make your own classic s’mores!

Warm Drinks

• Hot Cocoa – Drop one or two into your favorite cocoa for a melty, fluffy finish.
• Coffee – A single marshmallow adds sweetness and a subtle creamy texture.
• Chai Tea Latte – Peppermint or vanilla marshmallows pair especially well.

Fun Snacks

• Marshmallow Pops – Dip in chocolate and roll in crushed nuts or coconut.
• Dessert Kabobs – Skewer with fruit and drizzle with chocolate.
• Homemade Rice Crispy Treats – Use your marshmallows for an all-natural version.

FAQ’s

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