Vegan Marshmallow Recipe (No Aquafaba!) - The Urben Life (2024)

This vegan marshmallow recipe calls for just 7 ingredients and are perfect served with hot chocolate or s'mores.

If you've never made marshmallows at home, you're in for a sweet treat!

Why you'll love this recipe

• My vegan marshmallows are soft, fluffy, springy, and sticky!
• It's allergy friendly: Dairy free, egg free, and gluten free.
• They require a bit of patience, but the end result is unmatched.
• Homemade marshmallows without gelatin, are safe for vegan and vegetarian diets.
• Eggless marshmallows are perfect for the holidays, parties, or camping trips.

Equipment

Here's everything you need to make my homemade marshmallow recipe!

• Stand mixer
• Parchment paper
• Saucepan
• Candy thermometer
• 8x8 baking dish

Are marshmallows vegan?

Unfortunately, most store-bought marshmallows contain gelatin, which gives them that ooey-gooey stretchy consistency. Since it’s derived from animal protein, vegans and vegetarians should avoid it.

Don't stress though, I'm going to share my step-by-step recipe for making the best plant based marshmallows. No gelatin, no egg, and no aquafaba!

Best brands of vegan marshmallows

Thankfully there are some brands that make vegan marshmallows! Dandies are a popular choice that can be found online, in Whole Foods, and Sprouts Farmers Market. Trader Joe's also has vegan mini marshmallows that do not contain gelatin.

Ingredients

There are a few key ingredients that make these vegan marshmallows as close to the real thing as possible.

• Powdered sugar: To keep these vegan marshmallows 100% animal-cruelty-free, use organic powdered sugar.
• Agar agar powder: This flavorless vegan gelatin substitute is derived from red seaweed and acts as the gelling and thickening agent.
• Sugar: Opt for organic granulated sugar! The whiter the sugar, the whiter the marshmallows.
• Light corn syrup: Marshmallows are a sweet treat! This helps with the texture.
• Peppermint extract: This adds a subtle flavor that gives you that classic marshmallow taste. Vanilla extract can be used as a substitute.

How to make vegan marshmallows

Find the full recipe with ingredient measurements and detailed directions below!

Start by rounding up the required equipment and ingredients. Dust the baking pan with some powdered sugar then set aside. Dissolve agar powder in cold water and set aside.

Bring water, sugar, corn syrup, and salt to a boil. Once your candy thermometer readers 240°F, remove from heat and carefully transfer the mixture to the stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.

Working quickly, beat on high speed, until the mixture is thick. This takes about 10-15 minutes. Then stir in peppermint extract.

Transfer the vegan marshmallow batter to the prepared baking pan and let sit uncovered for at least 12 hours. Once the tops are completely dry, place in the refrigerator for 1 hour, to let fully set.

Once the marshmallows are chilled, lift out of the pan and slice into bite-sized pieces with a sharp, clean knife. Coat each marshmallow with remaining powdered sugar and enjoy.

These marshmallows are pretty thick. To make smaller or thinner marshmallows, use a 9x13 casserole dish instead of a 8x8 square baking dish. Alternatively, you could use two 8x8 baking dishes and divide the mixture evenly.

What to serve with marshmallows

• Vegan hot chocolate
• Vegan eggnog
• Gingerbread latte
• S'mores (see how below!)

Vegan s’mores recipe

Now that you have the delicious healthy (ish) homemade vegan marshmallows, let's get roasting! Wondering how to make vegan smores? I've got you covered.

You can toast these marshmallows on a skewer over a fire or stovetop. Once toasted, sandwich in between two graham crackers with a piece of non dairy chocolate.

Storage

Store marshmallows in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Expert tips

• You have to work quickly with this recipe! Prep all your equipment and ingredients ahead of time.
• Read over the recipe in advance so you know what to expect.
• For easy slicing, use a sharp knife and dip it into powdered sugar first.

Related

Try these vegan dessert recipes next:

• Christmas Cracker Toffee
• Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
• Vegan Salted Caramel Cupcakes
• Vegan Chocolate Gravy
• Easy Vegan Sugar Cookies

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