These gluten-free vanilla marshmallows are easy and simple to make and are sweet and fluffy. This classic homemade treat is great inside of s'mores or fantastic all on its own!
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Are Marshmallows Gluten-Free?
This is one of the questions that I get asked about the most.
Do marshmallows have gluten?
My answer is maybe.
And because my answer is a "maybe", I now have you covered by providing you with a fantastic recipe for marshmallows that is gluten-free towards the bottom of this post.
Many brands do not label their marshmallows as gluten-free even though they likely do not contain any gluten ingredients.
They do this because they cannot guarentee that ingredients are not subject to cross contamination during the manufacturing process.
Because some store-bought marshmallows may contain gluten-containing ingredients or be processed on equipment or in facitilies that also process wheat, it's important to read ingredient lists and package labels of all marshmallows if you need or must avoid gluten, such as individuals with Celiac Disease.
The safest bet - Always read the labels before purchasing marshmallows, followed up by asking the brand or company altogether.
Some brands do have trace amounts of gluten from their gluten-containing starch ingredients or from other common ingredients that may contain gluten.
It's really important you read all labels in their entirety and avoid those containing:
- Glucose syrup
- Wheat starch
- Modified food starch
- Artificial and natural flavorings may also contain gluten. Proceed with major caution when playing with flavored store-bought marshmallows!
Why this is the best recipe for GF Marshmallows:
Our family had never had a homemade marshmallow before and I felt that that was not acceptable.
The fam was sold right after their first bite.
Of course they were!
Look at how soft, springy, and fluffy the insides are! One bite and you'll be hooked!
Homemade marshmallows are so much better than store bought in every way.
Their smooth vanilla flavor and their fluffy gooey texture with a thin outer crust.... oh my yum.
How to use gluten-free marshmallows?
Now we stick these gluten-free vanilla marshmallows inside campfire s'mores (don't worry, I've got ya covered with these homemade paleo gluten-free graham crackers too!), chop them into smaller pieces for cookies, brownies, and other desserts like No-Bake Smores Cake, or sprinkle them with powdered sugar for an easy holiday treat at parties.
What you need to make Gluten Free Marshmallows:
- unflavored gelatin
- cold water
- granulated sugar
- lukewarm water
- vanilla extract
- almond extract
- cornstarch
- confectioners sugar
How to make easy homemade gluten free marshmallows:
For a detailed list of directions, scroll down to find the full recipe card.
- Soak the gelatin in the ⅓ cup cold water in a mixing bowl and allow to swell for about 10 minutes. It is now considered "bloomed" gelatin.
- While the gelatin is soaking, dissolve the sugar in the 1 ½ cups lukewarm water over low heat in a medium saucepan, stirring constantly.
- Add the swollen "bloomed" gelatin and dissolve, then bring it all to a boil for 13-15 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from the heat and allow to cool until lukewarm.
- Mix the powdered sugar and corn starch in a mixing bowl and stir to combine. Then pour the sugar mixture into your mixing bowl that now has the lukewarm dissolved gelatin mix in it. Beat the mixture until very thick with a stand mixer or handmixer. Add the vanilla and almond extract and beat for another 60 seconds.
- Spray a 9x9 pan with cooking spray and pour in the mixture into an even layer.
- Allow to cool and firm, cut into squares, and sprinkle with powdered sugar if wanted. Enjoy!
How to store leftover marshmallows:
You can store your leftover marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 weeks.
Can Marshmallows be frozen?
Marshmallows can definitely be frozen, and it’s a great way to keep enjoying them for a longer time!
Wrap the marshmallows in tinfoil, place them in a sealable zippie bag, removing as much air as possible, and place them in the freezer, making sure nothing smooshes them while they are freezing into little brick squares.
They’ll last in the freezer for 3-4 months.
How to defrost frozen marshmallows?
Simply place your frozen marshmallows on a room temperature countertop until thawed.
They will be ready to eat in no time!
How to fix sticky marshmallows:
There's a simple and quick fix!
If you find that your marshmallows are stickier than you'd prefer, place your marshmallows in a plastic bag along with a few tablespoons of powdered sugar, close up the zippie bag, and shake the bag until marshmallows are coated and no longer sticking together.
It's kind of like Shake and Bake!
Marshmallow Flavor Varieties:
- Chocolate Marshmallows: add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the powdered sugar and corn starch mixture. Exclude the vanilla and almond extracts from the original recipe.
- Peppermint Marshmallows: Substitute the vanilla extract with peppermint extract and exclude the almond extract altogether.
- Expresso Marshmallows: Add 1.5 tablespoon instant expresso powder to the powdered sugar and corn starch mixture and exclude the vanilla and almond extracs altogether.
- Pumpkin Spice Marshmallows: add 1.5 tablespoon pumpkin spice to the powdered sugar and corn starch mixture. Exclude the vanilla and almond extracts from the original recipe.
- Strawberry Marshmallows:Substitute the vanilla extract with strawberry extract and exclude the almond extract altogether.
- Mint Chocolate Marshmallows: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the powdered sugar and corn starch mixture. Substitute the vanilla extract with peppermint extract and exclude the almond extract all together.
Gluten-Free Marshmallows Recipe
These gluten-free marshmallows are easy and simple to make and are sweet and fluffy. This classic homemade treat is great inside of s'mores or fantastic all on it's own!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
- ⅓ cup cold water
- 3 cups sugar
- 1.5 cups lukewarm water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (see the how to flavor section for other tastes)
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- ⅓ cup confectioners sugar
Instructions
- Soak the gelatin in the ⅓ cup cold water in a mixing bowl and allow to swell for about 10 minutes. It is now considered "bloomed" gelatin.
- While the gelatin is soaking, dissolve the sugar in the 1 ½ cups lukewarm water over low heat in a medium saucepan, stirring constantly.
- Add the swollen "bloomed" gelatin and dissolve, then bring it all to a boil for 13-15 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from the heat and allow to cool until lukewarm.
- Mix the powdered sugar and cornstarch in a mixing bowl and stir to combine. Then pour the sugar mixture into your mixing bowl that now has the lukewarm dissolved gelatin mix in it. Beat the mixture until very thick (see video) with a stand mixer or hand mixer. Add the vanilla and almond extract and beat for another 60 seconds.
- Spray a 9x9 pan with cooking spray and pour in the mixture into an even layer.
- Allow to cool and firm, cut into squares, and sprinkle with powdered sugar if wanted. Enjoy!
These tasty treats are amazing! I highly recommend them for all coeliacs and others.
Your marshmallows looks delicious. I would like to try and make them. I was wondering if you can use them in other recipes like marshmallow squares, hot chocolate or other ways the same as you would the boughten ones?
Yes Christine, you totally can use them in recipes just like you would with store-bought!
I’m sure you can.
I'd love to make these for Christmas time and use the white as a canvas for a little french piping decor! Thanks. They look incredible.
Oh what a great idea! 🙂
I have never tried making marshmallows even though I know they aren't that difficult to make, but they still intimidate me. Yours looks so fluffy! Just perfect little clouds of goodness
I was intimidated too until I tried making them. Now I am a marshmallow snob and LOVE homemade marshmallows over the store bought ones. Try it! You'll like it!