This marshmallow recipe with honey is an easy way to make soft, fluffy homemade marshmallows with a light honey flavor. Instead of relying only on corn syrup for the sweetener, this recipe uses honey with sugar to create a smooth marshmallow mixture that sets into soft, springy squares. They are delicious in hot chocolate, s’mores, dessert boards, or simply enjoyed on their own.
Honey Marshmallow Recipe Overview
- Recipe: Homemade honey marshmallows
- Flavor: Sweet with a light honey and vanilla flavor
- Texture: Soft, fluffy, and springy
- Main ingredients: Honey, sugar, gelatin, water, and vanilla
- Prep time: About 20 minutes
- Cook time: About 10–15 minutes
- Setting time: 4–6 hours
- Yield: About 24 marshmallows
- Best for: Hot chocolate, s’mores, desserts, or snacking
Ingredients
- 3 packets unflavored gelatin
- ½ cup cold water, divided
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
The powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture is used for coating the marshmallows so the finished pieces do not stick together.
How to Make Marshmallows With Honey
Start by lightly greasing an 8-inch square pan and lining it with parchment paper. Mix the powdered sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl, then dust some of the mixture over the prepared pan and save the rest for coating the finished marshmallows. Add ¼ cup cold water to the bowl of a stand mixer, sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the water, and leave it to soften. Meanwhile, combine the remaining ¼ cup water, granulated sugar, honey, and salt in a saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then continue cooking until the syrup reaches about 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer. Carefully pour the hot syrup into the softened gelatin while mixing on low speed. Gradually increase the mixer speed and beat until the mixture becomes thick, pale, and fluffy.
What Do Honey Marshmallows Taste Like?
Honey gives homemade marshmallows a different flavor from marshmallows made primarily with plain sugar and corn syrup. The exact taste depends on the honey you use. A mild honey creates a more subtle sweetness, while a stronger honey can make its flavor more noticeable.
anilla works well with honey because it rounds out the sweetness without overpowering it. If you want the honey flavor to remain the main focus, keep additional flavorings simple.
Why Use Honey in Homemade Marshmallows?
Honey adds both sweetness and flavor to homemade marshmallows. It also gives you another option when you want to make marshmallows without using corn syrup as the primary liquid sweetener.
The finished texture still depends heavily on preparing the syrup correctly and whipping it thoroughly with the gelatin. For that reason, using a candy thermometer is helpful when making this recipe.
Tips for Soft and Fluffy Honey Marshmallows
For the best texture, allow the gelatin to soften fully before adding the hot syrup. The syrup should also reach the correct temperature before it is removed from the heat. If it is not cooked sufficiently, the marshmallows may remain too soft. Whip the mixture until it becomes noticeably thick and fluffy. It should increase in volume and become much lighter than when you started. Because marshmallow mixture becomes sticky as it cools, transfer it to the prepared pan promptly once whipping is complete.
Coating the pan, knife, and finished pieces with the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture can also make the marshmallows easier to handle.
Honey Marshmallows Without Corn Syrup
One reason to make a marshmallow recipe with honey is that is marshmallow recipe without corn syrup commonly found in many homemade marshmallow recipes. In this version, honey is combined with granulated sugar to create the syrup used for the marshmallow base. The result still has the familiar soft and airy marshmallow texture, but the honey adds its own flavor. Choose a honey you already enjoy because its taste may come through in the finished marshmallows.
How to Cut Homemade Honey Marshmallows
Once the marshmallows are completely set, lift the entire slab from the pan using the parchment paper. Dust a cutting surface with the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture before placing the marshmallow slab on it. Use a lightly greased or coated sharp knife to cut the slab into strips and then squares. Toss each cut marshmallow in the coating mixture, making sure the freshly cut sides are covered. Shake off the excess before storing or serving.
Ways to Serve Honey Marshmallows
Honey marshmallows can be used anywhere you would normally enjoy homemade marshmallows. Add one or two to a mug of hot chocolate and allow them to soften on top. Their honey and vanilla flavors also work well as a simple sweet snack.
You can use them for homemade s’mores, arrange them on a dessert board, serve them alongside cookies, or package them as a homemade treat. Cutting the marshmallows into smaller pieces also makes them useful as a topping for desserts and warm drinks.
FAQs
Can you make marshmallows with honey?
Yes. Honey can be used as part of the sweetener in homemade marshmallows. It is heated with sugar and water before being whipped into softened gelatin.
Can I make honey marshmallows without corn syrup?
Yes. This honey marshmallow recipe does not require corn syrup. Honey provides the liquid sweetener alongside granulated sugar.
Why are my homemade marshmallows too sticky?
Freshly cut marshmallows naturally have sticky surfaces. Coat them thoroughly with powdered sugar and cornstarch. Marshmallows that have not had enough time to set may also be harder to cut and handle.
What type of honey is best for marshmallows?
A mild honey is a good choice when you want a subtle flavor. If you prefer a stronger honey taste, choose a more robust variety that you already enjoy.
How long do honey marshmallows need to set?
Allow approximately 4–6 hours at room temperature. Giving the marshmallows enough time to set makes them easier to remove from the pan and cut into clean squares.
Can I use honey marshmallows for s’mores?
Yes. Homemade honey marshmallows can be paired with chocolate and graham crackers for s’mores. The honey adds another layer of sweetness to the classic combination.
Final Thoughts
This marshmallow recipe with honey turns a few simple ingredients into soft, fluffy homemade marshmallows with a gentle honey and vanilla flavor. With gelatin, sugar, honey, water, and a little patience while they set, you can make marshmallows at home without corn syrup. Cut them into squares, coat them well, and enjoy them in hot chocolate, s’mores, desserts, or straight from the container.