Homemade Marshmallows Recipe

I like to call these fluffy, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth creations homemade marshmallows. They may not be traditional marshmallows, but they are delectable Russian Zefir Marshmallows that are super easy to make!

I haven’t been baking lately, but these marshmallows are definitely on my to-do list for this winter. My kids love to play outside in the cold, and they love a warm cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows when they come back in. Especially with a plate of raspberry macarons to go with them! Another plus for winter – marshmallows are a yummy way to soothe a sore throat!

And don’t underestimate their power to wow the guests at the next party or babyshower you throw. You can dress up this home-made zefir recipe with blackberry juice or squeeze strawberries for a strawberry marshmallow flavor. Then use a star tip pastry bag to make a gorgeous Russian dessert table showstopper.

What Zephir Marshmallows are Made Of

You’ll find other bloggers recommend unhealthy ingredients like Jello or food coloring. But for this recipe, we keep to tradition and healthy ingredients.

Set aside these ingredients before you get started:

A cup of cold water is as simple as it gets.

If you want to flavor your marshmallows with something other than vanilla, you can strain fresh-squeezed blackberry, raspberry or strawberry juice (or apple puree) and add it to the water to make 1 cup of liquid. But only add just a bit – you don’t want to throw off the reaction of the gelatin.

If you use high acid flavorings like lemon juice, you will have to adjust the amount of agar powder. Google instructions for how to use your floaving with agar-agar.

Agar powder

Agar-agar is a: A non-GMO gelatin substitute that is gluten-free and vegan. It is high in vitamins and minerals and makes these marshmallows a healthy treat. You can find agar in health food stores, online, and in some Kroger stores.

Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar, also known as confectionery or confectioner’s sugar,  sweetens things up and helps the recipe come together. It is crucial that you use powdered sugar and not granulated sugar or the recipe will not work.

Vanilla

For delicious, great in cocoa home-made zefir, I love to use simple vanilla. But — you must use dry vanilla! It absolutely must be dry vanilla and not liquid vanilla extract.

Egg Whites

Room temperature egg whites are a must-have to make this recipe. They are also low-calorie and a strong protein choice.

Easy desserts can be made right at home! Check out these simple ones:

This Easy Cherry Danish with Sweet Cream Cheese requires only a handful of ingredients!

Looking for a make-ahead dessert? These Sweet Tropical Green Chia Fruit Cups are super easy!