Did you know marshmallows are super easy to make from scratch? I probably wouldn’t make plain marshmallows from scratch because I’m all about the easiest way possible, and it’s obviously easiest to buy plain ol’ regular marshmallows. But with marshmallows made from scratch, you can make so many different flavors! And I can’t think of a better flavor for spring than Lemon Lavender Marshmallows! These are light and bright and are the perfect flavor to bring spring!
Ingredients
The two key ingredients for making marshmallows from scratch are gelatin and corn syrup. The gelatin helps the marshmallows to hold their shape and helps create the texture, while the corn syrup also contributes to the texture as well as the flavor. Additionally, a combination of powdered sugar and cornstarch keep the outside of the marshmallows from sticking to everything! You'll also need water and sugar to create the marshmallow, and lemon extract and ground lavender for the flavor.
How to make Lemon Lavender Marshmallows
You’ll want a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, or you’ll get a solid arm workout. You’ll also need a candy thermometer for this, but if you don’t have one you can get a good one for super cheap (I got mine for about $6 on Amazon)!
In the bowl of your stand mixer, put the gelatin and first half cup of water, and set aside. Next, you'll combine sugar, corn syrup, and the other half cup of water in a pan on the stove. You'll cover this pot and heat over medium heat for 4-5 minutes. Then, remove the lid, clip on your candy thermometer, and keep heating until the mixture reaches 240 F. Remove the pot from the heat, start your stand mixer on low speed, and slowly stream in the hot mixture. Once the mixture is fully added, turn up the speed to med-high and let that baby do it's thing for 12 minutes.
While that's going, prepare your pan. You'll do this by lining an 8x8 pan with parchment paper. Combine the corn starch and powdered sugar, and sprinkle half the mixture along the bottom of and up the sides of the lined pan.
After your 12 minutes are up, stop your mixer, add in the lemon extract and lavender, and then let the mixer run for another 1-2 minutes. You should have a thick, bright white, fluffy mixture. Spray your spatula with nonstick spray and spread the mixture into the pan. Top the mallows with the remaining corn starch/powdered sugar mixture, and let sit about 4 hours to set.
When ready to serve, you can cut these with a knife, or you can use cookie cutters to make them into fun shapes! Whatever you use to cut them, make sure to spray it with non-stick spray before cutting. You may also want a little bit extra powdered sugar/corn starch mix if the sides of the mallows are sticky once they're cut. You can roll those sticky edges in some extra powder.
I usually eat these straight out of the bag, but you can enjoy them however you'd like!
How to Use a Candy Thermometer
When you use a candy thermometer, you’ll want to make sure the tip of the thermometer is not touching the bottom of the pot, but otherwise you just clip it on to the side of the pot and it does all the work! And be careful when you remove it because it can get hot to the touch. I always use a potholder to take it off the pot.
Candy thermometers are unique in that they are able to measure a wide range of temperatures. Meat thermometers generally have a much smaller temperature range, though if you have one that goes up high enough you can certainly use it!
Are homemade marshmallows worth it?
YES! As someone who is fully in support of short cuts and easy recipes and buying ingredients you don't enjoy making (you will not see me making a pie crust anytime soon!), I truly mean it when I say that it is SO worth it to make marshmallows from scratch. They are super easy to make, they taste significantly better than store-bought mallows, and when you make them from scratch, you can make them in a wide variety of flavors.
How to Store Lemon Lavender Marshmallows
The marshmallows can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. A zip top baggie is perfect for these!
How long will homemade marshmallows keep?
If you store them as stated above, they should stay good for a few weeks…assuming they last that long without being devoured!
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📖 Recipe
Lemon Lavender Marshmallows
Ingredients
- 3 packages unflavored gelatin
- ½ cup water
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1 tablespoon lavender
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup corn starch
Instructions
- Put gelatin and first ½ cup of water into the mixing bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment and set aside.
- Heat sugar, corn syrup, salt, and the other ½ cup water in a small to medium pot, covered over medium-high heat for approximately 4 minutes.
- Uncover and continue heating until mixture reaches 240 F. This could take 10 minutes or more.
- Remove from heat.
- Begin beating the gelatin mixture with the whisk attachment of the mixer and very slowly pour in the syrup mixture.
- Beat for an additional 12 minutes.
- While that's beating, in a separate small bowl combine powdered sugar and cornstarch.
- Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper, and coat the bottom and sides with approximately half of the powdered sugar/cornstarch mixture. Set aside until your mixture is ready.
- When the 12 minutes is complete, stop the mixer, add in lemon extract and lavender, and then beat for another minute.
- Pour mixture into the pan and spread evenly with a greased spatula.
- Sprinkle most of the remainder of the powdered sugar/cornstarch mixture over top and let sit for 4 hours.
- Cut into cubes with a greased knife. Coat the sides of each cube with the powdered sugar/cornstarch mix and enjoy!
Did you try this recipe? Review and comment below, and share a photo on Instagram and tag @flourdeliz!
Looking for other marshmallow recipes? Check these out:
Strawberries & Champagne Marshmallows
Bailey's Marshmallows
Chai Marshmallows
Maple Marshmallows
Pumpkin Spice Marshmallows
Looking for other lemon lavender recipes? Check these out:
This post was updated in April 2021 with an improved recipe, new photos, and additional information about the recipe.
Zainab says
These pictures are beautiful! Love the flavors of lemon and lavender in these marshmallows
Liz says
Thank you!! I thought it was about time for some bright, fresh flavors!
Jess says
Lavender what? Extract? Essential oil? Flower buds? I don’t want to poison anyone😂
Liz Pollio says
You should be able to find culinary lavender at a spice shop. You definitely want to make sure it's edible!