Homemade Espresso Marshmallows

By Amanda Paa – Updated April 11, 2023
5 from 1 vote
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Raise your hand if you’re scared of the candy thermometer….. Hand raised HIGH here.

The vanilla bean caramels I tried to make once? Fail.
But Homemade Espresso Marshmallows? Major win. So much easier to make than I thought.

I really wanted to try making my own fluffy, homemade marshmallows. Besides my fear of the candy thermometer, an internal battle about using corn syrup (one of the essential ingredients) was weighing on me.

But the more I thought about it, I bought a bottle of Karo Syrup knowing that a once a year treat is not going to kill me.

homemade espresso marshmallows | heartbeet kitchen

A java junkie at heart (I drink this Cold Brew Iced Mocha all the time!), my sights were set on making fluffy Coffee Marshmallows drizzled with dark chocolate. They’re kind of like espresso and hot chocolate giving each other a hug. Or those chocolate covered beans you beg the Starbucks barista for “just one more” as she hands you your mocha.

When I bit into the first one, it was as if I was nibbling on a cloud. They’re so fluffy and soft! Springy and lightweight, I giggled as I watched them bounce off one another as I tossed them in the powdered sugar.

A store bought bag of marshmallows could sit in my cupboards untouched for months, but these…. man, pure edible bliss. Laced with espresso powder and a touch of vanilla, they have just the faint complexity you’d want from a perfect cup of coffee.

homemade espresso marshmallows | heartbeet kitchen

The process was easier than I had imagined, and I even used a hand mixer because that’s all I have. Besides the detailed recipe (which don’t be scared when you see how long it is – that’s only because I wanted to give you good directions!)

Tips for Making Homemade Marshmallows

1. Make sure you have a good candy thermometer – this is the one I use and it’s sturdy, reliable, and easy to read. Be sure that the tip of the thermometer is submerged in the sugar syrup while it’s boiling for an accurate measurement.

2. One way to know your marshmallows will set properly is that that the batter will hold a soft peak before falling back on itself when you lift up the whisk.

3. Let the marshmallows sit in the pan for at least 6 hours, even better if you can wait overnight.

homemade espresso marshmallows | heartbeet kitchen

I was pretty proud of my marshmallow triumph so I packaged them up in gift bags for friends and family who I saw on Sunday. Seeing their eyes smile with joy and exclaim “Homemade Marshmallows?!” like little children was such a treat.

Drizzled in dark chocolate, these little pillows of magic will certainly bring you happiness!

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homemade espresso marshmallows in a black tin

Homemade Espresso Marshmallows

Step by step instructions fro making fluffy, homemade espresso marshmallows that taste like espresso and hot chocolate giving each other a hug!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time :10 minutes
Cook Time :20 minutes
Total Time :30 minutes
Yield: 24 marshmallows
Author: Amanda Paa

SCALE:

Ingredients

  • 2 packets 0.25 ounces each + 1 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
  • 3/4 cup water divided
  • 3/4 c light corn syrup
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons espresso powder
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • 2 ounces of 65% dark chocolate melted

Instructions 

  • Before you begin, grease a 9″ x 9″ pan with nonstick spray. Add two teaspoons of powdered sugar and shake it around to coat the bottom.
  • Combine 1/2 cup warm water and espresso powder, whisking until dissolved. Transfer the mixture to the refrigerator to cool. Pour the cooled coffee into the bowl of a stand-up mixer (or you can use a large bowl and a hand-mixer). Sprinkle the gelatin atop the cooled coffee mixture and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan with a candy thermometer attached to the side, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and remaining 1/4 cup of water. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved, barely stirring. Turn the heat up to moderately high heat and bring the mixture to a hard boil  until the candy thermometer reaches 238 degrees F, as it will creep up 2 more degrees to soft ball stage of 240 once off the heat.
  • Lower the whisk attachment or your hand mixer and turn it on low. Carefully add the boiling liquid to the gelatin mixture. Turn the mixer to medium and beat for 6 minutes, then turn up to high and beat for another 4-5 minutes, until mixture has doubled in volume and is thick and fluffy. Pour in the vanilla extract and beat for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  • Pour into the prepared pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula dipped in water until evenly disbursed. It’s okay if it’s not totally smooth! Dust the top with a few tablespoons of powdered sugar and cover with foil or plastic wrap to let them set, about 6 hours or overnight.
  • To release the marshmallows from the pan, run a knife around the edges and invert onto a large cutting board. Using a greased pizza cutter, cut the marshmallows into 1 1/2-inch to 2-inch cubes, then coat them in the powdered sugar to keep them from being sticky. Pat off the excess or place marshmallows in a strainer and shake. Place them on wax paper, drizzle with the chocolate and let set.

Notes

*all degrees are in Fahrenheit

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December 18, 2013

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17 comments

  1. Mandy

    Would strong coffee work or would that not result in as strong flavor? I forgot to pick up espresso powder when I was out today. Of course. Ha! Thanks!

  2. Ruth

    What exactly is the amount of 2 packets of gelatine? What packages are you talking about? I have a tub of powdered gelatin you see. 😬 please help.

    • Amanda Paa

      Hello! 1 pouch is about 2 1/2 teaspoons (7g) unflavoured gelatine. I use this kind.

      • Ruth

        Thank you!!!

  3. Melissa

    Great idea! When you say powdered espresso, do you mean just espresso ground beans or something that dissolves in water? I also thought about using espresso instead of water. Thoughts?

    • amandapaa

      Hi! Espresso powder is this: http://amzn.to/2fXPyoS {affiliate link}, so different than ground espresso beans in that it is ground extremely fine, more than you’d be able to do with a spice grinder I have a feeling. Another option would be to pour the 1/2 cup of water, take 2 tablespoons out, and replace that with really strong brewed coffee. Hope that helps! xo

      • Melissa

        Perfect! Thank you :) I’m making them today, I I will try replacing the water with espresso instead. Wish me luck!

      • Melissa

        Well…my husband loves them. I think they have more of a burnt espresso taste, than a coffee ice cream type flavor, which is what I was going for. I want to get some of that powder and see what type of a difference it makes. :)

  4. Sandy

    Would an 8×8 pan work? I have been wanting to make these for over a year now. I have the ingredients out on the counter waiting to be used.

    • amandapaa

      yes, an 8×8 pan will work great – the marshmallows will just be a little thicker.

  5. staceys

    For what it is worth, there is a difference between HFCS and Karo Corn Syrup. Thank you for posting an espresso version! I love making marshmallows but haven’t tried this flavor yet! will do soon.

  6. Cyndy

    These are beautiful. I love homemade marshmallows, so easy to make & they are so much better tasting than packaged. A good friend sent me your link. I’ve been thinking of making some this weekend so I’ll try these. Your photos are beautiful, literally Eye Candy.

  7. Lee

    Shutttt upppp! These are so cute. I have never made a homemade marshmallow before, but they look so fun! Great choice in flavor :D

  8. Kristen

    I love making homemade marshmallows and love this variation! I bet it would be so good IN a cup of coffee!

  9. Sandy

    As soon my family gets a new fridge I am making these and sharing them with everyone.

  10. Kate

    Yay!! They look great! I’m so glad they turned out. I’ve only made them in culinary school and it was so easy and they are SO much better from scratch. The bagged ones are nothing but gooey plastic in comparison.

    I imagine those flavors tasted amazing together. Congrats!!!

    • amandapaa

      :) They were fun to make. It was like being a kid again! It’s true, they are so much better than store bought. I can’t wait to try making other flavors too. I would love to bring you some if I see you soon!