Vegan Marshmallows

The easiest vegan marshmallow recipe that actually toasts! These gluten-free, Vegan Marshmallows are made with only 5-ingredients including aquafaba, agar agar powder (vegan gelatin), tapioca syrup, vanilla, and a pinch of salt!

YOU GUYS!!!!!! I can’t believe that I am writing a post today sharing a VEGAN marshmallow recipe with you. I CAN HARDLY CONTAIN MY EXCITEMENT!!! Not only are they vegan (no gelatin here!), they are gluten-free, grain free, and refined sugar free! I know you’re skeptical… I was too. I plotted and researched how to make these for days before I built up the courage to even try them. I was completely expecting these to be a big fat kitchen fail, but to my surprise they are a BIG OL’ WIN!

Vegan Marshmallow Ingredients

• 1/2 cup aquafaba
• 1 cup tapioca syrup
• 2 tablespoons agar agar powder
• 6 tablespoons water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste/extract
• powdered sugar, for dusting

What is aquafaba?

Aquafaba is actually the liquid that comes in a can of chickpeas! Who knew the brine in a can of chickpeas was gold?!

What is agar agar?

Agar agar powder is a vegan gelatin made from algae! Don’t worry, it’s flavorless and can also be used to make jello, gummy bears, jelly, etc. It’s very commonly used in Asian cuisine and desserts.

What is tapioca syrup?

Tapioca syrup is kind of like corn syrup, but grain-free. Because tapioca syrup has a bit lower of a glycemic index than corn syrup, the marshmallows won’t be quite as sweet. I have seen vegan marshmallows made with maple syrup, but I like the light color of the tapioca syrup to keep these marshmallows true to the original white color 🙂 .

How To Make Vegan Marshmallows

You do need to plan ahead and make them the day before, unless you’re using the marshmallow fluff in a recipe instead of the full set up marshmallows. But other than patiently waiting for these to dry out, we’re talking 15 minutes prep work!

First, line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper and then spray with coconut oil and generously dust with powdered sugar. You can also use tapioca/arrowroot flour if you don’t want the added sugar. Set aside.

In your stand mixer, beat the aquafaba on high for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can do this with a hand mixer.

Add the tapioca syrup to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. While waiting for it to boil, dissolve the agar agar in the 6 tablespoons of water and then add it to the saucepan. Whisk the syrup continuously until it reaches a rolling boil, then add the salt and vanilla to the saucepan. Whisk to combine then remove from heat.

Turn your mixer down to low, and slowly pour the syrup mixture into the aquafaba to create a marshmallow fluff. Quickly pour the fluff into your prepared baking pan, smooth the surface, and let it rest for about 3 hours/overnight.

Once they have set up, dust with powdered sugar or tapioca/arrowroot flour (low sugar option) and turn it out on a dusted surface. Slice into squares or desired shape. Store the marshmallows in an airtight container, but they are best when consumed the same day, 2 days max.

Optional Additional Ingredients

I have made these marshmallows with pink pitaya powder to make them swirled with pink! You will just need 1 teaspoon of pitaya powder, or other superfood color powder of choice. Then you take about 1/3 cup of marshmallow fluff and stir the powder into the fluff until it turns that color. Dollop the colored fluff onto the white fluff and swirl it with a butter knife or spoon.

Peppermint Marshmallows

I have also made peppermint marshmallows using red beet powder and 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract!

They melt (quicker than store-bought marshmallows, so be conscious of that), they roast and catch on fire eeek! like “real” marshmallows do!

Can I Use These Vegan Marshmallows For S’mores?

Yes! I have had success using them in s’mores!

Do These Vegan Marshmallows Work To Make Marshmallow Krispie Treats?

Unfortunately no. I have tried it and the crispy rice cereal becomes soggy 🙁 .

Recipe Tips

Unsalted canned chickpeas work best. I have had the best luck with whipping aquafaba from a can of garbanzo beans that has no added salt.

Work quickly! Once you stop whipping the marshmallow fluff, these vegan marshmallows will set very quickly.

Using thawed frozen aquafaba works great too. So don’t discard that liquid from a can of chickpeas! Freeze it and then thaw it in warm water when you’re ready to use it. I actually think thawed frozen aquafaba whips up even thicker, so try it some time.

Try boiling the aquafaba before beating it. I have heard/seen that boiling the aquafaba in a saucepan and reducing the liquid by half and then whipping it also results in extra thick and fluffy marshmallow fluff.

What if my marshmallows don’t set up?

If your marshmallows don’t set up, it could be that you didn’t whip the aquafaba long enough. You want to beat the aquafaba until it is pretty stiff, at least 10 minutes.

It could also be from the brand of chickpea brine you used or whether the brine had added salt.

How To Use The Marshmallow Fluff

Let me know what you think about these Vegan Marshmallows recipe down below in the comments section as well as giving it a five rating  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ so that others can discover a vegan marshmallow recipe! Be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make them!

Recipe Video

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