How to melt marshmallows
Find out how to melt marshmallows safely using the grill, hob or microwave and learn which method is best suited to your recipe. Enjoy melty marshmallows in cookies, s'mores and traybakes.
Marshmallows are soft, airy sweets made from whisked-up egg whites that have been stabilised with hot sugar syrup and set with gelatine or a vegetarian gelling agent. They’re often eaten cold but are even better slightly warmed and melty, especially if they’ve been lightly toasted on the outside.
If you want to your marshmallows slightly toasted and melty in the middle, your best bet is to carefully heat them under the grill or on a barbecue or bonfire. However, if you need the marshmallows to be melted for use in a recipe like a mousse or cereal bar, then it’s best to do so very gently in a saucepan, ideally with other ingredients like butter, milk or water, depending on your recipe.
Basic recipe for melting marshmallows using the grill
Grilling or toasting marshmallows makes them very gooey, especially in the centre, so it’s a good idea to serve them on top of something sturdy, like a biscuit or a tart.
Serves 8
- 8 marshmallows
- 16 cookies
- Heat the grill to high and line a baking sheet with baking parchment. Put 8 cookies on the tray and top each with a marshmallow. Grill until the marshmallow begins to brown and melt.
- Take the remaining 8 cookies and sandwich on top of the melty marshmallows.
Using the hob
It’s very easy for heated marshmallows to turn into a horrible, sticky mess. To avoid this, it’s important to melt them slowly over a low heat. Use a larger pan than you think you’ll need, as the marshmallows will expand as they warm through.
Using the microwave
You can also melt marshmallows in a microwave. Heat them in a large microwave-safe bowl with a couple of tablespoons of water. You'll need to check them every 10 seconds, stirring each time to ensure they melt evenly.
Whichever method you choose, it’s important to be aware that melted marshmallow will be very hot due to its high sugar content – so be very careful when working with it.
Our top 5 melty marshmallow recipes:
Ever tried an American-style marshmallow s'more? It's a Bonfire Night-friendly stack of sweet joy, with cookies and chocolate spread thrown in for good measure.Strawberry marshmallow mousse
Try this creamy mousse for a super-quick make-ahead dessert.White Russian tart
A classic white Russian cocktail transformed into an indulgent dessert. This pie has a fluffy marshmallow and Kahlúa filling on a crunchy biscuit base. Pretzel popcorn squares
Salty and sweet flavours combine perfectly in these chewy snacks, held together with melted marshmallow. Cherry mallow traybake
Sarah Cook's cute cakes are easy, cheap and – most importantly – fun to make.
More marshmallow recipe inspiration:
Marshmallow recipe collection
10 super-melty sweet and savoury s'mores
Classic marshmallows recipe
Marshmallows dipped in chocolate
Hot chocolate with marshmallows
Chocolate crunch bars
Chocolate marshmallow wheels
Toasted marshmallow ginger cake
Video: How to make marshmallows
What are your favourite melted marshmallow recipes? Leave a comment below...
