Let’s be honest, no matter how old we are, there’s something about biting into Rice Krispie treats and s’mores that brings a sense of nostalgia. There’s just something comforting about marshmallows, no matter how they’re served! I’m sharing 26 recipes that put a creative twist on your childhood favorites. From campfire options and fantastic gift ideas, all of these desserts will put a smile on your face. Without further ado, here are the best marshmallow recipes around!
1. The Best Homemade Marshmallow Recipe
It might seem intimidating, but making marshmallows at home is easier than you think. A stand mixer is a must for this recipe. You’ll be pouring hot syrup into the bowl, and it would be dangerous to use a hand mixer. But the good news is that once your sugar reaches the right temperature and you’ve slowly poured it into the gelatin mixture, the mixer does all the work. It might take 10 minutes, but you’ll be left with the fluffiest marshmallow ever. And if you use vanilla paste, you’ll see those incredible flecks throughout. If you don’t want to use oily plastic wrap for the baking dish, a great alternative is to grease it up and generously dust with powdered sugar and cornstarch.
2. Halloween Poutine
Having lived in Canada for a couple of years, I totally grew to love poutine. So this sweet Halloween dish is right up my alley! Imagine sweet potato pie with some spiced baked apples on the side. Delicious, right? This dish is such a fun combination of sweet potatoes, marshmallow Fluff, apple pie filling, and crunchy caramel corn. Serve it individually and let people add their own toppings, or go all-out with a giant dish that everyone can dig into. It might even be better than OG poutine, eh?!
3. Easy S’mores
My favorite thing about this recipe is the inclusion of digestives! These British favorites can be found plain, with chocolate, and even with caramel, too. I’ve loved them for years and will stock up whenever I see them. They have a similar flavor and texture to graham crackers, and if you get the chocolate kind, you don’t need to buy any on the side. As you slip the warm marshmallow in the middle, the chocolate will melt perfectly to coat the gooey filling. I think using the caramel variety would be extra indulgent, and I’m not saying you can’t add extra chocolate if you want!
4. Best S’mores Bars
Whether it’s the middle of winter or you just don’t want to go to the trouble of lighting a fire, these s’mores bars are the best alternative out there! I love the cookie dough base and the peanut butter inside, too! And don’t worry, there’s plenty of graham cracker crumb on the top. Let it cool (if you can hold off long enough) so that the slices will be nice and neat.
5. S’mores Banana Boats
These were my go-to dessert for such a long time at BBQs. Using the bananas as a bowl, you save on some dishes, and the mess is easily cleaned up. Not to mention banana, chocolate, and marshmallow are a match made in heaven.
6. Candied Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
If you’ve ever tried to explain candied sweet potatoes to a non-American, you’ll know just how strange this dish can sound. Sweet potatoes with cinnamon and marshmallow… that you eat with a turkey dinner? It’s a hard sell to people that didn’t grow up with it. But one bite will have them hooked!
7. Marshmallow Sauce for Desserts
Move aside, hot fudge! This super simple recipe needs just three ingredients and 15 minutes to become a silky smooth, sweet-as-pie sauce that will make all your desserts pop. Try it over ice cream, drizzled on cake, or how about lathered over a hot fudge brownie?
8. Rainbow Krispie Treats
If you’re going to make Rice Krispie treats at home, why not go all out? Adding Fruity Pebbles to the mix will give a burst of fun flavor and color that will make the kids giddy. Already sticky and sweet, the white chocolate frosting brings a creaminess that is just dreamy.
9. Grasshopper Pie with Marshmallows (No Alcohol) – Chocolate Mint Pie
The drink is full of creamy crème de menthe and is thought to come from New Orleans. This pie has all the same rich flavors, just without the booze! The minty filling is a fantastic combination of marshmallows, mint coffee creamer, and Cool Whip. I personally like the funky green color, but you can leave it clean and white if you prefer. And if you miss the alcohol, swap out the creamer for crème de menthe.
10. Rice Krispie Treats
Easy to make and even easier to transport, Rice Krispie treats will always fly off the table. If you’ve ever made a batch, you know the only issue is trying not to eat them as you go. Be sure to let the whole thing cool and set up before you slice, and feel free to top with anything from chocolate chips to Reese’s Pieces.
11. Campfire Cones
I can’t describe how cute these little cones are. It’s like making your own sundae, but with marshmallows! Trust me; your next BBQ will be a hit with these treats! You can set up a table with lots of little dishes full of fun fillings and plenty of mini-marshmallows. Have the grown-ups do the cooking and then enjoy.
12. Chocolate-Dipped Marshmallows
When I’m making cookie boxes or treat-based gifts for people, I adore these chocolate-covered marshmallows. I like to use the jumbo kind and stick them onto a fun, super colorful paper straw. Once dipped in your choice of chocolate, you can jazz them up in so many ways. Stripe your dark chocolate ones with white chocolate, add some sprinkles, or tap the top into some crushed graham crackers.
13. Fudgy Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallow Filling
What’s better than a fudgy chocolate cookie? A fudgy chocolate cookie with an ooey-gooey marshmallow center. Not only are there mini-marshmallows and mini-chocolate chips in the dough for a soft and sinful cookie, but it also gets stuffed with half a jumbo marshmallow. Get your phones ready and see who can get the longest marshmallow pull!
14. S’mores Popcorn Balls
These marshmallow treats are too cute. Serve them in a dish, or add in some of those colorful paper straws for easy, adorable, edible gifts. I like using Golden Grahams cereal, but I also think they would be fantastic with pretzels and even potato chips.
15. Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats
It was only a matter of time before we added chocolate to this childhood favorite. Not only does this get an upgrade with Cocoa Krispies cereal, but it also has plenty of chocolate chunks scattered throughout. I would be tempted to melt some chocolate in with the marshmallows for an extra kick, or you can drizzle some over the top. Since you have the chocolate, why not really go all out and add in some salted caramel?
16. Strawberry Marshmallow Mousse
Some mousse recipes can be a lot. Tempering eggs, whisking gelatin with hot sugar… who has the time? This recipe is so delightfully simple, with just four ingredients. Using mini-marshmallows will ensure the mixture sets, and I love the volume and creaminess you get from the whipped cream. This is such a sweet little treat for the end of a meal and needs nothing more than some chopped strawberries on top to serve.
17. Chocolate Strawberry Dessert Kabobs
Cooking for a crowd can be stressful, so having a simple, but beautiful dessert can be life-saving. Even when you’re not entertaining, it’s nice to be able to display a plate of fun, sweet treats, especially when you can throw them together in less than 10 minutes. Using fresh strawberries, store-bought brownie bites, and large marshmallows, these kabobs are colorful and tasty. A little drizzle of chocolate sauce is all you’ll need to finish them off.
18. Rocky Road
Maybe you’ve tried rocky road ice cream and enjoyed it. But have you had rocky road as a candy bar? The basic recipe for this is chocolate, marshmallow, and nuts, but I think I prefer this version. Adding butter to the melted chocolate will help it set up a little softer, making it easier to bite into. I also love that it includes cookie chunks. The texture is a huge thing with this. The soft and chewy marshmallows against the crunchy nuts are amazing.
19. Marshmallow Candy Snowmen
Did you see the picture? I mean, aren’t they just too cute for words? Between the Fruit Roll-Up scarves and the orange gummy nose, these are hard to resist. And the mini-Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup hats just top it off perfectly.
20. Apple Nachos
Caramel apples are a fall-favorite. There’s nothing like the first bite through the chewy caramel into a crisp apple. But let’s be honest, making them can get messy. That’s why I love this dish so much. You’ll need lots of sliced apples and plenty of creamy caramel. Layer them in your dish like you would chips and nacho cheese. I like to sprinkle over my toppings because I think it looks gorgeous, but you can leave them on the side and let people pick their own. Trust me; the kids will devour these!
21. Rocky Road Cookie Pizza
From dessert nachos to dessert pizza! I can’t lie. This recipe is less healthy than the apple nachos above 🙂 With its sugar cookie base and wildly indulgent marshmallow, chocolate, and caramel toppings, get ready for a sugar high. You could also use chocolate chip cookie dough as a base, and then maybe put peanut butter or butterscotch chips on top for a different flavor.
22. Marshmallow Brownies
Chocolate brownie + gooey marshmallow + chocolate frosting = my newest guilty pleasure. I can’t stop making these brownies! Brownies are already pretty hard to resist. So what was I thinking adding sticky marshmallow AND chocolate frosting? I usually eat half of the pan before it’s even cooled down all the way. These will seriously test your willpower, and be prepared to make double every time.
23. Hot Chocolate Bombs with Marshmallows
These have been all over social media recently and for good reason! They’re adorable and make fabulous little gifts. Plus, who doesn’t love the magic of them exploding in your cup of warm milk? I’ve seen milk, dark, and white chocolate, and even some made with ruby chocolate. You will need silicone molds for these, and you can use any fun shape you like. Just be sure that they are big enough to fit the cocoa powder and marshmallows inside.
24. Marshmallow Ghosts
Sometimes, it’s the simple things that get you. And these just crack me up! If you’ve made your own marshmallow before, I’m guessing you just poured the mixture into a dish and cut it into squares. But these get piped! It might be a little messy, but it’s so worth it in the end.
25. Snowball
I know I keep saying it, but this might get a little messy! It’s marshmallow! We expect that, right? This recipe is a great and easy option for something sweet. The coating on the marshmallows uses condensed milk, making it fudgy and soft. I would suggest making sure your graham crackers are all crumbed and that there are no big lumps so that the mixture will cover the marshmallows easier. And if you want to enhance that coconut, try toasting it before sprinkling it over the top.
26. Chocolate Confetti Squares
No-bake desserts are my favorite! As much as I love a warm pie or freshly baked cookies, I hate turning the oven on during the summer. So I turn to no-bake recipes to satisfy my sweet tooth. And this recipe sure does deliver! Rainbow marshmallows are the star of this dish and really pop against the dark chocolate. When it sets, it’s like a thick, colorful block of chewy fudge, and you won’t be able to have just one slice. Click on a star to rate it!
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