High-Protein Dark Chocolate Marshmallows

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These Dark Chocolate Marshmallows are high in protein and rich in flavor. And guess what? They contain no refined sugar or corn syrup. That’s a huge win!

Easy Homemade Chocolate Marshmallows

We love marshmallows around here. In the wintertime, hot chocolate is a near-daily bedtime ritual, and who doesn’t like their chocolate drink topped with melty white puffy treats?

Well, maybe me–if those marshmallows are manufactured with food dyes and corn syrup.

Because my family doesn’t want to give up our hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, however, I tried my hand at homemade marshmallows made with gelatin powder awhile ago.

The result? A surprisingly easy process that led to pure deliciousness.

There was no going back for me.

Homemade High-Protein Marshmallows

One especially amazing benefit of making homemade marshmallows from scratch is that you can add even more nutritional value to these treats.

Homemade Dark Chocolate Marshmallows

If you haven’t tried our Healthy Homemade Honey Marshmallows (High Protein, Paleo) yet, then bookmark them to try later.

This version of our healthy homemade marshmallow recipe includes delicious notes of chocolate (thanks to raw cacao powder), while our original recipe gives a delicious vanilla-almond taste.

What Is Raw Cacao Powder?

Raw cacao powder is cacao that has not been processed in the same way as traditional cocoa powder.

WebMD provides helpful information about raw cacao powder and its benefits:

“Cacao powder is made from raw cacao beans and nibs that are fermented, roasted, and milled into a powder. It’s similar to cocoa powder, but it’s more nutritious because it’s less processed. Eating it in moderation could help improve your brain function, lower your cholesterol, and reduce your risk of heart disease.”

How to Make Marshmallows Without Corn Syrup

If you are pursuing a more natural diet, then eliminating the ubiquitous presence of corn syrup in snacks might be one of your first goals.

The good news is that you don’t have to give up marshmallows entirely in this quest. Making marshmallows without corn syrup is not difficult…and it provides other benefits, as well.

How to Make Marshmallows with Gelatin Powder

The go-to substitute for corn syrup in homemade marshmallows is gelatin powder. This exchange is both easy and beneficial.

“Gelatin is a high protein product,” notes Medical News Today. “For example, 100 grams (g) of dry gelatin powder contains more than 85 g of protein.”

Especially when you use grass-fed gelatin powder, the nutrition is phenomenal.

Can You Use These Homemade Marshmallows for Rice Krispie Treats?

Unfortunately, no. The kind of Rice Krispie treats that your mind conjures up as you read this paragraph are only possible with the store-bought version of marshmallows. However, homemade marshmallows are far more delicious–in my opinion–in hot chocolate and dipped in fondue.

Can You Dust Homemade Chocolate Marshmallows with Cocoa Powder?

Yes! Just don’t try dusting them with any type of sugar. (Believe me, I’ve made that mistake.) The sugar somehow attracts moisture (or leaks moisture from the marshmallows themselves) and deteriorates the marshmallows.

Cocoa powder, on the other hand, is perfectly fine. I recommend trying a non-alkalized, organic, raw cacao powder, which is high in flavonoids.

What Tools Do You Need to Make Homemade Marshmallows?

This recipe for dark chocolate marshmallows does not require a bunch of fancy equipment, just these tools:

• a medium saucepan
• a spatula
• a silicone baking mat
• a stand mixer
• a glass baking dish (9″x13″ for thin marshmallows, 8″x8″ for thick marshmallows)
• an airtight glass container (for storage)

Ingredients for High-Protein Homemade Chocolate Marshmallows

• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1/4 cup grass-fed gelatin powder
• 4 Tbsp. raw cacao powder (non-alkalized)
• 2 Tbsp. grass-fed unsweetened, unflavored protein powder
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp. pure almond extract
• 1/4 tsp. Himalayan pink salt
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1/2 cup raw honey

How to Make Homemade Chocolate Marshmallows with Gelatin Powder

1. Line a 9″x13″ baking dish (for thin marshmallows) or an 8″x8″ baking dish (for thick marshmallows) with parchment paper or (our recommendation) a reusable silicone baking mat. Set aside.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine 1/2 cup hot water, gelatin powder, and protein powder. Stir by hand until gelatin is dissolved and mixture is not grainy.
3. Add almond extract, vanilla extract, and cacao powder.
4. In a medium-sized saucepan, warm 1/2 cup water, honey, and Himalayan pink salt over medium-low heat. Bring to a boil. Lower heat to a simmer and continue to boil for 5 minutes, until mixture thickens slightly and is bubbly. Stir often.
5. Remove the honey mixture from the heat. Add to the gelatin in the stand mixer.
6. Whisk the mixture on high speed for about 6 minutes, until slight ripples form and the mixture thickens and is sticky. (No peaks should form–not even soft peaks. If they do, you have stirred too much and should immediately turn off the stand mixer and transfer the marshmallows to the prepared pan.)
7. Using a spatula, scrape the marshmallow mixture into the prepared bakind dish. Spread evenly with the spatula.
8. Let the marshmallows sit out at room temperature for at least 4 hours before slicing and storing.
9. Cut the marshmallows to your liking. (We love using shaped cookie cutters to make them extra-fun!) Store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator.

Storage Instructions

These homemade marshmallows keep excellently in an airtight glass container. You can store them at room temperature for up to 5 days or keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Other Delicious Protein Recipes To Try Next

Here are some of our other favorite high-protein snack recipes:

• Healthy Homemade Jello with Real Fruit and Vegetables (High-Protein, Sugar-Free)
• Protein Peanut Butter Dip for Apples (No Cream Cheese)
• Healthy Double Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies (High Protein)
• Healthy High-Protein Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Yogurt
• Healthy Chocolate Brownie Muffins (Almond Flour, High Protein)

High-Protein Dark Chocolate Marshmallows Recipe Card

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