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Honey-Sweetened Pumpkin Spice Marshmallow Root S’mores

Learn to make your own healthy-ish marshmallow root marshmallows and make a truly homemade pumpkin spice s’more!

There’s something magical about biting into a soft, fluffy marshmallow—especially when it carries the subtle warmth of pumpkin pie spices and the soothing properties of real marshmallow root. Whether you’re prepping for a bonfire or just craving a new fall favorite, these homemade marshmallows with a pumpkin spice twist are a super fun to make and healthier alternative to the store bought kind (did you know they have blue food dye? Weird!).

pumpkin spice marshmallow smores stacked on a plate on a red table

A Cozy Fall Treat with Ancient Roots

  • Marshmallows date back to ancient Egypt, where the mallow plant’s sap was used to make a sweet confection with both medicinal and religious significance.
  • The term “marsh” reflects the fact that mallow plants thrive in marshy areas.
  • In the mid-19th century, French confectioners perfected modern marshmallows by harnessing the root’s “mucilaginous” properties.
  • Eventually, artificial ingredients replaced marshmallow root for cost and efficiency, but we can still revive the traditional root-based recipe today.
  • Pumpkin pie spice (ginger, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg) traces back to Ayurvedic traditions in East Asia, where it was used to warm the body and boost immunity.
  • Spices traveled to Europe (often via unethical trade routes) and appeared in medieval feasts.
  • By the 1700s, blended spice mixes were common in Scotland and America.
  • In 1934, McCormick coined and marketed “pumpkin pie spice,” solidifying its status as an American fall staple.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Marshmallows with Real Marshmallow Root Recipe

To get started making this recipe, you’ll first want to gather all your ingredients first.

ingredients laid out on red table in wood bowls of different colors

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here is what you’ll need:

2 TBSP

marshmallow root powder

1 cup

cold water, divided

3 TBSP

unflavored gelatin (preferably grass-fed)

1 cup

raw honey

1/4 tsp

salt

2 tsp

pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp

vanilla extract

1/4 cup

cornstarch, divided

Substitution note: You can use arrowroot powder 1:1 in place of corn starch.

Step by Step Instructions

Make the Marshmallows with Real Marshmallow Root and Honey

1. Prepare Your Pan

Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and sprinkle about 1/8 cup cornstarch over it. This prevents the marshmallow mixture from sticking.

2. Bloom the Gelatin

In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), sprinkle 3 TBSP gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes so the gelatin can soften (also called “blooming”).

3. Heat the Honey Mixture

In a small saucepan, combine:

  • The remaining 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1 cup raw honey
  • 1/4 tsp. salt

Cook this over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for 5-7 minutes, until the mixture reaches about 230°-240°F (use a candy thermometer).

4. Add the Marshmallow Root

Once the honey mixture is at temperature, stir in the 2 TBSP marshmallow root powder (or super fine ground marshmallow root). Remove from heat and set aside briefly.

powdered marshmallow root in a black bowl

5. Combine with Gelatin

Give the bloomed gelatin a quick whisk on low speed to distribute it evenly. Slowly pour the warm honey mixture into the bowl while the mixer is running on low to avoid splatters.

6. Whip It Up

After all the honey mixture is added, increase the mixer speed to high gradually. Whip for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened and become white and fluffy.

whipped marshmallow in stand mixer

7. Add Flavor

Stop the mixer and add:

  • 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Mix these in for a few more seconds until evenly combined.

8. Transfer & Set

Pour the fluffy mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Dust the top with the remaining cornstarch and cover with another sheet of parchment paper. Let the marshmallows set overnight. Refrigeration can help them set faster but is optional.

pouring marshmallow mixture into pan lined with parchment

9. Cut & Serve

Once set, flip the marshmallows onto a cutting board. Dust a sharp knife or pizza cutter with cornstarch and cut into desired shapes. Sprinkle a bit more pumpkin pie spice on top for added decoration.

marshmallows cut into squares

You can use a smaller, deeper pan if you’d like a more traditional marshmallow shape. I just like how easy these are to create into s’mores!

10. Enjoy!

Store your homemade marshmallows in an airtight container. They’re best when eaten within 7-10 days.

Making a Classic S’more

No marshmallow recipe would be complete without mentioning s’mores!

  1. Roast your marshmallow over a fire to get that gooey, toasted exterior.
  2. Sandwich it between graham crackers and a piece of chocolate.
  3. Enjoy the melty, sweet goodness of your homemade treat.
toasted smore on red table

Additional Tips & Notes

  • Health Benefits of Marshmallow Root: Traditionally, marshmallow root is believed to help soothe sore throats and boost gut health due to its mucilaginous (gel-like) properties.
  • Storing Your Marshmallows: Keep them in a cool, dry place and avoid direct sunlight. An airtight container at room temperature works well.
  • Experiment With Flavors: Don’t be afraid to switch up the spices or add cacao for a hot-chocolate-inspired version. I even made lavender marshmallows around Valentine’s day!
lavender marshmallow in mocha latte

Try it another way!

These lavender marshmallows are perfect for a tea party or a Valentine’s Day Treat!

Make S’mores at Home!

These marshmallows blend the best of ancient tradition, homey fall flavors, and a bit of homestead ingenuity to create a unique treat. Whether you’re warming up by the fire with s’mores or simply savoring a sweet snack, these homemade pumpkin spice marshmallows will give you a taste of history—and a cozy hug in every bite. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to share your creation!

Did you make this recipe?

Mention @brittanylgibson on Instagram so I can see your creations! You can also leave a comment below!

Pin it for later!

pin text: homemade pumpkin spice smores. make real marshmallows

About the Author:

I’m Brittany, totally modern and mainstream turned crunchy mama!

Read more here about how I went from a totally incompetent cook and hyper-consumer to striving to live a more meaningful life from scratch.

I can’t wait to share my modern homesteading journey with you and I hope I inspire you to join along!

Close up of pumpkin spice marshmallows cut into rectangles

Pumpkin Spice Marshmallows with Real Marshmallow Root

This recipe will take you back to the “roots” of traditional marshmallows and incorporate real marshmallow root and honey for a healthier twist on this favorite bonfire treat.

Ingredients

  • 2TBSP marshmallow root powder
  • 1 cup cold water, divided
  • 3 TBSP unflavored gelatin (grass-fed)
  • 1 cup raw honey
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup corn starch, divided

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Pan. Line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper and sprinkle about 1/8 cup cornstarch over it. This prevents the marshmallow mixture from sticking.
  2. Bloom the Gelatin. In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), sprinkle 3 TBSP gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes so the gelatin can soften (also called “blooming”).
  3. Heat the Honey Mixture In a small saucepan, combine: 1 cup raw honey and 1/4 tsp. salt and the remaining 1/2 cup cold water
  4. Cook this over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for 5-7 minutes, until the mixture reaches about 230°-240°F (use a candy thermometer).
  5. Add the Marshmallow Root. Once the honey mixture is at temperature, stir in the 2 TBSP marshmallow root powder. Remove from heat and set aside briefly.
  6. Combine with Gelatin. Give the bloomed gelatin a quick whisk on low speed to distribute it evenly. Slowly pour the hot honey mixture into the bowl while the mixer is running on low to avoid splatters.
  7. Whip It Up. After all the honey mixture is added, increase the mixer speed to high gradually. Whip for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened and become white and fluffy.
  8. Add Flavor. Stop the mixer and add 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice and 1 tsp. vanilla extract.
  9. Mix these in for a few more seconds until evenly combined.
  10. Transfer & Set. Pour the fluffy mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Dust the top with the remaining cornstarch and cover with another sheet of parchment paper. Let the marshmallows set overnight. Refrigeration can help them set faster but is optional.
  11. Cut & Serve. Once set, flip the marshmallows onto a cutting board. Dust a sharp knife or pizza cutter with cornstarch and cut into desired shapes. Sprinkle a bit more pumpkin pie spice on top for added decoration.
  12. Enjoy! Store your homemade marshmallows in an airtight container. They’re best when eaten within 7-10 days.

Notes

You can substitute cornstarch for arrowroot powder 1:1

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