Matcha Marshmallows

A Japanese spin on marshmallows! These matcha marshmallows are flavored with green tea.

My love for matcha was solidified when I studied abroad in Tokyo for my last semester of undergrad.  I ate my weight in matcha during my brief time there.

Matcha is a versatile flavor that can be incorporated in a wide range of desserts. From matcha madeleines to matcha tiramisu, this delicious tea can turn an old familiar treat into something exciting and brand new!

Homemade Matcha Marshmallow Squares

Easily transform marshmallows with matcha powder!

Whip up a batch of homemade matcha marshmallows. Use these to top your favorite hot chocolate, eat them as is, or use them to make s’mores!

Matcha Red Bean S’mores

Use these matcha marshmallow squares to make these Japanese inspired s’mores! Matcha and red bean are a popular pairing in Japanese sweet treats.

For some people, matcha can be a bit overpowering, but when combined with sweet red bean, it’s harmonious and lovely.

Also, pairing matcha marshmallows with graham crackers adds a nice sweet crunch.

How to use Gelatin sheets:

Most of the marshmallows recipes out there use powdered gelatin.  I prefer to use sheet gelatin (leaf gelatin).

Unlike powdered gelatin, there is no chance you’ll end up with any yucky undissolved granules.  

In my opinion, sheet gelatin also tastes better (as in it doesn’t impart any flavor at all).  Generally, you can substitute silver sheet gelatin for regular powdered gelatin gram for gram in a recipe.

There are three types of sheet gelatin: gold, silver, and bronze.  They differ based on their bloom strength, meaning how strong of a gelatin they create.  Silver is the standard and it’s the same strength at as the powdered gelatin from the market.

Using sheet gelatin is SUPER easy.  

Begin with a bowl of ice water. Submerge gelatin sheets into cold water.  Leave it alone for 5 minutes, or until the sheets have softened.

After 5 minutes, the gelatin sheets should have softened and look like plastic wrap.  Scoop it out of the water and squeeze out any excess liquid.

Place it in a small bowl and microwave it at low power until it melts to a liquid.  It takes about 10 seconds.  The thing with gelatin (powdered and sheet), it has to be used immediately, so plan accordingly.

Candy Thermometer for Cooking Sugar

The most important thing to have when making homemade marshmallows is a candy thermometer.  Heat the sugar to 240 degrees F remove from the stove and let it cool slightly to about 210 degrees F.  This is important so you don’t burn the gelatin.

Pour the melted sugar into the bowl of a stand mixer.  Add the melted gelatin and matcha and start whipping!  Whip on low-medium speed for a minute or two to get the ingredients combined, and then crank up the speed and let the mixer do it’s job until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Use a slightly greased spatula to transfer the sticky mixture into a greased and parchment lined pan.  Spread the mixture into an even layer.

Sift matcha sugar dusting powder over the marshmallow.  Let it sit at room temperature for 5 hours (or better, overnight).

Remove the giant marshmallow from the pan and place it upside down on a powered sugar surface.  Slowly peel off the parchment bottom of the marshmallow.  As you remove the parchment, sprinkle on the dusting mixture on top.

Now it’s time for my favorite part! Cutting the marshmallows!  You can use a knife to do the job, but I prefer to use scissors.  Cut the marshmallows into your desired size/shape.  Have your dusting mixture on hand to coat the marshmallows as you cut.  

That’s it. They’re done and ready to be eaten.

Note: I use the Gelita brand gelatin (silver strength).  They come in really large packs (about 400 sheets in a box).  It’s my absolute favorite, although it may be a little difficult to find.  I purchase mine at a local restaurant supply store.  Amazon has many brands to choose from.  I recommend these gelatin sheets.