PDF download Download Article
From stovetop to oven-roasted, to fire-roasted, we’ve got you covered
PDF download Download Article

Sometimes, a recipe calls for melted marshmallows, but it does not always tell you how to melt them. This article will show you three different ways to melt marshmallows and tell you what recipe you can use each method for.

If you want to use a microwave, see How to Melt Marshmallows in the Microwave .

Things You Should Know

  • Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place an eight-inch (20.32 centimeters) cast-iron skillet inside. Then, grab your marshmallows and cut them in half.
  • After around 5 minutes, remove the skillet from the oven and set it on a heat-resistant surface. Then, melt some butter in the pan and set the marshmallows in, cut side down.
  • Put the skillet back in the oven and cook for around 5 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 1 bag (16 ounces/453 grams) of marshmallows
  • 4 tablespoons of water
  • Shortening
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla flavoring (optional)
  • 3 – 4 cups (375 – 500 grams) powdered sugar (optional, for fondant)

Oven-Melted Marshmallows [1]

  • 15 large marshmallows, halved
  • ½ tablespoon butter
  • 1 ½ cups (265 grams) chocolate chips (optional)
  • Graham cracker squares (optional)
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Making Stove Top Melted Marshmallows

PDF download Download Article
  1. Assemble a double boiler . Fill the bottom of a large pot with water and set another pot on top. You can also use a heat-resistant bowl instead. Make sure that the bottom of the upper pot or bowl is not touching the water. The double boiler will allow you to melt the marshmallows slowly so that you can use them as a dip or in fondant.
  2. This will prevent the marshmallows from sticking to the pot and spatula as they melt.
    Advertisement
  3. You will need a 16 ounce bag (about 400 grams) of marshmallows. You can use large marshmallows or miniature marshmallows, although you may find that the miniature marshmallows melt easier. You can even use colored or flavored marshmallows, but be sure that they are all the same color and flavor.
    • If you use multiple colors all at once, the colors will mix together and make brown. If you use different flavors all at once, the flavors will combine, and the ending result may not be very tasty.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Melt Marshmallows
    You will notice that the marshmallows are starting to melt.
  5. If you are using white-colored marshmallows, you can tint them another color with a few drops of food coloring. If you wish to add flavor to your marshmallows, you can add one teaspoon of vanilla extract or flavoring. Make sure that the flavoring you are using is clear, or your marshmallows will take on the color of the extract: brown. [2]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Melt Marshmallows
    If you use high heat, you will risk scorching the marshmallows.
  7. Once the marshmallows begin to melt, add two more tablespoons of water. This is to prevent them from drying out. Make sure that you stir the mixture so that the marshmallows heat evenly. If you find that the marshmallows are starting to stick to your spatula, wipe them off and re-grease your spatula.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Melt Marshmallows
    If you wish to use your melted marshmallows as a fondant, you will need to add some powdered sugar into the mixture.
    • Using a greased spatula, stir the sugar one cup (125 grams) at a time into the mixture. Once it thickens, place the mixture onto a well-greased surface and knead it. Make sure that your hands are well-greased as well; this will prevent the marshmallow mixture from sticking. Once the fondant reaches the desired texture, wrap it and place it in the fridge overnight. The next day, you can roll it out and use it for decorating.
    • The fondant will tear if it is too dry. If this happens, add ½ teaspoon of water and knead. Keep adding more water, ½ teaspoon at a time, and kneading until the fondant no longer tears.
  9. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Making Oven-Melted Marshmallows

PDF download Download Article
  1. You will need the skillet to be very hot before you can add the marshmallows, so leave the skillet in the oven while it is heating. This method will allow you to make a s'mores dip.
    • If you do not have a cast-iron skillet, you can use another, similar-sized oven-safe dish instead.
  2. Set the marshmallows down on their (curved) sides, and cut them in half using a sharp knife. You should end up with a disk-shaped marshmallow. Set these aside.
  3. Make sure that you use a pot holder, because the skillet will be very hot. Do not turn the oven off.
  4. You can simply hold the skillet by the handle and twist and turn it until the butter coats the entire surface. If you are not using a skillet, then you can spread the butter around on the surface using a heat-safe spatula instead.
  5. If you wish to make a s'more dip, you will need to add some chocolate. Measure out 1 ½ cups (265 grams) of chocolate chips and spread them out evenly on the bottom of the skillet.
  6. Arrange them so that they are touching each other. They should fit snugly inside the skillet. Be careful not to burn your fingers on the skillet!
  7. Let the marshmallows bake for 5 to 7 minutes. The tops will turn golden-brown and crispy, but the insides will be soft and gooey.
    • If you want a crispy, fire-like texture, turn the broiler on during the last few minutes. Watch them carefully to avoid burning them.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Melt Marshmallows
    Set it down on a heat-safe surface and let the dip cool for at about 5 minutes.
  9. You can spread the marshmallows onto graham crackers, cake, or cupcakes using a butter knife. You can also break graham crackers in half or into quarters, and dip them into the melted marshmallows.
  10. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Melting Marshmallows with Fire

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Melt Marshmallows
    If you are using a gas grill, set it on medium to high heat so that you will have some flames. You will be roasting the marshmallows over the flames, which will give you a nice, crunchy outside and a soft, gooey inside.
  2. Make sure that the skewer or stick is long enough so that you can hold the marshmallow over the flames without scorching your hand. You can use a metal skewer, but make sure that the handle is heat-resistant so that you don't burn yourself. If you are using a long stick, consider shaving the end into a point; this will not only make it easier to impale the marshmallow onto it, but it will also lessen the changes of any tree bark getting into your marshmallow.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Melt Marshmallows
    Keep the marshmallow just above the flames and turn it slowly to ensure that it roasts evenly.
    • If your marshmallow catches on fire, do not wave it around. Instead, gently blow the flame out.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Melt Marshmallows
    You can tell when your marshmallow is melted on the inside if the outside is golden brown and crispy to the touch.
    • If you like your marshmallows charred, hold it closer to the flames and keep roasting it.
    • This method is perfect for toasting a marshmallow for topping. For example, a marshmallow milkshake can have several roasted marshmallows incorporated into the mixture in the blender and one on top for garnish.
  5. Consider serving the marshmallow as a s'more . Break a graham cracker in half and place a small piece of chocolate on one of the halves. Place the marshmallow (without pulling it off of the stick or skewer) on top of the chocolate, and press down on it with the other graham cracker. While still pressing down on the graham cracker, gently pull the stick or skewer out from the marshmallow. Wait a few moments before serving, so that the marshmallow can cool down and melt the chocolate. [3]
    • Don’t forget to turn off your gas grill when all of your marshmallows have been roasted.
  6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Is it safe to eat melted marshmallows?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it is perfectly safe to eat melted marshmallows, as long as you use the correct process to melt them. Keep in mind that melted marshmallows can be very hot. It might be a good idea to let them cool a little so that you don't burn your tongue.
  • Question
    How do I avoid burning the butter and marshmallow (I tried melting butter and marshmallow on the stove)?
    Vela0110
    Community Answer
    I have done this too many times as well. What I eventually remembered to do is to allow the butter to cool slightly before adding the marshmallows. Remove the pan from the heat and let it stand a minute (or two depending how high the range was when you melted the butter). Add the marshmallows and cover for two minutes. Gently stir. If the marshmallows are taking too long to melt, or the heat has evaporated, turn the range to medium-low, and gently stir the mixture until melted, removing as necessary before it bubbles. Let it cool according to the recipe before adding the cereal. A little more work, but worth the time.
  • Question
    Why does a marshmallow expand in the microwave?
    Community Answer
    Marshmallows expand in the microwave because the water molecules in the sugar syrup begin to vibrate and turn to steam when they're heated, filling up air pockets in the marshmallow and causing it to grow.
See more answers
Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Make sure that you are buttering your bowls, dishes, pans, spatulas, and hands. Melted marshmallows are sticky, and the butter will help prevent them from sticking to everything.
      • If the marshmallows are too sticky to frost, try adding a tablespoon of cream to it.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Never leave your stove, oven, campfire, or grill unattended.
      • If using a campfire, be sure to practice proper safety. Keep the fire properly reined-in and have a bucket of water close by.
      • Keep in mind that baking and cooking times vary depending on your equipment and altitude. Watch your melting marshmallows carefully to avoid burning or scorching.
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Double boiler (stove top method)
      • 8-inch (20.32 centimeters) cast-iron skillet or oven-safe dish (oven method)
      • Bowls
      • Spatulas

      References

      1. Five Heart Home, S'mores Dip
      2. Iron Whisk, [ http://www.ironwhisk.com/2012/01/how-to-make-marshmallow-fondant/ How to Make Marshmallow Fondant
      3. What's Cooking America, Smores Recipe – How to Make Smores

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To melt marshmallows, set up a double boiler on your stove by filling a large pot with some water and placing a heat-resistant bowl on top of the large pot. Grease the bowl by brushing it with some oil or shortening so that the marshmallows won't stick. Then, pour in the bag of marshmallows, add 2 tbsp of water, and turn the burner on low heat. Stir the mixture with a rubber spatula once it begins to melt so that it doesn't burn and add more water if it becomes too thick. If you like, you can add food coloring or flavoring to your melted marshmallows. To learn how to melt marshmallows in the oven or over a fire, scroll down!

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 536,496 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Sammy Lovey

        Aug 7, 2017

        "It's a great, idea make sure you try it out."
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement