Elderberry Syrup is a popular remedy (especially during flu season). But there are plenty of ways to incorporate more of this delicious and healthy berry into your life. My family loves the taste of these elderberry marshmallows and I love that they support the immune system and contain no processed sugar.
A better way to take your medications
Hidden under the bed….
This was my solution when I was supposed to take medicine when I was sick as a child. I didn't like the taste of it and my poor parents would have to sue me to get it. Several years have passed (more than I would like to admit) and it's a completely different story when I have to get my sick children to take medicine.
In fact, they love it, beg for it, and wish they could take it all the time. Especially when it’s elderberry syrup!
A new version of elderberry
Recently, I prepared two of my children's favorite dishes on the same day: elderberry syrup and Homemade Marshmallows. I had some extra elderberry liquid while making the syrup and came up with a great idea: elderberry marshmallows.
The result was a delicious, immune-boosting light purple treat that my kids love!
Health Benefits of Elderberry
If you're not familiar with elderberries or don't understand why you would want to make marshmallows with them, here are a few. advantages:
- Folk remedy for colds and flu
- Many people use them during cold months to prevent illness.
- Helps reduce coughs, sore throats and runny noses
- Natural source of antioxidants and vitamins
- Modulating inflammation during illness
- The kids love it!
Elderberry Marshmallow Ingredients
This recipe only requires a few basic ingredients. You probably already have most of them in your pantry.
Elderberry
The only unusual ingredient you need to make these is elderberry.
In some areas you can grow or make your own elderberries. Just be sure to only use the berries and remove the stems and leaves, as they can be toxic if eaten. The brand I use sells organic or wild elderberries which you can get here.
Gelatin
You'll also need gelatin to help the marshmallows reach the right texture. I use high quality pasture raised gelatin. Although I love mixing collagen powder into my tea and coffee, for this recipe you need real gelatin. Gelatin is what “gels” and gives the marshmallows the right consistency. I understand here – it’s the one called “beef gelatin” in the green box.
How to Make Elderberry Marshmallows
Many people don't realize how easy it is to make homemade marshmallows. These won't be the artificially stiff, incredibly sweet ones you find at the store. But they are even better in my opinion.
The only ingredients needed are water, gelatin, honey/syrup and, in this case, elderberries and optional spices. Once the mixture is finished, you have to work quickly to put it in the oiled dish. Otherwise, it sets in and is difficult to smooth out. But they will still taste just as good.
If your marshmallow mixture doesn't spread evenly, you can use wet fingertips to gently smooth the top.
Complete the marshmallow recipe
Once the mixture has set long enough and is stiff enough to cut, you can use a knife, pizza cutter, or even sharp scissors. Just make sure they are well oiled or the marshmallows will stick to them. I added more oil to my knife every few cuts
I sometimes like to sprinkle the cut marshmallows with cinnamon to prevent them from sticking together. Powdered coconut sugar also works for sprinkling. For this batch, I used a mixture of 2 parts arrowroot powder to 1 part acai berry powder to give it a pretty purple color.
Elderberry Marshmallow Recipe
Simple, immune-boosting marshmallows with a hint of elderberry. They are the favorite kids in our house and I love that they get vitamins and an immune boost!
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Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper, leaving some on the sides to come up.
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Bring the dried elderberries, spices (if using) and water to a boil in a small saucepan. Boil gently uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes or until the liquid is reduced by half.
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Strain the elderberries and spices and measure the resulting liquid. If there is more than 1 cup, simmer a little longer. If you have less than 1 cup, add enough filtered water to make 1 cup.
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Place ½ cup of liquid in the bowl of a stand mixer or a large bowl if using a hand mixer and sprinkle gelatin on top. Mix lightly to incorporate and set aside.
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Combine the remaining ½ cup liquid and the honey or maple syrup in a saucepan. Slowly bring the water and honey mixture to a boil. If you have a kitchen thermometer, you want it to reach at least 240 degrees. Otherwise, continue to boil, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes. Remove from fire.
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Turn on the blender with the gelatin mixture on medium speed. Whisk, slowly pouring the honey/water mixture into the bowl with the gelatin mixture.
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When all the honey mixture is added, turn the mixer to high and whisk for another 10 to 15 minutes or until it forms a stiff cream the consistency of marshmallow creme. It should form soft peaks.
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When the marshmallows are whipped, quickly pour into the lined/greased pan and smooth out evenly with a well-oiled spatula.
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Let sit uncovered for at least 4 hours (overnight is better).
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Return to a cutting board and cut with a pizza cutter or well-oiled knife. Sprinkle with powdered cinnamon and/or coconut sugar if desired to prevent sticking.
Nutritional intake
Elderberry Marshmallow Recipe
Amount per serving (2 g)
Calories 63
% Daily Value*
Sodium 7mg0%
Carbohydrates 14.5g5%
Sugar 12.5g14%
Protein 1.6g3%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Shelf life and storage: Do NOT store marshmallows in the refrigerator as they will melt. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. These will keep for 3 to 4 days.
Serving size and dosage
Since there isn't a lot of elderberry in this recipe, I will give some to my kids without worrying about the dosage. Rather, it is a nutrient-enriched food. If we feel the sniffles coming on then I will take elderberry syrup and others home remedies Also.
More Elderberry Recipes
Looking for more ways to incorporate elderberry into your daily diet? Try some of these delicious (and healthy!) recipes.
Have you ever made marshmallows or want to try? How was it? Leave me a comment and let me know!
