January 6, 2026
Gut-Healthy Marshmallows & Earl Grey Hot Cocoa
There’s something deeply comforting about a warm mug of hot cocoa — especially when it feels a little elevated, a little nostalgic, and a lot better-for-you. This version is my cozy winter obsession: gut-healthy homemade marshmallows floating on top of an earl grey hot cocoa made with my homemade healthy hot cocoa mix. It’s rich, lightly floral, not too sweet, and feels like something you sip slowly on a quiet afternoon.
The best part? Both the marshmallows and the cocoa are made with simple, nourishing ingredients that actually love your gut back.
Why These Marshmallows Are Gut-Friendly
Traditional marshmallows are basically just sugar and corn syrup. These are powered by gelatin — which supports gut lining health, digestion, skin, hair, and joints. I use a high-quality gelatin (Organika is my go-to) and naturally sweeten them with honey or maple syrup. You can also add functional extras like reishi or chaga mushroom powder for a little adaptogenic boost.
They’re pillowy, lightly sweet, and honestly better than store-bought.
Gut-Healthy Homemade Marshmallows
Ingredients
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3 tbsp gelatin powder (I use this brand)
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1/2 cup water (for blooming)
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1 cup honey or maple syrup
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1/4 cup water
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Optional: vanilla extract, reishi powder, or chaga powder
Instructions
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In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl if using a high-speed hand mixer), combine the gelatin powder and 1/2 cup water. Allow it to bloom — meaning, don’t touch it and let it do its thing while you prepare the syrup.
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In a small saucepan, combine the honey or maple syrup with 1/4 cup water. This is the perfect time to add any optional extras like vanilla extract or mushroom powders. Bring to a gentle boil (about 212F) and let it simmer for about 3 minutes, then remove from heat.
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Turn your mixer on medium speed and slowly pour the hot syrup into the bloomed gelatin. Once all the syrup is added, increase the mixer speed to high. The mixture will start out brown — trust the process. After several minutes, it will transform into a creamy white marshmallow texture. Continue mixing for about 10 minutes, until thick, glossy, and forming stiff peaks.
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Scoop the marshmallow mixture into a parchment-lined 9×9 pan and smooth the top as best you can with a spatula. Let it set for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
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Once firm, cut into squares using a pizza cutter. Store in a covered glass container at room temperature. They’ll keep for about 2–3 weeks.
Earl Grey Hot Cocoa
This is not your average hot chocolate. Earl Grey adds a subtle citrusy, floral note from bergamot that pairs beautifully with dark chocolate. It feels grown-up, cozy, and perfect with a homemade marshmallow melting on top.
Ingredients
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2 tbsp homemade healthy hot cocoa mix
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1 oz high-quality 70% dark chocolate
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1/8 tsp fine sea salt
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8 oz milk of choice
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1 Earl Grey tea bag
Instructions
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Warm the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the Earl Grey tea bag and let it steep for 3–5 minutes, depending on how strong you like it. Remove the tea bag.
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Whisk in the hot cocoa mix, dark chocolate, and sea salt. Continue whisking gently until the chocolate is fully melted and the cocoa is smooth and rich.
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Pour into your favorite mug and top with one (or several) gut-healthy marshmallows.
My Healthy Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
This recipe uses my homemade healthy hot cocoa mix — the one I keep stocked all winter long. It’s refined-sugar-free, deeply chocolatey, and perfect for cozy nights in or hosting friends.
You can find the full recipe here:
https://whatrobineats.com/2025/12/07/the-coziest-homemade-hot-chocolate-powder/
If you make this, tag me @whatrobineats on Instagram, I love seeing your creations!
Gut-Healthy Marshmallows & Earl Grey Hot Cocoa
Ingredients
Gut-healthy marshmallows
- 3 tbsp gelatin powder, linked the one I use in the blog post above
- 1/2 cup water (for blooming)
- 1 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- optional vanilla extract, reishi powder, or chaga
Earl grey hot cocoa
- 2 tbsp homemade healthy hot cocoa mix, recipe linked above
- 1 oz hight-quality 70% dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/8 tsp fine sea salt
- 8 oz milk of choice, my homemade cashew milk is great here
- 1 earl grey tea bag
Instructions
Marshmallows
- In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl if using a high-speed hand mixer), combine the gelatin powder and 1/2 cup water. Allow it to bloom — meaning, don’t touch it and let it do its thing while you prepare the syrup.
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey or maple syrup with 1/4 cup water. This is the perfect time to add any optional extras like vanilla extract or mushroom powders. Bring to a gentle boil and let it simmer for about 3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Turn your mixer on medium speed and slowly pour the hot syrup into the bloomed gelatin. Once all the syrup is added, increase the mixer speed to high. The mixture will start out brown — trust the process. After several minutes, it will transform into a creamy white marshmallow texture. Continue mixing for about 10 minutes, until thick, glossy, and forming stiff peaks.
- Scoop the marshmallow mixture into a parchment-lined 9×9 (or 8x8) pan and smooth the top as best you can with a spatula. Let it set for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Once firm, cut into squares using a pizza cutter. Store in a covered glass container at room temperature. They’ll keep for about 2–3 weeks.
Earl grey hot cocoa
- Warm the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the Earl Grey tea bag and let it steep for 3–5 minutes, depending on how strong you like it. Remove the tea bag.
- Whisk in the hot cocoa mix, dark chocolate, and sea salt. Continue whisking gently until the chocolate is fully melted and the cocoa is smooth and rich.
- Pour into your favorite mug and top with one (or several) gut-healthy marshmallows.
