We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Marshmallow Pie?

By Dorothy Bland
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,774
Share

The term marshmallow pie is generally used to refer to any type of pie that features marshmallows as a main ingredient. Marshmallows are sweet confections that easily adapt to dessert items. Pies made with this ingredient range from hot, sticky, gooey desserts to creamy cold treats. There are several types of marshmallows available and all can be successfully used to make pies.

Marshmallows are nothing more than a mix of sugar and corn syrup, another type of sweetener, thickened with gelatin. To accommodate for the large concentration of sweetness, bakers usually bake marshmallow pies with flavors that add some bitterness or contrast to the sweetness. A lemon or lime marshmallow pie made with fresh juice, for instance, adds some tartness that can offset the sugariness sometimes encountered when baking with marshmallows. Other popular additives include chocolate and peanut butter.

When marshmallows are used as part of a pie filling, they are usually melted on the stove, often with milk. Then the marshmallow mixture is allowed to cool before folding in whipping cream and other ingredients like chocolate chips, fresh fruit, and toffee. The entire mixture can be poured into a graham cracker or other type of pie crust then placed in the refrigerator to chill and set.

Sometimes, the term marshmallow pie will also be used when referring to a pie including a marshmallow-based topping. For instance, instead of covering the top of a fruit pie with a crust, the pie can be cooked without a top layer. When almost done, a layer of marshmallows can be used to cover the top then placed back in the oven to brown. As the marshmallows cook, they will expand and their milky white color will turn to a golden brown. The pie will usually be served warm and, since the top does not have a crust, each slice will have less fat.

When cooking with marshmallows, the amount used may need to be adjusted depending on the marshmallow product used. Spongy marshmallows sold by the bag are the type typically most available commercially. They come in different sizes such as mini-marshmallows and jumbo versions. Marshmallow cream, a spreadable version containing egg whites, is also offered. Home chefs can also whip up their own marshmallow fluff with a simple combination of egg whites, corn syrup, and sugar.

Usually, any type of marshmallow is interchangeable in a marshmallow pie recipe. For instance, 8 regular sized marshmallows would equal about 1 cup (240 milliliters) of the miniature variety. Marshmallows and its cream version also come in a number of flavors, and homemade versions can be made into practically any flavor such as strawberry, cinnamon, or mint. Use of these flavors while baking can add even more color and variety to a marshmallow pie.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By ZipLine — On May 04, 2014

Marshmallow pie with the top of the pie browned in the oven looks very cool. It doesn't look so cool when normal marshmallows are used though.

Some people take the easy out when making pie and literally cover the pie with mini sized or regular sized marshmallows instead of marshmallow creme filling. The result is a very funny looking pie.

By turquoise — On May 03, 2014

@candyquilt-- You don't know what you're missing. Marshmallow pie is unbelievably good, especially the chocolate and toffee varieties. It's also easier to make than traditional pie because there is no baking involved.

I make a marshmallow pie which just requires marshmallows, milk and whipped cream for the filling. I just have to keep it in the fridge for a while to thicken before pouring it onto the pre-baked crust to set. It's sweet, fluffy and very delicious. I love topping the pie slices with chocolate syrup. Lots of other ingredients could be incorporated into this recipe like fruit or chocolate chips.

By candyquilt — On May 03, 2014

I've never tried marshmallow pie before but I think it would be too sweet. I like marshmallows but it's not a very conventional pie filling.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-marshmallow-pie.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.