Pumpkin-obsessed peeps unite – it’s the most wonderful time of the year (pumpkin.spiced.everything). I’m rollin’ through the aisles of Trader Joe’s contemplating buying three of everything and maxing out my credit card for pumpkin-flavored goodies. It’s a decent investment, don’t you think? Or maybe I’ll just make homemade pumpkin treats myself – like these paleo pumpkin pie mini marshmallows.
Oooo all these cooler temps and fall-inspired Pinterest feeds have me itching to wear tall boots, bust out scarves, and tote around with my hot pumpkin drink in hand. Buuuut despite Starbucks’ world-renowned pumpkin spice latte, I’d rather not pound 50 grams of sugar in one sitting. And even though pumpkin pie is, and always has been a favorite of mine, 300+ calories per slice (when I really just want to eat the whole pie) isn’t the healthiest of decisions. That’s why I’ve teamed up my friends at Vital Proteins to create a healthy pumpkin treat with a ton of body benefits.
Pumpkin, marshmallow, and gelatin aka collagen protein? Seems like an odd combination, BUT let me start by saying I know what it’s like to want to eat anything and everything pumpkin spiced. I get it. I get you. The temptation is everywhere, and it’s usually pretty naughty. So when I feel the urge to stuff my face with all the sweet pumpkin treats pretty much every hour on the hour, these paleo pumpkin pie mini marshmallows are the perfect solution. The cute ‘lil minis are gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free, and pack a big dose of collagen with Vital Proteins grass fed beef gelatin.
Why should you add collagen protein to your diet? It’s hair, nail, and skin superfood people. Collagen lessens as we age (boo for wrinkles), so consuming collagen protein and collagen peptides promotes younger looking skin and aides in smoothing and moisturizing. Eating a pumpkin dessert that makes you more beauuuuutiful? I’m in! Collagen also supports bone and joint health for overall healthy living.
The gelatin binds organic honey and water together, making a soft and velvety marshmallow “fluff” that is 100% paleo. Combined that beautiful fluff with the classic fall flavors of pumpkin and maple syrup, and you have the easiest healthy pumpkin treat and tastes like it shouldn’t be good for you.
These paleo pumpkin pie mini marshmallows are a great addition to coffee or hot chocolate. When you need a hint of subtle pumpkin sweetness in your morning Joe, throw a few (or like 20) of these in your mug. Or if you’re so inclined, add to cereal for your own healthy take on Lucky Charms (lucky pumpkins if you ask me). The kiddos will love ’em too – what kid doesn’t like marshmallows? I’ve even contemplated cutting these into cute pumpkin shapes, but then I realized I’m not an artist nor am I Martha Stewart, so I’ll leave that up to you creative ‘Pinterest’ moms.
Change your traditional take on pumpkin sweets and give these paleo pumpkin pie mini marshmallows a spin.
P.S. I heard a little rumor that all the ‘cool’ parents are making these for their spiked beverages during trick-or-treating this year. Soooo just a little peer pressure to get you extra motivated to make these yummies!
Pumpkin for breakfast? You gotta try this paleo pumpkin pie microwave soufflé too!
- 1 cup water, divided
- ⅓ cup raw honey
- 3 tablespoons Vital Protein Grass Fed Beef Gelatin
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Combine ½ cup water and gelatin powder in a large bowl and beat on medium/low speed until well combined. The mixture will start to firm up and gel
- Meanwhile, bring the other ½ cup of water to a boil and add the honey. Reduce the heat slightly, keeping the mixture to a soft boil for roughly 8 minutes
- Pour the honey/water mixture into the gelatin bowl, one tablespoon at a time, and beat on high for ten minutes
- After ten minutes the mixture should look and feel like marshmallow 'fluff'
- Add the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and maple syrup to the fluff, mix just a few more seconds to combine
- Pour the marshmallow mixture into a brownie pan and quickly spread to fill the pan
- Place into the refrigerator to chill. Cut to desired sized
This post is sponsored by the awesome people at Vital Proteins. As always, all opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting Physical Kitchness!
All about the marshmallows! I think we should put them in a PSL :O
Why not?! The more pumpkin goodness the better!
Ooh wow! Marshmallows with health benefits! I LOVE IT!
Seems like a mean practical joke but it’s TRUE! 🙂
Love gelatin/collagen! It’s such an amazing health aide, not just for pretty skin. I’m always looking for ways to get more for helping heal leaky gut and pumping up glycine and the other amino acids provided. That green can is a staple in our house. Can’t wait to try this!
You are on top of your game!! I love incorporating it in unconventional things too! 🙂
These look amazing! I’ve always wanted to make homemade marshmallows, but I love that these are pumpkin pie flavored! Yum!
Pumpkin rules the world. Step aside Beyonce!
These look so good! It seems easy enough to make too!
Yes, easier than you’d think for homemade marshmallows!
These. Are. Amazing! I NEED to make these, asap!
Yessss Leah DO IT.
my little one is extremely fond of marshmallows and this looks so much like fall. I am sure she is going to love these. I am trying it oust soon.
What kids don’t love marshmallows right?! Now moms can offer them without the guilt of feeding your littles a bunch of sugar and junk!
HOLY HOT DAMN!!!!! I tried making marshmallows once, IT DID NOT WORK AT ALL – so I am going to have to enlist in your services!!!
YOU CAN DO IT! I couldn’t believe how easy it was and how fluffy the mixture turned out! You got this girl.
hahahah IM SO CONFUSED AS TO WHAT THESE ARE!!!! I’ll eat em by the handful, but i’ll never understand them…
Don’t have to understand them to love them 😉 Just like marriage. LOL!!
this idea is pure brilliance!! I can absolutely see a hot chocolate revolution in the making!!
Thanks so much girl! YESSSS a revolution indeed!
Oh yum!!!! These sound a little too good!
No such thing as a little too good 😉
Yummm! I’m picturing paleo pumpkin s’mores…. is that a thing? We need to make that a thing:)
STOP IT. That NEEDS to be a thing. I’m going to have to make these again and cut them into bigger squares JUST do make pumpkin s’mores now. You are brilliant.
Oh my goodness, this sounds absolutely amazing. And as soon as I restock my pumpkin supply, I actually have all the ingredients. I’m going to HAVE to make this one. 🙂
I hope you do Heather! And yes, restock asap. It’s a sin not to have pumpkin on hand at all times during the fall!
Wow!! What’s not to love about these little pillows of deliciousness!! These pictures are so enticing, I want to dive right into a big ol’ pile of these!
Diving in to a pool of pumpkin mini marshmallows would be my dream come true!
Uhm is this real life? this sounds amazing!
Rachel | http://www.theconfusedmillennial.com
YES. EPIC REAL LIFE MARSHMALLOWS!!!!
I’ve really been leaning toward Paleo, so this is the perfect Fall recipe for when I make the jump completely!
I love living a paleo lifestyle. Glad you are leaning towards it too Tessa. You can’t beat clean eats like this. Thanks for stopping by!
Are you serious, how clever are these pumpkin marshmallows??? I have never seen anything like this but how genius! I have to make these for the Fall season, thank you for sharing!!!
Sooooo happy you are lovin’ these Ashleigh. Thank YOU for stopping by and let me know if you try these!
Yum sounds delicious!! Love everything pumpkin pie
A girl after my own heart 🙂
Wow that gelatin/collagen stuff is so versatile!! I haven’t had a marshmallow in heavens knows how long hehehe.
Seriously so versatile. I can’t wait to make more fun creations with it!
Woah! I’ve never tried making marshmallows but this paleo version is amazing!
Thanks so much Laura! It is!
I’m a huge fan of vital proteins. I use their collagen every day!
ME TOO. Huge huge. Clutch added to my morning coffee!
I got a pumpkin in my last CSA pick up and I cannot wait to start making everything pumpkin! I think I’ll still savour the warmer temperatures though because in no time we’ll have snow to our waist !
I could eat pumpkin recipes year-round, but then peeps just think I’m weird. It is such a magical time of year for food!!
Interesting! I’ve never tried to make any kind of marshmallow before. I bet these are such a tasty fall treat!
They seriously are. Perfect when you need a sweet treat but don’t want anything too filling or heavy!
what a creative spin with pumpkin. i am loving all things Fall on the blogosphere.
ME TOO. When my Pinterest feed blows up with everything pumpkin I get giddy!!
These are so cute and yummy looking! I bet they will be so fun to bake with this fall!
Really fun! I bet they’d be cute in a ‘lil hot chocolate care package too!
I never think to make marshmallows. Pumpkin marshmallows?! Looks so easy and delicious.
I feel like we all love marshmallows as kids then sort of forget about them as adults. It’s a shame!! Bring back the marshmallows!
OMG. This is so cool! I have a major crush on Vital Proteins right now and beef gelatin is awesome. I was trying to think of something to do as a post. You totally nailed it! Well done!
I knew you were probably a fan of their products! Aren’t they great! Thanks so much Heather!
Yum!!! These look so delicious and I love that they’re paleo too!
Thanks Amanda! Gotta love paleo treats you don’t have to feel icky about eating!
What a fun treat with awesome ingredients!
Thank you!
That is such a good idea and I never would have thought of doing that!? Guess that’s why you have a food blog and I don’t :p
Sometimes the creative recipes come to me, other times it’s a struggle! Thanks Kristin!
I’ve always thought marshmallows would be fun to make and I have tried fresh ones and they were SO good. But every time I look at the amount of sugar, I shy away. This recipe looks perfect – such a great balance.
I totally get it! I love homemade marshmallows (so much better than the store-bought) but the sugar is unreal. These really are the perfect balance of sweet treat but not crazy sugar-high!
Wow – these look amazing! Pumpkin isn’t as big here (UK) as the States but making these I’ll be ahead of the curve 😉
Oh good call Mads! You’ll be the popular kid in town! 😉
I love making marshmallows and these pumpkin ones look delicious! I’ve never tried making flavored ones other than vanilla and peppermint. Probably because we make them at Christmas for hot cocoa!
Ooooh those both sound amazing!! Are the recipes for those Christmas-inspired marshmallows on your blog??!
I am so obsessed with pumpkin too!! Can’t wait to try this recipe for my toddler who just loves marshmallows!
My toddler was a little confused by the texture, as he’s never had anything like it! But so fun for finger foods 😉 Thanks Emily!
These look absolutely amazing! Can’t wait to try them…Pinned 🙂
Thanks for the pin love Angela!
I love these!! I have to make asap!
I hope you do Lindsay!
I LOVE Vital Proteins and pumpkin…so making these ASAP!
I hope you do Esther. They have some amazing products!
Love this healthy fall treat! I’m a huge fan of pumpkin so I’m loving these!
Pumpkin-lovers unite! It’s the bessssst time of year!
This is such a creative idea – I just love it! I’m always looking for ways to get more gelatin in my diet and this looks like an idea I could get excited about.
Thanks Wendy! Glad you found this recipe – sounds like you are a gelatin pro already!
These look SO tasty! Can’t wait to make this recipe! PS I just liked your FB page because. Keep up the great content!
Keep smiling!
Molly | http://www.stylemissmolly.com
Thanks for the FB love girl – and I appreciate you stopping by!