If you’re looking for a fun Halloween treat that looks impressive but is actually simple to make, these Homemade Ghost Marshmallows are a great one to try. Soft, fluffy and shaped like little ghosts, they’re perfect for Halloween parties, school celebrations, lunchboxes or a spooky movie night at home.
Making marshmallows from scratch might sound complicated, but this homemade ghost marshmallow recipe uses simple ingredients and a few easy steps to create a fun Halloween treat the whole family can enjoy. They’re also a lovely budget-friendly alternative to buying a packet of themed Halloween sweets.
The best part? You can make them as spooky or as cute as you like with simple candy eyes or chocolate details. They’re sure to be one of those Halloween treats that everyone wants to grab first!
Love making fun homemade treats for special occasions? Explore more Halloween Food Ideas for easy party snacks, spooky desserts, and family-friendly recipes that make celebrating October simple and affordable.
Quick Snapshot
These Homemade Ghost Marshmallows are soft, fluffy and seriously fun to make. Shaped like little ghosts and finished with simple chocolate or candy eyes, they’re a cute homemade Halloween treat that looks impressive without needing complicated decorating skills. They’re perfect for Halloween parties, school celebrations, spooky movie nights or adding a homemade touch to a Halloween dessert table.
- Best for: Halloween parties, school celebrations, Halloween dessert tables, family movie nights, trick-or-treat gatherings, lunchboxes, and homemade Halloween treats.
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Setting time: 2–3 hours
- Total time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Approximately $4.60 AUD per batch
- Cuisine: American-inspired
- Makes: Approximately 20–24 ghost marshmallows
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Ghost Marshmallows
- Fun Halloween treat – These little ghost marshmallows are guaranteed to get plenty of attention on a Halloween dessert table.
- Made from scratch – Skip the packaged sweets and make your own soft, fluffy marshmallows at home.
- Simple ingredients – You only need a handful of basic ingredients to make these spooky treats.
- Great for kids – Kids will love helping shape and decorate the ghosts with little eyes and faces.
- Budget-friendly – Homemade treats can be a fun way to create something special without spending a fortune on Halloween goodies.
- Perfect for parties – They’re easy to serve alongside brownies, chocolate bark, cupcakes and other Halloween treats.
- Customisable – Make them cute, spooky or completely silly with different faces and decorations.
- Make-ahead friendly – Prepare them ahead of your Halloween celebration so there’s one less thing to do on the day.
Budget Breakdown – What it Costs to Make this Recipe
One of the best things about these Homemade Ghost Marshmallows is that a few simple ingredients can be turned into a fun Halloween treat that looks much more impressive than it costs. The exact cost will depend on the brands you choose, where you shop and whether you already have ingredients such as sugar or vanilla in your pantry, but here’s an approximate breakdown based on Australian supermarket prices.
Estimated Ingredient Cost in Australia as at August 8th, 2026 – $4.60 per batch, Approximately $0.23 per serve
Makes 20-24 Ghost Marshmellows
| Ingredient | Quantity | Estimated Cost |
| Gelatin | 3 Tbsp | $1.20 |
| White sugar | 1 1/2 Cups | $0.60 |
| Corn syrup/glucose syrup | 1/2 Cup | $1.20 |
| Water | 1/2 Cup | $0.00 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 Tsp | $0.30 |
| Icing sugar | 1/2 Cup | $0.30 |
| Cornflour | 1/2 Cup | $0.20 |
| Dark chocolate | 30g | $0.60 |
| Cooking spray or oil | Small Amount | $0.20 |
* Disclaimer: Ingredient costs are approximate and based on average Australian supermarket prices as at the date published. Actual costs may vary depending on store, location, brand and seasonal pricing. Provided for estimation purposes only and Saavy Family Kitchen takes no responsibility for the usage of these estimates.
Homemade Ghost Marshmallows
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare your equipment: Lightly grease a baking tray or line it with baking paper. Fit a piping bag with a large round nozzle and have it ready before you start.
- Soften the gelatine: Place the gelatine powder in the bowl of a stand mixer and add half of the water. Leave it for a few minutes to soften.
- Make the sugar syrup: Add the remaining water, sugar and glucose syrup to a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Cook the syrup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook until it reaches the required marshmallow temperature. Avoid stirring once it begins boiling.
- Combine with the gelatine: Carefully pour the hot sugar syrup over the softened gelatine.
- Whip the marshmallow: Start mixing on low speed, then gradually increase to high. Whip until the mixture becomes thick, glossy, white and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla: Add the vanilla extract and briefly mix until incorporated.
- Fill the piping bag: Quickly transfer the warm marshmallow mixture into the prepared piping bag. Work promptly because the mixture will begin setting as it cools.
- Pipe the ghosts: Pipe small mounds onto the prepared tray, starting with a wider base and lifting the piping bag upwards while reducing pressure to create the ghost shape.
- Let them set: Leave the marshmallows at room temperature for approximately 2–3 hours, or until firm and easy to handle.
- Prevent sticking: Mix the icing sugar and cornflour together, then lightly dust the finished marshmallows with the mixture.
- Decorate: Melt the dark chocolate and use a toothpick, piping bag or skewer to add two small eyes and a spooky mouth to each ghost.
- Serve: Allow the chocolate decorations to set, then arrange your ghost marshmallows on a Halloween platter and enjoy.
Notes
- Work quickly: The marshmallow mixture becomes thicker as it cools, so have your piping bag and tray ready before you begin.
- Use a large piping nozzle: This makes it easier to create the wider base and tapered top needed for the ghost shape.
- Don’t overfill the piping bag: Working with smaller amounts can make the mixture easier to pipe.
- Allow enough setting time: The ghosts should feel firm before you attempt to decorate or move them.
- Keep them dry: Humidity can make homemade marshmallows sticky. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
- Make them your own: Chocolate faces are simple and inexpensive, but candy eyes can also be used for a fun Halloween look.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy within a few days for the best texture.
Tips for Making Homemade Ghost Marshmallows
Making homemade marshmallows is easier than it looks, but a few little tricks can make the process much smoother and help you get those cute ghost shapes.
Don’t worry about perfect shapes – Slightly wonky ghosts are part of the fun! Each one can have its own personality.
Have everything ready first – Marshmallow mixture sets quickly, so measure your ingredients and prepare your piping bag and tray before you start.
Don’t rush the whipping stage – Give the marshmallow mixture enough time to become thick, glossy and fluffy. This is what gives your ghosts their soft, airy texture.
Use a piping bag for easy ghost shapes – Pipe the mixture upwards in a slightly wider base, then narrow the top to create that classic ghost shape.
Work while the mixture is warm – Once the marshmallow starts to cool and set, it becomes much harder to pipe neatly.
Grease your equipment lightly – A small amount of cooking spray or neutral oil can help prevent the sticky marshmallow mixture from clinging to your piping bag and utensils.
Don’t make the ghosts too large – Smaller ghosts are easier to handle and set more evenly. They’re also perfect for serving alongside other Halloween treats.
Let them set completely – Give the marshmallows plenty of time to firm up before decorating or moving them from the tray.
Keep the decorations simple – A couple of small chocolate dots or candy eyes are all you need to turn each marshmallow into a ghost.
Use lightly greased hands – If you need to adjust the marshmallows after piping, lightly grease your fingertips to reduce sticking.
Give them space – Leave enough room between each ghost so they don’t stick together while setting.
Keep the surface dusted – A light coating of icing sugar and cornflour can help prevent the finished marshmallows from becoming too sticky.
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered these Homemade Ghost Marshmallows, there are plenty of fun ways to change them up for different Halloween parties and celebrations.
Extra-Spooky Ghosts – Use dark chocolate to create larger eyes and little spooky mouths for a more traditional Halloween appearance.
Chocolate Ghosts – Dip the bottoms of the marshmallows in melted chocolate for a delicious chocolate-and-vanilla combination.
Different Ghost Faces – Use melted dark chocolate, edible food pens or small candy eyes to create happy, spooky, surprised or silly faces.
Chocolate Marshmallows – Add cocoa powder to the marshmallow mixture for a chocolate version with an extra-rich flavour.
Strawberry Ghosts – Add a little strawberry flavouring and a small amount of pink food colouring for a fruity twist.
Mint Chocolate Ghosts – Add a tiny amount of peppermint extract and decorate with melted chocolate for a classic mint and chocolate combination.
Mini Ghost Marshmallows – Pipe smaller ghosts for bite-sized treats that are perfect for party platters or adding to hot chocolate.
Ghost Hot Chocolate – Float a homemade ghost marshmallow on top of a mug of hot chocolate and watch it slowly melt into the drink.
Spooky Marshmallow Pops – Place the finished ghosts onto small cake-pop sticks and decorate them individually for an easy Halloween party treat.
Ghost S’mores – Use the marshmallows to make a Halloween-inspired s’more with chocolate and biscuits.
Cute Halloween Ghosts – Keep the decorations simple with tiny candy eyes for a sweet, kid-friendly look rather than a spooky one.
Why Your Homemade Ghost Marshmallows Might Not Turn Out
Homemade marshmallows are surprisingly simple, but the mixture can be a little temperamental. If your ghosts don’t look quite how you expected, these are some of the most common reasons.
The marshmallow mixture is too runny
If the mixture hasn’t been whipped for long enough, it may not become thick enough to hold the ghost shape. Keep whipping until it is thick, fluffy and holds its shape.
The ghosts spread after piping
This usually means the marshmallow mixture is still too warm or hasn’t been whipped enough. Work quickly once the mixture reaches the right consistency and pipe the ghosts straight away.
The marshmallows are too sticky
Marshmallow naturally has a sticky texture, but excessive stickiness can make them difficult to handle. Make sure the finished ghosts are properly coated with the icing sugar and cornflour mixture.
The marshmallows won’t set
Check that the gelatine was measured correctly and fully dissolved. Too little gelatine or an incorrect liquid-to-gelatine ratio can prevent the marshmallow from becoming firm.
The marshmallow mixture is lumpy
Gelatine that hasn’t dissolved properly can leave small lumps throughout the mixture. Make sure it is completely dissolved before continuing with the recipe.
The ghosts don’t hold their shape
Try piping slightly smaller ghosts and make sure the marshmallow mixture has reached a thick, stable consistency before piping.
The marshmallows are too firm
Overcooking the sugar syrup or using too much gelatine can result in a firmer texture than you want. Follow the recipe measurements carefully and avoid guessing temperatures if the recipe calls for a thermometer.
The ghosts look a little wonky
Don’t worry! Homemade marshmallows don’t need to look perfectly uniform. Slightly different shapes actually make your Halloween ghosts look more homemade and fun.
The decorations won’t stick
If you’re using chocolate or candy eyes, add them while the marshmallow surface is still slightly tacky. If the surface has dried completely, a tiny dab of melted chocolate can help hold decorations in place.
Having trouble troubleshooting other common kitchen issues? Explore our Common Cooking Problems hub for simple fixes, helpful tips, and practical advice to help you become more confident in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions – Halloween Ghost Marshmallows
Can I make homemade ghost marshmallows ahead of time?
Yes. Homemade marshmallows are a great make-ahead Halloween treat. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to serve them.
How long do homemade marshmallows last?
When stored correctly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, homemade marshmallows can generally last for several days. For the best texture, enjoy them within the first few days.
Why are my marshmallows sticky?
Marshmallows can be naturally sticky, especially in warm or humid conditions. Lightly coating them with a mixture of icing sugar and cornflour helps prevent them from sticking together.
Can I make these without a piping bag?
Yes. A large zip-lock bag with the corner snipped off can work as a simple alternative to a piping bag. You can also spread the marshmallow into a lined tray and cut out shapes once set.
How do I get the ghost shape?
Pipe the marshmallow mixture upwards, starting with a wider base and gradually narrowing as you move upwards. Don’t worry if every ghost isn’t identical.
Can I use candy eyes on the marshmallows?
Absolutely. Candy eyes are an easy way to decorate the ghosts. You can also use melted chocolate to pipe simple eyes and spooky mouths.
Can I make chocolate ghost marshmallows?
Yes. You can add cocoa powder to the marshmallow mixture for a chocolate version, or dip the finished ghosts in melted chocolate.
Can I make mini ghost marshmallows?
Yes. Simply pipe smaller ghosts. Keep in mind that smaller marshmallows may set more quickly, so have your piping equipment ready before you begin.
Why didn’t my marshmallows set properly?
The most common reasons are insufficient gelatine, gelatine that wasn’t properly dissolved, or a marshmallow mixture that wasn’t whipped enough. Accurate measurements are important when making homemade marshmallows.
Can I use homemade ghost marshmallows in hot chocolate?
Definitely! These ghosts make a fun Halloween topping for hot chocolate. Place one on top just before serving and watch it slowly melt into the drink.
Are homemade ghost marshmallows suitable for Halloween parties?
Yes. They’re a fun addition to Halloween dessert tables, party platters, school celebrations and family movie nights. Just check the ingredients and any allergy requirements for the people you’re serving.
Saavy Budget-Friendly Ideas
Making Halloween treats from scratch doesn’t have to mean spending a lot. These Homemade Ghost Marshmallows are a great example of how a few inexpensive ingredients can become something fun and festive.
Make them part of a Halloween platter – A small number of homemade ghosts can add a fun focal point to a dessert board without needing to fill the entire platter with expensive treats.
Buy supermarket brands – Choose budget-friendly brands for sugar, icing sugar, cornflour and other basic ingredients. These ingredients don’t need to be premium for the recipe to work well.
Make them smaller – Mini ghost marshmallows use less mixture per serving, allowing you to make more treats from one batch.
Use homemade decorations – You don’t need expensive Halloween decorations. Melted chocolate can create simple ghost eyes and mouths using just a small amount.
Skip specialty Halloween sprinkles – The ghost shape does most of the decorating for you. A couple of chocolate dots are enough to make them recognisable.
Use what you already have – If you have icing sugar, cornflour, vanilla or chocolate in your pantry, check your cupboards before buying another packet.
Make one batch go further – Serve the ghosts alongside homemade brownies, chocolate bark or other inexpensive Halloween treats rather than making a large quantity of every dessert.
Turn leftovers into another treat – Extra marshmallows can be served with hot chocolate, used for s’mores or added to a Halloween dessert platter.
Plan around supermarket specials – If you’re making several Halloween recipes, look for specials on chocolate, sugar and decorations before you shop.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more homemade treats and family favourites? Try these easy recipes that are perfect for celebrations, sharing, or adding something special to your table.
- Halloween Chocolate Bark – A fun no-bake Halloween treat made with chocolate, Oreos, candy corn, and spooky decorations that’s perfect for parties and kids’ treats.
- Monster Cupcakes – Fun and colourful Halloween cupcakes that are easy to decorate and make a great addition to any spooky celebration.
- Gluten-Free ANZAC Cookies – A simple homemade cookie made with pantry staples that’s perfect for lunchboxes, afternoon tea, or gifting.
- 1 Minute Chocolate Mugcake – A classic homemade cookie that’s easy to make and loved by the whole family.
- Halloween Brownies – A quick and easy spooky treat everyone loves
Looking for more spooky inspiration? Explore our Halloween Food Ideas hub for more easy treats, party snacks, and family-friendly recipes perfect for October celebrations.