2 Ingredient Recipes That Shouldn't Be Possible
2 Ingredient Recipes That Shouldn't Be Possible is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by LifebyMikeG on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 40 min
Cost: $3.70 total, $0.93 per serving
Ingredients
- 800 g Apples (Sweet varieties such as Fuji or Gala, peeled and cored)
- 20 g Powdered Gelatin (Approximately 2 tablespoons; dissolve fully in warm apple puree)
- 15 ml Honey (Optional, adds a light sweetness; can be omitted for a truly sugar‑free version)
Instructions
Prepare Apples
Peel, core, and cut the apples into 1‑inch chunks.
Time: PT5M
Cook Apples
Place the apple chunks in a saucepan with just enough water to cover the bottom (about ¼ cup). Cook over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: Medium heat
Puree Apples
Transfer the cooked apples to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until completely smooth, forming a thick applesauce.
Time: PT3M
Add Sweetener (Optional)
Stir in the honey (or chosen sweetener) until fully incorporated.
Time: PT2M
Incorporate Gelatin
Sprinkle the powdered gelatin over the warm apple puree and whisk on high speed for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes glossy and fluffy.
Time: PT5M
Set the Marshmallows
Pour the glossy mixture into a refrigerator‑safe dish, smooth the top, and cover. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours until firm.
Time: PT2H
Temperature: Refrigerator (4°C)
Serve
Remove from the fridge, cut into squares or desired shapes, and enjoy immediately or store as directed.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 1 g
- Carbohydrates
- 28 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Low‑Sugar, Vegetarian
Allergens: Gelatin (animal derived), Honey (bee product)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Apples: Pears (for a milder flavor)
- Instead of Powdered Gelatin: Agar‑agar powder (use 1.5× amount, texture will differ)
- Instead of Honey: Maple syrup, Agave nectar
Equipment Needed
- Saucepan
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Blender or Immersion Blender
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Refrigerator‑Safe Dish
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking apples until fully soft ensures a smooth puree.
- Whisking gelatin into the warm puree until glossy is essential for the marshmallow texture.
- Chilling the mixture long enough (minimum 2 hours) allows it to set properly.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use very sweet apples (Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp) to minimize added sweetener.
- For an extra‑light texture, whisk the gelatin mixture with a hand mixer on high speed.
- Line the dish with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cuts.
Troubleshooting
Mixture does not set after chilling.
Increase gelatin by 1‑2 g and whisk again; ensure the puree was warm when gelatin was added.
Marshmallows are grainy or have a gritty texture.
Blend the apple puree longer and optionally strain through a fine mesh sieve before adding gelatin.
Mixture is too runny to whisk fluffy.
Add a little more gelatin (1 g at a time) and continue whisking until glossy.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture changes when frozen.
Room temperature: Do not keep at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The marshmallows can be made up to 3 days ahead; keep refrigerated.
- Cut into portions before storing to avoid extra handling later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of apple marshmallows in American dessert traditions?
Apple marshmallows are a modern, health‑focused twist on the classic marshmallow, which originated in ancient Egypt as a confection made from the mallow plant. In the United States, marshmallows became popular in the 19th century, and today creative cooks use fruit purees like apples to make a lower‑sugar, gluten‑free version.
What are the traditional ingredients for marshmallows in American cuisine versus this two‑ingredient version?
Traditional American marshmallows use sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, and egg whites. This two‑ingredient version replaces the sugar and corn syrup with pureed cooked apples, keeping only gelatin as the setting agent.
How does the two‑ingredient apple marshmallow recipe fit into the broader American dessert tradition?
It reflects the current trend toward healthier, ingredient‑minimal desserts while still delivering the fluffy texture associated with classic marshmallows, making it a bridge between nostalgic treats and modern wellness cooking.
What occasions or celebrations are apple marshmallows traditionally associated with in American culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, apple marshmallows are popular at fall gatherings, apple‑cider festivals, and as a light topping for hot chocolate during winter celebrations.
What are common mistakes to avoid when making two‑ingredient apple marshmallows?
Common mistakes include under‑cooking the apples (resulting in a grainy texture), adding gelatin to a cold puree (preventing proper dissolution), and not chilling long enough for the mixture to set.
Why does this recipe use powdered gelatin instead of sheet gelatin?
Powdered gelatin dissolves more quickly in the warm apple puree, allowing a smoother, glossy mixture without the need for blooming sheet gelatin, which would add an extra step.
Can I make the apple marshmallows ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can prepare them up to three days in advance. Store the cut marshmallows in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they stay fresh and retain their texture for up to five days.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the apple marshmallows are done?
The mixture should be glossy and fluffy after whisking, and once chilled, it should be firm enough to cut cleanly with a slight bounce when pressed, resembling traditional marshmallows in color and shape.
What does the YouTube channel LifebyMikeG specialize in?
The YouTube channel LifebyMikeG specializes in testing viral food trends, especially minimalist or two‑ingredient recipes, and providing honest, entertaining reviews of their practicality and taste.
How does the YouTube channel LifebyMikeG's approach to American dessert trends differ from other cooking channels?
LifebyMikeG focuses on rapid, experimental testing of internet‑famous recipes, often with a comedic commentary style, whereas many other channels emphasize detailed technique tutorials or traditional cooking methods.
What other American dessert recipes is the YouTube channel LifebyMikeG known for?
LifebyMikeG is known for testing two‑ingredient donuts, coconut‑banana cookies, and creative snack hacks like rice‑paper seaweed chips, always highlighting the balance between novelty and real‑world taste.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for marshmallows versus acceptable substitutes in this recipe?
Authentic marshmallows use sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, and egg whites. In this two‑ingredient version, apples replace the sugar and corn syrup, while gelatin remains essential; honey can be used as an optional natural sweetener, and agar‑agar can substitute gelatin for a vegetarian version, though texture will differ.
Last updated: October 31, 2026
