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Craving a snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat? This glowing marshmallow trend has taken TikTok by storm, and now you can try it with Japanese treats!
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Why Is the Glow Marshmallow Trend So Popular?
This viral trend started with videos of toasted marshmallows glowing red, looking like tiny molten volcanoes. TikTok and Instagram creators began sharing mesmerizing clips of marshmallows being roasted over flames or baked in ovens, then placed over a light source for an eye-catching effect.
In Japan, the idea quickly caught on as a fun way to combine treats and DIY creativity. Instead of typical campfire marshmallows, Japanese treats like neri-ame (a pull candy) give the glowing “lava” a cute, colorful twist that makes it even more shareable on social media.
Where Did the Glow Marshmallow Idea Come From?
The glow marshmallow craze blends a few global trends:
- Campfire desserts like s’mores in North America – Roasting marshmallows has long been part of outdoor food culture. This trend brings that cozy vibe indoors with a visual upgrade.
- AI-generated effects on TikTok – Videos of AI-created “lava marshmallow” animations went viral, inspiring people to recreate them in real life.
- ASMR-style sounds and textures – The crackling, sizzling, and oozing sounds of melted marshmallow add to the appeal, especially for fans of satisfying sensory content.
By the time it reached Japan, creators had started experimenting with kawaii (cute) ingredients and creative setups—turning the trend into a fun food craft for kids and adults alike.
Making Glow Marshmallows with Japanese Treats
Here’s how we tried making this glowing dessert using popular Japanese sweets. It’s surprisingly simple to recreate at home!
Glow Marshmallow Recipe with a Japanese Twist
Curious about how to create that glowing marshmallow effect at home? Here’s an easy recipe using a classic Japanese treat, Neriame, and soft marshmallows. This fun combination delivers both visual impact and a sweet, melty bite.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
-
Strawberry Neriame (昭和食品) – 3 pieces
A stretchy, playful candy that you knead before eating. Its vibrant red color makes it perfect for creating a lava-like glow. -
Eiwa White Marshmallows – 1 bag
These soft, fluffy marshmallows are made with carefully selected ingredients. They melt beautifully when toasted, creating a gooey texture and sweet aroma. (official info)
Steps & Pro Tips
1️⃣ Knead the Neriame and layer it in a heat-resistant container.
👉 For the best effect, use a clear glass dish. (We tried with a plastic container, but the bottom logo showed through—glass works better for presentation!)
2️⃣ Arrange the marshmallows on top and toast them.
👉 We used a kitchen torch to toast the marshmallows directly. This created a golden-brown surface and released a sweet, roasted aroma.
Tip: Prefer using an oven? Bake at 200°C (392°F) for 6–8 minutes to get that gooey texture throughout.
3️⃣ Dim the lights and shine a light from underneath.
👉 The kneaded Neriame glows red, giving the whole dessert a “lava flow” vibe. Scooping it up feels like digging into molten magma!
Toasting tip: If you like a stronger roasted flavor, torch the marshmallows a little longer for a crispy top and extra gooey middle.
Flavor balance: The dessert is very sweet, so adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or crushed biscuits on the side helps balance the flavors.
Serving size: If you’re not a big sweet tooth, try making it in a smaller container for an easier portion.
Fun Serving Ideas & Tips
Glow marshmallows aren’t just about the dramatic lava-like visuals—they’re also fun to customize and share. Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these creative serving ideas to make your dessert experience even more exciting:
• Add a scoop of ice cream on the side
The contrast of warm, gooey marshmallow and chilled vanilla ice cream creates a satisfying hot-and-cold sensation.
• Pair with biscuits or crackers
Scoop the melted marshmallow onto crunchy biscuits for a sweet and salty combo that’s hard to resist.
• Make mini volcanoes for a party
Use small heatproof cups to create multiple “lava domes” and line them up on a tray. It’s perfect for sharing at gatherings and makes for an impressive centerpiece.
These ideas turn a simple snack into an interactive dessert moment you can enjoy with friends or family.
Common Questions About the Glow Marshmallow Trend
Q: Can I make glow marshmallows without a kitchen torch or oven?
A: Yes! If you don’t have a torch or oven, you can carefully use a gas stovetop flame. Just place the marshmallow on a skewer and rotate it gently over the heat. Always keep safety in mind and avoid burning the marshmallow too much.
Q: What other ingredients can I use instead of Japanese neriyame (stretchy candy)?
A: If neriyame isn’t available, you can substitute with clear corn syrup, honey, or even a cornstarch-thickened syrup tinted with food coloring. The goal is to create a translucent, lava-like glow when illuminated from below.
Q: Is this dessert overly sweet?
A: It can be rich for some palates, especially with the marshmallow’s sugar content. To balance the sweetness, serve it in smaller portions or add toppings like dark chocolate, chopped nuts, or even fresh fruits for contrast.
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Try our Snack Box →The Global Buzz Around Glow Marshmallows
The glow marshmallow trend didn’t stay confined to one place—it traveled across continents, with each region adding its own creative spin to the viral sensation.
In North America, it emerged as an offshoot of the classic campfire tradition. Families already enjoyed roasting marshmallows for s’mores, so when videos of glowing, lava-like marshmallows began circulating on TikTok and Instagram, they felt both familiar and intriguing. ASMR creators fueled the excitement by highlighting the crackle of a torch and the gooey textures in close-up videos.
In Europe, food bloggers and dessert cafés introduced “lava desserts” that paired roasted marshmallows with colorful sauces and sprinkles. These versions turned the simple idea into a playful café-style treat perfect for sharing online.
In Asia, the trend blended with kawaii culture and Japan’s passion for visually stunning food. Cafés and home cooks started creating glowing marshmallow desserts using Japanese sweets like neri-ame and red bean paste for the base, giving the trend a distinctly local flavor.
This global exchange has transformed glow marshmallows into more than just a treat—they’ve become a creative phenomenon on social media. Search hashtags like #GlowMarshmallow or #LavaDessert, and you’ll find countless videos of people recreating, remixing, and personalizing their own glowing masterpieces.
“I made these for my kids, and they couldn’t stop asking for more!” wrote one Instagram user. Another shared, “This was the perfect activity for our weekend party—everyone wanted to try their own version.” From cozy family kitchens to vibrant café counters, glow marshmallows are sparking creativity around the world.
Glow Marshmallows Around the World
Glow marshmallows first went viral on TikTok and Instagram, but their popularity soon spread across platforms and countries.
Glow Marshmallows in North America
In North America, they found a place in camping and backyard BBQ culture, with families experimenting to create glowing effects for homemade desserts.
Glow Marshmallows in Europe
In Europe, food influencers took the concept further by adding vibrant sprinkles, chocolate drizzles, and edible glitter to craft “party glow” versions that became the highlight of dessert tables.
Glow Marshmallows in Japan
In Japan, the trend resonated with the country’s love for charming, photo-worthy foods. Both cafés and home bakers are sharing their unique takes—like serving glow marshmallows over matcha pudding or presenting them in glass teacups to enhance the glowing effect.
Why People Can’t Get Enough of Glow Marshmallows
Part of the charm lies in their multisensory appeal. Watching a soft marshmallow light up under a lamp feels almost magical. Combined with the gentle crackle and caramelized aroma, it turns into an experience that delights more than just your taste buds.
Beyond the visuals, making glow marshmallows is a fun, hands-on activity to enjoy with friends or family. On social media, videos tagged with #GlowMarshmallow or #LavaDessert keep generating millions of views, proving it’s as much about the process as the final dessert.
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5 Limited-Edition Japanese Potato Chips You Can Only Get Now →Conclusion: Add a Glow to Your Dessert Time
Glow marshmallows aren’t only fun to make—they’re a playful way to add a little magic to your snack time. Whether it’s for a quiet evening at home or a lively get-together, this creative dessert adds a sweet and playful touch to any gathering.
So grab your marshmallows, fire up your torch or oven, and enjoy watching your dessert time… glow.
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