Create edible slime
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Make edible slime from melted marshmallows and cornstarch with adult help, then knead, stretch, and taste while exploring textures and simple chemistry.

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Step-by-step guide to make edible slime

What you need
Adult supervision required, airtight container, butter or cooking oil, cornstarch, measuring cup, microwave-safe bowl, mini marshmallows, spoon or spatula, wax paper or clean plate

Step 1

Gather all your materials and put them on a clean counter so everything is ready.

Step 2

Measure 1 cup of mini marshmallows into the microwave-safe bowl.

Step 3

Add 1 teaspoon of butter to the bowl with the marshmallows.

Step 4

Ask an adult to heat the bowl in the microwave for 20–30 seconds until the marshmallows puff up.

Step 5

Stir the warm marshmallows with your spoon until they become smooth and gooey.

Step 6

Gradually add cornstarch 1 tablespoon at a time and stir after each addition until the mixture pulls away from the bowl and feels thick enough to handle.

Step 7

Sprinkle a little cornstarch onto a sheet of wax paper or a clean plate to keep the slime from sticking.

Step 8

Turn the thickened marshmallow mixture out onto the dusted wax paper.

Step 9

Let the slime cool on the paper until it is warm but not hot so you can touch it safely.

Step 10

Knead the cooled slime with your hands until it becomes stretchy and smooth.

Step 11

Stretch and squish the slime to explore how the texture changes as you play.

Step 12

Ask an adult to check that your slime is completely cool and safe to taste.

Step 13

Take a very tiny taste only after the adult says it is safe and spit it out if you do not like it.

Step 14

Put your edible slime into the airtight container for storage when you are finished playing.

Step 15

Share your finished creation on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use instead of cornstarch if we don't have any?

You can substitute powdered sugar or tapioca starch in equal amounts while following the step to add cornstarch 1 tablespoon at a time, but expect a sweeter or slightly chewier slime and adjust the amount until the mixture pulls away from the bowl.

What should we do if the marshmallows don't melt smoothly or the slime stays too sticky?

Ask an adult to heat the bowl in the microwave in 5–10 second increments until the marshmallows puff and stir until smooth, then keep adding cornstarch 1 tablespoon at a time and knead on the cornstarch-dusted wax paper until the mixture pulls away and feels thick enough to handle.

How can we adapt this activity for younger children or older kids?

For toddlers and preschoolers, have an adult do the microwave heating and stirring and pre-measure the 1 cup of mini marshmallows and cornstarch while the child helps with cooling, kneading, and stretching under supervision, and for older kids let them measure, microwave with adult oversight, knead until stretchy, and handle putting the slime into the airtight container themselves.

How can we personalize or enhance our edible slime after making it?

Stir a drop of food-safe gel coloring or a pinch of cocoa powder or vanilla extract into the warm marshmallow goo before adding all the cornstarch, knead in edible glitter or sprinkles once cooled, then store your creation in the airtight container and share a photo on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to make edible slime

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How To Make Edible Slime? Safe And Tasty Edible Slime Recipe Kids Will Love

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Facts about kitchen science for kids

🌽 Cornstarch can make a weird 'non-Newtonian' mixture (oobleck) that acts like both a liquid and a solid.

🤯 Edible slime is safe to taste with adult supervision, but it can be very sticky and sugary—brush teeth after play!

🍬 Marshmallows originally used sap from the marshmallow plant in ancient Egypt before candies were invented.

🧪 Melted marshmallows have sugar and gelatin that, when mixed with cornstarch, form a stretchy, moldable putty.

🍽️ You can add food coloring and flavor extract to edible slime so it looks and smells like candy or taffy.

How do you make edible slime from marshmallows and cornstarch?

Start with about 1 cup marshmallows in a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan. With adult help, warm in 15–20 second microwave bursts or low stovetop heat, stirring until melted. Add cornstarch a tablespoon at a time until the mix pulls from the bowl and becomes doughy. Let it cool, then knead on a cornstarch-dusted surface until stretchy. Supervise tasting and remind children to take only small bites.

What materials do I need to make edible marshmallow slime?

You’ll need marshmallows, cornstarch, a tablespoon or two of butter or a neutral oil (optional for smoother texture), a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, measuring spoons, a spatula, and a clean surface dusted with cornstarch for kneading. Also have wet wipes, a plate, and bowls for serving. Adult supervision is required for heating and for any child taste-testing.

What ages is edible marshmallow slime suitable for?

This activity is best for kids aged about 4 and up with close adult supervision. Younger children can enjoy texture play but face choking risks from marshmallows; avoid unsupervised tasting. Adults should handle heating and temperature checks. For toddlers under 3, consider alternative sensory play with edible safe options that aren’t sticky or a choking risk.

What safety tips and variations can I use for edible slime?

Safety: watch for hot marshmallow burns, check temperatures, and serve tiny tastes only; note allergies to gelatin or corn. Clean surfaces and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for a day or two. Variations: fold in a small pinch of cocoa powder, a drop of vanilla extract, or natural food coloring once cooled; add sprinkles only after it’s no longer sticky to avoid choking hazards.
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Create edible slime. Activities for Kids.