Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows are the epitome of homemade nostalgia, blending fluffy sweetness with the delightful burst of strawberry flavor. These pillows of cloud-like goodness will remind you of the magical moments spent at summer fairs, indulging in sugary treats. Unlike their store-bought counterparts, these marshmallows are crafted with love, offering a richer taste and a texture that’s impossibly soft and tender.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a sunny afternoon, craving a sweet snack that wasn’t overly complicated. The beauty of strawberry swirl marshmallows lies in their simplicity and the joy of making them at home. Clouds of fluffy marshmallow goodness topped with ribbons of vibrant strawberry make them not just delicious, but visually stunning too! Each bite is a delightful journey, and I wholeheartedly invite you to create this blissful treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: In just 30 minutes, you’ll have homemade puffy marshmallows.
Irresistible Flavor: Each piece bursts with sweet strawberry that feels like sunshine on your taste buds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The red swirls make these marshmallows stunning, perfect for parties or gifts.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as a snack, in hot chocolate, or even as a fun dessert topping.
Diet-Friendly Options: With just a few adjustments, they can be gluten-free and suitable for various dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1/4 cup powdered sugar: This helps prevent your marshmallows from sticking together. You can substitute with cornstarch for a different texture.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: Works alongside powdered sugar to keep your marshmallows nice and dry. Corn flour can be used in a pinch.
2 packets of unflavored gelatin: This gives the marshmallows their unique, fluffy texture. Avoid substitutions here for best results.
1 cup water (divided): Half of this is for blooming the gelatin, the other half for the sugar syrup. Make sure it’s at room temperature for even gelatin bloom.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: This foundational sweetener balances the flavors beautifully. Brown sugar can be a delightful twist if you want a richer taste.
1/2 cup light corn syrup: Essential for achieving that chewy texture. Avoid dark corn syrup as it will alter the flavor.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall sweetness by balancing flavors.
3 ounces strawberry jello: Not just for sweetness; it adds color and a delightful fruity flavor.
3 teaspoons strawberry extract: Gives the marshmallows an elevated fresh strawberry taste that complements the jello. Vanilla extract can replace this in a pinch.
2 drops red gel food coloring: Just enough to accentuate the strawberry swirl. Avoid using liquid dye as it can alter the mixture’s consistency.

How to Make Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows

Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle 2 packets of unflavored gelatin over 1/2 cup of room temperature water. Allow it to bloom for about 5-10 minutes until it absorbs the water and becomes jelly-like.

Prepare the Sugar Syrup: In a large saucepan, combine 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, the remaining 1/2 cup water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Place over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely. Allow the mixture to heat until it reaches 240°F — you’ll see bubbling around the edges when it’s ready.

Combine with Gelatin: Carefully add the 3 ounces of strawberry jello to your hot syrup mix. Stir until fully combined, and then gradually pour this syrup mixture into the stand mixer bowl with the bloomed gelatin. Pour slowly to help dissolve the gelatin completely.

Whip Until Fluffy: Attach the whisk attachment and beat the mixture on medium-high speed for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it to turn fluffy and increase in volume, resembling smooth clouds.

Prepare the Pan: While your marshmallow mixture is whipping, grab an 8×8 inch square pan and lightly spray it with nonstick baking spray. This step is crucial for easy removal later.

Mix Sugar and Cornstarch: In a separate small bowl, combine 1/4 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons cornstarch, reserving half of this mixture for topping the marshmallows later. Dust the greased pan generously with the sugar-cornstarch mixture.

Add Flavor and Color: As the mixture reaches the end of its whipping time, add 3 teaspoons of strawberry extract and 2 drops of red gel food coloring. Whip for an additional minute, ensuring the color is well distributed.

Pour the Marshmallow Mixture: Pour the fluffy marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly.

Create Swirls: For a fun swirl effect, add an additional 1 to 2 drops of food coloring on either side of the mixture and swirl it gently with a skewer or toothpick. This creates that pretty strawberry ribbon effect.

Dust and Set: Sprinkle the remaining powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture evenly on top, ensuring all exposed marshmallow surfaces are covered. Allow the marshmallows to rest at room temperature for a minimum of 4 hours, but overnight is your best option for a perfect set.

Cut into Pieces: Once firm, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the marshmallows into 12 square pieces. Dust your cutting utensil with more powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

Coat with Powdered Sugar: Toss the cut marshmallows in additional powdered sugar to ensure all sides are generously coated, keeping them from sticking together.

Storing & Reheating

To store your Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows, keep them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two weeks. If you need to refrigerate them, place them in a container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture—this helps maintain their soft texture. For longer storage, these marshmallows can be frozen in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. If you choose to reheat them, briefly microwave on low, just for 5-10 seconds to warm slightly. They will lose a bit of their fluffiness, but you can refresh them by coating in powdered sugar again.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking your sugar syrup, as it will harden and make your marshmallows chewy rather than fluffy.
Use room temperature water for blooming gelatin so it absorbs fully and doesn’t clump.
For best results, make these marshmallows in low humidity to prevent them from becoming sticky.
You can experiment with different flavored jello and extracts for varied marshmallow styles.
If the marshmallows feel too sticky after setting, dust with a bit more powdered sugar before cutting.

Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows are a delightful treat that not only serves as a sweet indulgence but can also bring a sense of nostalgia and warmth. They are incredibly easy to make, and the end result is a comforting reminder of simpler times. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and have fun in the kitchen! Enjoy the experience of creating these soft, fluffy delights and share them with loved ones for pure happiness.

Recipe FAQs

How long do homemade marshmallows last?

Homemade strawberry swirl marshmallows can last up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you notice they start becoming sticky, just toss them lightly in powdered sugar to revive them.

Can I use flavored gelatin instead of Jello?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavors of gelatin to create unique marshmallows. Just keep in mind that the taste and color will change depending on what you use, but it can result in some creative and delicious outcomes.

Why do we use both powdered sugar and cornstarch?

Using both powdered sugar and cornstarch helps prevent the marshmallows from sticking together while also giving them a light, soft texture. The powdered sugar adds sweetness, while cornstarch aids in moisture control.

Can I make these marshmallows vegan?

To make vegan marshmallows, substitute the unflavored gelatin for a vegan gel alternative, such as agar-agar. The rest of the process remains the same, though you might need to adjust measurements for the gel replacement, so be sure to review package instructions.

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Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: No data
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 15 servings 1x
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: No Bake
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows are irresistibly fluffy with a delightful strawberry flavor, perfect for snacking or adding to desserts. Simple to make and a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Scale

1/4 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 packets of unflavored gelatin
1 cup water divided
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 ounces strawberry jello
3 teaspoons strawberry extract
2 drops red gel food coloring

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Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the unflavored gelatin and 1/2 cup of water and let it bloom.
In a large saucepan, mix the granulated sugar, corn syrup, remaining 1/2 cup water, and salt. Heat over medium until it reaches 240 degrees F.
Stir in the strawberry jello until well combined.
Pour the hot sugar mixture into the bowl with the bloomed gelatin in a stand mixer to dissolve it.
Whip the mixture using the whisk attachment for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes fluffy and stiff.
Prepare an 8×8 inch square pan by lightly spraying it with nonstick baking spray.
In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar and cornstarch, reserving half of it for dusting the marshmallows after.
Dust the greased pan with the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture.
During the last minute of beating, add the strawberry extract and food coloring, then continue to beat until well blended.
Pour the marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan.
For a red swirl effect, add 1 to 2 drops of food coloring on either side and swirl with a skewer.
Cover the top of the marshmallows with the remaining powdered sugar/cornstarch mixture.
Allow the marshmallows to rest for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to firm up.
Cut the marshmallows into 12 pieces using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, dusting the knife with powdered sugar/cornstarch to avoid stickiness.
Coat the marshmallows in additional powdered sugar to keep them from being sticky.

Notes

Store the marshmallows in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
For extra flavor, consider adding more strawberry extract if desired.
Feel free to use other flavored jellos for different varieties.