Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows are a delightful treat that envelop you in a cloud of sweetness with every bite. Their fluffy, light texture is perfectly complemented by that nostalgic strawberry flavor, making these homemade treats far superior to any store-bought version. The beautiful pink swirls not only make them eye-catching but also create an enticing visual that’s bound to impress everyone at your gathering or merely sweeten your day.

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

Gathering around for a movie night or celebrating a special occasion? These Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows can transform a simple moment into something extraordinary. Plus, they’re made with easy-to-find ingredients, making them a budget-friendly indulgence. If you’re looking to elevate your dessert game, you absolutely must give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Made in just 30 minutes, it’s a fun project that anyone can tackle.
Irresistible Flavor: The strawberry jello and extract combine for a delicious burst of fruity goodness.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Swirling the food coloring creates a stunning presentation, perfect for sharing.
Flexible Serving: Ideal as a snack or dessert for parties, picnics, or cozy nights in.
Customizable Options: Experiment with different jello flavors for unique variations!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1/4 cup powdered sugar: This is essential for dusting the marshmallows to prevent sticking and add a bit of sweetness.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: Blends with powdered sugar to create a light coating that absorbs moisture.
2 packets of unflavored gelatin: The backbone of your marshmallows that provides structure and fluffiness.
1 cup water, divided: This hydrates the gelatin and is also used for the syrup.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens your marshmallows, giving them that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
1/2 cup light corn syrup: Adds sweetness and helps create a chewy texture as it helps prevent crystallization.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
3 ounces strawberry jello: Provides the fruity flavor and pink color that makes these marshmallows so special.
3 teaspoons strawberry extract: Intensifies the strawberry flavor for that deliciously fruity punch.
2 drops red gel food coloring: For a fun pop of color—feel free to adjust as desired for more vibrant swirls.

How to Make Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows

Bloom the gelatin: In a small bowl, add 2 packets of unflavored gelatin along with 1/2 cup of water. Allow it to sit for about five minutes until it becomes thick and gel-like.

Cook the syrup mixture: 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 it on medium heat, stirring gently until the mixture reaches 240 degrees F—a candy thermometer will be your best friend here.

Mix in strawberry jello: Once your syrup is at temperature, add in the 3 ounces of strawberry jello. Stir to blend until fully dissolved, making sure the color is consistent and the mixture is bubbling a bit.

Incorporate the gelatin: Carefully pour the hot syrup into your stand mixer bowl containing the bloomed gelatin. This helps dissolve the gelatin for that perfect texture.

Whip it up: Using the whisk attachment, whip the mixture on high speed for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the marshmallow mixture turns fluffy, stiff, and is sticking to the sides.

Prepare your pan: While the marshmallow mixture is whipping, lightly spray an 8×8 inch square pan with nonstick baking spray. This will ensure easy removal once your marshmallows are set.

Dust the pan: In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Dust this mixture generously inside the prepared pan, reserving half for later.

Add extracts and color: With about one minute left of whipping, introduce 3 teaspoons of strawberry extract and 2 drops of red gel food coloring to the bowl. The mixture should continue to whip for that extra neon pink hue.

Pour the marshmallow mixture: Carefully spoon the marshmallow fluff into your prepared pan, smooth it out evenly, and don’t worry about perfection—it’ll settle.

Create swirls: If you wish to add a creative touch, now’s the time! Dribble 1 to 2 extra drops of red food coloring on either side of the mixture and use a skewer to swirl it gently, creating beautiful marbling.

Top with powdered sugar: Sprinkle the reserved powdered sugar/cornstarch mix over the top of your marshmallows, making sure to cover them completely.

Let them set: Allow the marshmallows to rest for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This time helps them firm up, making cutting easier.

Cut into pieces: Once set, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice the marshmallows into roughly 12 pieces. If they’re sticky, dust the cutting tool with more of the powdered sugar mixture for easy slicing.

Toss in sugar: To keep your marshmallows from sticking together, gently toss them in additional powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy your fluffy creations!

Storing & Reheating

For best results, store your Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two weeks. If you want them to stay longer, you can refrigerate them for about a month. For maximum freshness, freeze in a single layer in a resealable bag for up to three months. To refresh their delightful sponginess after freezing, leave them at room temperature for about an hour before indulging.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

A common mishap is not allowing the marshmallows to set long enough. For best results, give them at least 8 hours overnight.
Ensure your gelatin is fresh for optimal fluffiness—check the expiration date.
Avoid water on your cutting board or knife as it can add moisture to your marshmallows, causing them to become sticky.
You can customize with other flavors of jello, like raspberry or lemon, for a fruity twist!
When mixing in the food coloring, a little goes a long way! Try adding one drop at a time for the best color.

Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows are not only a sweet treat to enjoy, but they also challenge you to tap into your creativity. Feel free to play around with flavors and colors! Whether you share them or keep them all to yourself, these marshmallows promise a little bit of happiness in every fluffy bite. Enjoy the joy they bring to your life or surprise someone with a homemade gift; either way, you’ll savor their deliciousness!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use flavored gelatin instead of jello?

Absolutely! You can substitute any flavored gelatin you enjoy. Just keep in mind that the flavor and color of the marshmallows will change accordingly, leading to fun and unique varieties.

Why is my marshmallow mixture not fluffy?

If your mixture doesn’t turn fluffy after whipping, it could be due to not allowing the sugar syrup to reach the correct temperature (240 degrees F). It’s crucial for achieving the right texture.

How can I store leftovers?

Keep your marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you refrigerate them, they’ll last longer, but the texture may change slightly.

What can I use instead of corn syrup?

If you’re looking for alternatives to light corn syrup, you can use honey or agave syrup. Keep in mind this might alter the flavor slightly, but it can still yield excellent results!

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Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: NA
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 15 pieces 1x
Category: Desserts
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows are a treat that brings together a light, fluffy texture with a burst of strawberry flavor. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, they’re perfect for parties, gifts, or a sweet snack at home.

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, add the unflavored gelatin and 1/2 cup of water and let it bloom.
In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light 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 in the saucepan.
Transfer the bloomed gelatin to a stand mixer bowl and slowly add the hot sugar mixture, allowing the gelatin to dissolve.
Whip the mixture with 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 small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with cornstarch and set aside half for later use.
Dust the prepared pan with the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture.
In the last minute of whipping, add the strawberry extract and red gel food coloring, continuing to beat until incorporated.
Pour the marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan.
For a red swirl effect, add 1 to 2 drops of food coloring on either side of the mixture and use a skewer to swirl it.
Top with the remaining powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture, spreading it evenly over the marshmallows.
Allow the marshmallows to set for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to firm up before cutting.
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the marshmallows into 12 squares, dusting the knife with powdered sugar if sticky.
Toss the marshmallows in additional powdered sugar to prevent stickiness.

Notes

For a stronger strawberry flavor, use more strawberry extract.
These marshmallows can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Feel free to experiment with different food coloring to create your desired swirl effect.