Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows are where nostalgia and sweetness collide. When you take a bite, your mouth will experience a fluffy, cloud-like texture that melts away to reveal vibrant bursts of strawberry flavor. Each marshmallow is adorned with beautiful, swirled color, making them not just delightful to eat, but also a feast for the eyes. These confections can also be made at home with just a handful of ingredients, creating a stunning dessert that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.

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 remember the first time I made Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows. It was during a summer get-together, and I wanted to impress my friends with something homemade. As the mixer whisked the marshmallow base into soft peaks, I couldn’t help but sneak a spoonful. The sweetness, paired with the unmistakable taste of strawberry, transported me back to my childhood. This experience has turned me into a dedicated fan of homemade marshmallows, and I’m excited to share this easy recipe with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 30 minutes of prep time, this recipe is a straightforward and fun kitchen project.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet strawberry jello and extract makes these marshmallows bursting with flavor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Swirling red into the marshmallow mixture creates a beautiful contrast that’s impressive for any gathering.
Flexible Serving: These marshmallows are perfect for snacking, topping off desserts, or even sipping in hot chocolate!
Diet-Friendly Options: Gluten-free and dairy-free, they can accommodate various dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1/4 cup powdered sugar: This helps to dust the marshmallows and prevents sticking.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used with the powdered sugar, it creates a smooth coating that makes handling easier.
2 packets of unflavored gelatin: This provides the marshmallows with their classic fluffy texture and structure.
1 cup water, divided: Used to bloom the gelatin and mix with sugar and corn syrup.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the marshmallows and helps achieve the perfect consistency.
1/2 cup light corn syrup: Gives the marshmallows a nice chewy texture and prevents crystallization of sugar.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
3 ounces strawberry jello: Adds that lovely strawberry taste and color we all crave.
3 teaspoons strawberry extract: Deepens the flavor, making it taste like summer in every bite.
2 drops red gel food coloring: This gives your marshmallows the perfect pop of color.

How to Make Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows

Bloom Gelatin: In a small bowl, add 2 packets of unflavored gelatin and 1/2 cup of water. Stir gently, then let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until fully bloomed and thickened.

Cook Sugar Mixture: Turn on your stove to medium heat and grab 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. Stir occasionally and bring the mixture up to 240 degrees Fahrenheit, which you can confirm with a candy thermometer.

Add Strawberry Flavor: Once the sugar mixture reaches the right temperature, pour in 3 ounces of strawberry jello, stirring well until it’s all blended together — it should look beautifully vibrant at this stage.

Mix in Gelatin: Carefully transfer the bloomed gelatin into a stand mixer bowl. Slowly pour in the hot sugar mixture to dissolve the gelatin. This step is crucial for ensuring your marshmallows will be perfectly fluffy, so no rushing here!

Whip Marshmallow Mixture: With the whisk attachment secured, start whipping the mixture on high speed for 8 to 10 minutes. You want to achieve a light, fluffy consistency that holds its shape — think cloud-like!

Prepare the Pan: While the mixer is working its magic, lightly spray an 8×8 inch square pan with nonstick baking spray. In a separate bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, setting aside half of it for later use.

Dust the Pan: Generously sprinkle the greased pan with the sugar-cornstarch mixture, ensuring all areas are well-covered. This will prevent your marshmallows from sticking later on.

Flavor and Color: In the final minute of whipping, add 3 teaspoons of strawberry extract and 2 drops of red gel food coloring. Continue to whip until everything is well combined and color is evenly distributed.

Pour Marshmallow Mixture: Once whipped to perfection, pour the marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly.

Create Swirls: For those gorgeous swirls, add 1 to 2 additional drops of red gel food coloring on either side of the mixture. Grab a skewer and gently swirl through the mixture to create beautiful patterns without over-mixing.

Finish With Dusting: Sprinkle the remaining powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture all over the top of the marshmallow. This will prevent them from sticking while they set.

Rest Marshmallows: Let your marshmallows rest at room temperature for at least 4 hours, but overnight is often best to ensure they firm up completely.

Cut & Toss: After they have set, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter dusted with the powdered sugar mixture to cut them into 12 pieces. If they’re sticky, just dust the knife with more of the sugar mixture.

Toss in Sugar: Finally, toss the marshmallows in additional powdered sugar to make sure all sides are coated and non-sticky.

Storing & Reheating

Store your beautifully fluffy Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, you can refrigerate them for about a month, but keep in mind that texture may change slightly. For longer storage, these marshmallows freeze beautifully for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature before enjoying, or for a quick treat, microwave them for just 10 seconds to refresh their softness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your gelatin is bloomed properly to achieve the fluffiest texture.
If your sugar mixture goes too far past 240 degrees, it can become grainy and too hard — so stick to the timing!
Use a non-stick spatula to help spread the marshmallow mixture in the pan without ripping it apart.
To enhance flavor, consider adding a touch of fresh strawberry puree or adjusting the strawberry extract to your taste.
These marshmallows can easily be made ahead of time for gatherings; they make thoughtful gifts too!

Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows are not just delicious; they are an unforgettable treat that speaks to both the child and adult in all of us. Every bite is an explosion of sweet strawberry flavor, and the soft, fluffy texture makes them an absolute recipe keeper. Try experimenting with different flavors or color combinations; your creativity is the only limit! Enjoy sharing these delightful treats with those you love, and watch their faces light up with joy at this sweet creation.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these marshmallows without gelatin?

Absolutely! For a vegan option, use agar-agar as a substitute for gelatin. While the texture may differ slightly, using the right ratio will yield a lovely vegan marshmallow.

How do I prevent the marshmallows from sticking together?

Coating marshmallows with a healthy dusting of the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture will keep them from sticking to each other. Make sure to toss them well after cutting!

Can I use different flavors of jello?

Of course! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to substitute strawberry jello with any flavor of your choice, such as raspberry, lemon, or even blue raspberry for a colorful twist.

What’s the best way to cut marshmallows?

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter dusted with powdered sugar will yield the best results. For perfect squares, ensure your tool is coated to avoid sticking, and cut them quickly with even pressure.