When you think of marshmallows, you might picture the fluffy, sugary delights that come in a bag or floating atop your favorite hot chocolate. But have you ever tried making them at home? These homemade Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows are a game-changer, bringing a burst of fruity flavor and delightful texture that no store-bought version can match. Soft, airy, and just the right amount of sweetness, these marshmallows make every moment feel special. Plus, the vibrant pink swirl adds a fun pop of color that makes them perfect for any occasion.

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

The first time I whipped up these marshmallows, I was utterly hooked. The process felt magical, watching the simple ingredients transform into fluffy clouds of sweetness. It’s incredibly satisfying to create something so delicious and impressive without needing any special skills or equipment. Whether you’re planning a sweet treat for a gathering or simply indulging in a craving, these Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows are sure to be a hit. I can practically guarantee that you’ll be planning your next batch before you even take your first bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip up a batch in under 30 minutes with minimal fuss.
Irresistible Flavor: The fruity strawberry flavor is both vibrant and nostalgic.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The swirls make these marshmallows as visually stunning as they are tasty.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, snacks, or enjoying just because.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets with the right ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1/4 cup powdered sugar: This will help prevent the marshmallows from sticking together and give a nice finish.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: A vital ingredient for dusting, it keeps marshmallows airy and non-sticky.
2 packets of unflavored gelatin: Critical for achieving that fluffy marshmallow texture; ensure it’s unflavored for the best results.
1 cup water, divided: You’ll need half for blooming the gelatin and the rest for your syrup.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is key, so don’t skimp on this essential.
1/2 cup light corn syrup: This helps keep the marshmallow soft and chewy while adding shine.
1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness perfectly.
3 ounces strawberry jello: This adds both flavor and color. Choose a good quality brand for the best taste.
3 teaspoons strawberry extract: Helps to intensify the strawberry flavor; use pure extract if possible.
2 drops red gel food coloring: Adds a vibrant touch; gel coloring won’t thin out your mixture like liquid would.

How to Make Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows

Bloom Gelatin: In a small bowl, combine the 2 packets of unflavored gelatin with 1/2 cup of water and allow it to bloom. You want it to become thick and gooey, which should take about 5 minutes.

Heat Sugar Mixture: In a large saucepan, mix the 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, the remaining 1/2 cup of water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Place it over medium heat and stir until the temperature reaches 240 degrees F. This stage is critical for creating that firm texture that makes homemade marshmallows so special.

Combine with Jello: Once heated, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the 3 ounces of strawberry jello, stirring until fully incorporated. The mixture will be fragrant and bubbly, which is the sign you’re moving in the right direction.

Whip Gelatin Mixture: Place your bloomed gelatin into a stand mixer bowl. Slowly pour in the hot sugar mix while mixing on low speed. This helps to melt the gelatin properly without forming clumps. Increase the speed to medium-high and whisk for 8 to 10 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and has doubled in volume.

Prepare the Pan: While the marshmallow is beating, lightly spray an 8×8 inch square pan with nonstick baking spray. A well-prepared pan ensures easy removal later.

Dust the Pan: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Dust the greased pan with this mixture to prevent sticking.

Add Extract and Color: With about a minute left in mixing, add the 3 teaspoons of strawberry extract and 2 drops of red gel food coloring. This not only energizes the mixture flavor-wise but also adds to that beautiful swirl effect.

Transfer to Pan: Gently pour the airy marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. If you want a decorative swirl, add an extra drop of the food coloring on one side and gently swirl it with a skewer.

Dust with Sugar-Cornstarch Mixture: Sprinkle the remaining powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture over the marshmallows, smoothing it out to cover entirely.

Let Set: Allow the marshmallows to rest for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to firm up completely. It’s tempting to sneak a taste early, but patience pays off here!

Cut Marshmallows: Once set, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the marshmallows into 12 pieces. Dust your knife with the powdered sugar/cornstarch mixture to prevent sticking as you cut.

Toss for Finish: Finally, toss the cut marshmallows in additional powdered sugar to coat the sides, ensuring each piece is fluffy and non-sticky.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. If you prefer refrigeration, make sure they are tightly sealed to avoid moisture; they should last a little longer that way. For long-term storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Texture may become a bit chewy if frozen, but briefly letting them sit at room temperature will refresh their delightful fluffiness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid getting any water into your sugar mixture; moisture can ruin the perfect texture of your marshmallows.
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature so they combine easily and evenly.
For a super fluffy texture, whip the mixture long enough—don’t rush this step!
Use a non-stick spatula to spread the marshmallow mixture in the pan for easy handling.
Want extra flavor? Experiment with different extracts like vanilla or raspberry to create your signature marshmallow.

From the fun preparation phase to the delicious final product, making Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows is an experience worth savoring. As you slide those delightful, fluffy bites into your mouth, I bet you’ll find yourself planning all sorts of fun ways to enjoy them. So go ahead, try your hand at these extraordinarily sweet treats, and be ready to dazzle your friends and family with your homemade deliciousness!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of Jello for these marshmallows?

Absolutely! While strawberry is divine, you can experiment with any flavor of jello you love. Try raspberry, lemon, or even blue raspberry for a fun twist. Just remember to match it with a compatible extract for the best flavor.

How do I prevent my marshmallows from sticking together?

Dusting them well with the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture is key. Once cut, store them in a single layer or separated by parchment paper to keep them from clumping.

Can I make these marshmallows vegan?

Yes! You can substitute unflavored gelatin with agar-agar for a vegan-friendly option. Use the same amount and follow the same instructions, but note that the texture may differ slightly.

What can I use these marshmallows for besides eating them plain?

The options are endless! Use your Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows in s’mores, melt them into hot chocolate, or add them to brownies for an extra pop of sweetness. They also make delightful gifts when packaged nicely. Enjoy!

More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: NO DATA
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 15 servings 1x
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

These Strawberry Swirl Marshmallows are a delightful treat with a unique flavor and soft texture. Using fresh strawberry jello and a few simple ingredients, this recipe provides an engaging way to enjoy a homemade dessert. Perfect for parties, snacks, or as a sweet gift!

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the unflavored gelatin with 1/2 cup of water and let it bloom.
In a large saucepan, mix the granulated sugar, corn syrup, remaining 1/2 cup of water, and salt. Place over medium heat and allow it to reach 240°F.
Stir in the strawberry jello until well combined.
Pour the hot sugar mixture into a stand mixer bowl containing the bloomed gelatin to dissolve it.
Whip the mixture with the whisk attachment for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes fluffy and stiff.
Meanwhile, prepare an 8×8 inch square pan by lightly spraying it with nonstick baking spray.
In a separate bowl, mix the powdered sugar and cornstarch, reserving half for later use on top of the marshmallows.
Dust the greased pan with the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture.
One minute before the whipping is done, add the strawberry extract and food coloring, continuing to beat until well mixed.
Pour the marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan.
For a red swirl effect, add 1 to 2 additional drops of food coloring and use a skewer to swirl it.
Top the marshmallows with the reserved powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture, ensuring full coverage.
Allow the marshmallows to rest for at least 4 hours or overnight to set firmly.
Once set, cut the marshmallows into 12 pieces using a sharp knife, dusting it with the powdered sugar/cornstarch mix if needed to prevent stickiness.
Toss the cut marshmallows in additional powdered sugar to keep them from sticking.

Notes

Ensure the gelatin is fully bloomed before adding it to the sugar mixture for the best texture.
For even fluffier marshmallows, whip the mixture until it reaches a stiff peak consistency.
Feel free to adjust the amount of food coloring for desired intensity.