Strawberry Marshmallows: A Delightful Treat for Every Occasion

Homemade strawberry marshmallows are sweet, fruity, and soft as a cloud! Add them to hot cocoa, dip them in melted chocolate, or package them up and gift these pretty pink marshmallows for Valentine’s Day.

Heart-shaped strawberry marshmallow next to a metal heart cookie cutter on a white board.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and many are already searching for delightful recipes to make for their loved ones or little ones. Last week I shared a simple, one-layer eggless chocolate cake perfect for any chocolate lover. This week, we’re leaning into the fruity side with these delightful strawberry marshmallows.

Homemade marshmallows are a true passion of mine, and these strawberry variations are exceptionally delightful. They are incredibly soft and fluffy, with the perfect balance of sweetness and delicious strawberry flavor. Not only would they make an adorable addition to a Valentine’s party, but they also make for wonderful gifts for friends and neighbors. After all, there’s nothing like a homemade treat to show someone you care!

Homemade Strawberry Marshmallows

For anyone questioning whether making homemade marshmallows is worth the effort, let me assure you: If you’ve never tasted a freshly made marshmallow, you have no idea what you’re missing! The process is surprisingly simple, and the texture and flavor of homemade marshmallows are simply unbeatable. While store-bought marshmallows can be handy for many applications, there’s a unique charm in crafting your own from scratch, with the flexibility to experiment with different flavors.

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, I decided to create these delightful strawberry marshmallows. After all, few treats are as charming as a fluffy, pastel pink marshmallow infused with luscious strawberry flavor.

How to Make Strawberry Marshmallows

I understand that making candy might feel daunting, but I promise it can be managed easily. Just read through the recipe a few times before diving in, measure your ingredients ahead, and you’ll be well on your way!

What Are Marshmallows Made Of?

The key ingredients in marshmallows include sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, and water. Additional ingredients contribute flavor or serve as coatings to prevent sticking.

For these strawberry marshmallows, I opted for freeze-dried strawberry powder. This choice enhances the flavor without introducing any extra moisture.

Strawberry powder, water, and gelatin mixed in a metal bowl.

If freeze-dried strawberry powder is unavailable, you can create your own by pulverizing approximately 3.6 ounces of freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor until finely ground, then sifting to remove pesky seeds.

Ensure you’re using unflavored gelatin for this recipe; do NOT use Jell-O, which contains additional sugar and flavoring. While I’ve not tested alternatives to corn syrup, such as honey, I’d suggest sticking with what works to ensure successful results!

Making the Recipe

Before starting on the strawberry marshmallows, prepare your baking dish. Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with plastic wrap and coat it with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside an additional sprayed piece of plastic wrap to cover the top of the marshmallows later.

In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a whisk attachment, combine ½ cup of water, ½ cup of strawberry powder, and the gelatin. Whisk to combine.

In a saucepan, mix the remaining water, corn syrup, and granulated sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat and maintain a hard boil for precisely one minute.

Boiling corn syrup mixture set on a wooden trivet.

Remove the pan from heat and slowly pour the hot sugar mixture into the stand mixer bowl – this should be done while the mixer is on low. Gradually increase the speed to high and continue mixing for 12 minutes until light and fluffy, forming stiff peaks. Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.

Transfer the marshmallow mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a greased spatula to smooth the surface. Cover with the sprayed plastic wrap and allow it to set at room temperature for 8 hours or overnight.

Cutting the Marshmallows

Once the marshmallows are set, it’s time to cut them and coat them in sugar! In a shallow dish, mix the remaining strawberry powder, cornstarch, and powdered sugar for the coating mixture.

Cutting heart shapes out of a slab of strawberry marshmallows on a white cutting board.

The marshmallows will be very sticky, so remember to use nonstick spray on your knife, scissors, or cookie cutter. Cut them into desired shapes, whether into squares or hearts, and dredge them lightly in the cornstarch mixture to prevent sticking.

Cut strawberry marshmallows being dredged in strawberry powder and cornstarch.

Storage Tips

Store your homemade strawberry marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid storing them in the fridge or freezer, as moisture is their enemy. If kept in a cool, dry place, these delightful treats will last for 3-4 weeks.

Serving and Gifting Suggestions

Given their aesthetic appeal and longevity, strawberry marshmallows make for perfect gifts. Cut them into heart shapes and pack them in charming treat boxes or cellophane bags. For an extra treat, consider putting them on lollipop or cake-pop sticks for an adorable marshmallow pop.

For a delightful twist, dip them in chocolate and sprinkle with seasonal decorations. When it’s time to enjoy them, feel free to toss them into a mug of Instant Pot hot chocolate, use them for s’mores, or simply savor them solo whenever you’re in the mood for a sweet treat.

Recipe for Homemade Strawberry Marshmallows
Ingredients Measurements
Water ¾ cup
Freeze-dried strawberry powder ¾ cup
Unflavored gelatin 2 ½ tablespoons
Corn syrup ½ cup
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Cornstarch ¼ cup
Powdered sugar ¼ cup
Instructions for Homemade Strawberry Marshmallows
Step Instructions
1 Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with plastic wrap and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Spray another piece of plastic wrap to cover the top, and set aside.
2 Place ½ cup of water and ½ cup of the strawberry powder in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Add the gelatin and whisk just to combine. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
3 Combine remaining ¼ cup of water, corn syrup, and sugar in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Boil the mixture hard for 1 minute, ensuring it boils before starting the timer.
4 With the mixer on low, carefully pour the hot sugar mixture into the gelatin mixture. Gradually increase the mixer speed to high; beat on high for 12 minutes, until the mixture is fluffy and forms stiff peaks. Add in vanilla extract and beat until just combined.
5 Pour the marshmallow mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a greased spatula to smooth the top. Cover the candy with the prepared plastic wrap, pressing it down lightly to seal the covering.
6 Allow the marshmallow candy to rest at room temperature for 8 hours or overnight. Mix together remaining ¼ cup of strawberry powder, cornstarch, and confectioners’ sugar in a shallow dish. Using oiled scissors or an oiled kitchen knife, cut the marshmallow candy into strips, then into 1-inch squares. Dredge the marshmallows lightly in the cornstarch mixture and store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 weeks.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *