RAINBOW UNICORN TIE DYE S’MORES! If you love colorful, playful desserts, these homemade tie-dye marshmallows are a must-try. We made them to celebrate National S’mores Day (August 10) and they turned out even better than we imagined—bright, fluffy, and full of sugary fun. Below is a clear, easy-to-follow recipe so you can recreate these vibrant marshmallows at home.
Ingredients:
3 packages unflavored gelatin (1/4 ounce packets)
1 1/4 cup water, divided
2 cups sugar
1 cup corn syrup
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Powdered sugar
Gel food coloring (electric pink, electric blue, electric purple, turquoise green, yellow)
8×8″ pan
Instructions:
- Place the unflavored gelatin in the bowl of a stand mixer with 3/4 cup cold water and let it bloom for a few minutes.
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup and the remaining 1/2 cup water. Heat over medium until it boils, then increase to high and cook until the mixture reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage).
- Generously dust the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square pan with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve. Prepare five small bowls and five spoons for coloring.
- With the mixer on low, carefully pour the hot syrup into the bloomed gelatin. Increase the speed to high and whip for 5 to 7 minutes, then add vanilla and mix until combined. For softer marshmallow suitable for swirling colors, keep whipping time shorter (5–7 minutes); for plain marshmallows whip longer (about 15 minutes).
- Quickly divide the marshmallow mixture into five bowls and tint each bowl with a different gel food color. Work fast—marshmallow begins to set quickly.
- To assemble the first layer, place dollops of color into the pan in a clockwise pattern: half of the purple in one corner, then half of the pink, half of the yellow, half of the green, and finish with half of the blue so it meets the purple.
- Use a chopstick or skewer to gently swirl the colors together, taking care not to overmix. Each swirl pattern will be unique—this is the creative part.
- Repeat with a second layer, starting the purple in a different spot so each marshmallow square includes multiple colors. Gently swirl this top layer as well.
- Sift a generous layer of powdered sugar over the surface, press lightly to flatten, and let the pan sit uncovered overnight to fully set.
- Once set, run a knife around the edges, remove the block of marshmallow from the pan, and cut into squares. Toss cut pieces in powdered sugar if needed to prevent sticking.
Notes: The finished marshmallows have a texture and sweetness similar to bright commercial marshmallow candies—soft, sugary, and perfect for s’mores. If you prefer natural colorings, experiment with concentrated natural dyes, but be aware they may produce subtler hues. For best results, work quickly when coloring and layering, and allow plenty of time for the marshmallow to set before cutting.
Photos by Jeff Mindell | Recipe by Theresa Rountree | Creative Direction and Styling by Kelly Mindell
P.S. We recently collaborated on another colorful s’mores project with a fellow maker and loved the playful variations. These tie-dye marshmallows are a fun way to brighten any gathering—or just to treat yourself to a cheerful dessert.