Jellied Marshmallow Squares are a nostalgic, gelatin-based treat with a fluffy marshmallow layer and vibrant fruit-flavored gelatin. Popular in mid-20th-century cookbooks and holiday spreads, these chewy, sweet bites are often cut into cubes and dusted with sugar. They offer both visual appeal and texture, a whimsical combination of jiggly gelatin and soft marshmallow. These were typically served at church suppers, potlucks, or as homemade candy during Christmas or Easter.
Ingredients
- 3 oz strawberry gelatin (or cherry, or lemon-flavored gelatin)
- ⅔ cup hot water
- 1½ cups granulated sugar (divided)
- ¼ cup white corn syrup
- Few drops of red or green food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Gelatin Base
- Line an 8x8-inch pan with waxed paper.
- In a small bowl, pour 2/3 cup hot water over the gelatin. Let stand to dissolve. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook Sugar Syrup
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and the corn syrup.
- Stir over medium heat until dissolved.
- Do not boil. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Mix with Gelatin
- Add the gelatin mixture to the warm syrup.
- Stir thoroughly to blend.
- Refrigerate until mixture is slightly thickened.
Step 4: Beat and Whip
- Gradually beat in the gelatin mixture with an electric mixer.
- Continue beating about 5 minutes until fluffy and thickened.
- Add a few drops of food coloring if desired.
Step 5: Pour and Set
- Pour mixture into prepared pan.
- Smooth top evenly.
- Let stand at room temperature until firm, about 4–6 hours or overnight.
- Refrigerate once firm.
Step 6: Cut and Coat
- On serving day, sprinkle remaining ½ cup granulated sugar over wax paper.
- Loosen gelatin mixture from pan.
- Turn out onto sugar-dusted wax paper.
- Moisten hands or a towel and rub the pan’s underside lightly with warm water to help release.
- Let stand 2 minutes, then peel off paper.
- Sprinkle additional sugar on top.
- Cut into 1-inch squares.
- Roll sides in sugar.
Step 7: Store
- Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container.
Tips
- Use red or green food coloring for festive holiday squares.
- Sprinkle extra sugar on all sides to prevent sticking.
- For firmer marshmallow texture, refrigerate an additional day or two.
- Try flavored gelatins like cherry, strawberry, or lime for variety.
- Cut into shapes with small cookie cutters for parties.
- Toss finished squares lightly in powdered sugar for a softer exterior.
- Add a drop of peppermint extract for a holiday twist.
- Store refrigerated in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
- For less sweetness, roll pieces in a mixture of half cornstarch, half sugar.
Nutrition
Calories: 36kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.02gSodium: 9mgPotassium: 0.3mgSugar: 9gCalcium: 0.3mgIron: 0.01mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!