Salted Caramel Swirl Marshmallows

Imagine biting into a cloud-like Salted Caramel Swirl Marshmallow that melts on your tongue, releasing ribbons of buttery caramel and a hint of sea salt that cuts through the sweetness. These homemade Salted Caramel Swirl Marshmallows elevate the humble marshmallow into a gourmet treat that’s both nostalgic and sophisticated. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your hot chocolate experience or create an impressive homemade gift, these marshmallows strike the perfect balance between sweet and salty indulgence. You’ll learn how to create perfectly fluffy marshmallows with beautiful caramel swirls that will impress everyone who tastes them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Salted Caramel Swirl Marshmallows are a game-changer for several compelling reasons. First, they offer an irresistible textural experience—pillowy soft marshmallows with silky ribbons of caramel that create pockets of gooey goodness throughout. The contrast between the delicate sweetness of the marshmallow base and the rich, buttery caramel layers creates a flavor profile that’s complex yet comforting.

Unlike store-bought alternatives, these homemade caramel marshmallows contain no artificial ingredients or preservatives. They showcase a beautiful artisanal quality with their handcrafted swirls and light dusting of sea salt crystals that sparkle on top. Best of all, while they look impressive, the recipe is surprisingly approachable even for novice candy makers.

These gourmet caramel swirl treats can transform an ordinary cup of hot chocolate into a luxurious experience or stand alone as sophisticated after-dinner sweets. Their elegant appearance belies how straightforward they are to create, making them perfect for special occasions or thoughtful homemade gifts that friends and family will rave about.

Ingredients

For the Marshmallow Base:

• 3 packages (0.75 oz each) unflavored gelatin
• 1 cup cold water, divided
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup cornstarch

For the Salted Caramel:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed and at room temperature
• ½ cup heavy cream, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt, plus extra for sprinkling
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

The quality of your vanilla makes a noticeable difference in these Salted Caramel Swirl Marshmallows, so use pure vanilla extract rather than imitation. For the caramel component, room temperature butter and cream are essential to prevent the hot caramel from seizing. The flaky sea salt adds both flavor and visual appeal—Maldon salt works beautifully here for its delicate texture and clean taste.

Pro Tips

Master the Marshmallow Base: Temperature is critical when making marshmallows. Use a candy thermometer to ensure your sugar syrup reaches exactly 240°F (soft-ball stage). Going too high will create tough marshmallows, while too low results in marshmallows that won’t properly set. If you’re working in a humid environment, you may need to extend the beating time slightly to achieve the right consistency.

Perfect Caramel Technique: When making the salted caramel, avoid stirring once the sugar begins to melt to prevent crystallization. Instead, gently swirl the pan to ensure even caramel development. The caramel should be cooled to room temperature but still pourable before swirling into the marshmallow mixture—about 10-15 minutes of cooling time is ideal. This prevents it from sinking to the bottom while still creating beautiful ribbons throughout.

Swirl Strategy: For the most attractive Salted Caramel Swirl Marshmallows, use a light hand when creating your swirls. After pouring the marshmallow base into your prepared pan, drizzle the caramel in lines across the surface, then use a skewer or knife to create figure-eight patterns. Limit your swirling to 3-4 passes to maintain distinct caramel ribbons rather than fully incorporating the caramel.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal. Combine the powdered sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl, then generously dust the parchment paper with this mixture. This prevents sticking and creates that classic marshmallow exterior.

Step 2: Bloom the Gelatin
Pour ½ cup of the cold water into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the surface of the water and let it sit to bloom while you prepare the sugar syrup. The gelatin will absorb the water and swell, creating a spongy texture.

Step 3: Make the Sugar Syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining ½ cup water, granulated sugar, corn syrup, and kosher salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Once dissolved, increase the heat to medium-high and cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer. Immediately remove from heat.

Step 4: Create the Marshmallow Base
With the mixer on low speed, slowly and carefully pour the hot sugar syrup into the bloomed gelatin. Once all the syrup is added, gradually increase the speed to high. Beat for 12-15 minutes until the mixture is very thick, glossy, and has tripled in volume. Add the vanilla extract during the last minute of beating.

Step 5: Prepare the Caramel
While the marshmallow mixture is beating, make your salted caramel. Heat the cup of sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. As the sugar begins to melt around the edges, gently swirl the pan occasionally to ensure even melting. Continue until the sugar is completely melted and turns an amber color. Carefully add the butter (it will bubble vigorously) and whisk until incorporated. Remove from heat, slowly add the cream while whisking constantly, then stir in the sea salt and vanilla. Allow to cool until just warm and still pourable.

Step 6: Create the Swirls
Working quickly, pour the marshmallow mixture into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Drizzle the slightly cooled salted caramel across the surface, then use a skewer or knife to swirl it gently throughout the marshmallow. Sprinkle a light dusting of additional flaky sea salt over the top.

Step 7: Set and Cut
Allow the Salted Caramel Swirl Marshmallows to set uncovered at room temperature for at least 6 hours or overnight. Once set, dust a cutting board with some of the powdered sugar/cornstarch mixture. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the marshmallow slab onto the cutting board. Cut into squares using a knife dusted with the powdered sugar mixture. Toss each marshmallow in the remaining powder mixture to coat all sides.

Variations

Chocolate Dipped Salted Caramel Marshmallows: Take these treats to the next level by dipping the bottoms in melted dark chocolate and allowing them to set. The rich chocolate adds another flavor dimension that pairs beautifully with the salted caramel swirls. For an elegant finish, drizzle additional melted chocolate across the tops and add a final sprinkle of sea salt.

Bourbon Caramel Marshmallows: Add 1-2 tablespoons of quality bourbon to your caramel mixture after removing it from the heat. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind a sophisticated flavor that complements the caramel beautifully. These adult marshmallows are perfect for holiday gatherings or sophisticated dinner parties.

Vegan Caramel Swirl Option: Create a plant-based version by substituting the gelatin with agar-agar powder (following package instructions for proper conversion) and using coconut cream instead of heavy cream in the caramel. Replace butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. While the texture will be slightly different, you’ll still capture the essence of these delicious Salted Caramel Swirl Marshmallows.

Storage and Serving

These Salted Caramel Swirl Marshmallows will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, and keep away from humidity which can make them sticky. Avoid refrigeration, as this can affect their texture and cause condensation when brought back to room temperature.

For an indulgent dessert experience, serve these gourmet marshmallows alongside a dessert charcuterie board with chocolate dipping sauce, graham crackers, and fresh berries for an elevated s’mores station. They also make the perfect topping for rich hot chocolate—the marshmallows will slowly melt, infusing your drink with delicious salted caramel flavor.

For gift-giving, package the marshmallows in clear cellophane bags tied with elegant ribbon, or stack them in a decorative tin lined with parchment paper. Include serving suggestions for a thoughtful touch that recipients will appreciate.

FAQs

Why did my marshmallows not set properly?
This typically happens if the sugar syrup doesn’t reach the correct temperature (240°F) or if the mixture isn’t beaten long enough. Ensure you’re using a reliable candy thermometer and beat until the mixture is very thick and tripled in volume.

Can I make these marshmallows without corn syrup?
Yes, you can substitute the corn syrup with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup, though this will slightly alter the flavor profile. Alternatively, make a homemade invert sugar by combining 2 cups sugar, 1 cup water, and 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar, boiled to 236°F.

How do I prevent the caramel from hardening before I can swirl it?
Timing is important. Make the caramel while the marshmallow is beating, then allow it to cool just until it’s warm and still pourable but not hot enough to deflate the marshmallow mixture.

Why are my marshmallows too sticky to cut?
This often happens in humid environments. Ensure your cutting tools are well-dusted with the cornstarch/powdered sugar mixture, and consider increasing this mixture slightly if you live in a humid climate.

Can I toast these marshmallows?
Absolutely! These Salted Caramel Swirl Marshmallows toast beautifully over a fire or with a kitchen torch, creating a caramelized exterior while the inside becomes gooey and the caramel swirls melt slightly.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Swirl Marshmallows are sweet sophistication at its finest — pillowy clouds of vanilla marshmallow delicately threaded with ribbons of buttery salted caramel that create an irresistible balance of flavors in every bite. They’re the kind of treat that transforms ordinary moments into special occasions, whether you’re curling up with a mug of hot chocolate on a cold evening or packaging them as heartfelt homemade gifts that showcase your culinary creativity. Once you’ve mastered these, store-bought marshmallows will never satisfy you again!

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