With the egg shortage still at large, the idea of using them for Easter dyeing endeavors doesn’t seem like the best idea this year. If you’re looking for an alternative to eggs, the answer may be right in your pantry. People are using marshmallows for dip dyeing this year, and it’s just as easy as eggs, if not easier (and you get to eat them right after!).
How to Dye Marshmallows for Your Easter Basket
Instead of dyeing a dozen eggs this year, TikToker @TabithaBlue showed her followers how she dyes marshmallows for the cutest Easter basket ever. She adds food coloring to a muffin pan in various Easter colors, then dips her marshmallows for some added spring colors.
The fluffy treat instantly soaks up color, and jumbo marshmallows are big enough to create fun, multi-colored dye patterns. Just like you would with a classic Easter egg, dip half of the marshmallow in one color, let it dry for a few seconds, then flip it and dip again into another color.
When you’re dyeing marshmallows, they will soak up color much faster than an egg will, so a brief dip (or two if you’re going for multiple colors) is all you need. The best part? The marshmallows are still edible after you dye them. Decorate them on Easter morning and they’ll still be ready to eat all day.
Tips for Dyeing Marshmallows at Home
To make your food coloring last, add water to the mix. This will slightly dilute the color and ensure you have enough coloring for all marshmallows. This is also a great way to create multiple shades of the same color, and diluting your food coloring will create pastel spring colors! For an extra-affordable and sustainable decorating hack, try natural easter egg dyes from your kitchen ingredients.
This hack is also kid-safe (no dropped, cracked eggs here!) and can be a fun way to have the younger ones more involved in crafts. And people are taking a liking to this egg alternative—it’s easy, quick, and can be reused for other sweet desserts.
“Then you can make Rice Krispie treats out of them,” adds another genius commenter on @TabithaBlue’s original video. “Marshmallow industry should release egg-shaped ones next year,” says another commenter.
Regardless of how you choose to dye your marshmallows, you’ll have a vibrant Easter basket for cheap in no time.