There are candy molds out of a harder plastic. I have one for eyes. I don't know how easy it would be to get marzipan out without squishing. Traditional ones are more relief molds, and made out of wood or ceramic. I also have a butterflies mold which I haven't used yet. It's 1/4” or so thick with deep wells. Not bendy and soft but pretty stiff, though soft enough to pop out the shapes. I think the soft ones would be better for marzipan from the point of getting it out again. I've read that chilling helps unmolding, but have also only done marzipan by hand. Hint: sit down with an audio book or TV if you're alone. Not standing over a counter helps a huge amount if you do them by hand, and company makes the task lighter.

My Mom used to make chocolate candy, and I remember her more rigid plastic molds. But even if you type "plastic candy fruit mold" into the search box, most of what shows up is silicone.

I was flabbergasted by the sheer number of silicone molds being offered for sale. Most with "gummy" in the title, and small cavities. I thought, "Who on earth is making gummy bears from scratch? Why?" Then I slapped my head and realized WHY.

I think my question is moot now, though. I have been unable to find a suitable mold. There are a few fruit shapes but the size is wrong or they have detail like stems and leaves that won't work in marzipan.

I'll just make them by hand. And I WILL sit down, LOL.

I bought paste food coloring for this. I've never used it, I've always used the liquid kind. Have you tried the paste colors for marzipan?

We were posting at the same time. Go for the 'by hand'. Probably not that much time to make a batch.

I've used the paste. Not for marzipan. You can thin it. I like it better than liquid as it can act like a glaze if not too thin. More versatile.

Etsy was where I was looking last night. The closest in terms of style ship from Russia and I would not have them in time. Still, styles with leaves and stems, which as I said further up, won't work with marzipan. I checked some confectionary dealers as well.

I finally found this — explicitly for marzipan. https://confectioneryhouse.com/marzipan-rollerboard-strawberry-and-lemon.html

I’ve always made my own marzipan and hand shaped it. I used Wilton’s paste coloring long ago and found it to be very bitter, so never bought paste again.

Omg, I just searched on marzipan rollerboards and found them everywhere, including A*. Not sure if the link will post: https://www.amazon.com/PME-Sugarcraft-Marzipan-Rollerboard-Kit/dp/B000VAOC80

Wow, PM! I've never heard of those!

Neither had I!

Those little forms from Amazon are so cute! If your daughter loves marzipan perhaps you could also make frangipane.