Marshmallow Frosting Recipe

Fluffy Cloud Marshmallow Frosting Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sweet clouds of marshmallow frosting promise to elevate any dessert with their dreamy texture.

Soft peaks whisper delightful possibilities for your next baking adventure.

Creamy and light, this magical topping adds a playful touch to cakes and cupcakes.

Professional bakers swear by its simplicity and irresistible charm.

Whipping up this frosting requires just a few basic ingredients and minimal kitchen skills.

Smooth swirls will make you look like a pastry expert in no time.

Prepare to impress everyone with this melt-in-your-mouth confection that turns ordinary treats into extraordinary delights.

All the Goodies You Need for Marshmallow Magic

For the Base:
  • Egg Whites: The foundation of the meringue, providing structure and volume to the frosting.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the mixture and helps stabilize the meringue for a glossy finish.
  • Cream of Tartar: Helps stabilize the egg whites and create a smoother, more consistent texture.
For the Flavoring:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor that enhances the sweetness of the frosting.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the deeper flavors in the meringue.
For the Final Touch:
  • Marshmallow Fluff: Adds a soft, fluffy texture and extra sweetness to the meringue frosting.

Fluffy, Dreamy, Spreadable – Marshmallow Frosting How-To

Step 1: Create Warm Water Bath

Fill a saucepan with water about 2 inches deep and heat to a gentle simmer.

Step 2: Blend Meringue Base

In a heat-safe mixing bowl, combine:
  • Egg whites
  • Granulated sugar
  • Cream of tartar

Whisk ingredients thoroughly until well blended.

Step 3: Warm Meringue Mixture

Place mixing bowl over simmering water, whisking continuously until sugar dissolves completely and mixture feels warm, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Whip Meringue to Perfection

Transfer bowl to stand mixer with whisk attachment. Beat on high speed until mixture becomes bright white, soft glossy peaks form, and volume increases significantly, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Add Flavor Enhancers

Reduce mixer speed to low and gently mix in:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

Blend until just combined.

Step 6: Incorporate Marshmallow Fluff

Carefully fold marshmallow fluff into meringue using a spatula, ensuring even distribution without deflating the delicate mixture.

Step 7: Apply and Serve

Spread frosting immediately on cakes, cupcakes, or desired desserts with smooth, swirling motions.

Step 8: Maintain Optimal Freshness

Serve within 2-3 hours of preparation, keeping frosted dessert at room temperature for best texture and stability.

Whip It Good: Tips for Marshmallow Perfection

  • Master the Double Boiler: Create a gentle heat environment by simmering water and using a heat-safe bowl to carefully dissolve sugar without scrambling egg whites.
  • Whisk with Precision: Continuously whisk egg white mixture over simmering water until sugar completely dissolves and temperature becomes warm, ensuring smooth texture.
  • Beat to Perfection: Whip meringue on high speed until soft, glossy peaks form, watching for bright white color and increased volume for optimal frosting consistency.
  • Fold Gently: Incorporate marshmallow fluff with a light hand using a spatula, maintaining the delicate air bubbles in the meringue for a fluffy final product.
  • Serve Promptly: Enjoy the frosting within 2-3 hours of preparation to preserve its light, airy texture and prevent separation or weeping.

Customize Your Fluff – Fun Frosting Variations

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap egg whites with aquafaba (chickpea liquid) for a vegan-friendly meringue frosting that maintains similar texture and glossy appearance.
  • Flavor Fusion: Infuse the meringue with different extracts like almond, coconut, or lavender to create unique taste profiles that complement various desserts.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Replace granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a diabetic-friendly version that reduces overall sugar content while maintaining smooth consistency.
  • Chocolate Lover's Version: Fold in melted dark chocolate or cocoa powder during the final mixing stage to transform the classic meringue into a rich, decadent chocolate frosting.

Cakes, Cookies, and More – Perfect Pairings for This Frosting

  • Elevate Flavor Harmony: Perfect Pairings
  • Sip Sparkling Moscato: Its light, sweet bubbles perfectly complement the airy meringue frosting, creating a delightful dessert experience with balanced sweetness.
  • Match with Almond Biscotti: The crisp, nutty cookie provides a delicious textural contrast to the smooth, fluffy frosting, adding a delightful crunch and depth of flavor.
  • Serve Alongside Fresh Berries: Tart raspberries or strawberries cut through the sweetness, offering a refreshing palate cleanser and vibrant color that makes the dessert pop.
  • Pair with Lavender Tea: The delicate herbal notes of lavender tea enhance the vanilla undertones in the meringue, creating a sophisticated and elegant tasting moment.

Keep Your Frosting Cloud-Like – Storage Tips You Need

  • Transfer leftover frosting to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover surface with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
  • Spoon frosting into a freezer-safe container, leaving slight headspace. Seal completely and freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before use.
  • Keep frosted desserts covered at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Avoid direct sunlight or warm environments that might compromise texture.
  • Gently warm refrigerated frosting by placing container in warm water bath. Whip briefly with hand mixer to restore original fluffy consistency before applying to desserts.

Sticky, Fluffy, Sweet – Marshmallow FAQ Time

  • What makes this meringue frosting different from others?

This meringue frosting uses a unique double boiler method to safely heat egg whites and dissolve sugar, creating a silky smooth base that ensures food safety and produces a glossy, stable texture.

  • Can I make this frosting ahead of time?

While best used within 2-3 hours, you can prepare the base components earlier. Just whip the meringue and fold in marshmallow fluff right before serving to maintain its perfect light and fluffy consistency.

  • Do I need special equipment to make this frosting?

You’ll need a stand mixer with a whisk attachment and a heat-safe mixing bowl. A double boiler setup is created using a saucepan and the mixing bowl, which most home kitchens can easily manage.

A Frosting You’ll Want to Eat by the Spoonful

  • Craft Silky Peaks: Create a luxurious meringue frosting with professional-level techniques that transform ordinary desserts into gourmet masterpieces.
  • Master Double Boiler Magic: Learn a professional cooking method that ensures precise sugar dissolution and smooth texture without risking egg scrambling.
  • Versatile Dessert Enhancer: Elevate cakes, cupcakes, and pastries with a light, glossy frosting that adds sophisticated sweetness and stunning visual appeal.
  • Quick Culinary Skill Builder: Develop advanced pastry skills through an approachable recipe that teaches temperature control, whisking techniques, and ingredient integration.
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Marshmallow Frosting Recipe

Marshmallow Frosting Recipe


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4.9 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Silky marshmallow frosting elevates classic desserts with its cloud-like sweetness and irresistible texture. Creamy, pillowy peaks promise to delight bakers seeking a simple yet spectacular topping that melts hearts and satisfies sweet cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

Marshmallow Base:

  • 4 large egg whites
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (250 g)
  • 1/4 tsp cream of tartar

Marshmallow Flavor:

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff (120 ml)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a double boiler by filling a saucepan with about 2 inches of water and bringing it to a gentle simmer.
  2. Combine egg whites, granulated sugar, and cream of tartar in the heat-safe bowl of a stand mixer, whisking thoroughly to blend.
  3. Position the mixing bowl over the simmering water, creating a makeshift double boiler, and continuously whisk the mixture until sugar dissolves completely and the mixture becomes warm to the touch, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  4. Transfer the bowl to a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beating on high speed until soft, glossy peaks form and the mixture becomes bright white and voluminous, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Reduce mixer speed to low and incorporate vanilla extract and salt, mixing until just combined.
  6. Gently fold in marshmallow fluff using a spatula, ensuring even distribution without deflating the delicate meringue.
  7. Use immediately as a luscious frosting for cakes, cupcakes, or as a decadent topping, spreading with a smooth, swirling motion.
  8. For best texture and stability, serve within 2-3 hours of preparation, keeping the frosted dessert at room temperature.

Notes

  • Stabilize egg whites by using room temperature ingredients for smoother, more consistent volume during whipping.
  • Prevent sugar crystallization by ensuring no water droplets enter the egg white mixture during double boiler heating.
  • Clean mixer attachments and bowl thoroughly with white vinegar before whipping to remove any grease that could impede meringue formation.
  • Modify for dietary needs by substituting egg whites with aquafaba for vegan-friendly marshmallow frosting that maintains similar fluffy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Steaming
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 103
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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