Light and Fluffy Marshmallow Icing Recipe | Julie Blanner (2024)

Who needs a jar of Marshmallow Fluff when you’ve got this incredible homemade marshmallow icing recipe? Our marshmallow frosting is light, airy, and yet totally decadent.

Made with just four ingredients, this marshmallow icing is perfect for cookies, cupcakes, brownies and more – I dare you to stop at just one bite!

Add marshmallow icing to a chocolate cake, and you’ve got the decadent campfire joy of beloved s’mores. In fact, these S’mores Cupcakes are the best way to put your s’more love into a handheld treat that’s easier to eat and transport!

Light and Fluffy Marshmallow Icing Recipe | Julie Blanner (1)

While I am always a fan of shortcuts, in this case, the extra effort is worth it. Of course a jar of Marshmallow Fluff is great in a pinch, but this marshmallow icing? It’s worth every minute of effort and every single calorie.

I’m a fan of everything marshmallow and I love sharing with you! Have you made my Marshmallow Ice Cream, Peanut Butter Marshmallow Puffs, or my Marshmallow and Peanut Butter Cookie Cobbler? Don’t skip these!

Bonus? Because there’s no butter or oil like many traditional frosting recipes, this marshmallow icing is actually pretty light in both calories and flavor!

Marshmallow frosting is made by whipping egg whites into a frothy, airy confection that is full of love. Spread the joy today and make some to share with friends and family!

Light and Fluffy Marshmallow Icing Recipe | Julie Blanner (2)

Marshmallow Icing

Why You’ll Love It

  • So Easy – A special treat with minimal ingredients.
  • Flexible – Perfect topping for a wide variety of desserts.
  • Crowd Pleaser – Light and airy, with less calories than a traditional buttercream icing.

Ingredients and Substitutions

See printable recipe card for complete ingredients and instructions.

  • White Granulated Sugar– While many traditional frostings call for powdered sugar, this one needs granulated to work the egg whites into a whipped marshmallow topping.
  • Salt– Just a hint to balance the sweet flavor.
  • Egg Whites– Create the light and airy, fluffy consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract– Optional, for a hint of flavor. You can use your favorite extract.

Light and Fluffy Marshmallow Icing Recipe | Julie Blanner (3)

How to Make

  1. Make a Double Boiler – Use a double boiler or fill a pot with an inch or two of water and add a heat proof mixing bowl to create a double boiler.
  2. Combine – On low heat, add sugar, salt, and egg whites, whisking about 5 minutes. Light and Fluffy Marshmallow Icing Recipe | Julie Blanner (4)
  3. Whip – Pour mixture into large mixing bowl or stand mixer and add vanilla. Beat on high. Light and Fluffy Marshmallow Icing Recipe | Julie Blanner (5)
  4. Frost – Spoon or pipe marshmallow icing onto cooled cupcakes, cookies, brownies and cakes.
Light and Fluffy Marshmallow Icing Recipe | Julie Blanner (6)

Tips

  • Whip over your double broiler until it’s 160°F or until you don’t feel granules.
  • If you’re using egg whites from a carton, note that one egg white from a large egg generally equals about 2 tablespoons.*Note that we have not tested packaged egg whites in this recipe.
  • Allow cake, cupcakes, cookies or brownies to cool completely before icing.
  • Use a storage bag with the corner clipped off or icing bag to pipe, though this frosting will not be set up enough to pipe like a traditional buttercream.
Light and Fluffy Marshmallow Icing Recipe | Julie Blanner (7)

Serving Suggestions

  • Toast marshmallow on the broil setting of your stove for 30 seconds or use your kitchen torch to toast it up like a dreamy s’mores dessert!
  • Take your time while it’s on the stove top to ensure it’s fully mixed and heated through.
Light and Fluffy Marshmallow Icing Recipe | Julie Blanner (8)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Marshmallow Fluff the same as Italian meringue?

The ingredients are very similar – so much so that the recipes could be used interchangeably.

What is a substitute for marshmallow creme?

This marshmallow icing is the perfect substitute, and so much more delicious.

Would this marshmallow frosting stand up to decorating?

We’ve never tested this frosting to see if it will stand up to decorating. While our images show this frosting piped onto the cupcakes, it won’t hold its shape as well as a buttercream for piping. The light and airy nature of this frosting might not hold up to heavier adornments on a cake.

Why aren’t the peaks forming in my marshmallow icing?

It’s possible that you haven’t beat it for long enough! Continue beating until it gets glossy and stiff.

Can I add food coloring to this marshmallow frosting?

While we haven’t tested it, I don’t see why not!

Can this icing go between cake layers when frosting a cake?

You can absolutely ice a cake with it as a topping, but it is not suitable to hold cake layers. Enjoy!

How to Store

  • At Room Temperature – you can store this marshmallow frosting out on the counter for up to two hours while serving.
  • Refrigerate – Because this icing has egg whites, you’ll want to refrigerate in an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Note that the texture will change though, and a bit of a crust can form on the exterior of the frosting, while the interior remains soft.

Dietary Considerations

  • Gluten Free
  • Dairy Free
  • Nut Free
Light and Fluffy Marshmallow Icing Recipe | Julie Blanner (9)

More Frosting Inspiration

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Lemon Glaze

5 mins

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Fluffy Cream Cheese Frosting

10 mins

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Caramel Icing

3 mins

Frostings and Glazes

Light and Fluffy Marshmallow Icing Recipe | Julie Blanner (14)

4.98 from 90 votes

Marshmallow Icing

By Julie Blanner

Made with just four ingredients, this marshmallow icing is perfect for cookies, cupcakes, brownies and more – I dare you to stop at just one bite!

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 12 minutes mins

Total: 22 minutes mins

Servings: 12

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup white granulated sugar
  • teaspoon salt
  • 4 egg whites
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Use a double boiler or fill a pot with an inch or two of water and add a heat proof mixing bowl to create a double boiler.

  • On low heat, add sugar, salt, and egg whites, whisking continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot to the touch (about 5 minutes).

  • Pour mixture into large mixing bowl or stand mixer and add vanilla. Beat on high until stiff peaks form, about 7 minutes.

  • Spoon marshmallow icing onto cooled cupcakes.

  • Optional: Toast marshmallow under your stove's broil setting for 30 seconds, or using a torch.

Julie’s Tips

Tips

  • Whip over your double broiler until it’s 160°F or until you don’t feel granules.
  • If you’re using egg whites from a carton, note that one egg white from a large egg generally equals about 2 tablespoons. *Note that we have not tested packaged egg whites in this recipe.
  • Allow cake, cupcakes, cookies or brownies to cool completely before icing.
  • Use a storage bag with the corner clipped off or icing bag to pipe, though this frosting will not be set up enough to pipe like a traditional buttercream.

How to Store

  • At Room Temperature– you can store this marshmallow frosting out on the counter for up to two hours while serving.
  • Refrigerate– Because this icing has egg whites, you’ll want to refrigerate in an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Note that the texture will change though, and a bit of a crust can form on the exterior of the frosting, while the interior remains soft.

Calories: 71kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 41mg | Potassium: 17mg | Sugar: 17g | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.

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Light and Fluffy Marshmallow Icing Recipe | Julie Blanner (2024)

FAQs

What is light fluffy icing called? ›

Meringue

This very light & frothy icing is made by beating together egg whites, cold water, and granulated sugar. The technique of introducing air to the mixture gives it a foamy consistency. The added sugar stiffens the foam.

What is marshmallow icing made of? ›

Just a few ingredients including marshmallow fluff, butter, vanilla, & powdered sugar make this icing a hit! This marshmallow fluff frosting can be used to top vanilla cupcakes, chocolate cupcakes, or any flavor cupcake you like!

How do you harden marshmallow fluff? ›

One of the easiest ways for marshmallow fluff to get hardened is through the exposure of cool temperatures and air.

Why is my marshmallow frosting grainy? ›

It's very important to be sure the bottom of the bowl holding the egg white mixture doesn't touch the boiling water. If it touches the water, the 7-Minute Marshmallow Frosting will become course and grainy, -- which believe me, isn't good. We don't want to mess up that oh-so-good smooth fluffiness of the frosting!

How do you make can icing fluffy? ›

Empty the canned frosting into a large mixing bowl. Whip the frosting using an electric mixer (either hand mixer or stand mixer) for 2 to 3 minutes until fluffy and doubled in size. It's ready! Decorate twice as many cupcakes, cakes, and cookies with ease thanks to this canned frosting hack.

What is whipped marshmallow called? ›

Marshmallow creme (also called marshmallow fluff, marshmallow stuff, marshmallow spread, marshmallow paste, or simply fluff,) is a marshmallow confectionery spread similar in flavor, but not texture, to regular solid marshmallow.

Is marshmallow ice cream topping the same as marshmallow fluff? ›

Marshmallow Cream FAQs

While they have similar consistencies and flavor there is one notable difference between creme and fluff. Creme contains cream of tartar while fluff does not, making it ideal for use in fudge. What is a substitute for marshmallow cream?

Is melting marshmallows the same as marshmallow fluff? ›

Is Melting Marshmallows the Same as Marshmallow Fluff? Not quite. Marshmallows contain gelatin, which helps them hold their shape. Marshmallow fluff is always in “fluff” form and doesn't contain any gelatin; just egg whites and cream of tartar to help stabilize it!

Do you need to refrigerate marshmallow fluff after opening? ›

Because of the sanitary environment and practices it is not necessary to refrigerate Marshmallow Fluff even though it still contains no preservative of any kind.

Does marshmallow fluff dry? ›

It's whipped with either a whisk or a mixer, either electric or manual, until it peaks. Be careful you don't over do it or you'll end up with butter . Marshmallow fluff doesn't stiffen either. It does dry out on the surface, though.

Is marshmallow fluff discontinued? ›

Marshmallow Fluff is still produced by the same batch process and celebrating their 100th birthday this month - it's the only marshmallow creme made in this manner.

Why are my homemade marshmallows not fluffy? ›

Even just a couple degrees too hot or too cool makes all the difference. If the sugar isn't cooked hot enough, they'll be mushy (and possibly contribute to the "soggy" factor mentioned above). If the syrup is cooked too hot, they'll set too firm and chewy and lack volume.

Can you over mix marshmallows? ›

If you mix too long, the marshmallow becomes stubborn. Instead of being a flowing goo, it is already resilient enough to resist your attempts to spread it evenly across your pan. If you overwhip and the gelatin sets quicker than anticipated, your marshmallow will not spread as easily as you hoped.

Why is my buttercream not fluffy? ›

If it's too stiff and sticks straight up, I suggest adding in more heavy cream (1 Tbsp at a time). If it's too thin and doesn't form a little peak at all, try adding a bit more powdered sugar (1/4 cup at a time). You can also chill it in the fridge for 10-minute intervals.

What are the four types of icing? ›

4 Common Types Of Frosting For Desserts
  • Cream cheese frosting. Cream cheese frosting and red velvet cake are traditionally paired with one another. ...
  • Ganache. ...
  • Basic buttercream frosting. ...
  • Whipped cream frosting.
Dec 29, 2016

What is lighter than buttercream frosting? ›

Marshmallow Frosting – This is perhaps your best bet. It is still sugary, but it's lighter and it can still be piped. Cream Cheese Icing – Another classic frosting. Whipped Cream with Cream Cheese – For a rich but lighter-tasting topping, you can bulk up whipped cream with cream cheese to help it hold its form.

What is the lightest buttercream? ›

Swiss Meringue buttercream is silky smooth and light. It's perfect if you're looking for a slightly less sweet buttercream. It is, however, more time consuming to make than American buttercream. Italian Meringue buttercream is the least sweet of the three.

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