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

Frostings & Glazes

Lemon Glaze

5 mins

Frostings & Glazes

Fluffy Cream Cheese Frosting

10 mins

Frostings & Glazes

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

PinRatePrint

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.

Explore More

Desserts Recipes

You May Also Like

Sauces & Seasonings

Whipped Honey

15 mins

Frostings & Glazes

Cookie Butter Frosting

5 mins

Frostings & Glazes

Fluffy Cream Cheese Frosting

10 mins

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

FAQs

What is light fluffy icing called? ›

Also called milk frosting, boiled milk frosting, cooked flour frosting, or roux frosting, ermine icing is made by first cooking together a mixture of flour, milk (or water), and sugar until thick, cooling that mixture, and then beating in butter until it's light, fluffy, and silky — as silky as an ermine's fur, as the ...

How do you make store bought icing light and fluffy? ›

Always begin by scraping the frosting into a mixing bowl and stirring vigorously or mixing with a mixer until smooth and creamy. This simple step of incorporating air into a can of dense store-bought frosting will make it fluffy and enhance the flavor. It may be all you need to do.

How to make Marshmellow icing? ›

Directions
  1. Put egg whites, sugar, water and syrup in top of double boiler. Beat until mixed well. Place over rapidly boiling water. Beat constantly with electric beater while it cooks for 7 minutes or until it will stand in peaks when beater is raised. ...
  2. Stir in marshmallows and vanilla. Beat until they melt.

Why is my marshmallow frosting grainy? ›

Grainy marshmallow frosting occurs when you make the marshmallow fluff from scratch, with egg whites and granulated sugar. The graininess is actual grains of sugar that did not dissolve in the heating process. However, my recipe for marshmallow frosting starts with a jar of marshmallow fluff to prevent this!

Which type of frosting is known for its light and fluffy texture? ›

Whipped cream frosting, also known as Chantilly cream frosting, is beloved for its fluffy and airy consistency. Made from heavy cream that is whipped to perfection, this frosting creates a light and delicate layer that melts in your mouth.

What type of frosting do professional bakers use? ›

Swiss meringue buttercream is probably the most standard buttercream for pastry professionals. It is incredibly smooth, making it an extremely popular choice for icing cakes.

What can I add to frosting to make it fluffier? ›

Add heavy whipping cream: Johnson suggests making frosting fluffier by mixing in heavy whipping cream 1 tablespoon at a time. "If it gets too runny in the process, add 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar to even it out," she says.

Why is my frosting not light and fluffy? ›

The frosting firms up in the fridge (because the butter goes hard) which is not very pleasant to eat! You need the frosting to come to room temperature so it's creamy and soft again. It will soften faster than fridge-cold butter because the fridge-cold frosting is not as hard as butter.

Does marshmallow fluff harden? ›

You might be wondering if marshmallow fluff has the tendency of getting hardened. Yes it does, marshmallow fluff can get hardened. One of the easiest ways for marshmallow fluff to get hardened is through the exposure of cool temperatures and air.

Is marshmallow fluff the same as marshmallow creme? ›

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? You can make marshmallow cream by melting down marshmallows with corn syrup.

How long does marshmallow fluff last? ›

Once you've chosen your technique and made your fluff, the only question remaining is: How long will it actually last? Homemade marshmallow fluff will last for two to six weeks, depending, of course, on proper storage.

How do you soften marshmallow fluff? ›

Place a small quantity of Fluff in a bowl, then slowly add warm water while mixing with a fork. Or, place 4 heaping tablespoons of Fluff and 3 tablespoons of water in a microwave-safe container, then microwave on high for 15 seconds. Remove and stir.

Can you pipe marshmallow fluff? ›

Fluff can be very sticky when used on its own, so this makes the consistency easier to pipe and spread as frosting.

Why is my marshmallow fluff runny? ›

Once the syrup reaches the appropriate range, it should form a soft, pliable ball when dropped into cold water. If it forms a soft ball that you can shape with your fingers, you've hit the soft ball stage. Ensuring you hit this stage is essential for your fluff to set properly and avoid ending up too runny or sticky.

What is it called when a cake is lightly frosted? ›

A translucent cake is similar to a naked cake, in that it features layers of cake between layers of frosting. The outside, however, of a naked cake is lightly veiled, with just enough frosting to hide some of the yummy goodness beneath.

What are the four types of icing? ›

5 Types of Cake Icing
  • Royal icing. Royal icing is the most traditional of all icings. ...
  • Glace icing. Glace icing is made with only two main ingredients: icing sugar and water (or other liquid like juice). ...
  • Fondant. Fondant is a type of icing that, unlike others, is much thicker in texture. ...
  • Buttercream. ...
  • Frosting.
Jan 26, 2023

What is the soft icing called? ›

Buttercream is softer and more spreadable than most icing and is the preferred choice for taste and flexibility. It can be used as a filling inside cakes and also as a coating for decoration. It is made by creaming together sugar and butter or other fats like lard or margarine.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Melvina Ondricka

Last Updated:

Views: 6836

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Melvina Ondricka

Birthday: 2000-12-23

Address: Suite 382 139 Shaniqua Locks, Paulaborough, UT 90498

Phone: +636383657021

Job: Dynamic Government Specialist

Hobby: Kite flying, Watching movies, Knitting, Model building, Reading, Wood carving, Paintball

Introduction: My name is Melvina Ondricka, I am a helpful, fancy, friendly, innocent, outstanding, courageous, thoughtful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.