Marshmallow Frosting

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Marshmallow frosting is the dreamy cloud that elevates cakes, cupcakes, and cookies into something unforgettable. Light, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, it brings that nostalgic toasted marshmallow vibe without needing a campfire. This frosting isn’t just about sweetness—it’s about texture and elegance. Whether you’re topping a birthday cake or sandwiching it between cookies, it’s an easy way to add magic.

With just a few ingredients and a bit of whisking, you can whip up a frosting that’s glossy, stable, and perfectly sweet. It’s ideal for those who want something a little lighter than buttercream but more indulgent than whipped cream. Marshmallow frosting also holds its shape beautifully, making it a favorite among home bakers for piping and decorating.

Why You’ll Love This Marshmallow Frosting

This frosting strikes the perfect balance between light and rich, offering a smooth, spreadable consistency that pipes like a dream. It adds a lovely sheen to desserts and stays soft without getting runny. Plus, it pairs well with just about any flavor—from vanilla and chocolate to tangy citrus or spiced pumpkin. And the best part? It can be toasted just like a real marshmallow for extra flair and flavor.

Can I Use Marshmallow Creme Instead?

Yes, you can substitute marshmallow creme if you’re in a pinch or short on time. However, making the frosting from scratch gives you more control over the consistency and sweetness. Homemade marshmallow frosting also has that signature glossy texture and stable structure that premade creme can sometimes lack. If you’re going for wow factor, making it fresh is the way to go.

Ingredients for the Marshmallow Frosting

This frosting comes together with minimal ingredients, but each one plays a vital role in creating that fluffy texture and glossy finish. Here are the essentials:

Egg whites are the base that gives this frosting its volume and structure. When whipped, they form stiff peaks that hold the frosting in place.

Granulated sugar sweetens the mix and helps create that signature glossy look when dissolved and whipped with the egg whites.

Cream of tartar helps stabilize the egg whites so they don’t deflate, ensuring your frosting stays fluffy for hours.

Vanilla extract adds a comforting warmth and depth of flavor to balance the sweetness.

Water is needed to dissolve the sugar and help it blend smoothly with the egg whites.

How To Make the Marshmallow Frosting

Step 1: Create the Sugar Mixture

Combine the granulated sugar, egg whites, cream of tartar, and water in a heatproof bowl. Set it over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Whisk constantly until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture feels warm to the touch.

Step 2: Whip It to Perfection

Transfer the warm mixture to a stand mixer (or use a hand mixer) and beat on high speed. You’re aiming for stiff, glossy peaks. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 3: Add Flavor

Once the peaks are set, beat in the vanilla extract. Continue mixing for another minute until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Use or Torch

You can spread the frosting onto your dessert right away or transfer it to a piping bag. If you’re feeling fancy, grab a kitchen torch and lightly toast the frosting for a golden marshmallow finish.

How to Store and Serve Marshmallow Frosting

This recipe yields enough frosting for about 24 cupcakes or a 9-inch two-layer cake. It’s best used right after making, but you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigerating it, as that can cause the frosting to weep and lose its smooth texture.

If you’re planning to toast it, do so just before serving for the best presentation and flavor.

What to Serve With Marshmallow Frosting?

Chocolate Cake

The richness of chocolate and the light sweetness of marshmallow frosting are a match made in dessert heaven.

S’mores Cupcakes

A graham cracker base, a chocolate cupcake, and this frosting make a perfect s’mores experience.

Lemon Cupcakes

Bright and zesty lemon flavor gets mellowed beautifully by the marshmallow topping.

Pumpkin Bars

Try marshmallow frosting instead of cream cheese on spiced pumpkin bars for a seasonal twist.

Hot Cocoa Cake

Turn a classic winter drink into a dessert with layers of cocoa cake and this luscious topping.

Sugar Cookies

Spread or pipe marshmallow frosting between two cookies for a soft, sandwich-style treat.

Brownies

A swirl of marshmallow frosting on top of fudgy brownies is simply irresistible.

Want More Frosting Ideas?

If you love the fluffiness of this marshmallow frosting, you’ll probably enjoy these other creamy and dreamy toppings:

• Try the rich swirl of Butter Pecan Cheesecake for nutty decadence.
• For a citrusy touch, see our Lemon Churro Cookies.
• Love nostalgia? Our Mama Seward’s Iconic Strawberry Cake is topped with a whipped strawberry finish.
• The airy elegance of White Chocolate Orange Creamsicle Truffles pairs well with any frosting style.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you toast the top? Did you add it to brownies or cookies?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Marshmallow frosting is more than just a pretty topping. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing delight that adds charm and texture to any dessert. With a few ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up something that looks professional but tastes like pure comfort.

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