Fluffy Marshmallow Icing Recipe for Dreamy Sweets

Sweet, fluffy clouds of marshmallow icing dance across homemade cakes with delightful ease.

This simple marshmallow icing recipe transforms ordinary desserts into extraordinary treats.

Creamy and light, the mixture spreads like silk over cupcakes and layer cakes.

The secret lies in blending marshmallow cream with just the right amount of butter and powdered sugar.

Soft peaks form quickly, creating a dreamy topping that melts in your mouth.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike adore this foolproof recipe for its incredible texture and irresistible taste.

One bite, and you’ll understand why this marshmallow icing becomes an instant favorite at every gathering.

Ingredients for Marshmallow Icing

• White Granulated Sugar: Adds delightful sweetness and helps create smooth, glossy icing that holds its shape perfectly.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses warm, comforting flavor that elevates the entire dessert with its rich aromatic essence.

• Egg Whites: Provide incredible volume, creating a light, fluffy texture that transforms the icing into a cloud-like dream.

• Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness, bringing out deeper, more complex taste notes in the marshmallow icing.

Tools to Whip Up Marshmallow Icing

• Double Boiler: A heat-proof mixing bowl placed over a pot of water for gentle heating.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For transferring and beating the marshmallow icing.
• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Essential for whipping the mixture to stiff peaks.
• Whisk: For combining ingredients and dissolving sugar smoothly.
• Kitchen Torch (optional): Perfect for browning the marshmallow topping.
• Broiler: Alternative method for toasting the icing if no torch is available.
• Spatula: Helps in spooning icing onto cupcakes evenly.

How to Make Marshmallow Icing Fluffy

• Cozy Kitchen Setup

Create a warm workspace by positioning a heat-resistant bowl above a pot with a splash of water, transforming your kitchen into a sweet sanctuary.

• Sugar Magic

Gently combine sugar, salt, and egg whites in the bowl, stirring softly until the mixture becomes silky smooth and slightly warm to the touch.

• Fluffy Transformation

Transfer the mixture to a mixer and whip with passion, watching it bloom into a billowy white cloud that peaks dramatically and holds its shape.

• Sweet Crown

Lovingly spread the marshmallow topping across your cooled treats, creating delicate swirls and peaks that look like edible artwork.

• Golden Finish

For an extra touch of magic, quickly kiss the surface with golden warmth using a broiler or kitchen torch, creating caramelized highlights that shimmer and tantalize.

Tips to Get Marshmallow Icing Just Right

• Pro Tips & Twists
• Maintain a gentle, steady heat when dissolving sugar to prevent egg whites from scrambling or creating unwanted texture.
• Use room temperature egg whites for faster, more stable peaks that create a fluffier, cloudlike marshmallow frosting.
• Experiment with different extracts like almond, coconut, or peppermint instead of vanilla to create unique marshmallow icing experiences.
• Use piping bags with star tips for elegant swirls, or create playful peaks and valleys for a more rustic, homemade appearance on your desserts.

How to Serve Marshmallow Icing Treats

• Sweet Celebration Plating: Arrange cupcakes on a festive cake stand with varying heights to create a stunning dessert display that catches everyone's eye.
• Decadent Topping Twists: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers, chocolate shavings, or colorful sprinkles over the toasted marshmallow icing for extra crunch and visual appeal.
• Flavor Pairing Paradise: Serve alongside hot cocoa or coffee to complement the marshmallow's sweet, creamy texture and enhance the overall dessert experience.
• Seasonal Styling Hack: Customize the cupcakes for holidays by adding themed sprinkles or using festive cupcake liners that match the occasion's color scheme.

Storage Instructions for Marshmallow Icing

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep unused marshmallow icing in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture absorption and flavor changes.
• Freezing Strategy: Carefully transfer leftover icing into freezer-safe containers or zipper bags. Freeze flat to maximize space and maintain texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gentle rewhipping.
• Quick Prep Tip: Whip fresh batches closer to serving time for optimal fluffiness and peak marshmallow consistency. Room temperature ingredients blend smoother and create more stable peaks.
• Temperature Management: Allow iced cupcakes to sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving. Refrigeration can cause the marshmallow topping to become slightly firmer and lose its silky texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 70 kcal

Servings: 13

Creamy Marshmallow Icing Recipe

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• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Sweet homemade marshmallow icing brings delightful creaminess to desserts. Creamy clouds of sugary goodness invite bakers to create memorable treats with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 egg whites
• 1 cup (240 ml) white granulated sugar
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp (0.6 ml) salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position a heat-resistant mixing bowl over a pot with 1-2 inches of water, ensuring no direct water contact.
2. Temperature Fusion: Whisk sugar, salt, and egg whites in the bowl, gently heating over low temperature until sugar dissolves completely and mixture feels warm, approximately 4-5 minutes.
3. Mixing Transformation: Transfer warm mixture to stand mixer, incorporate vanilla extract, and whip on high speed until glossy, stiff peaks emerge, typically 6-8 minutes.
4. Stabilization Pause: Allow marshmallow icing to settle for 1-2 minutes after reaching peak consistency.
5. Decorative Application: Generously spread the fluffy icing onto completely cooled cupcakes using a spatula or piping bag for an elegant presentation.
6. Caramelization Finish: Enhance flavor and appearance by carefully toasting marshmallow topping with a kitchen torch or positioning cupcakes under the oven’s broiler for 20-30 seconds, monitoring closely to prevent burning.

Notes

• Temperature Control: Maintain low, steady heat when dissolving sugar to prevent egg whites from scrambling and ensure smooth, silky texture.
• Beating Technique: Whip mixture at high speed consistently, allowing maximum volume and glossy marshmallow peaks to develop properly.
• Surface Preparation: Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before applying icing to prevent melting and maintain pristine decorative appearance.
• Toasting Caution: Monitor broiler or torch closely during marshmallow toasting, as mere seconds can transform from perfectly caramelized to burnt disaster.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 70
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg