Simple Fluffy Marshmallow Icing Recipe That’s Magically Sweet

Easy marshmallow icing reinvents ordinary desserts into magical culinary experiences.

Soft and cloudlike, this delectable topping brings unexpected delight to baked creations.

Sweet nuances melt seamlessly across the surface, creating a smooth and dreamy texture that captivates taste buds.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike appreciate its effortless preparation and stunning visual appeal.

Simple ingredients combine to produce an incredibly light frosting that feels almost ethereal when spread.

Rich yet delicate, this marshmallow marvel elevates classic desserts with its subtle charm.

Prepare to dazzle friends and family with this irresistible confectionery wonder.

Easy Marshmallow Icing for Sweet Treats

• Whip Up a Cloud-Like Delight: This marshmallow icing transforms ordinary cupcakes into heavenly treats with its billowy, light-as-air texture that melts in your mouth.
• Master a Pro-Level Technique: The double boiler method ensures perfectly smooth icing by gently heating ingredients, making you feel like a professional pastry chef with minimal effort.
• Customize with Dramatic Flair: Toasting the marshmallow topping adds a gorgeous golden-brown finish and introduces a subtle caramelized flavor that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Quick and Impressive Crowd-Pleaser: With just 12 minutes of total preparation time, you'll create a stunning dessert topping that looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet bakery.

Key Ingredients for Marshmallow Icing

• Egg Whites: Fresh whites provide structure and volume for the fluffy marshmallow texture.
• Sugar: Pure white granulated sugar sweetens and stabilizes the icing.
• Salt: A tiny pinch balances and enhances the overall sweetness of the icing.

• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla adds warm, deep flavor and aromatic complexity to the marshmallow icing.

• Mixing Bowl: Heat-proof bowl essential for creating smooth, stable marshmallow texture.
• Stand Mixer or Electric Mixer: Crucial for achieving stiff, glossy peaks in the icing.
• Double Boiler Setup: Gentle heating method prevents ingredient separation and ensures smooth mixing.

How to Make Marshmallow Icing at Home

Step 1: Prepare Double Boiler Setup

Create a double boiler by placing a heat-proof mixing bowl on top of a pot filled with 1-2 inches of water.

Step 2: Warm Ingredient Mixture

• Sugar
• Salt
• Egg whites

Heat mixture on low, whisking constantly until sugar completely dissolves and mixture feels warm (about 5 minutes).

Step 3: Whip Marshmallow Frosting

Transfer warm mixture to a large mixing bowl or stand mixer.

Add vanilla extract.

Beat mixture on high speed until stiff peaks form (approximately 7 minutes).

Step 4: Apply Frosting to Desserts

Generously spoon marshmallow icing onto cooled cupcakes or selected dessert.

Step 5: Optional Toasting Technique

Choose one toasting method:

Broiler Method: Place frosted dessert under stove broiler for 30 seconds

Kitchen Torch Method: Lightly brown marshmallow topping with kitchen torch

Caution: Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Tips for Perfect Marshmallow Icing

• Whisk Wisely: Constant whisking prevents egg whites from scrambling and ensures smooth, silky texture.
• Temperature Matters: Use a candy thermometer to check mixture reaches 160°F for food safety and perfect consistency.
• Beat to Perfection: Aim for glossy, stiff peaks that hold shape without looking dry or grainy.
• Timing is Key: Watch closely when broiling or torching to achieve golden-brown color without burning.
• Storage Secret: Keep marshmallow icing at room temperature for best texture, covering loosely to prevent hardening.

Storing and Reheating Marshmallow Icing

• Store your delectable marshmallow icing in an airtight container placed inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the container sealed tightly to prevent moisture from affecting the frosting's texture and prevent any absorption of other food odors.
• Refrigeration Method: Place the frosted cupcakes in a single layer inside a container with a secure lid, ensuring the marshmallow peaks remain intact. Cover the top with plastic wrap before closing the lid to create an extra protective barrier against potential air exposure.
• Reheating Technique: Gently bring refrigerated marshmallow icing back to room temperature by removing it from the fridge 30 minutes before serving. Avoid direct microwave heating, which can compromise the fluffy texture. Instead, let the frosting naturally warm up on the kitchen counter, maintaining its delicate peaks and soft, pillowy consistency.

Pairing Marshmallow Icing with Cupcakes

• Sweeten Your Sips: Pair this fluffy marshmallow icing with a creamy hot chocolate or a rich vanilla latte to complement the sweet, pillowy texture of the frosting.
• Crunch with Contrast: Serve alongside crispy almond biscotti or toasted graham crackers to add a delightful textural counterpoint to the soft, marshmallowy topping.
• Berry Bliss Pairing: Accompany the cupcakes with a chilled strawberry spritzer or a light raspberry iced tea to cut through the sweetness and provide a refreshing balance.
• Wine Elegance Match: Choose a sparkling moscato or a sweet dessert wine like Sauternes to enhance the marshmallow icing's delicate sweetness and create a sophisticated dessert experience.

Fun Variations of Marshmallow Icing

• Cocoa Comfort: Blend 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder into the mixture before whipping, creating a rich chocolate marshmallow frosting that complements chocolate and vanilla desserts perfectly.
• Berry Bliss: Fold in 1/4 cup of finely pureed strawberries or raspberries after whipping to introduce a fruity, vibrant touch that adds natural color and fresh flavor profile.
• Almond Dream: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of almond extract alongside vanilla extract, giving the marshmallow icing a subtle nutty essence that pairs wonderfully with chocolate or vanilla cakes.
• Maple Magic: Replace half the vanilla extract with pure maple syrup, offering a warm, caramel-like undertone that elevates the marshmallow icing's complexity and depth of flavor.

Easy marshmallow Icing Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Silky marshmallow icing brings sweet cloud-like magic to desserts with minimal effort. Homemade or store-bought ingredients create a dreamy topping that elevates cakes, cupcakes, and cookies you’ll absolutely adore.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 4 egg whites
• 1 cup white granulated sugar

Flavor and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare a double boiler by positioning a heat-resistant mixing bowl atop a pot containing 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) of water, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water surface.
2. Combine sugar, salt, and egg whites in the heat-proof bowl, whisking consistently while gently heating over low temperature until sugar completely dissolves and the mixture feels warm to the touch, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Transfer the warm mixture into a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, adding vanilla extract during the beating process.
4. Whip the mixture on high speed, continuously beating until glossy, stiff peaks form, which typically takes 6 to 8 minutes.
5. Allow the marshmallow icing to stabilize for 1 to 2 minutes after reaching peak consistency.
6. Apply the fluffy icing generously onto completely cooled cupcakes using a spatula or piping bag for an elegant presentation.
7. For an enhanced caramelized flavor and attractive appearance, carefully toast the marshmallow topping using a kitchen torch or by positioning the cupcakes under the oven’s broiler for 20 to 30 seconds, watching closely to prevent burning.

Notes

• Whip up this heavenly marshmallow icing that transforms ordinary cupcakes into dreamy, cloud-like desserts.
• Professional bakers’ secret weapon for creating glossy, pillowy-soft toppings that everyone will rave about.
• Temperature control is crucial during preparation to ensure smooth, stable peaks that hold their shape beautifully.
• Kitchen torching adds a gorgeous golden-brown caramelized exterior, elevating the visual and flavor experience.
• Store any leftover icing in an airtight container for up to three days, refrigerated and covered to maintain its fluffy texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 126 kcal
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3.5 g
• Cholesterol: 1 mg