Fluffy Marshmallow Icing Recipe for Cloud-like Sweetness

Sweet marshmallow icing reinvents ordinary desserts into extraordinary culinary delights, creating a cloud-like topping that melts hearts instantly.

Fluffy and impossibly smooth, this magical concoction brings a professional bakery touch to home-baked treats.

Professional bakers and passionate home cooks alike appreciate its versatility and dreamy texture.

Soft peaks rise effortlessly, promising a decadent finish that elevates cakes, cupcakes, and pastries beyond expectations.

Creamy yet light, the icing strikes a perfect balance between richness and delicate sweetness.

Silky smooth ingredients blend together, creating a luxurious coating that looks as incredible as it tastes.

Your kitchen will feel like a professional pastry studio with this simple yet spectacular recipe.

What You’ll Need for Dreamy Marshmallow Icing

Marshmallow Icing Ingredients:

• White Granulated Sugar: Sweet foundation that creates a glossy, smooth marshmallow texture with a pure, clean sweetness.
• Salt: Subtle flavor enhancer that balances the sweetness and brings out the overall taste.

• Egg Whites: Essential for creating fluffy, stable meringue-like structure with light and airy consistency.

• Vanilla Extract: Classic flavoring that adds warm, sweet depth and aromatic complexity to the marshmallow icing.

Whip Up Marshmallow Icing That’s Light as Air

Step 1: Set Up Melting Station

Create a gentle heating environment using a double boiler method. Fill a pot with water and place a heatproof glass bowl on top, ensuring the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl.

• Pot
• Heatproof glass bowl
• Water

Step 2: Combine Sweet Base

Gently blend sugar, salt, and egg whites in the heatproof bowl over low heat. Whisk continuously to ensure smooth incorporation and prevent ingredient separation.

• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Egg whites

Step 3: Warm and Dissolve Mixture

Keep whisking the mixture over low heat until sugar completely dissolves and the mixture feels warm to touch. This process typically takes about 4-6 minutes. Watch for a smooth, silky texture.

Step 4: Transform Into Fluffy Icing

Transfer the warm mixture to a clean mixing bowl. Add vanilla extract and beat using an electric mixer or stand mixer. Whip on high speed until the icing becomes thick, glossy, and forms stiff peaks, approximately 6-8 minutes.

• Warm sugar mixture
• Vanilla extract

Step 5: Decorate With Marshmallow Magic

Use a spatula or piping bag to generously spread the marshmallow icing onto completely cooled cupcakes or cake.

Step 6: Optional Toasted Finish

For a golden, caramelized touch, carefully place iced cupcakes under the broiler for 20-30 seconds or use a kitchen torch to lightly brown the marshmallow topping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 12-16 cupcakes

Tricks to Get Marshmallow Icing Glossy and Stable

• Master the Double Boiler: Ensure water doesn't touch the bottom of the bowl to prevent overheating and scrambling egg whites.
• Whisk with Precision: Continuously stir the mixture to guarantee even heating and smooth sugar dissolution.
• Temperature is Key: Heat the egg white mixture until it reaches about 160°F to ensure food safety and create stable meringue.
• Beat to Perfection: Use a clean, grease-free bowl and whisk to help egg whites reach maximum volume and stiffness.
• Torch with Care: When toasting, move the torch or broiler quickly to achieve a golden-brown finish without burning the marshmallow icing.

How to Keep Marshmallow Icing Fluffy and Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store marshmallow icing-topped cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
• Consume Freshly: Marshmallow icing is best enjoyed within 24 hours of preparation. Texture and flavor decline rapidly after initial making, so recommend serving immediately after toasting.

Desserts That Shine with Marshmallow Icing on Top

• Toast and Savor Cupcake Companions: Pair these marshmallow-topped cupcakes with a warm cup of hot chocolate for a nostalgic, comforting experience that echoes the toasty marshmallow flavor.
• Brew the Perfect Contrast: Serve alongside a strong espresso or dark roast coffee, which cuts through the sweetness and provides a robust counterpoint to the fluffy marshmallow icing.
• Enhance with Complementary Treats: Accompany the cupcakes with graham crackers or shortbread cookies to create a delightful textural experience that reminds you of classic s'mores flavors.
• Balance with Fruity Notes: Add a side of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries to introduce a tart, bright element that refreshes the palate between bites of sweet marshmallow cupcakes.

Marshmallow Icing Twists Worth Trying

• Sweet Cocoa Marshmallow: Blend 2 tablespoons of high-quality cocoa powder into the egg white mixture before beating, creating a rich chocolate marshmallow frosting perfect for chocolate cupcakes.
• Coconut Crunch Marshmallow: Fold 1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes into the finished marshmallow icing, adding delightful texture and tropical flavor to your cupcakes.
• Raspberry Swirl Marshmallow: Gently swirl 3 tablespoons of raspberry preserves through the finished marshmallow icing, creating beautiful pink streaks and a fruity undertone.
• Almond Extract Marshmallow: Replace vanilla extract with 1 teaspoon almond extract for a nutty, aromatic marshmallow icing that complements vanilla or almond-based cupcakes.

Why Marshmallow Icing Is a Cloud in Every Spoonful

• Whip Up Heavenly Softness: This marshmallow icing transforms ordinary cupcakes into cloud-like desserts with its incredibly light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Master Simple Gourmet Techniques: The double boiler method allows precise heating without burning ingredients, making professional-level dessert decoration accessible even for beginner bakers.
• Create Versatile Toasting Magic: The optional broiling or torching step lets you customize the icing's appearance, adding a gorgeous golden-brown caramelized finish that enhances visual appeal and introduces a delightful toasted marshmallow flavor.
• Quick and Impressive Dessert Upgrade: With only 12 minutes total preparation time, this icing quickly elevates basic cupcakes into stunning, restaurant-worthy treats perfect for parties, celebrations, or weekend baking adventures.

Marshmallow Icing Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sweet marshmallow icing brings cloudlike magic to desserts with minimal ingredients. Home bakers can whip up this dreamy topping in minutes, creating bakery-quality frosting that elevates cakes and cupcakes with irresistible charm.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 egg whites
• 1 cup white granulated sugar

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/8 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Establish a makeshift double boiler by selecting a heatproof mixing bowl that nestles securely over a pot with simmering water, ensuring no direct contact with the water.
2. Combine egg whites, sugar, and salt into the elevated bowl, whisking gently while maintaining low, consistent heat to prevent egg whites from scrambling.
3. Continue stirring the mixture attentively until sugar crystals completely dissolve and the blend feels warm to the touch, developing a smooth, glossy consistency.
4. Transfer the heated mixture into a stand mixer or large mixing bowl, preparing for aeration.
5. Introduce vanilla extract to the warm mixture and engage the mixer at high velocity, whipping vigorously to transform the liquid into a voluminous, bright white frosting.
6. Continue beating until the icing develops substantial, rigid peaks that hold their shape firmly and maintain a luxurious, marshmallow-like texture.
7. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before generously applying the fluffy marshmallow icing using a spatula or piping bag.
8. For an optional caramelized finish, carefully position iced cupcakes under a broiler or use a kitchen torch to delicately bronze the marshmallow surface, creating a golden, toasted appearance.

Notes

• Master the art of dreamy, cloud-like frosting that transforms ordinary cupcakes into extraordinary desserts.
• Create a silky smooth marshmallow topping using simple pantry ingredients and basic kitchen tools.
• Achieve professional-looking results with minimal cooking skills and maximum deliciousness.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Double Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 51 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg