Marshmallow Frosting is a delightful, fluffy, and sweet topping that’s perfect for adding a whimsical touch to your favorite desserts. This frosting is light as air, thanks to the incorporation of whipped egg whites, and it has a lovely marshmallow flavor that pairs beautifully with cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more. Whether you’re looking to top a classic chocolate cake or give your cupcakes a cloud-like finish, this marshmallow frosting is a fantastic choice.
Ingredients
- ½ cup white sugar
- This provides the sweetness and helps stabilize the frosting as it’s whipped.
- 2 large egg whites
- Egg whites are key to giving this frosting its light and fluffy texture. When beaten, they create a meringue-like consistency that’s airy and stable.
- ¼ cup marshmallow fluff (recommended: Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme)
- The marshmallow fluff adds that signature marshmallow flavor and enhances the texture of the frosting, making it smooth and spreadable.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vanilla extract adds a subtle depth of flavor, complementing the sweetness of the marshmallow and sugar.
Instructions
1. Prepare a Double Boiler:
- Set Up: Start by setting up a double boiler. Fill a medium-sized saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
- Mix Ingredients: In a heatproof bowl that fits snugly over the saucepan (without touching the water), combine the sugar, egg whites, and marshmallow fluff.
2. Whisk Over Heat:
- Whisk Continuously: Place the bowl over the simmering water and whisk the mixture continuously. This ensures that the sugar dissolves completely and that the egg whites cook gently, which is essential for achieving a stable, glossy frosting.
- Heat Until Warm: Continue whisking until the mixture is warm to the touch and the sugar has dissolved. You can test this by rubbing a small amount between your fingers; it should feel smooth without any sugar granules.
3. Whip to Stiff Peaks:
- Remove from Heat: Once the mixture is warm and the sugar is dissolved, remove the bowl from the heat.
- Beat Until Fluffy: Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on high speed. As you beat, the frosting will transform from a loose mixture into a thick, glossy meringue. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Vanilla: When the mixture has reached stiff peaks (meaning it holds its shape when the beaters are lifted), add the vanilla extract and beat briefly to incorporate.
4. Use Immediately:
- Frost Your Desserts: This frosting is best used immediately after it’s made. Spread or pipe it onto your cooled cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. It spreads easily and holds its shape well, making it ideal for decorative swirls or fluffy layers.
5. Optional Toasting:
- Torch for a Toasted Effect: For a marshmallow that looks and tastes toasted, you can use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the surface of the frosting. This gives it a beautiful golden-brown color and adds a deliciously caramelized flavor.
Tips for the Best Marshmallow Frosting
- Egg Whites at Room Temperature: Using room temperature egg whites helps them whip up to a higher volume, giving you a fluffier frosting.
- Avoid Over-Whisking: Be sure to stop whisking once stiff peaks form. Over-whisking can cause the frosting to break down and lose its structure.
- Storing Leftovers: While this frosting is best used immediately, if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Note that the frosting may lose some of its volume and fluffiness over time.
Variations
- Chocolate Marshmallow Frosting: For a chocolate twist, fold in some melted and cooled dark chocolate or cocoa powder to the frosting after it’s whipped.
- Fruit-Flavored Frosting: Add a teaspoon of fruit extract (like strawberry or raspberry) or a few drops of food coloring to give the frosting a fruity flavor and a pop of color.
- Extra Marshmallowy: Increase the amount of marshmallow fluff to 1/3 cup for a stronger marshmallow flavor.
Marshmallow Frosting is a versatile and delightful addition to any dessert. Its light and airy texture, combined with the sweet marshmallow flavor, make it a hit with both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re using it to top a birthday cake, pipe onto cupcakes, or sandwich between cookies, this frosting is sure to impress. Plus, with the option to toast it, you can add a bit of campfire nostalgia to your baked goods. Enjoy the sweetness of marshmallow with the ease of this simple recipe, and watch your desserts transform into fluffy, irresistible treats!
