If you have a sweet tooth and love a frosting that’s fluffy, glossy, and just a little bit magical, then this Delicious Marshmallow Frosting Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Picture a frosting that’s light as a cloud, yet decadently smooth and sweet, bringing that perfect finish to cupcakes, cakes, or even cookies. It’s not just any frosting—it’s one that packs a silky texture and a subtle vanilla warmth that makes every bite feel like a treat. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your dessert cravings, this frosting elevates your baked goods with an irresistible charm that’s hard to beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this delightful frosting, you only need a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating that dreamy texture and flavor. These basics come together effortlessly, but their combined magic is what makes this recipe truly shine.
- 4 large egg whites (room temperature): Using room temperature eggs helps them whip up fluffier and reach perfect peaks.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness and structure, dissolving smoothly to create that glossy sheen.
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar: This stabilizes the egg whites for sturdy, lasting peaks.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds that warm, familiar flavor that compliments any dessert.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness just right.
- Optional 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: For a lovely nutty twist that’s subtle but impressive.
- Optional 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice: Adds a bright, refreshing kick that cuts through the richness.
How to Make Delicious Marshmallow Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Create a Gentle Heat Bath
Start by filling a medium saucepan with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This simmering water will act as a double boiler, gently heating the ingredients without risking curdling, so your marshmallow frosting turns out smooth and silky.
Step 2: Combine and Warm the Ingredients
While the water simmers, whisk together the egg whites, granulated sugar, cream of tartar, and a pinch of salt in a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over the simmering water, making sure it doesn’t touch the water itself. Stir constantly for 4 to 5 minutes until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This step cooks the egg whites gently, ensuring your frosting is safe and deliciously stable.
Step 3: Whip to Perfection
Remove the bowl from the heat and transfer the warm mixture to a stand mixer or hand-held mixer bowl. Beat on high speed for 6 to 8 minutes until you get clean, stiff, and glossy peaks. This is when the frosting starts to transform—becoming fluffy, shiny, and utterly irresistible.
Step 4: Add Flavors
Now it’s time to infuse the frosting with flavor. Add the vanilla extract and any optional extracts like almond or lemon juice, then beat for another 30 seconds to bring everything together. These little bursts of aroma and flavor elevate the frosting, making it taste as delightful as it looks.
Step 5: Use or Store Your Frosting
Your Delicious Marshmallow Frosting Recipe is now ready to shine. Pipe it onto cupcakes, spread it over cakes, or even dollop it on cookies. If you’re not using it right away, store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours to keep that fresh, fluffy texture intact.
How to Serve Delicious Marshmallow Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the look and texture of your frosted treats by adding edible glitter, toasted coconut flakes, or a sprinkle of rainbow nonpareils. These touches add a fun visual pop and contrast that complement the frosting’s soft, marshmallow sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
The marshmallow frosting pairs wonderfully with classic vanilla or chocolate cupcakes, rich brownies, or a simple yellow cake. For an extra special treat, serve alongside fresh berries or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce to balance the sweetness with a bit of tartness or bitterness.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with this frosting by swirling it into peaks with an offset spatula or piping rosettes for a professional-looking finish. You can even use it as a dip for fruit skewers or spoon it over warm puddings to add a fluffy contrast. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover frosting, simply cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best used within 2 hours to retain its glossy, fluffy texture and best flavor. Before using again, give it a quick stir to bring it back to life.
Freezing
Freezing marshmallow frosting isn’t ideal because it can affect the texture, causing it to separate or become grainy upon thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated for short periods only.
Reheating
If your frosting stiffens too much in the fridge, allow it to come to room temperature and beat it briefly with a mixer. Avoid reheating over heat since it can melt and lose its airy structure.
FAQs
Can I use pasteurized egg whites for this frosting?
Yes! Pasteurized egg whites work perfectly and are a great option if you’re concerned about using raw eggs. Just ensure they are at room temperature to achieve the best volume when whipping.
How long does this marshmallow frosting last once made?
This frosting is at its freshest and fluffiest within 2 hours of preparation when kept refrigerated. After that, it may start to lose its glossy texture and become less stable.
Can I make this frosting dairy-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally dairy-free, relying on egg whites and sugar, so it’s a great option for those avoiding dairy without compromising on taste or texture.
What if I don’t have cream of tartar?
Cream of tartar helps stabilize your egg whites, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with a small amount of lemon juice or white vinegar—about the same quantity—to achieve similar results.
Can I add food coloring to this frosting?
Yes, adding gel food coloring is a fantastic way to customize your marshmallow frosting. Use a little at a time to avoid thinning the frosting, and mix gently until you reach your desired shade.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of spreading or piping a fluffy, shimmering marshmallow frosting on your favorite dessert. This Delicious Marshmallow Frosting Recipe is simple, elegant, and totally versatile—perfect for turning everyday treats into something extraordinary. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch your friends and family fall in love with every sweet, glossy bite.
Print
Delicious Marshmallow Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert Frosting
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kosher
Description
This delicious marshmallow frosting is a light, fluffy, and glossy topping perfect for cupcakes and cakes. Made by gently heating egg whites and sugar over simmering water, then whipping them into stiff peaks with vanilla and optional almond or lemon extracts for extra flavor. It’s a classic frosting with a smooth, sweet marshmallow taste and a beautiful texture that holds its shape well.
Ingredients
Basic Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Flavorings
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Double Boiler: Fill a medium saucepan with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This setup will be used to gently heat and dissolve the sugar in the egg whites without direct heat.
- Combine and Heat Ingredients: In a heatproof bowl, combine the egg whites, granulated sugar, cream of tartar, and a pinch of salt. Place this bowl on top of the saucepan with simmering water, making sure the bowl does not touch the water. Constantly whisk the mixture for 4 to 5 minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Whip the Mixture: Remove the bowl carefully from heat and transfer the warm egg white mixture to a stand mixer or a large bowl for a hand mixer. Beat on high speed for 6 to 8 minutes, or until stiff, glossy peaks form, indicating that the mixture has reached the perfect marshmallow frosting texture.
- Add Flavorings: Add the vanilla extract and, if desired, the almond extract or lemon juice. Beat for another 30 seconds to incorporate the flavors evenly throughout the frosting.
- Use or Store: Immediately pipe or spread the marshmallow frosting onto your cupcakes or cakes. If you have leftover frosting, store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when whipped.
- Use a candy thermometer to accurately measure the temperature for safety and texture.
- Do not let the bowl touch the simmering water to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- If frosting thickens too much after refrigeration, let it come to room temperature and lightly whip before use.
- Best used immediately for optimal texture and appearance.
