Sweet Marshmallow Icing Recipe

Fluffy Cloud Marshmallow Icing Recipe – Sweet Perfection

Sweet, pillowy marshmallow icing adds magical softness to every dessert you want to make irresistible.

Creamy and cloud-like, this dreamy topping brings bakery-style charm to homemade treats.

Professional bakers swear by its silky texture and dreamy appearance.

The recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal kitchen skills.

Whipping up this marshmallow icing takes less than fifteen minutes from start to finish.

Each dollop promises pure dessert perfection with its glossy, luxurious finish.

Dive into this delectable recipe and watch your baked goods become extraordinary.

Instructions for Making Fluffy Marshmallow Icing

  • Double Boiler Setup

Create a makeshift double boiler using a pot of water and a heatproof mixing bowl that sits comfortably on top without touching the water.

  • Sugar Transformation

Gently combine sugar, salt, and egg whites in the bowl, stirring constantly as they heat and blend together over low warmth until sugar completely dissolves.

  • Fluffy Cloud Creation

Transfer the warm mixture to a mixer, add vanilla, and whip vigorously until the icing becomes glossy and forms tall, pillowy peaks that stand up proudly.

  • Cupcake Adornment

Generously dollop the marshmallow clouds onto cooled cupcakes, creating beautiful swirls and peaks.

  • Toasty Finale

For an extra touch of magic, briefly toast the icing using a kitchen torch or broiler, transforming the white surface into a golden, caramelized dream.

Icing Tweaks for More Sweet Marshmallow Flavor

  • Marshmallow Magic Tricks: Icing Pro Tips
  • Whisk Wonder: Keep whisking the egg white mixture constantly to prevent scrambling and ensure smooth, silky texture. Slow and steady movements create the perfect marshmallow consistency.
  • Temperature Triumph: Use a candy thermometer to check mixture temperature, aiming for 160°F to safely cook egg whites and kill potential bacteria while maintaining a fluffy texture.
  • Toasting Techniques: Experiment with browning methods like kitchen torch, broiler, or kitchen lighter for different caramelized marshmallow looks. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  • Storage Secrets: Store marshmallow icing-topped cupcakes at room temperature for 1-2 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent icing from drying out.
  • Flavor Flair: Infuse additional flavor by adding a splash of almond extract, coconut extract, or a pinch of ground cinnamon to the vanilla base for unexpected taste twists.

Best Ways to Use and Present This Icing

  • Sweet Campfire Vibes: Toast the marshmallow icing with a kitchen torch for a golden, slightly caramelized top that reminds you of summer campfire s'mores.
  • Cupcake Decor Delight: Sprinkle colorful rainbow jimmies, chocolate shavings, or crushed graham crackers on top of the marshmallow icing for extra texture and fun visual appeal.
  • Flavor Adventure: Drizzle melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or add a tiny drop of flavored extract like almond or coconut to give the marshmallow icing a gourmet twist that elevates your cupcakes from simple to spectacular.
  • Presentation Magic: Serve cupcakes on a rustic wooden board or vintage cake stand to create an Instagram-worthy dessert display that makes your marshmallow-topped treats look absolutely irresistible.

Save Leftover Icing the Right Way

  • Quick Cooling Strategy: Let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before applying marshmallow icing to prevent melting and ensure smooth coverage.
  • Refrigeration Technique: Store decorated cupcakes in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain icing texture.
  • Room Temperature Tips: Remove cupcakes from the fridge 15-20 minutes before serving to allow icing to soften and restore its fluffy marshmallow-like consistency.
  • Freezing Method: Wrap individual unfrosted cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags to maintain freshness for up to 2 weeks, thawing at room temperature before decorating with marshmallow icing.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 17 minutes

Calories: 190 kcal

Servings: 5

Marshmallow Icing Ingredient Essentials

For Sweet Base:
  • White Granulated Sugar: Provides delightful sweetness and helps create a smooth, glossy texture that makes the icing irresistibly silky.
  • Salt: Enhances flavor complexity and balances the sweetness, creating a more rounded taste profile.
For Fluffy Structure:
  • Egg Whites: Acts as the magical lifting agent, whipping up to create cloudlike volume and marshmallowy lightness in the icing.
For Flavor Boost:
  • Vanilla Extract: Infuses warm, comforting aroma and adds depth to the sweet base, transforming the icing from simple to spectacular.

Whisking Tools for Airy Marshmallow Topping

  • Double Boiler or Heatproof Bowl: Essential for gently heating ingredients without direct flame.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for beating the marshmallow icing to fluffy perfection.
  • Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Crucial for whipping the mixture into light, glossy peaks.
  • Whisk: Needed for stirring ingredients smoothly while heating.
  • Spoon: Great for transferring icing onto cupcakes.
  • Kitchen Torch (optional): Adds a delightful toasted marshmallow finish.
Print
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Sweet Marshmallow Icing Recipe

Sweet Marshmallow Icing Recipe


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4.5 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Homemade marshmallow icing delivers delightful sweetness perfect for multiple desserts. Creamy clouds of sugary perfection complement cakes, cupcakes, and pastries while satisfying sweet cravings for you.


Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare Double Boiler: Create a secure heatproof bowl over simmering water, ensuring no direct water contact, which will serve as the foundation for precise temperature control.
  2. Combine and Heat Mixture: Whisk egg whites, sugar, and salt in the elevated bowl, maintaining gentle heat to dissolve sugar crystals completely while preventing egg white coagulation, developing a smooth, glossy texture.
  3. Whip Frosting: Transfer warm mixture to stand mixer, introduce vanilla extract, and whip at high speed until the liquid transforms into a voluminous, bright white frosting with substantial, rigid peaks that resemble marshmallow consistency.
  4. Finish and Decorate: Allow cupcakes to cool thoroughly, then apply the fluffy marshmallow icing using a spatula or piping bag, creating elegant swirls and peaks.
  5. Optional Caramelization: For a gourmet touch, carefully bronze the icing surface using a kitchen torch or broiler, creating a golden, lightly toasted exterior that enhances visual and flavor dimensions.

Notes

  • Prevent Scrambling: Whisk egg whites gently over low, consistent heat to avoid accidental cooking and maintain silky texture.
  • Sugar Dissolution Technique: Stir mixture carefully until sugar crystals completely melt, creating a smooth base for perfect marshmallow frosting.
  • Aeration Power: Whip mixture at high speed to develop voluminous, bright white frosting with sturdy, rigid peaks that hold shape beautifully.
  • Toasting Tip: Use broiler or kitchen torch sparingly to create a delicate golden-brown surface, enhancing visual appeal and adding depth of flavor.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Double Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 48 g
  • Sodium: 32 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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