If you love sweet spreads and creamy dessert toppings, homemade marshmallow fluff is one of the best to try. This soft, cloud-like marshmallow cream is richer and more flavorful than store-bought versions—and surprisingly easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.
🍯 What Is Marshmallow Fluff?
Marshmallow fluff (also called marshmallow creme) is a sweet, creamy spread with a texture similar to very soft marshmallows. People use it in sandwiches, as a frosting, on desserts, or simply as a sweet topping. It’s addictive, fluffy, and perfect for adding a fun twist to many treats.
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
To make your own marshmallow fluff, you need only five basic ingredients:
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
That’s it! With just these few things from your pantry, you can create a delicious homemade treat.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment
Get ready by placing a candy thermometer in a small saucepan. You’ll also need a stand mixer or electric hand mixer with a whisk attachment.
Step 2: Heat the Sugar Syrup
- Pour the water, sugar, and corn syrup into the saucepan.
- Turn the heat to medium.
- Stir gently until the sugar dissolves.
- Allow the mixture to heat without stirring until it reaches about 240°F (the soft-ball stage) on your candy thermometer.
- Once it reaches that temperature, remove the pan from the heat and set it aside.
Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites
- While your sugar syrup heats up, place the egg whites into the mixing bowl.
- Start beating on medium to high speed.
- Continue whisking until the egg whites form soft peaks—this usually takes about 4–5 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Syrup and Egg Whites
- With the mixer running on low speed, slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the whipped egg whites.
- Try to pour the syrup down the side of the bowl so it doesn’t hit the whisk directly. This keeps the egg whites fluffy and helps everything mix more smoothly.
Step 5: Add Vanilla and Whip to Perfection
- Once all the syrup is added, pour in the vanilla extract.
- Increase the mixer speed to high.
- Beat for about 7–8 minutes, until the mixture becomes thick, glossy, and full of volume.
🍬 Tips for Best Results
- Use a candy thermometer: It ensures your sugar syrup reaches the right temperature. Too low and the fluff may be runny; too high and it can become tough.
- Beat the egg whites well: Soft peaks are important before you add syrup. Under-beaten whites can lead to a floppy fluff.
- Humidity affects texture: On very humid days, the fluff might be sticky or not hold shape as well. Making it when the air is dry helps.
🥄 How to Store Your Marshmallow Fluff
- After making, transfer the fluff to an airtight container.
- It keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Before using from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for a bit and give it a quick beat to restore fluffiness.
🍰 Ways to Enjoy Your Homemade Fluff
Your homemade marshmallow fluff is super versatile and fun to use! Try it:
- Spread on cupcakes or brownies
- Swirled into hot chocolate
- As frosting for cakes
- In sandwiches with peanut butter for a classic sweet treat