Marshmallow Frosting

This easy 4-ingredient marshmallow frosting recipe tastes like a silky, pillowy cloud of sweetness. Great for cookies, cakes, and cupcakes!

Why this recipe works

The best marshmallow frosting you’ll ever sink your teeth into begins with a simple jar of marshmallow fluff. With a kiss of butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, this frosting becomes a glossy, pipable, sticky mound of soft marshmallow. It’s so dreamy. Especially on top of S’mores cupcakes!

I tested this recipe multiple times to make sure I got it right for you. And although it only takes 4 ingredients to make, it’s important to follow the handful of tips I’ve listed below to be certain that you get the best possible marshmallow fluff frosting you can get your hands on.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

MARSHMALLOW FLUFF – While we have not tested this recipe with marshmallow creme, many recipes suggest that you can use it in place of marshmallow fluff if needed. Do note that the marshmallow fluff called for in this recipe is not the same as melted marshmallows. The marshmallow fluff is one of the most important parts of this frosting!

How to Make Marshmallow Frosting

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat softened butter on medium speed until creamy. Increase speed to medium high and beat for 4 minutes.
2. Add powdered sugar and turn mixer on low. Beat on low until powdered sugar and butter come together. You will need to scrape down the sides of the bowl once or twice.
3. Increase speed to medium-high and beat for 4 minutes.
4. Add vanilla extract and marshmallow fluff to the mixing bowl. Turn mixer on medium to incorporate ingredients, then increase mixer to medium-high and beat for a full 5 minutes, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl halfway through.
5. Add frosting to your piping bag and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Don’t leave it too long or the butter will harden too much and make it impossible to pipe.
6. Pipe frosting onto one cupcake, then place cupcake in the refrigerator. Repeat for each cupcake until all are in the fridge. This is an important step to keep the integrity of the frosting. Allow cupcakes to chill for 30-45 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

It’s important to make sure you beat the frosting for the time suggested in this post, which will typically alleviate any runny problems you might have. Set a timer to be sure. However, if you are still having difficulties getting it to stiffen up, I would suggest popping the frosting into the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes which will help the butter resolidify. If needed after chilling, run the frosting with the mixer again or simply stir it by hand. Do note that this frosting is not quite as thick as your typical buttercream frosting, so don’t try adding extra powdered sugar to the mix! In fact, adding more powdered sugar can make it runnier because sugar dissolves.

Store the frosting in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, this will help keep the butter in the frosting stable enough to pipe when you are ready. If you plan on spreading it instead, you can spread it on top and store the frosted cupcakes at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Can I brown this frosting with a kitchen torch?

Our testing says yes and no. This frosting will not brown in the same way as an actual marshmallow. In our experience, the heat from the torch will melt the frosting and will not brown as lovely as something like meringue will. It is possible to brown these if you don’t mind the slightly melted look. To do so it’s important to freeze the frosted cupcakes for at least an hour first. This will help the frosting hold up to the flame. Hold the flame close to the frosting (be careful not to light your paper cupcake liners on fire!) and work quickly. Again, the frosting will melt a bit, but the flavor far outweighs the appearance!

Serving Suggestions

This marshmallow frosting can be spread onto a cake or cupcakes if you don’t want to pipe it. If that’s the case, you can skip the refrigeration step and just spread it on!

Pipe this frosting over double chocolate cupcakes, chocolate peanut butter cupcakes, S’mores cupcakes, or spread it over a layered cakes or cookies. Enjoy!

More Frosting Recipes

• Brown Butter Frosting
• Cream Cheese Frosting
• Chocolate Fudge Frosting
• Peanut Butter Frosting

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