Homemade Marshmallow Fluff

How to Make Marshmallow Fluff at Home

Introduction

There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about marshmallow fluff. Light as air, glossy, sweet, and silky smooth, it instantly brings back memories of childhood treats—fluffernutter sandwiches, swirls on brownies, gooey frosting on cakes, and spoonfuls sneaked straight from the jar. While store-bought versions are convenient, nothing compares to the taste, texture, and satisfaction of homemade Marshmallow Fluff.

Making homemade Marshmallow Fluff from scratch may sound intimidating, but it’s surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. With just five basic ingredients and about 30 minutes, you can create a fluffy, cloud-like confection that far surpasses anything you’ll find on a grocery store shelf. No artificial flavors, no preservatives—just pure marshmallow perfection.

This recipe uses a classic hot sugar syrup technique combined with whipped egg whites to achieve that iconic smooth, airy texture. The result is a stable, glossy marshmallow fluff that holds its shape beautifully, spreads effortlessly, and melts luxuriously on the tongue. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, frosting a cake, filling cookies, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this homemade Marshmallow Fluff will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make Marshmallow Fluff at home, plus expert tips, variations, serving ideas, storage advice, and troubleshooting help so your fluff turns out perfect every time.

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What Is Marshmallow Fluff?

Marshmallow Fluff is a soft, spreadable marshmallow cream made from sugar, egg whites, and flavoring. Unlike traditional marshmallows, fluff contains no gelatin, which gives it its uniquely silky and spoonable consistency.

Originally popularized in the United States in the early 1900s, marshmallow fluff quickly became a pantry favorite thanks to its versatility. From sandwich fillings to dessert toppings, its light texture and sweet flavor make it endlessly adaptable.

When made at home, homemade Marshmallow Fluff has a fresher taste, smoother texture, and cleaner ingredient list—making it superior in every way.

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Why You’ll Love This Homemade Marshmallow Fluff

• Only 5 simple ingredients

• No gelatin required

• Ready in under 30 minutes

• Ultra-light, fluffy, and glossy texture

• Perfect for frosting, filling, and spreading

• Better flavor than store-bought

• Customizable with flavors and colors

Once you master this recipe, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought fluff again.

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Yield: About 6 cups

• Course: Dessert

• Cuisine: American

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Equipment You’ll Need

Before starting, gather the following tools to ensure smooth success:

• Heavy-bottom saucepan

• Candy thermometer

• Whisk

• Stand mixer with whisk attachment (or electric hand mixer)

• Heat-safe mixing bowl

Having the right equipment—especially a candy thermometer—is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in homemade Marshmallow Fluff.

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Ingredients for Homemade Marshmallow Fluff

Each ingredient plays an important role in creating that signature fluffy texture:

• ⅓ cup water – Dissolves the sugar and helps create syrup

• ¾ cup granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and structure

• ¾ cup light corn syrup – Prevents crystallization and ensures smoothness

• 3 large egg whites, room temperature – Create volume and structure

• ½ teaspoon cream of tartar – Stabilizes the egg whites

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds classic marshmallow flavor

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How to Make Marshmallow Fluff (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Syrup

In a medium heavy-bottom saucepan fitted with a candy thermometer, combine the water, granulated sugar, and light corn syrup. Place the pan over medium-high heat and allow the mixture to heat without stirring.

As the syrup heats, it will begin to bubble vigorously. Continue cooking until the temperature reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage). This precise temperature is essential for achieving the correct texture.

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Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

While the syrup cooks, add the egg whites and cream of tartar to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Begin whipping on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 3–4 minutes.

Soft peaks should gently fold over when you lift the whisk—this is the perfect stage to receive the hot syrup.

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Step 3: Slowly Add the Hot Syrup

Once the syrup reaches 240°F, immediately remove it from the heat. With the mixer running on medium speed, carefully and slowly drizzle the hot syrup into the whipped egg whites in a steady stream.

Pouring too quickly can deflate or scramble the egg whites, so patience is key here.

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Step 4: Whip Until Thick and Glossy

After all the syrup is added, increase the mixer speed to medium-high. The mixture may briefly look loose or deflated—this is normal.

Continue whipping for 7–8 minutes, until the marshmallow fluff becomes thick, glossy, and holds stiff peaks. The bowl should feel slightly warm, not hot.

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Step 5: Add Vanilla and Cool

Add the vanilla extract and mix for another 30 seconds until fully incorporated. Allow the fluff to cool completely before using or storing.

Congratulations—you’ve just made homemade Marshmallow Fluff from scratch!

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Tips for Success

Making marshmallow fluff is simple, but these tips ensure flawless results:

Clean Equipment Is Essential

Any trace of grease can prevent egg whites from whipping properly. Make sure bowls and whisks are spotless.

Use a Candy Thermometer

Accurate temperature control ensures the sugar syrup reaches the soft-ball stage needed for proper structure.

Pour Syrup Slowly

Adding the syrup too fast can collapse or cook the egg whites.

Room-Temperature Egg Whites

Egg whites whip better and faster when not cold.

Keep Whipping

Don’t stop early—the fluff should be thick, shiny, and voluminous.

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Common Troubleshooting

Fluff is too runny:
The syrup may not have reached 240°F, or the mixture wasn’t whipped long enough.

Grainy texture:
Sugar may have crystallized—ensure no stirring while boiling.

Egg whites deflated:
Syrup was added too quickly or too hot.

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Flavor Variations

One of the best things about homemade Marshmallow Fluff is how customizable it is:

• Chocolate Marshmallow Fluff: Add ¼ cup sifted cocoa powder

• Peppermint Fluff: Replace vanilla with peppermint extract

• Strawberry Fluff: Fold in freeze-dried strawberry powder

• Coffee Fluff: Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder

• Colored Fluff: Add gel food coloring for holidays

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How to Use Homemade Marshmallow Fluff

This versatile treat can be used in countless ways:

• Frosting for cakes and cupcakes

• Filling for whoopie pies

• Swirled into brownies or blondies

• Topping for hot chocolate

• Dip for fruit

• Layer in trifles

• Classic fluffernutter sandwiches

It also toasts beautifully with a kitchen torch for a toasted marshmallow flavor.

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Storage Notes

• Store homemade Marshmallow Fluff in an airtight container

• Keep at room temperature for up to 2 weeks

• Do not refrigerate, as it can affect texture

• Stir gently before using if settling occurs

Print

Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 227 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 58 g

• Protein: 2 g

• Fat: 0.2 g

• Sodium: 52 mg

• Potassium: 68 mg

• Sugar: 58 g

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Homemade Marshmallow Fluff vs Store-Bought

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Final Thoughts

Making homemade Marshmallow Fluff is one of those kitchen experiences that feels almost magical. Watching simple ingredients transform into a glossy, cloud-like confection is incredibly satisfying, and the final result is far superior to anything store-bought. The texture is lighter, the flavor is cleaner, and the versatility is unmatched.

What makes this recipe especially appealing is its simplicity. With just five ingredients and a single cooking process, you can create a dessert component that elevates everything it touches—from cakes and cookies to hot chocolate and sandwiches. Once you master the technique, you’ll find endless opportunities to customize it with flavors, colors, and creative uses.

This homemade Marshmallow Fluff also brings a sense of nostalgia, reminding us that some of the best treats are the ones made from scratch. Whether you’re baking for family, preparing desserts for a celebration, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe delivers joy in every spoonful.