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Marshmallow Frosting is one of our favorite easy frostings when we want something sweet, fluffy, and fun for cupcakes. It has that creamy marshmallow flavor from Marshmallow Fluff, plus butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla to make it smooth and pipeable.
We love using this on chocolate cupcakes, vanilla cupcakes, s’mores desserts and birthday treats. It’s simple to mix together, easy to pipe, and gives any dessert that sweet marshmallow finish kids and adults love.
We’ve made this frosting countless times because it is fast, dependable, and uses ingredients we often have on hand. If you love this recipe, be sure to try Chocolate Buttercream Frosting, Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, Vanilla Buttercream Frosting, and Sugar Cookie Frosting too.
Why you’ll love it + Why it works:
- Only Four Ingredients: This frosting comes together with simple ingredients you may already have in your kitchen.
- Ready in Minutes: It takes just a few minutes to mix up, making it perfect for busy baking days.
- Perfect for Piping: The texture is smooth and fluffy, making it great for decorating cupcakes and cakes.
- Balanced Sweetness: Butter helps balance the sweetness for a frosting that is rich without being overwhelming.
Marshmallow Frosting Ingredients
- Butter (½ cup, room temperature): Creates a rich, creamy base and helps give the frosting structure. Be sure the butter is softened so it mixes smoothly.
- Marshmallow Fluff (7 ounces): Adds the signature marshmallow flavor and creates the light, fluffy texture that makes this frosting so good.
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the frosting while helping it hold its shape for spreading and piping.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm flavor and enhances the sweetness of the marshmallow.
How to Make Easy Marshmallow Frosting
COMBINE. Beat butter and powdered sugar until fluffy and well mixed. Mix in fluff and vanilla by hand and mix well.
PIPE. Add to a piping bag and pipe onto cupcakes.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Let the butter come fully to room temperature for the smoothest frosting.
- Sift the powdered sugar if it has lumps to ensure a silky texture.
- Avoid overmixing after adding the Marshmallow Fluff to help maintain a light, fluffy consistency.
- If the frosting feels too soft for piping, chill it for 15 to 20 minutes before decorating.
Marshmallow Frosting Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, room temperature
- 7 ounces Marshmallow Fluff
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Beat butter and powdered sugar until fluffy and well mixed.
- Mix in fluff and vanilla by hand and mix well.
- If the frosting feels too soft for piping, chill it for 15 to 20 minutes before decorating.
- Then add frosting to piping bag and pipe onto cupcakes.
Notes
- Let the butter come fully to room temperature for the smoothest frosting.
- Sift the powdered sugar if it has lumps to ensure a silky texture.
- Avoid overmixing after adding the Marshmallow Fluff to help maintain a light, fluffy consistency.
- If the frosting feels too soft for piping, chill it for 15 to 20 minutes before decorating.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze the frosting in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir before using.
Make it in advance and store it in the fridge for several days before using. As long as it is kept cool, it will stay in good condition.
You can even frost your cupcakes a day or two in advance, and keep in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
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This recipe was first shared in August, 2012.
It sounds delicious, will definitely try it. Would this frosting be good for Whoopi Pies? TY
Yes, this frosting works really well in whoopie pies!
Hello!
Did you use unsalted or salted butter?
I used unsalted butter.
Hi, can I add cream of tart to the marshmallow fluff to stabilize the frosting?
No, you shouldn’t add cream of tartar to the marshmallow fluff. This recipe is already stable because the fluff is essentially a pre-made meringue, which has been cooked and processed to maintain its thick, aerated structure.
Is this icing ok to use with a torch- making a smore type cake and want to ‘toast’ the icing. thank you.
In theory, the marshmallow fluff in the frosting should brown and caramelize a little, but since I’ve never tried it personally, I can’t fully endorse the technique. If you happen to try it out, I would love to hear about the result.
Can I use this marshmallow frosting recipe for a nine inch two layer cake. My granddaughter wants to make it. Any suggestions
You can use this frosting recipe to decorate a layered cake, but you will want to double or even triple the recipe depending on how thick you want to apply the frosting.
I haven’t tried this yet but id like to use this topping for my wedding cupcakes. Is it safe to freeze and if so how long will it last in the freezer?
Im trying to make my cupcakes ahead of time, freeze them and then the morning of get someone to take them out for me.
Yes and no. Freezing the frosting alone is perfectly doable, as you can easily rewhip it to restore its ideal texture after thawing, and it will last well for 1-2 months. However, for your wedding cupcakes, I would highly recommend freezing the cupcakes and frosting separately. While freezing already frosted cupcakes is safe, the delicate texture and appearance of the marshmallow frosting can be affected by the freezing and thawing process, and for such a special occasion, you wouldn’t want anything less than perfect. If you have someone willing and able to rewhip the frosting and apply it to the cupcakes the morning of the event, that would be the ideal solution over freezing them already frosted.
I haven’t tried this but want to use it for a smores layer cake for my sister. Im planning on doubling it but would it be good for cakes/cake decorating? I was planning on doing a small text cake but I don’t have time for that anymore so that’s why I’m reaching out. Please let me know asap. I appreciate it
I hope I’m not too late in answering! This frosting can be used on cakes to spread on top or between cake layers. However, since it is a lighter and fluffier frosting, it may not hold up well for intricate piping, detailed designs, or between multiple layers in a large cake.
Easy ingredients and easy steps to follow I’m using this recipe for a s’mores cookie recipe instead of just marshmallow fluff.
After piping frosting on cup cakes do I need to refrigerate I the frig??
The frosted cupcakes can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days; however, if your room is above 72°F or is humid, you may want to refrigerate them.
I just made the marshmallow icing and when I put it on the cupcakes, it slides off. What can I do to thicken it?
I would ad a couple tablespoons at a time of the powdered sugar, until it’s the consistency you want. Hope that helps!