Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting Recipe

If you’re searching for a way to make desserts unforgettable, Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting is your new secret weapon. This frosting is the stuff of dreams: pillowy, perfectly sweet, and with a silky texture that melts effortlessly onto cakes and cupcakes. With the soft whisper of vanilla and a subtle salty note to balance out the sweetness, it’s that finishing touch that makes you (and your treats) impossible to resist. Whether you’re using it on classic birthday cakes or adding a luxe swirl to weeknight cupcakes, this frosting is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting lies in its handful of simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a truly vital role, giving the frosting its signature taste and texture—light, luscious, and deeply satisfying with every bite.

• Butter: European-style, unsalted butter gives the frosting its creamy body and unbeatable richness—let it come fully to room temperature so it whips up fluffy and smooth.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting; start slow and adjust for taste and texture as you go for that perfect silky finish.
• Marshmallow Fluff or Cream: The heart and soul of this recipe—homemade fluff is dreamy, but a store-bought jar is wonderfully reliable and makes things even quicker.
• Sea Salt: A tiny pinch wakes up all the flavors and keeps the frosting from tasting flat or overly sweet.
• Vanilla Extract (Optional): Just a splash brings out a deeper marshmallow note that truly sings—don’t skip if you can help it!
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Only if needed, this helps loosen a too-stiff frosting, turning it cloud-like and spreadable; use sparingly and only if necessary.

How to Make Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Marshmallow Fluff

If you’re making marshmallow fluff from scratch, start here! As soon as your homemade fluff is ready, you can move right into making Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting. If you’re reaching for a store-bought jar, just pop the lid and you’re halfway there—could it get any easier?

Step 2: Cream the Butter

Place your room temperature butter in the bowl of a stand mixer (or use a large mixing bowl and a hand mixer). Beat on high speed for about a minute, until the butter looks creamy, smooth, and pale. This simple step lays the foundation for the fluffy, whipped texture that makes Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting so irresistible.

Step 3: Incorporate Powdered Sugar

Add powdered sugar to the creamed butter one cup at a time, blending on low at first to avoid the dreaded sugar cloud. Once incorporated, ramp up to high speed and whip until smooth before adding the next cup. After you’ve added about half the sugar, pause to scrape down the bowl so nothing is left behind.

Step 4: Mix in Marshmallow Fluff

Spoon in the marshmallow fluff and turn the mixer back to high. Blend for a good 30-60 seconds. You’ll see the frosting transform—shinier, thicker, and with that stretchy, cloud-like texture you want from Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

Now add the sea salt and the vanilla extract (if you’re using it), and blend until everything tastes and smells amazing. At this stage, taste a tiny bit: does it need more sugar? If yes, add more gradually; if it’s perfectly sweet but a bit soft, you can chill it for better hold. If it feels stiff or grainy, add a tablespoon of heavy cream at a time and mix just until it smooths out.

Step 6: Whip and Smooth for Fluffiness

When the taste and texture are just right, give one final mix on high for one minute—no more! This traps air for the billowy, cloud-like effect Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting is known for. For an ultra-smooth finish, stir by hand for another minute to collapse any large air pockets. If you want a pristine white frosting, add a teeny dot of violet gel food coloring just before the final whip.

How to Serve Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting

Garnishes

Let your imagination go wild here! A generous swirl of Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting is an invitation for toppings. Sprinkle with rainbow nonpareils, chocolate shavings, toasted coconut flakes, or even a pinch of edible glitter. Each garnish adds character and a little flavor surprise.

Side Dishes

Since Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting is sweet and lush, pair it with something just a touch tart or simple. Think a side of fresh berries, sliced apples, or even a scoop of unsweetened whipped cream to cut through the richness. These additions make your dessert experience balanced and extra enjoyable.

Creative Ways to Present

Sure, you can pipe pretty swirls onto cupcakes or frost a classic cake, but why stop there? Try sandwiching a spoonful between cookies for homemade marshmallow cookie sandwiches, or dolloping atop brownies. Use it as a filling for whoopie pies, or swirl it atop hot chocolate for an over-the-top treat—this frosting makes any dessert feel festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting in an airtight container in your fridge for up to two weeks. When you’re ready to use it again, let it sit on the counter until it softens, then give it a quick whip for that just-made texture.

Freezing

Want to plan ahead? This frosting freezes beautifully! Portion the Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting in airtight containers, pop them in the freezer, and you’ll have fresh frosting on hand for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then bring to room temp before using.

Reheating

Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting doesn’t need much to come back to life. Bring cold or thawed frosting to room temperature, then beat it with an electric mixer for about a minute until fluffy again. If it seems a bit thick, a splash of cream will revive the light, airy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but be sure to leave out the added sea salt, or your Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting might end up too salty. Unsalted butter gives you total control over the seasoning!

How do I make the frosting even whiter?

For bakery-style, snowy white Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting, add just a pinprick of violet gel food coloring during whipping. The violet cancels out yellow tones and brightens up the whole batch—just a teeny, tiny drop does the trick!

Will this frosting hold its shape on cupcakes?

Absolutely! Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting is wonderfully stable (especially if you chill it first) and pipes beautifully onto cupcakes. For warm days, a quick chill in the fridge helps maintain those tall, fluffy swirls.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can try using plant-based butter and a dairy-free marshmallow fluff (there are vegan versions on the market). The texture may be a bit different, but you’ll still get a delicious, marshmallowy finish.

What’s the best way to use Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting besides cakes?

This frosting is a dream as a cookie or brownie filling, swirled atop bars, or even as a decadent dip for fruit. You can also spoon it between graham crackers for instant indoor s’mores vibes!

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s transforming a celebration cake or stealing the show on a humble cupcake, Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting brings pure joy to every bite. Once you try it, you’ll find endless ways to use it—and plenty of reasons to make it again and again. I hope you’ll give this recipe a place in your dessert lineup; it’s guaranteed to make sweet memories!

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