Name: Delicious Marshmallow Frosting
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 large egg whites (room temperature); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Optional: 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; Optional: 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice

Marshmallow frosting is the ultimate indulgence for anyone with a sweet tooth! This fluffy, glossy frosting offers a delightful candy-like sweetness with a melt-in-your-mouth finish that elevates your desserts. Picture this: your cupcakes topped with this velvety cloud of sweetness, a perfect complement to any cake or dessert table. If you are someone who loves baking, then this marshmallow frosting recipe will soon become a staple in your kitchen. With its appealing texture and delightful flavor, it’s hard to resist!

This easy recipe creates a stable, dairy-free topping that pipes beautifully, making it an excellent option for various baked goods. It’s perfect whether you’re preparing for a party, looking for an easy dessert idea, or even trying to add a sweet twist to a traditional dish. The best part? You can whip it up in just 20 minutes! So grab your whisk and dive into crafting this delightful frosting that combines sweetness with a velvety texture.

Why You’ll Love This Marshmallow Frosting

Quick and Easy: You can whip this frosting up in just 20 minutes.
Dairy-Free Alternative: A fantastic substitute for traditional buttercreams; perfect for those with dairy sensitivities.
Versatile: Great for piping on cupcakes, cakes, or even as a dip for cookies.
Stability: Holds its shape well, making it ideal for decorating.
Customizable: You can easily alter the flavor profile with added extracts.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you start crafting your delicious marshmallow frosting, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and tools. Make sure your workspace is clean and free from grease, as a greasy bowl can hinder the frothing process. Gather the following tools for your successful baking adventure:

You’ll need a medium-sized saucepan to create a double boiler effect, as well as a heatproof bowl to combine your ingredients. A whisk is essential for the initial combination, and for the best results, a stand mixer or a handheld mixer will be needed to achieve stiff peaks. Make sure to use room-temperature egg whites for optimal whipping results. An optional kitchen torch can also be handy to create a toasted marshmallow finish if desired.

Ingredients

4 large egg whites (room temperature)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Double Boiler

Start by filling a medium saucepan with about 2 inches of water. Bring this to a gentle simmer over medium heat. While the water is heating, take your heatproof bowl and combine the egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, and a pinch of salt inside it. Once the water is simmering, place your bowl on top, ensuring that it doesn’t touch the water. This method will help to gently warm and dissolve the sugar without cooking the egg whites.

Step 2: Whisk Until Combined

Using a whisk, stir the mixture constantly for about 4 to 5 minutes. You’ll want the sugar to completely dissolve, and for the mixture to reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can test its smoothness by rubbing a small amount between your fingers; it should feel smooth and not grainy. Once this is done, carefully remove your bowl from the heat.

Step 3: Beat the Mixture

Now, transfer the warm egg white mixture to either a stand mixer or a bowl suitable for using a hand mixer. Beat on high speed for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until you achieve stiff, glossy peaks. As you beat, the bowl will start to feel cool—this indicates that you’ve successfully incorporated enough air into the mixture.

Step 4: Flavor It Up

Once you have stiff peaks, add in your vanilla extract and any of the optional flavorings such as almond extract or lemon juice. Beat for another 30 seconds just until everything is well combined. Be cautious not to overbeat at this stage, as it may deflate your frosting.

Step 5: Use or Store

Immediately use your marshmallow frosting by piping it onto your cupcakes or spreading it over your cakes. If you ever find yourself with extra frosting, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours. Just make sure to whisk it again before reuse to regain its fluffy texture.

Variations

Protein: For a richer flavor, consider adding 2-3 tablespoons of powdered egg whites to make an even fluffier frosting.
Vegetables: Incorporate pureed fruits like strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor, perfect for fall desserts.

Cooking Notes

Ensure your mixing bowl and utensils are completely clean and grease-free for optimal aeration.
Too much mixing after adding flavorings may cause the frosting to lose its fluffy texture, so be gentle!
If you desire more stability, consider using cornstarch in the mix.

Serving Suggestions

Use this frosting to top your favorite chocolate or vanilla cupcakes for a delightful contrast.
Spread it on layer cakes for a dramatic, fluffy finish that will impress your guests.

Tips

Keep a clean kitchen: Oil or grease can hinder whipping.
Use room temperature egg whites for quicker and better results.
Consider lightly toasting the top of the frosting with a kitchen torch for a campfire-inspired touch.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 90 per serving
Protein: 2 grams
Sodium: 35 grams

FAQs

Can I make this frosting ahead of time?

While it’s best used fresh, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours. Be sure to whisk it again before using.

How can I get my frosting to hold its shape?

Using the double boiler technique and ensuring the mixture reaches a stable consistency is crucial for this frosting to hold its shape well.

Can I flavor this frosting with fruit purees?

Yes! Incorporating fruit purees is a great way to infuse natural flavors and add a personal touch to your frosting.

What is the best way to store leftover frosting?

Store your frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and remember to whisk it before using it again.

Conclusion

Marshmallow frosting is a beautiful alternative to traditional frostings, offering a light and airy feel that pairs wonderfully with cakes and cupcakes. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself to a baking day, this frosting will add joy and sweetness to your desserts. Don’t shy away from experimenting with flavors to make this recipe uniquely yours! I encourage you to try it out, share your results, and modify the base recipe to discover new and exciting variations!