Marshmallow fluff is a delightful, sweet treat that is surprisingly simple to make at home. This recipe creates a homemade marshmallow fluff that is light, fluffy, and perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to your favorite desserts.
The key ingredients needed for this recipe are egg whites, cream of tartar, corn syrup, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. While most of these ingredients are commonly found in your pantry, cream of tartar might not be. It's used to stabilize egg whites and helps give our marshmallow fluff its fluffy texture. You can find it in the baking aisle of your local supermarket.
Ingredients for Homemade Marshmallow Fluff
Egg whites: The main component of this recipe, providing the base for our fluff.
Cream of tartar: Used to stabilize the egg whites and helps to hold the fluff together.
Corn syrup: Adds sweetness and contributes to the fluffy texture.
Granulated sugar: Works in combination with the corn syrup to sweeten our fluff.
Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of flavor.
One reader, Adolf Rudd says:
This homemade marshmallow fluff recipe is a game-changer! It's incredibly easy to make and the result is a fluffy, sweet treat that's perfect for topping desserts or spreading on toast. The texture is spot on and the flavor is just heavenly. I'm never buying store-bought fluff again!
Key Techniques for Making Homemade Marshmallow Fluff
How to beat egg whites: Beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy using a whisk attachment.
How to make corn syrup mixture: In a saucepan, combine water, corn syrup, and sugar, and cook over medium heat until the mixture reaches firm ball stage or 248 degrees F on a candy thermometer.
How to incorporate corn syrup mixture into egg whites: While the mixer is on medium, pour the corn syrup mixture into the beaten egg whites in a slow, steady stream.
How to achieve desired consistency: Beat the mixture on high for about 5 minutes until it reaches the desired fluffy consistency.
How to add vanilla extract: Once the mixture is fluffy, add the vanilla extract and beat on high for about 1 minute to incorporate it evenly.
How to serve: Serve the homemade marshmallow fluff over desserts and enjoy!
How To Make Homemade Marshmallow Fluff
Amp up your sweet treats with this sweet marshmallow fluff! It’s a homemade recipe that comes together quickly and easily with just five ingredients.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3large egg whites
- ½tspcream of tartar
- ¾cupgolden corn syrup
- ⅔cupgranulated sugar,plus 2 tbsp
- ½tspvanilla extract
Instructions
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With a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy.
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Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and beat until soft peaks form, then set aside.
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Meanwhile, in a saucepan, add ⅓ cup of water, corn syrup, and ⅔ cup of sugar.
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Cook over medium heat while stirring until the mixture reaches firm ball stage* or 248 degrees F on a candy thermometer.
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Once the corn syrup mixture has reached firm ball stage, turn the mixer onto medium and in a slow steady stream, pour the corn syrup mixture into the beaten egg whites.
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Once all of the corn syrup mixture has been added, beat on High for about 5 minutes.
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Add vanilla extract and beat on high for about 1 minute.
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Serve over desserts and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- * To Test For Firm Ball Stage: Fill a glass with cold water and drop a small spoonful of the mixture into the cold water. Remove the mixture from the cold water and it should hold its shape, but quickly flatten.
- Store in a tightly sealed container
Nutrition
- Calories: 162.65kcal
- Fat: 0.09g
- Saturated Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.00g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.00g
- Carbohydrates: 41.45g
- Fiber: 0.00g
- Sugar: 41.30g
- Protein: 1.35g
- Sodium: 40.65mg
- Calcium: 5.23mg
- Potassium: 52.15mg
- Iron: 0.03mg
Pro Tip for Achieving the Perfect Marshmallow Fluff Consistency
When making homemade marshmallow fluff, it's crucial to ensure that your egg whites are beaten to the correct consistency before adding the hot corn syrup mixture. If the egg whites are too runny, they won't hold the syrup and your fluff won't set properly. Conversely, if they're too stiff, they won't blend well with the syrup, resulting in a grainy texture. Aim for soft peaks - when you lift your whisk, the egg whites should hold a slight shape but the tip should gently fall over.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Marshmallow Fluff
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and measure all the ingredients before starting to make the marshmallow fluff. This will help streamline the process and prevent any last-minute scrambling for items.
Use a candy thermometer: Invest in a good quality candy thermometer to accurately measure the temperature of the corn syrup mixture. This will ensure that it reaches the firm ball stage without guesswork, saving time and avoiding mistakes.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and equipment as you progress through the recipe. This will help maintain an organized workspace and minimize the cleanup at the end.
Chill the mixing bowl: Place the mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the refrigerator for a few minutes before starting. Chilled equipment can help the egg whites reach stiff peaks faster.
Have a plan: Familiarize yourself with the recipe steps before starting. Having a clear plan in mind will help you work efficiently and confidently.
Opt for electric mixer: Use an electric mixer instead of whisking by hand to speed up the process of beating the egg whites and achieving the desired fluffy texture.
Prepare a piping bag: If you plan to use the marshmallow fluff for decorating, prepare a piping bag in advance to save time when it comes to transferring the fluff into the bag.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Marshmallow Fluff Recipe
3 large egg whites - Substitute with aquafaba (chickpea brine): Aquafaba can be used as a vegan alternative to egg whites and has similar foaming properties, making it a suitable substitute for making marshmallow fluff.
½ tsp cream of tartar - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can be used to stabilize the egg whites and help them reach stiff peaks, similar to the function of cream of tartar.
¾ cup golden corn syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener and provides a similar consistency to corn syrup, while also adding a subtle floral flavor to the marshmallow fluff.
⅔ cup granulated sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener and provides a unique flavor profile, while also contributing to the desired texture of the marshmallow fluff.
½ tsp vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can be used to impart a different flavor profile to the marshmallow fluff, adding a hint of almond essence to the final product.
Creative Ways to Serve Homemade Marshmallow Fluff
Elevate the plating: When presenting the homemade marshmallow fluff, consider using a piping bag to create elegant swirls or dollops on the plate. This will add a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Pair the marshmallow fluff with crunchy elements such as caramelized nuts or delicate wafer crisps to add a delightful textural contrast to the dish.
Play with color: Introduce vibrant hues to the plate by incorporating fresh berries or edible flowers. The pop of color will enhance the visual appeal of the dessert.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of minimalism by allowing some areas of the plate to remain empty, creating a visually striking presentation that highlights the marshmallow fluff as the focal point.
Add a touch of elegance with gold leaf: For an extra touch of luxury, consider delicately adorning the marshmallow fluff with edible gold leaf, adding a shimmering and opulent finish to the dessert.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Marshmallow Fluff
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for whipping and mixing ingredients, typically made of metal loops attached to a handle.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking vessel with a handle and a long handle, used for cooking sauces, soups, and other liquids.
- Candy thermometer: A specialized thermometer used to measure the temperature of sugar syrups and candies during cooking.
- Mixer: An electric kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients, available in handheld and stand mixer varieties.
- Measuring cup: A container used for measuring liquid or dry ingredients, typically available in various sizes and made of glass, plastic, or metal.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible kitchen tool used for lifting, spreading, and turning food during cooking and baking.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients, available in various sizes and materials such as stainless steel, glass, or plastic.
- Candy thermometer: A specialized thermometer used to measure the temperature of sugar syrups and candies during cooking.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Marshmallow Fluff
Store the homemade marshmallow fluff in an airtight container or jar with a tight-fitting lid. This will prevent the fluff from drying out and absorbing any unwanted odors from the refrigerator.
If you're not using the marshmallow fluff immediately, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the fluff before sealing the container. This extra step will help prevent the formation of a skin on top of the fluff.
Homemade marshmallow fluff can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to always use a clean utensil when scooping out the fluff to avoid introducing any bacteria that could cause spoilage.
If you want to keep your marshmallow fluff for an extended period, you can freeze it for up to 3 months:
- Transfer the fluff to a freezer-safe container, leaving about half an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the fluff, then seal the container with an airtight lid.
- Label the container with the date and contents before placing it in the freezer.
To thaw frozen marshmallow fluff, transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Once thawed, give the fluff a good stir to restore its smooth, fluffy texture. Use the thawed fluff within a week for the best quality and flavor.
Surprising Facts About Marshmallow Fluff
The homemade marshmallow fluff recipe is a delightful treat that can be used as a topping for various desserts, such as ice cream or hot chocolate.
Is Making Marshmallow Fluff at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this homemade marshmallow fluff recipe is quite high. The ingredients are commonly found in most households, and the recipe yields a large quantity of fluff. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5, making it a budget-friendly option for a sweet treat. As a culinary chef, I rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for its simplicity, versatility, and affordability.
Is Marshmallow Fluff Healthy or Unhealthy?
The homemade marshmallow fluff recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- High sugar content: The recipe calls for a significant amount of granulated sugar and corn syrup, which are both high in calories and can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues when consumed in excess.
- Lack of nutritional value: The ingredients in this recipe provide little to no essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, or fiber. It's essentially empty calories.
- Potential for tooth decay: The sticky, sugary nature of marshmallow fluff can cling to teeth, promoting tooth decay and cavities, especially if consumed frequently.
However, it's important to note that enjoying treats like marshmallow fluff in moderation can be part of a balanced diet.
To make this recipe healthier, you could:
- Reduce the amount of sugar and corn syrup used, or experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup
- Incorporate some protein-rich ingredients, such as nut butter or Greek yogurt, to add nutritional value and balance out the sweetness
- Use the marshmallow fluff as a topping for healthier desserts, like fresh fruit or whole-grain graham crackers, rather than consuming it on its own
Remember, the key to a healthy lifestyle is balance and moderation. Indulging in a sweet treat like homemade marshmallow fluff occasionally is perfectly fine, as long as it's part of an overall balanced diet and active lifestyle.
Editor's Opinion: Why This Marshmallow Fluff Recipe Stands Out
This homemade marshmallow fluff recipe is a delightful treat that can elevate a variety of desserts. The process of creating the fluff is well-explained and the use of golden corn syrup adds a rich flavor. The addition of vanilla extract at the end enhances the overall taste. However, it's important to note that this recipe requires precision and attention to detail, especially when reaching the firm ball stage. When executed correctly, this marshmallow fluff will add a luscious, fluffy texture to any dessert.
Enhance Your Homemade Marshmallow Fluff Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Marshmallow Fluff
Appetizers and Entrées to Serve with Marshmallow Fluff
Why trust this Homemade Marshmallow Fluff Recipe:
This homemade marshmallow fluff recipe guarantees a delightful, cloud-like texture and sweet, vanilla-infused flavor. With carefully detailed steps, it ensures a fail-proof result. The use of egg whites and cream of tartar provides stability and volume, while the addition of golden corn syrup and granulated sugar creates the perfect sweetness. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe to achieve a luscious, velvety marshmallow fluff that will elevate your desserts to a whole new level.
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