There are only 5 ingredients (including water!) in this simple recipe for homemade marshmallow creme, the soft, spreadable fluff that makes the best marshmallow cream fudge, and even no churn ice cream.
Why this recipe works
I was never the biggest fan of straight-up marshmallows unless they were on the edge of a stick and kind of burnt. But marshmallow creme is an entirely different story. It was nearly summer 2013 when I first realized that not only could I make my own homemade version, and I haven’t looked back ever since.
Marshmallow creme is sort of like marshmallows, but the stabilizer is egg whites instead of gelatin. It has a nice, light texture and flavor, and it’s positively delicious when served over cake or ice cream.
Even more fun than just serving marshmallow creme as a topping is using it to make marshmallow cream fudge in that old-fashioned sort of style, but without the terrifying precision that usually requires.
It also makes the absolute best Pinkberry-style no churn frozen yogurt. All you have to do is mix the fluff with Greek-style yogurt. Nondairy yogurt even works, as long as it’s thick enough. And it’s perfect as one of only two ingredients in my Dole Whip recipe.
How to make homemade marshmallow creme
If you’re afraid to cook sugar, like, at all, you should know a few things. First, this recipe is the perfect place to start.
Cooking sugar dry, without any added water or stabilizers like cream of tartar, is what often leads to burnt sugar. Here, we’re using both water and cream of tartar.
Second, an instant-read thermometer isn’t strictly necessary for cooking sugar, although you can get a thermometer like that from any kitchen supply store and most hardware stores, and it does make the whole process much simpler and more reliable. You can always go old-school with the water tests.
Finally, if you ever do burn sugar, it is so easy to clean, although it may not seem that way at first. Just remember that the best way to dissolve sugar, whether it’s burnt or just cooked, is with water.
Soak your pot and utensils in some warm water, and watch the cooked (or burnt!) sugar wash away. I promise.
I think you’ll love the flavor and versatility of homemade marshmallow creme, whether you enjoy it alone, with some peanut butter, cooked into fudge or folded into cream to make ice cream.
Homemade Marshmallow Creme Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ( 50 g ) egg whites , at room temperature
- 1 ¼ cups ( 250 g ) granulated sugar
- ½ cup ( 4 fluid ounces ) water
- ⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or a large bowl with a handheld mixer, whip the egg whites until they form soft peaks.
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In a medium saucepan, place the sugar, water, cream of tartar and salt, and whisk together. Cook the mixture, undisturbed, over medium-high heat until it reaches the softball stage (240°F on an instant-read candy thermometer).
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Remove the cooked sugar from the heat and allow it cool for five minutes
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Pour the cooked sugar mixture carefully down the side of the mixer bowl, with the mixer on low speed (making sure the sugar mixture doesn’t hit the whisk).
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Increase the mixer to high speed and beat until the mixture thickens considerably, becomes glossy, and mostly stiff peaks begin to form (about 5 minutes).
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Place the marshmallow creme in a sealed container and store in the refrigerator. After about 4 days in the refrigerator, the sugar in the mixture will begin to crystallize.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.