Hello everyone and welcome to this delicious article on marshmallow icing recipes for cakes! If you’re a cake lover like me, then you know how important the icing is to make your cakes look and taste amazing. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of 7 mouthwatering marshmallow icing recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of fluffy, sweet, and irresistible marshmallow icing!
Introduction: Marshmallow Icing – A Sweet Delight
Marshmallow icing is a classic choice when it comes to decorating cakes. It adds a delightful sweetness and a fluffy texture that instantly elevates any cake to a whole new level. Whether you’re making a birthday cake, a wedding cake, or simply treating yourself to a homemade dessert, marshmallow icing is a versatile option that enhances the taste and presentation of your creation.
Now, let’s explore seven amazing marshmallow icing recipes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more!
1. Classic Marshmallow Icing
🍰 Ingredients:- 3 large egg whites- 1 cup granulated sugar- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract- Pinch of salt
🧁 Instructions:1. In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg whites, sugar, and salt.2. Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.3. Whisk constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot to the touch.4. Remove the bowl from heat and continue whisking until stiff peaks form.5. Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.6. Use immediately to frost your cake or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Advantages:
✅ Marshmallow icing is light and airy, creating a beautiful texture on your cakes.✅ It has a subtle sweetness that enhances the flavor of the cake without overpowering it.✅ Marshmallow icing is versatile and can be easily flavored or colored to suit any occasion.✅ It is stable and holds its shape well, making it ideal for intricate cake designs.✅ This icing spreads easily and gives a smooth, professional finish to your cakes.✅ Marshmallow icing can be easily piped into decorative shapes, adding visual appeal to your desserts.✅ Unlike buttercream icing, marshmallow icing doesn’t need to be refrigerated, making it convenient for transportation and storage.
Disadvantages:
❌ Marshmallow icing is not as stable in hot or humid conditions, so it may not be suitable for outdoor events.❌ It can be challenging to achieve the perfect consistency, as overwhisking can result in a stiff icing and underwhisking can lead to a runny texture.❌ Marshmallow icing might not be the best choice for those with dietary restrictions, as it contains raw egg whites.❌ The sweetness of marshmallow icing may not be suitable for everyone’s taste preferences.❌ It can take some practice to master the technique of making marshmallow icing, especially for beginners.❌ Marshmallow icing can be time-consuming to prepare, requiring careful attention to achieve the desired results.❌ Although marshmallow icing is versatile, it may not be the best choice for intricate decorations that require more stability.
2. Flavored Marshmallow Icing
🍰 Ingredients:- 3 large egg whites- 1 cup granulated sugar- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract- 1/2 teaspoon flavored extract (e.g., almond, mint, strawberry)- Pinch of salt
🧁 Instructions:1. Follow the instructions for the Classic Marshmallow Icing recipe, adding the flavored extract along with the vanilla extract.2. Mix well to ensure the flavor is evenly distributed throughout the icing.3. Proceed with frosting your cake as desired.
Advantages:
✅ Flavored marshmallow icing adds an extra layer of taste to your cakes, making them even more delicious.✅ You can customize the flavor to suit your preferences or match the theme of your event.✅ Infusing the icing with flavored extracts adds a unique touch to your dessert creations.✅ Flavored marshmallow icing can be used to complement specific cake flavors, creating a harmonious taste experience.✅ It opens up a world of possibilities for experimenting with different flavors and combinations.
Disadvantages:
❌ Some flavored extracts might alter the consistency of the icing, requiring adjustments to achieve the desired texture.❌ Not all flavors may pair well with every type of cake, so it’s essential to choose combinations wisely.❌ Adding too much flavored extract can overpower the taste of the cake, so it’s advised to start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
3. Chocolate Marshmallow Icing
🍰 Ingredients:- 3 large egg whites- 1 cup granulated sugar- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder- Pinch of salt
🧁 Instructions:1. Follow the instructions for the Classic Marshmallow Icing recipe, sifting the cocoa powder with the sugar and salt before adding to the egg whites.2. Proceed with frosting your cake as desired.
Advantages:
✅ Chocolate marshmallow icing combines the richness of cocoa with the lightness of marshmallow, creating a heavenly treat for chocolate lovers.✅ It adds a decadent touch to any cake, turning it into a chocolate lover’s dream dessert.✅ The combination of chocolate and marshmallow flavors is a classic and timeless pairing.✅ This icing can be used to create stunning chocolate-themed cakes or as a delightful surprise inside other flavored cakes.
Disadvantages:
❌ Chocolate marshmallow icing may be too intense for those with a milder palate.❌ It can be trickier to achieve the perfect consistency when adding cocoa powder, as it can affect the texture of the icing.❌ Care should be taken while melting chocolate to avoid burning or overheating, which can ruin the icing.
4. Vegan Marshmallow Icing
🍰 Ingredients:- 1 cup aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas)- 1 cup granulated sugar- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract- Pinch of salt
🧁 Instructions:1. Drain the liquid from a can of chickpeas and measure 1 cup of aquafaba.2. In a clean mixing bowl, whisk the aquafaba until frothy.3. Gradually add the sugar while whisking continuously until the mixture becomes glossy and forms stiff peaks.4. Add the vanilla extract and salt, and mix for an additional minute.5. Use immediately to frost your cake or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Advantages:
✅ Vegan marshmallow icing is a cruelty-free alternative for those following a plant-based lifestyle.✅ It provides a light and fluffy texture similar to traditional marshmallow icing.✅ This recipe utilizes aquafaba, a versatile ingredient that can be used in various vegan and vegetarian recipes.✅ Vegan marshmallow icing can be enjoyed by everyone, including those with dietary restrictions, as it is free from dairy and eggs.
Disadvantages:
❌ Vegan marshmallow icing might not have the exact taste or texture as traditional marshmallow icing.❌ It can be challenging to achieve the desired consistency, as aquafaba can vary in its properties from brand to brand.❌ Some people might find the taste of aquafaba slightly different from traditional marshmallow icing.
5. Toasted Marshmallow Icing
🍰 Ingredients:- 3 large egg whites- 1 cup granulated sugar- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract- Pinch of salt- Mini marshmallows (for topping)
🧁 Instructions:1. Make the Classic Marshmallow Icing as directed and spread it over your cake.2. Preheat your broiler or use a kitchen torch.3. Place mini marshmallows on top of the icing.4. Toast the marshmallows under the broiler until golden brown or torch them until lightly charred.5. Let the icing cool before serving.
Advantages:
✅ Toasted marshmallow icing adds a delightful smoky flavor and a beautiful golden color to your cakes.✅ It creates a contrast in textures between the soft marshmallow icing and the crispy toasted marshmallows.✅ This method brings a nostalgic campfire-like experience to your desserts.
Disadvantages:
❌ Toasted marshmallow icing requires additional tools, such as a broiler or kitchen torch, to achieve the desired effect.❌ It should be consumed shortly after toasting the marshmallows to maintain their texture and flavor.
6. Cream Cheese Marshmallow Icing
🍰 Ingredients:- 8 oz cream cheese, softened- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract- 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff or melted marshmallows
🧁 Instructions:1. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy and well combined.2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.3. Add the vanilla extract and marshmallow fluff/melted marshmallows, and mix until smooth and fluffy.4. Use immediately to frost your cake or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Advantages:
✅ Cream cheese marshmallow icing offers a delightful tanginess that complements the sweetness of the marshmallow.✅ The combination of cream cheese and marshmallow creates a rich and creamy texture that is simply irresistible.✅ This icing pairs exceptionally well with carrot cakes, red velvet cakes, and other flavors that benefit from a hint of tanginess.
Disadvantages:
❌ Cream cheese marshmallow icing may not be suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet.❌ The tanginess of cream cheese might not appeal to everyone’s taste preferences.❌ It can be challenging to achieve the perfect balance between creaminess and sweetness.
7. Tiramisu Marshmallow Icing
🍰 Ingredients:- 3 large egg whites- 1 cup granulated sugar- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract- 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee granules- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder- 1 tablespoon rum (optional)- Pinch of salt
🧁 Instructions:1. Follow the instructions for the Classic Marshmallow Icing recipe, sifting the cocoa powder and instant coffee granules with the sugar and salt before adding to the egg whites.2. Add the vanilla extract and rum, and mix until fully incorporated.3. Proceed with frosting your cake as desired, adding an extra dusting of cocoa powder on top.
Advantages:
✅ Tiramisu marshmallow icing combines the flavors of coffee, cocoa, and rum to create a delectable icing inspired by the classic Italian dessert.✅ It adds a sophisticated touch to any cake, making it perfect for special occasions and dinner parties.✅ The combination of flavors in this icing is sure to please coffee lovers and those who enjoy indulgent desserts.
Disadvantages:
❌ The addition of coffee, cocoa, and rum may not appeal to everyone’s taste preferences.❌ It can be challenging to balance the flavors to ensure they complement the cake rather than overpowering it.❌ This icing might not be suitable for children or those who prefer milder flavors.
| Marshmallow Icing Recipe | Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Marshmallow Icing | 3 large egg whites, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch of salt | Follow the instructions provided above for Classic Marshmallow Icing. |
| Flavored Marshmallow Icing | 3 large egg whites, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon flavored extract (e.g., almond, mint, strawberry), pinch of salt | Follow the instructions provided above for Flavored Marshmallow Icing. |
| Chocolate Marshmallow Icing | 3 large egg whites, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, pinch of salt | Follow the instructions provided above for Chocolate Marshmallow Icing. |
| Vegan Marshmallow Icing | 1 cup aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas), 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch of salt | Follow the instructions provided above for Vegan Marshmallow Icing. |
| Toasted Marshmallow Icing | 3 large egg whites, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch of salt, mini marshmallows (for topping) | Follow the instructions provided above for Toasted Marshmallow Icing. |
| Cream Cheese Marshmallow Icing | 8 oz cream cheese, softened, 1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff or melted marshmallows | Follow the instructions provided above for Cream Cheese Marshmallow Icing. |
| Tiramisu Marshmallow Icing | 3 large egg whites, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee granules, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon rum (optional), pinch of salt | Follow the instructions provided above for Tiramisu Marshmallow Icing. |
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use marshmallow icing on cupcakes?
Yes, marshmallow icing can be used to frost cupcakes. It adds a delightful touch to any cupcake flavor.
2. Can I make marshmallow icing in advance?
Yes, marshmallow icing can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I color marshmallow icing?
Yes, marshmallow icing can be colored using gel food coloring. Add a small amount at a time until the desired color is achieved.
4. Can I freeze marshmallow icing?
It is not recommended to freeze marshmallow icing as it can affect the texture and consistency when thawed.
5. How do I achieve a smooth finish with marshmallow icing?
To achieve a smooth finish with marshmallow icing, use a palette knife or an offset spatula dipped in hot water. Smooth the icing gently over the cake, smoothing out any imperfections.
6. Can I pipe marshmallow icing onto cakes?
Yes, marshmallow icing can be piped onto cakes using a piping bag and desired piping tip. It holds its shape well, making it ideal for piping intricate designs.
7. Can I substitute marshmallow fluff with melted marshmallows in a recipe?
Yes, you can substitute marshmallow fluff