Creating Clouds: How to Make Marshmallow Fluff from Marshmallows

Ever wondered, “Can I make marshmallow fluff from marshmallows?” The answer…Yes! If you’ve seen our class Homemade Chocolate Candy: Fudge, Bars and More, you’ll already know how to make marshmallow fluff at home from scratch. However, it’s not the only way to make the fluffy stuff!

A pile of marshmallows on an orange background

How to Make Marshmallow Fluff with Marshmallows

Why make your own marshmallow fluff? Homemade fluff is fresher and tastes far superior to store-bought. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Use it in fluffernutters, in our snickerdoodle s’mores recipe, or even as a delicious ice cream topping. Ready to get started? Check out our easy-to-follow marshmallow fluff recipe and learn how to make marshmallow fluff at home today.

How long will it keep after making it?

This fluff will lose its airiness within a day or two after it is made, so it is suggested that you use the homemade fluff shortly after you make it. Luckily, it can be made in small batches so you can have fluff to order, in minutes.

Do I have to use corn syrup? I’d prefer not to.

This recipe can be made without corn syrup: instead, use the same amount of simple syrup, which is made with sugar and water. To make simple syrup, simply combine equal parts sugar and water (1:1 ratio). Boil it over low heat until the mixture begins to thicken but not brown.

This fluff recipe calls for only a small amount of corn or simple syrup, but if you make simple syrup, you can keep it on hand for a myriad of other projects, like a mixer for cocktails, or even to sweeten morning coffee.

Can I use jumbo marshmallows instead of mini?

Yes, you can. Mini-marshmallows tend to be easier to measure than their larger counterparts, but you can use this quick trick to ensure you get the right ratio: 8-10 large ones typically equal 1 cup of miniature marshmallows. To help them melt quicker and more evenly, slice the jumbo marshmallows in half or quarters before starting the recipe.

Can I use homemade marshmallows?

Homemade marshmallows

Yes, you can use your delicious homemade marshmallows to make fluff! However, you might need to increase the amount of corn or simple syrup in the recipe to 1 1/2 teaspoons per 1 cup of marshmallows. Start by adding the called-for amount. If the mixture isn’t smooth enough, add the extra quantity. Do cut these marshmallows before measuring to ensure that you can measure a cup without too much air in the vessel.

Will it brown under the broiler?

To the best of our experimentation, yes. The homemade fluff seems to react pretty much in the same way as the kind from the jar.

Any other tips?

Like fluff or melted marshmallows, slightly wet or buttered hands will help in handling the mixture to avoid it sticking to you. Spraying your storage container with non-stick spray can work wonders, too.

Homemade marshmallow fluff made from marshmallows:

Sticky, gooey, yummy fluff

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of mini marshmallows (or 10 large)
  • 1 teaspoon corn syrup (or simple syrup)

Note: This recipe can be easily doubled, tripled, or even quadrupled. Simply stick to the same ratio listed above.

Step 1:

Melt the marshmallows in a double boiler over low heat. You’ll notice that the marshmallows progress from solid to sort of liquid-like with lumps; when they have begun to become sticky, add the corn syrup or simple syrup. Stir frequently to avoid scorching.

Fluff, melting

Step 2:

Any remaining lumps will gradually give way to a smooth, sticky mixture. The mixture is easier to transfer while hot, so transfer from the top of the double boiler to a storage container while it is still quite warm.

Mixing up fluff

So, are you ready to dive into the world of homemade marshmallow fluff? With our easy-to-follow marshmallow fluff recipe, you can create this delightful treat in no time. Give it a try and let us know how it goes!


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Are you interested in making other confections? Check out these other classes and articles from Craftsy!

Vanilla and Raspberry Marshmallows
Homemade Chocolate Candy: Truffles, Bonbons & More
Modern Handcrafted Candy
Pour Some Sugar on Me: Caramelizing Sugar
How to Make Homemade Marshmallow Fondant in Just 15 Minutes
Make DIY Gummy Bears in 4 Simple Steps!

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29 Responses to “Creating Clouds: How to Make Marshmallow Fluff from Marshmallows”

  1. Mary Metzler

    This sounds like a lot of fun.

  2. Ashley

    Wow.... I really messed that up. I pretty much made marshmallow bubblegum. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

  3. Aliya

    Hi ,thank you for the recipe Can I use this marshmallow fluff recipe in nougat? The nougat recipe I have ask for marshmallow fluff

  4. Aunia

    Hey guys, so some of the things I saw you saying were that this is not fluff, there are different versions of fluff but if you want that airy fluff, while melting the marshmallows, egg whites with cream of tartar should be getting a good beating to start forming soft peaks. Slowly and evenly add the marshmallow cream to the egg whites and cream of tartar mixture keeping the mixer on medium to high about 7 minutes, then drop in some Pure Vanilla extract and whip about another 1-2 minutes. This should make a difference, it's a spin off of merengue but works wonders

  5. Jessica Williamson

    How much does this make?

  6. Virginia

    Thank you for your help

  7. Lily

    Will this be ok to use in fudge instead of marshmallow creme

  8. Lorrie J Gaylor

    I often use my crock pot when melting chocolate because it melts without scorching. Would this method also work to melt the marshmallows?

  9. David

    But they aren't the same. Fluff is superior to the generic marshallow cream. I think it's airier or something, but fluff would prevail in a blind taste-test.

  10. Megan

    If my recipe is calling for 7 ounces of marshmallow cream, how do I know how much of this homemade to make based on 10 large marshmallows, and 1 teaspoon of corn syrup?