How To Make Marshmallow Fluff With Just 2 Ingredients

Light and creamy marshmallow fluff is straightforward at its core, but many home cooks don't (yet) know how to make it at home. There are a plethora of complex recipes online, that demand half a dozen ingredients and the careful monitoring of a candy thermometer. There's nothing wrong with going above and beyond when constructing this sweet fluffernutter spread, but it's also good to know the quick and dirty way. So to save yourself time and the money spent on surplus ingredients, simply pick up a bag of mini marshmallows and corn syrup.

Combining two cups of mini marshmallows and one tablespoon of corn syrup is all it takes to get it done. The bulkier traditional marshmallows can be used, but working with the smaller versions will be quicker and easier; the corn syrup is the magic ingredient that will bind the mixture and give it its delightfully soft and sticky texture.

The marshmallows need to melt for the confection to come together, and this can be accomplished through two separate techniques. Your first option is to heat them over the stove, but you can also use your favorite go-to kitchen appliance — the microwave. Both methods get you an ooey-gooey confection that kids and adults alike will flock towards, but one method saves you a bit more time.

One thing to remember when putting together marshmallow fluff is that the kind of corn syrup you use will impact the overall flavor and color of the spread. Dark corn syrup will cause the fluff to darken and may be overly sugary due to the molasses it contains. Light corn syrup will impart a lightly sweet flavor to the spread while keeping the mix from hardening while it is stored.

After gathering your two key components, you have a choice regarding how you bring them together. One way is to utilize the double-boiler method, which involves boiling water then reducing it to a simmer in a small stock pot and placing a bowl larger than the opening over the top. The steam from the boiling water in the pot will slowly and evenly heat the ingredients in the bowl without scorching them. Add two cups of mini marshmallows and one tablespoon of light corn syrup into the bowl, stirring frequently. Once you can lift your whisk up from the mix and form peaks that hold their shape – roughly 10 minutes from when you start — your marshmallow fluff is ready to be enjoyed.

A slightly faster technique employs the microwave. Combine the marshmallows and corn syrup in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat the mix for 30 seconds to melt the marshmallows without making a mess. When it comes out, stir the blended ingredients for two minutes for five servings of the creamy spread.

Marshmallow fluff is a welcome alternative to whipped cream on an ice cream sundae, and if you're deciding how to level up your next hot chocolate, a generous dollop of homemade marshmallow cream is a tasty, head-turning compliment to the rich cocoa.

However, you need to know how to store it correctly so it doesn't lose its creamy consistency. The spread will transfer from the bowl much smoother while still warm, so you don't want to let it sit too long before putting it into an airtight container. When removing the sticky mixture from the bowl, dip your spatula in water to keep the spread from attaching to your utensil. This won't affect the fluff unless you really make an effort to weave it in, but it will save you the headache of trying to scrape fluff off your spatula when it's time to clean up.

After the fluff is secure in its new home, let the mixture cool before closing the lid so no condensation forms in the container, which can alter the texture of the confection. A cool, dry place like a pantry is the perfect area to keep your fluff at its best, though if your storage space is particularly hot, you may want to consider refrigerating it. This will keep the spread from getting too soft, but keep in mind it can also harden it, so make sure to leave it at room temp before attempt to spread.