Learn how to make smooth, pliable Marshmallow Fondant at home. Perfect for decorating cakes, cupcakes, and cookies with ease and a professional finish.

Cake topped with marshmallow fondant with stars.
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Making your own Marshmallow Fondant at home is easier than you might think. This smooth, pliable fondant is perfect for covering cakes, shaping decorations, and adding a professional touch to cupcakes and cookies.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a versatile, homemade fondant that tastes as good as it looks. It’s the perfect recipe when you want something different than traditional frosting recipes. Marshmallow Fondant looks so pretty on Easy Chocolate Cake.

If you love the flavor of marshmallows, try Deep Fried Marshmallows. We love making recipes from scratch and also enjoy 3 Ingredient Pie Crust Recipe.

Why We Love This Fondant Recipe

  • Easy to make – Requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal tools.
  • Soft and pliable – Perfect for rolling, shaping, and covering cakes without cracking.
  • Tastes great – Sweeter and more flavorful than store-bought fondant.
  • Versatile – Use for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and decorative shapes.
  • Customizable – Easily add food coloring or flavor extracts for creative designs.

Is Marshmallow Fondant The Same As Regular Fondant?

Yes, they are very similar in that there is not much difference in the ingredients. Homemade Marshmallow Fondant is made up of 3 ingredients but regular fondant has many more.

Marshmallow Fondant is easier to make. Because the main ingredient is already prepared so all you have to do is melt the marshmallows with water. Then add in powdered sugar for the perfect consistency.

If you love marshmallows, make Marshmallow Cookies.

Ingredients

Ingredients needed - marshmallows, powdered sugar, water, food coloring
  • Miniature Marshmallows – Use fresh marshmallows for the best texture and pliability.
  • Powdered Sugar – Sifted to remove lumps and ensure a smooth fondant.
  • Gel Food Coloring – Gel-based colors work best for vibrant hues without altering the consistency.

Skip to the bottom and get the entire ingredient list.

Step By Step Instructions

Marshmallows in a large bowl melted.

Step 1. Place marshmallows in a large microwave-safe bowl.  Pour the water on top.  Microwave in 30 second intervals. You will need to stir after each interval.

Mixing bowl with marshmallow mixture and powdered sugar.

Step 2. Next, stir in half of the powdered sugar into the melted marshmallow mixture.  Continue to add the remaining confectioners’ sugar until the dough is the consistency of play dough. 

Dough kneaded and rolled out.

Step 3. Then knead the dough with your hands until the fondant is smooth. 

Food coloring added to fondant balls.

Step 4. Dye the fondant by adding a few drops of gel food coloring. Mix into a ball of fondant.   I recommend wearing gloves so that the food coloring doesn’t stain your hands.

Pink fondant rolled out.

Step 5. Next, roll the dough on a working surface dusted with powdered sugar. 

Stars cut out and placed on cake.

Step 6. Then the fondant is ready to use. Cut into shapes and decorate the cake.

Storage

Short-term storage – Keep unused fondant wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Long-term storage – For longer storage, freeze wrapped fondant in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before using.

Prevent drying – Always ensure fondant is sealed well to avoid drying out or forming a crust.

Avoid refrigeration – Do not store fondant in the fridge, as condensation can make it sticky and difficult to work with.

FAQs

How Long does Marshmallow Fondant last?

If the Marshmallow Fondant is stored properly, it will last up to 2 months.

Does Marshmallow Fondant Dry Hard?

It does take several days to dry hard. If your using it to build something, it will become stiff within about a day. It does take a little longer for it to be the level of stiffness that you can buy at the store.

How to Use Marshmallow Fondant?

Marshmallow Fondant can be used to cover cakes and make shapes to decorate the cake.

Pink, blue, and purple marshmallow fondant balls

How To Decorate With Marshmallow Fondant

Decorating a cake with Marshmallow Fondant is fun and easy to make. These steps will help you create a beautiful cake decorating idea.

  • After preparing the fondant and adding your desired food coloring, roll it out on a surface dusted with powdered sugar or cornstarch. If your fondant has firmed up, microwave it briefly to soften.
  • Carefully lift the rolled fondant and drape it over your cake. Gently press it around the cake, smoothing it with your hands or a fondant smoother to fit snugly.
  • Trim any excess fondant along the edges, then continue smoothing the surface for a clean, polished finish.

Expert Tips

  • Add powdered sugar gradually – Incorporate the confectioners’ sugar one cup at a time to prevent the mixture from becoming too dry or sticky.
  • Proper storage – Store fondant at room temperature. For best results, lightly coat with shortening, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and keep in an airtight container.
  • Coloring tips – Wear gloves when adding gel food coloring to avoid staining your hands. Knead the fondant until the color is evenly distributed.
  • Marshmallow substitution – Large marshmallows can be used instead of mini ones. Measure by weight, not volume, for accuracy.
  • Melting options – Marshmallows can be melted in the microwave or using a double boiler for gentle heat.
  • Kneading tips – Dust hands with powdered sugar to prevent sticking while kneading the dough.
  • Stand mixer method – Use a dough hook on a stand mixer if preferred. Lightly oil and dust the bowl with powdered sugar, then gradually mix in the marshmallow mixture until fully combined.

More Easy Recipes For Frosting

Get started making beautiful cakes with this easy Fondant Recipe. Please leave a comment once you make it.

Pink, purple, and blue cotton candy sugar balls, colorful sweet treats for dessert lovers.

Marshmallow Fondant Recipe

5 from 2 votes
Marshmallow Fondant Recipe is made with simple ingredients and easy to make from scratch. This fondant is perfect for decorating your cakes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 12
Cuisine American
Course Dessert
Calories 216

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Place the marshmallows in a large microwave safe bowl.  Pour the water on top.  Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the marshmallows are completely melted.
  • Stir in half of the powdered sugar with a sturdy wooden or plastic spoon.  Continue to add the remaining powdered sugar until the dough is the consistency of play dough.  Then knead the dough with your hands until the fondant is smooth.
  • To dye the fondant, add a few drops of gel food coloring into a ball of fondant.   Wear gloves so that the food coloring doesn’t transfer to your skin and knead the food coloring until the dough until it’s evenly distributed.
  • Roll the dough out onto a counter dusted with powdered sugar.  Then the fondant is ready to use to cover your cake or cut out items for decorating your favorite desserts.

Recipe Notes

To store the fondant, wrap the fondant and plastic wrap and store in an airtight bag or container to keep the fondant moist. 

Nutrition Facts

Calories 216kcal, Carbohydrates 55g, Protein 0.3g, Fat 0.04g, Saturated Fat 0.01g, Polyunsaturated Fat 0.01g, Monounsaturated Fat 0.01g, Sodium 16mg, Potassium 2mg, Fiber 0.02g, Sugar 50g, Calcium 1mg, Iron 0.1mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Desserts on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you create delicious desserts on a budget and do not require a ton of time. Together, we are going to make something sweet that the entire family will love!

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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