This Chocolate Marshmallow Fluff is light & fluffy, with the most incredible melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup and contains no corn syrup or artificial ingredients! Add to your favorite desserts, use as a frosting, over pancakes, or enjoy by the spoonful 😉

You guys have been LOVING my marshmallow fluff recipes, and a chocolate version has been one of your most-requested flavors!
If you’ve tried my other marshmallow fluff recipes, you’ll know the base is actually egg whites. But after MANY failed attempts at making a chocolate version, I had to switch things up. Every time I added cacao powder to the whipped egg whites, it completely deflated the mixture and left me with a soupy chocolate mess.
So, I went back to something I already love using in my marshmallow recipes: grass-fed gelatin. I had seem my friend over at Unbound Wellness use gelatin in her fluff recipes and it worked SO much better! (I wanted to credit her recipe as I loosely based this recipe on her chocolate espresso fluff – be sure to check it out!). The gelatin gives this chocolate fluff the fluffiest, creamiest texture while still keeping that rich chocolate flavor from the raw cacao powder.
It’s delicious straight from the spoon (no judgment here), but it’s also incredible layered into desserts, spread onto toast, spooned over fresh berries, or used to make the ultimate chocolate s’mores.
Recipe video
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Marshmallow Fluff
- Made with simple ingredients
- Rich chocolate flavor & light and fluffy texture
- Naturally sweetened with maple syrup – no corn syrup!
- Made with grass-fed gelatin
- Perfect for s’mores and desserts
- Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, & refined sugar-free
- Paleo-friendly
Equipment you’ll need
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Let me note, this recipe is much easier and much less likely to have any issues if a stand mixer is used. A hand mixer can work, however it’ll take much longer and is a little more difficult. I have owned this stand mixer for years and it’s great (and much more affordable than a KitchenAid). This is an even more affordable option with great reviews!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need five ingredients to make this homemade chocolate marshmallow fluff:
- Grass-fed gelatin: Gives the fluff its signature structure and bouncy, marshmallow-like texture.
- Raw cacao powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and naturally occurring plant compounds.
- Maple syrup: Provides sweetness and creates a delicious caramel-like flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the chocolate flavor and adds warmth.
- Sea salt: A little salt makes the chocolate taste even richer and balances the sweetness.

How to Make Chocolate Marshmallow Fluff
Step 1: Prepare the Gelatin
Begin by preparing the gelatin according to the recipe directions. Allow it to bloom properly so it can incorporate smoothly into the marshmallow mixture.
Step 2: Prepare the Syrup
Heat the maple syrup according to the recipe instructions. This creates the sweet base that will eventually become light and fluffy.
Step 5: Whip Until Fluffy
Continue whipping until the mixture is thick, glossy, and beautifully airy. And then… try not to eat it directly from the mixing bowl. No promises, though.
What Does Chocolate Marshmallow Fluff Taste Like?
Imagine classic marshmallow fluff crossed with chocolate mousse. It’s sweet, airy, creamy, and rich with chocolate flavor without being as heavy as traditional chocolate frosting. The maple syrup adds a subtle caramel note, while the cacao gives the fluff a deeper, slightly bittersweet chocolate flavor!
Ways to Use Chocolate Marshmallow Fluff
- On top of brownies or desserts
- Spread onto toast
- With fresh strawberries
- On pancakes or waffles
- Swirled into yogurt or layered into parfaits
- As a cookie filling or homemade s’mores bars
- On top of ice cream, hot chocolate, etc.
- Straight from the spoon
Tips for the Best Chocolate Marshmallow Fluff
- Don’t skimp on whipping time. The more air you incorporate, the lighter and fluffier your finished marshmallow will be.
- Use quality ingredients. Since there are only five ingredients, their flavors really shine through.
- Taste & adjust. Depending on your cacao powder and maple syrup, you may prefer a little more sweetness or salt.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use cocoa powder instead of cacao powder?
Yes. Cocoa powder can work, although the flavor and nutritional profile may vary depending on the type and processing. - Is chocolate marshmallow fluff dairy-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free as written. - Can I make this without gelatin?
Gelatin is responsible for the texture and structure of this particular recipe, so it won’t turn out without it :/
How to Store Chocolate Marshmallow Fluff
Store your homemade chocolate marshmallow fluff in an airtight container. Because homemade marshmallow fluff doesn’t contain the preservatives found in many commercially produced products, it’s best enjoyed fresh. If the fluff firms up, you can run the container under hot water to loosen it up and re-whip or heat in the microwave for 20 ish seconds.
- Healthy classic marshmallow fluff
- Blueberry marshmallow fluff
- Strawberry marshmallow fluff
- snickerdoodle marshmallows
- Frozen S’mores
- Strawberry frozen S’mores
- S’mores cookie bars
- Easy S’mores Tart
- strawberry marshmallows
- matcha marshmallows

Chocolate Marshmallow Fluff
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp gelatin
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup honey (or more maple syrup)
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 1/2 tbsp cacao powder
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Add 1/4 cup water into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and sprinkle the gelatin on top to soften. Gently stir to combine.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine ½ cup water, the maple syrup, honey, sea salt, and vanilla. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature until it reaches 240°F. Remove from the heat and be ready to immediately add it to the gelatin and water.
- With the mixer on medium-high, blend the gelatin and water. Slowly pour in the syrup mixture and continue to beat for about 10 minutes, until it triples in size and is super fluffy. Add the cacao powder and beat another minute or two until fully incorporated. Taste & adjust the flavor as you’d like (more vanilla, salt, etc).
- Pour the mixture into an airtight container and store at room temperature.
- If the fluff sets too much and becomes too thick, put the bowl over some hot water to loosen it up and beat on low until fluffy. Alternatively, you can pour the set fluff into a glass bowl and microwave for 15-20 seconds on low.






OMG PLLEEEAASSEE make this without gelatin!!! I know you can do it! Agar flakes maybe?