Fluffernutter Sandwich

For generations of New Englanders, the fluffernutter is a hometown favorite. And, honestly, it is one of the best sandwiches in the country. While kids will happily eat one for lunch, the sandwich may be a tad sweet for an adult lunch (unless you plan to nap afterward). However, fluffernutter sandwiches are great for a midday snack or even as a dessert. This northeastern treat requires just three ingredients, but it’s filled with a ton of nostalgia.

What is a fluffernutter sandwich?

A fluffernutter is a kid-favorite sandwich with peanut butter and marshmallow creme filling. It’s a gooey and delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors. When you bite into this soft-as-a-cloud sandwich, the salty peanut butter and the vanilla marshmallow creme hit your taste buds simultaneously. They’re surprisingly well-balanced.

My husband and I recently treated ourselves to a couple of fluffernutter sandwiches. While some childhood treats don’t hold up in adulthood, my husband pointed out that this sticky sandwich tastes every bit as good now as it did back then. Finding streaks of marshmallow fluff on your face, your fingers and even your clothes after eating one is to be expected. It’s all part of the experience.

Where did the fluffernutter sandwich recipe originate?

One of many classic New England recipes, fluffernutters are as iconic as lobster rolls, whoopie pies and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. The phenomenon began with Marshmallow Fluff itself, created by the Durkee-Mower Company of Somerville, Massachusetts, in the early 1900s. Sales of the jarred marshmallow creme were so successful that the company thrived despite the Great Depression and WWII. The company even had a radio variety show called the Flufferettes.

Though it was a competing marshmallow creme company that first thought of a peanut butter and marshmallow sandwich, Durkee-Mower made it famous. They coined the name “Fluffernutter” in the ’60s and widely promoted the creation to kids and families with catchy advertising jingles. Durkee-Mower continues to make Marshmallow Fluff today. There’s even an annual Fluff Festival in Somerville that celebrates the gooey spread.

Fluffernutter Sandwich Ingredients

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• Peanut butter: For this sandwich, use your favorite peanut butter brand—crunchy or smooth, natural or not.
• Marshmallow Fluff: For the most authentic version, use the Marshmallow Fluff brand in red, white and blue jars. Other marshmallow cremes, which usually contain cream of tartar and have a slightly different consistency, will work too.
• White bread: Many types of bread can be used for this sandwich. However, the classic choice for a fluffernutter sandwich recipe is soft, commercially made white bread.

Directions

Step 1: Make the sandwich

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Spread marshmallow over one slice of white bread. Spread peanut butter on the other slice and place it over the top of the fluff. Cut the sandwich into triangles and serve.

Editor’s Tip: If you don’t want to worry about precise measurements, just use equal amounts of butter and fluff in not-too-thick layers.

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Fluffernutter Sandwich Variations

• Try it crunchy: Use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth for a fluffernutter sandwich recipe with a little texture.
• Make a strawberry version: Look for strawberry-flavored Marshmallow Fluff from Durkee-Mower to make a berry-riffic fluffernutter.
• Add bananas: Cut a banana into thin slices, and add the slices between the fluff and the peanut butter.
• Toast the bread: While not traditional (or necessary), you can slightly toast the bread before spreading the marshmallow and peanut butter.

How to Store Fluffernutter Sandwiches

To save your fluffernutter for later or to make one to pack in a lunch box, wrap it tightly with food wrap or a beeswax wrapper. Or, slide it into a resealable baggie. Keep the sandwich at room temperature to keep its lovely, soft texture.

How long do fluffernutter sandwiches last?

It’s best to enjoy these gooey sandwiches on the day they’re made. They will hold up for several hours though, making them perfect for packing for lunch or a snack later in the day.

Fluffernutter Sandwich Tips

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What’s the best way to cut a fluffernutter sandwich?

Keep it simple: Use a sharp knife or even a table knife to cut the fluffernutter in half—whether into two rectangles or two triangles is up to you! The marshmallow tends to get all over hands and faces no matter which way the sandwich is cut. It’s best to just embrace the sticky mess! When making the sandwich ahead of time, push the two cut halves together to keep the marshmallow from oozing out.

If you have a gadget for making homemade Uncrustable-style sealed-pocket sandwiches, you can use it here to make a fluffernutter version.

What else can you serve with fluffernutter sandwiches?

A tall glass of cold milk is a smart choice to serve with a fluffernutter sandwich to wash down all that sticky peanut butter and fluff. Plain or rippled potato chips are a great side. Take a cue from New England kids: Slide some potato chips right into the fluffernutter to give it a salty crunch! Or, add a healthy side like grapes and sliced apples, both of which are tasty with this sandwich.