The Fluffernutter is arguably one of the most underrated sandwiches in American food culture. It’s been around since 1960, it has its own official holiday (Fluffernutter Day is October 8th), and the state of Massachusetts once nearly passed a bill to make it the official state sandwich.
That’s not a joke.
Once you make one the right way, you’ll completely understand why.
What Is a Fluffernutter, Exactly?
A Fluffernutter is a sandwich made with creamy peanut butter and Marshmallow Fluff, traditionally served on soft white bread.
It originated in New England, where Marshmallow Fluff (also called Marshmallow Creme) was invented in Somerville, Massachusetts back in 1917.
Simple ingredients. Incredible result.
The name “Fluffernutter” was coined in 1960 as part of a promotional campaign for Marshmallow Fluff, and the combination has had a cult following ever since.
What You’ll Need
For the Classic Fluffernutter (1 sandwich)
- 2 slices soft white bread (classic sandwich bread works best)
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons Marshmallow Fluff (Marshmallow Creme)
- Optional: pinch of flaky sea salt
- Optional: 1 teaspoon honey
Optional Add-ons
- Sliced banana
- Sliced strawberries
- Mini chocolate chips
- Crushed graham crackers
- Nutella (just a drizzle)
Tools You’ll Need
- Butter knife or offset spatula
- Small plate or cutting board
- Bread knife (for cutting)
That’s it. No stove. No oven. No cleanup mess.
How to Make a Fluffernutter Sandwich
Total Time: 5 minutes | Servings: 1 sandwich
Step 1: Set up your bread
Lay both slices of bread flat on a plate or cutting board. If your bread is a little dense or thick, you can press it down gently with your palm to soften it, which helps with the first bite.
Step 2: Spread the peanut butter
Spread 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter generously onto one slice of bread. Go all the way to the edges — no dry bites.
Step 3: Spread the Marshmallow Fluff
Using a clean knife or offset spatula, spread 2 tablespoons of Marshmallow Fluff onto the second slice. Work slowly because Fluff is sticky and likes to drag the bread.
Pro move: slightly warm the Fluff jar in the microwave for 8-10 seconds before spreading. It becomes so much easier to work with.
Step 4: Press together and cut
Press the two slices together firmly. Cut diagonally for maximum nostalgia points. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips
1. Use room temperature peanut butter. Cold peanut butter straight from the fridge is harder to spread and tears the bread. Let it sit out for 10 minutes first.
2. Marshmallow Fluff is NOT the same as regular marshmallow cream. Original Marshmallow Fluff (made by Durkee-Mower) has a slightly different texture and flavor than generic brands. For the most authentic Fluffernutter experience, seek out the real thing.
3. Don’t overload the Fluff. More is not always more here. Two tablespoons per sandwich is the sweet spot. Too much and it becomes overwhelmingly sweet and slides out of the bread instantly.
4. The bread matters more than you think. Classic soft white sandwich bread (like Wonder Bread or Arnold Country White) gives you that traditional texture. Thick artisan bread changes the sandwich entirely and makes it harder to eat.
5. Add a pinch of flaky sea salt. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky salt on top of the peanut butter before closing the sandwich. Sweet + salty hits completely differently and takes this thing up a level.
Substitutions and Variations
| Swap This | For This | Why |
|---|---|---|
| White bread | Whole wheat or multigrain | More fiber, nuttier flavor |
| Creamy peanut butter | Crunchy peanut butter | Adds texture contrast |
| Creamy peanut butter | Almond butter or sunflower butter | Nut-free or different flavor profile |
| Marshmallow Fluff | Homemade marshmallow creme | Fresher, slightly less sweet |
| Regular serving | Grilled version | Butter the outside and toast in a pan like a grilled cheese |
Grilled Fluffernutter: Butter the outside of both slices and cook in a skillet over medium-low heat, 2-3 minutes per side, until golden. The Fluff melts and becomes slightly caramelized inside. It’s a completely different experience.
Fluffernutter with Banana: Add thin banana slices on top of the peanut butter before closing. Peanut butter and banana is already a legendary combo; add Fluff and it gets ridiculous.
Chocolate Fluffernutter: Add a thin spread of Nutella on top of the Fluff layer. This is dessert territory, but nobody’s stopping you.
Make-Ahead Tips
Fluffernutters are best made fresh, but here are a few things you can prep ahead:
- Portion out the Fluff into small jars or ramekins for quick assembly.
- If packing for school or work lunches, wrap the finished sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Eat within 4 hours for best texture.
- The Fluff will slightly soak into the bread over time, making it a little softer (which honestly, some people love).
Do not freeze. The texture of both the Fluff and bread changes when frozen and thawed.
Nutritional Information (Per Sandwich, Classic Version)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~380 kcal |
| Protein | ~12g |
| Total Fat | ~16g |
| Carbohydrates | ~48g |
| Sugar | ~22g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Sodium | ~360mg |
Values are approximate and based on standard white bread, regular peanut butter, and 2 tbsp Marshmallow Fluff.
Dietary notes:
- Vegan? Marshmallow Fluff contains egg whites, so it is not vegan. Swap for a vegan marshmallow creme (brands like Suzanne’s Ricemellow work well).
- Gluten-free? Use your favorite GF sandwich bread. The fillings are naturally gluten-free.
- Nut-free? Sunflower seed butter is the most common swap and works really well with the Fluff.
Meal Pairing Suggestions
The Fluffernutter is a full snack or light lunch on its own, but here’s what pairs really well with it:
- A cold glass of milk (classic, and the reason makes sense when you eat one)
- Apple slices or a banana on the side
- A small bowl of tomato soup (the sweet-savory contrast is surprisingly good)
- Lemonade or iced tea for a nostalgic lunch spread
Leftovers and Storage
Already assembled sandwich:
- Store wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 4 hours.
- The bread will soften, but it’s still perfectly edible.
- Not recommended for overnight storage.
Open jars:
- Peanut butter keeps in the pantry for 3-4 months after opening.
- Marshmallow Fluff keeps in the pantry for up to 1 year after opening (it has a very long shelf life due to the sugar content).
FAQ
Q: What exactly is Marshmallow Fluff and where do I find it? Marshmallow Fluff is a thick, spreadable marshmallow creme made from corn syrup, sugar, egg whites, and vanilla. It’s usually in the peanut butter aisle at most US grocery stores. In other countries, look for it at specialty import stores or online.
Q: Is a Fluffernutter just a dessert sandwich? Not exactly. It’s more of a classic American lunch sandwich, similar to how PB&J is eaten. It’s sweet, yes, but it has protein from the peanut butter and works well as a midday meal or snack.
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter? You can, but the texture is a bit oilier and the sandwich becomes messier. The Fluff + natural PB combo works but doesn’t hold together quite as well as regular creamy peanut butter.
Q: Why does my Fluff tear the bread when I spread it? Fluff is very sticky and thick. The trick is to either slightly warm the jar (8-10 seconds in the microwave) or use an offset spatula and use light, fast strokes rather than pressing down.
Q: Is the Fluffernutter really Massachusetts’ official state sandwich? Not quite — the bill was proposed but never officially passed. Still, it’s deeply tied to New England food culture and the Marshmallow Fluff brand was founded in Massachusetts, so the connection is real.
Q: Can I make this for kids with peanut allergies? Yes. Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter (like SunButter). The flavor is different but pairs great with the Fluff. Many schools that are peanut-free allow sunflower seed butter as an alternative.
Q: What’s the difference between Marshmallow Fluff and Marshmallow Creme? Technically, “Fluff” is a brand name (made by Durkee-Mower Inc.). “Marshmallow Creme” is the generic term. The Fluff brand has a slightly firmer, more stretchy texture compared to most generic cremes, which tend to be softer and sweeter.
Wrapping Up
A five-minute sandwich with two main ingredients has no business being this good.
But the Fluffernutter earns its reputation every single time. It’s nostalgic, it’s satisfying, it has that perfect sweet-salty thing going on, and it somehow tastes even better now than it did as a kid.
Make it classic. Try the grilled version. Add banana. Make it yours.
And then come back and tell me how it went in the comments. I want to know which version you tried, what swaps you made, and honestly, whether you were surprised by how much you loved it. Questions are welcome too — drop them below.
