How to Make a Fluffernutter Sandwich Like a True New Englander

For generations of New Englanders, the fluffernutter is a hometown favorite (it made our list of the best sandwich in every state). Here’s a little history of this sweet treat and how to make one of your own.

What Is a Fluffernutter?

It’s right there in the name: part marshmallow fluff, part nut butter. Specifically, it’s a kid-favorite sandwich with a filling of peanut butter and marshmallow creme. It’s soft, gooey and a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors.

Is This Sandwich a New England Thing?

This treat is every bit as New England as lobster rolls, whoopie pies and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. The phenomenon began with the marshmallow fluff itself, created by the Durkee-Mower Candy Company of Somerville, Massachusetts in the 1920s. Sales of the jarred marshmallow creme were so successful that the company thrived through the Great Depression and WWII. They even had their own radio variety show called the Flufferettes.

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

What Does a Fluffernutter Taste Like?

When you bite into this soft-as-a-cloud sandwich, the nutty peanut butter and the vanilla marshmallow creme hit your taste buds at the same time. The fluff is a shot of gooey sweetness that’s nicely cut by the salty peanut butter, and they’re surprisingly well-balanced.

My husband and I treated ourselves to fluffernutters recently. 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 then. Getting streaks of marshmallow fluff on your face, fingers and even on your clothes while eating one are to be expected and all part of the experience.

How to Make a Fluffernutter Sandwich

Our Test Kitchen found the best creamy peanut butter brands, so stock up! This sandwich is so easy and delicious, you’re definitely going to want to make more.

Ingredients

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• 2 pieces sliced white bread
• 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons Marshmallow Fluff (marshmallow creme)

Editor’s Tip: Marshmallow Fluff is the original Durkee-Mower brand in the red, white and blue jar. Use this for the most authentic fluffernutter, though other marshmallow cremes will work too.

Directions

Step 1: Slather on the peanut butter

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Spread the peanut butter evenly from edge to edge on one slice of the bread.

Step 2: Add the fluff

Evenly spread the marshmallow fluff on the other slice of bread from edge to edge.

Step 3: Enjoy

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Put the peanut butter and fluff sides together to make the sandwich. Slice it in half diagonally and serve.

Fluffernutter Tips

• If you don’t want to worry about precise measurements when making a fluffernutter, just use equal amounts of peanut butter and fluff in not-too-thick layers.
• While kids will happily eat this for lunch, it may be too sweet for an adult lunch. (Unless you plan to nap afterward.) However, fluffernutters are great for a midday snack or even as dessert.
• Crunchy peanut butter works in a fluffernutter, but I don’t vary it much beyond that. Adding other sweet spreads (like jelly or Nutella) throws off the balance and makes it too sweet. You just can’t beat the original!